Global defense spending is surging to unprecedented levels, with 2024 marking a staggering USD 2.48 trillion in military expenditures and even more ambitious commitments on the horizon. The Janes 2025 Defense Budget Annual Report projects a 3.6% rise or an additional USD 88.4 billion in 2025, fueled primarily by expanded military budgets in Europe, Russia, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East.
At the historic June 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, NATO Heads of State, Government, and Allied leaders adopted a summit declaration committing to invest 5% of GDP in defence. Of this, 3.5% will be directed toward core defence requirements and 1.5% toward defence- and security-related investments such as infrastructure and industry. This marks a major uplift from the previous benchmark of 2% of GDP and signals the alliance’s heightened urgency to adapt to a rapidly shifting global security landscape.
Amid ongoing regional tensions, the Thai government is pressing ahead with key military procurements to bolster national defense and uphold strategic interests. Most recently, the Royal Thai Air Force secured Cabinet approval for the phased acquisition of 12 Gripen-E/F fighter jets over the next decade, at an estimated cost of THB60 billion. This investment is designed to strengthen air superiority amid growing regional power competition and ensure Thailand maintains credible deterrence capabilities.
In a parallel move, the Royal Thai Navy received Cabinet approval for the purchase of two new frigates at a cost of THB35 billion. The acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance Thailand’s maritime security and expand its capacity to safeguard vital sea lanes and maritime resources, reinforcing the country’s strategic role in Southeast Asia.
With unprecedented urgency in global defense procurement, Defense & Security 2025 is set to play a pivotal role as an intelligence and procurement platform for governments and industry. Held biennially for 22 years, the event has established itself as ASEAN’s most influential tri-service defense and internal security exhibition, conference, and networking platform.
Taking place from 10 to 13 November 2025 at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center in Bangkok, the show is set to be the largest edition to date. It will host 580 leading exhibiting companies across defense sectors and 28 national pavilions showcasing global innovation. Over 350 high-ranking officials from 35 countries are expected to attend, alongside more than 26,000 professional visitors from 65 nations.
Defense & Security 2025 will showcase a wide range of technologies, from weapons systems, missiles, tanks, UAVs, and transport vehicles to naval vessels, satellites, and telecom equipment. Electronic defense systems, fire control technology, launchers, cybersecurity solutions, and disaster response technologies will also feature prominently.
For internal security, the exhibition will present cutting-edge surveillance technologies, including CCTV and intruder detection systems, alongside access control solutions, personal handguns, body armor, riot gear, protective equipment, night-vision technology, and advanced communication jamming devices.
Beyond the exhibition, the event will deliver an extensive programme of knowledge-sharing and live demonstrations. The International Seminar will address urgent issues such as how nations should respond to the rise of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and what governance frameworks are needed for space security. Tech Talks and Live Demonstrations will further provide in-depth explorations of modern naval warfare, short range air defense (ShoRad), and the security aspects of space technology.
As defense technologies evolve at breakneck speed, nations face mounting pressure to act decisively—whether by strengthening deterrence, bolstering defensive strategies, or advancing autonomous systems and AI-driven surveillance. In this decisive era of heightened global defense, Defense & Security 2025 will be the platform where governments, industry leaders, and innovators converge to shape the future of security.
For more information about the event, visit us at www.asiandefense.com
Sign up for the Counter-IED Report Newsletters
The latest news and insights delivered right to your inbox
Related:
- Thailand, Cambodia to cease all hostilities at disputed border in ‘peace deal’ signing witnessed by Trump
October 26, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to cease all hostilities at the disputed border area and release captured soldiers, as part of what United States President Donald Trump hailed as a “peace deal” and an “incredible job for humanity”. Trump presided over the signing of the agreement by Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart ...
- Cambodia: Boy dies, father injured in bomb blast in Preah Vihear
October 26, 2025
A 10-year-old boy, Sern Sovann, died, and his father, seriously injured, when a cluster bomb exploded in Village 8, Sraem commune of Choam Ksan district in Preah Vihear province on Saturday. It is not clear yet if the cluster bomb was dropped by the Thai military during the clash last July. The bombs include MK-82 bombs ...
- Thailand: 36 M79 grenades discovered hidden in major logistics warehouse in Songkhla
October 22, 2025
Police have discovered 36 suspected M79 grenades concealed inside a parcel at a major private logistics warehouse in Bang Klam district, Songkhla province, after staff noticed suspicious details and were unable to contact the recipient. The discovery was reported at 10:25 p.m. on October 21, 2025, when officers were alerted to several brown cardboard boxes containing ...
