Regional powers from the Middle East to Southeast Asia are expanding bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation as states confront a more uncertain security environment, analysts say. Qatar, Turkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia — each facing distinctive regional threats and strategic priorities — have stepped up exchanges ranging from joint exercises and training to industrial partnerships and intelligence-sharing.
Drivers of the shift
Experts point to a combination of recent conflicts, shifting alliances and domestic strategic ambitions that are accelerating efforts to strengthen military capacity. Governments pursuing greater autonomy in defence procurement are also using partnerships to transfer technology, develop local industries and diversify suppliers beyond traditional providers.
Forms of cooperation
The deepening ties take multiple forms: increased frequency of naval and air exercises, officer training and education exchanges, coordinated maritime patrols to secure trade routes, and talks on co-production or joint development of defence equipment. Such activities are intended to improve interoperability while signaling resolve to potential adversaries and reassuring domestic audiences concerned about security.
Political and economic dimensions
Observers note that defence cooperation is not purely military. It is closely tied to foreign policy and economic objectives. For some states, defence links open wider diplomatic channels and commercial opportunities for defence firms, helping to build strategic partnerships that extend beyond immediate security concerns.
What comes next
Analysts expect these trends to persist so long as regional tensions and global uncertainty remain high. While deeper military ties can enhance deterrence and crisis-management capacity, they also complicate regional security dynamics and could prompt wider rounds of defence alignment. Policymakers will face the challenge of balancing capability development with measures that reduce the risk of escalation, experts say.