Modern Defence Web

The Gulf's security landscape is entering a new phase where middle powers are assuming greater strategic significance. Kuwait's decision to institutionalise defence cooperation with Pakistan is more than a bilateral military arrangement—it signals the emergence of new security networks as regional states hedge against an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

The collapse of the month-old interim ceasefire between the United States and Iran has marked a decisive shift from limited military exchanges to an expanding regional confrontation. Renewed U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, coupled with Tehran's retaliatory attacks against American forces and Gulf partners, have intensified the contest for control of the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic maritime chokepoint handling nearly 20% of global oil trade.

Amid pressure for higher defence spending, NATO unveiled a major package of defence procurements and industrial initiatives at its 2026 summit in Ankara. The alliance also announced plans to invest at least $40 billion over the next five years while Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a draft agreement to jointly produce ATACMS missiles in Germany.

Cambodia and Thailand have accelerated defence procurement and force modernisation efforts against the backdrop of heightened bilateral border tensions. Cambodia has expanded its land warfare capabilities through the acquisition of significant quantities of Chinese-supplied heavy military equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and self-propelled artillery.

Germany is leading a strategic push to accelerate European defence integration by advocating a "two-speed" European Union, under which a core group of the bloc's six largest economies would advance defence, industrial and economic initiatives without being constrained by the EU's consensus-based decision-making process. The proposal reflects Berlin's growing assessment that Europe's deteriorating security environment, the need to strengthen its defence industrial base, and increasing pressure to assume greater strategic responsibility require a more agile framework for collective action.

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