- Thailand: Two more landmines found at Ban Nong Ya Kaew
October 13, 2025
The First Army Area’s landmine clearance operation at Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Sa Kaeo province on Sunday uncovered two additional landmines, bringing the total number of explosives detected and neutralised in the area to seven within four days. The mine clearance unit of the Burapha Task Force, operating under the First Army Area, reported that ...
- Thailand: New anti-tank mine found near border in Sa Kaeo
October 11, 2025
A newly planted anti-tank mine of unknown type was discovered in a border area in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province on Saturday afternoon, according to the Thai army. An army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team using an armoured bulldozer reported the discovery at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo at about 2pm. The mine appeared to ...
- Thailand: Army links Narathiwat gold heist to insurgent funding crisis
October 6, 2025
The Fourth Army Region has condemned the armed robbery at a Narathiwat gold shop as a criminal act by insurgents desperate for funding, following a sophisticated multi-stage attack that injured a soldier and terrorized the border town of Su-ngai Kolok. Lt. Gen. Naratip Poinok, Commander of the Fourth Army Region and Director of the Internal Security ...
- Defense & Security 2025: Where Global Forces Connect and Advance
September 24, 2025
Returning for its 12th edition this November, Defense & Security 2025 reaffirms Thailand’s role as ASEAN’s strategic hub for defense and security dialogue. Held biennially, the show has evolved into the region’s most influential tri-service defense and internal security exhibition. Taking place from 10–13 November 2025 at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, the event ...
- Cambodia and Thailand launch Joint Coordinating Task Force on border demining
September 24, 2025
The Ministry of National Defense announced this morning that Cambodia and Thailand have officially launched the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) to oversee humanitarian demining operations along their shared border. According to Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defense, the JCTF held its first meeting via video teleconference on September 24, in ...
- Thailand: Eight more PMN-2 mines found in Sisaket, Thai Army accuses Cambodia of ceasefire violations
September 19, 2025
The Royal Thai Army has reported the discovery of eight additional PMN-2 anti-personnel mines in the Chong Don Ao area of Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, reinforcing concerns of ongoing Cambodian violations of the ceasefire agreement. Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the 132nd Infantry Company, together with the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), uncovered the ...
- Thai forces fire rubber bullets, tear gas in clash with Cambodian villagers
September 18, 2025
Dozens of Cambodian civilians were injured when Thailand’s military used tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes in a disputed area on the Thai-Cambodia border, the most significant violence since both countries halted cross-border fighting in July. Local media in Cambodia reported that 29 people, including local villagers and Buddhist monks, were hurt in the confrontation ...
- Thailand: More than 2,400 mines, live shells found near Cambodian border
September 15, 2025
Bomb disposal experts have found 2,470 mines and other unexploded munitions on Thai soil near the border with Cambodia since the bilateral ceasefire agreement took effect on July 29. Col Siwa Wang-kat, spokesman for the Thailand Mine Action Centre, said its bomb squads found the landmines and artillery shells while combing the Phu Makua, Chong ...
- Thailand-Cambodia border talks lead to key agreements on demilitarisation, landmines, and online crime
September 10, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia’s special GBC meeting in Koh Kong resulted in key agreements on security, landmine removal, and combating online crime, with cooperation set to expand. General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Deputy Minister of Defence, on Wednesday led the Thai delegation at the Special Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting in Koh Kong, Cambodia. The meeting primarily focused ...
- Global Defense Spending on the Rise: Focus Southeast Asia & Thailand
September 9, 2025
Global defense spending is surging to unprecedented levels, with 2024 marking a staggering USD 2.48 trillion in military expenditures and even more ambitious commitments on the horizon. The Janes 2025 Defense Budget Annual Report projects a 3.6% rise or an additional USD 88.4 billion in 2025, fueled primarily by expanded military budgets in Europe, Russia, ...
- Thailand: Police discover abandoned van with Superpower 90 explosives inside
September 8, 2025
On Sunday, Police at Mae Sai station in Chiang Rai received a report about a suspicious sack inside a van parked near a shopping mall in Mae Sai Municipality, only about 200 metres from the police station. Officers immediately informed their superiors. Later, Pol. Col. Technique Jansee (Mae Sai Police Chief) assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Ronakrit ...
- Thai soldier latest landmine casualty as Bangkok mulls military options
August 27, 2025
Bangkok is considering military options after another Thai soldier lost a foot in a landmine explosion this afternoon in Surin province, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, said. He condemned Cambodia for repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement and the Ottawa Convention by planting new anti-personnel landmines. Private Adisorn Pomklang, from the 1st ...