ACDC News and Views February 19 – February 25

1.

How China is building the hi-tech backbone of Africa’s space ambitions

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3344266/how-china-building-hi-tech-backbone-africas-space-ambitions​

2.

The 30 countries that spend the most on their militaries, ranked
https://www.businessinsider.com/biggest-military-budgets-countries-ranked​

3.

China building a different AI future than the West

https://asiatimes.com/2026/02/china-building-a-different-ai-future-than-the-west/​

4.

China adds Japanese entities to export control list, turning up heat on Tokyo

https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3344394/china-adds-20-japanese-firms-export-control-list​

5.

Qatar Armed Forces conclude participation in Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition

https://www.gulf-times.com/article/721068/qatar/qatar-armed-forces-conclude-participation-in-pakistan-army-team-spirit-competition​

6.

​Somalia moves to buy 24 Pakistan JF-17 fighter jets in $900m deal months after Israel recognised Somaliland

https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/somalia-moves-to-buy-24-pakistan-jf-17-fighter-jets-in-dollar900m-deal-months-after/8tqbeyc​

7.

UAE foils AI-powered ‘terrorist cyber attacks’ on vital sectors

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/02/22/uae-foils-ai-powered-terrorist-cyberattacks-on-vital-sectors/​

8.

South Korea unveils a new generation of “submarine hunters” with the ASW‑USV and its dual high‑tech sonar

https://www.merinohomes.com.au/south-korea-unveils-a-new-generation-of-submarine-hunters-with-the-asw-usv-and-its-dual-high-tech-sonar/​

9.

U.S. Confirms Nuclear Umbrella for Japan Amid Rising Regional Tensions

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/u-s-confirms-nuclear-umbrella-for-japan/​

10.

US holds high-level nuclear talks with Russia, China in Geneva

https://www.trtworld.com/article/0f8be1d87a2b/amp​

11.

Expiry of ‘New START Treaty’ marks decisive shift in global nuclear order: experts

https://www.dawn.com/news/1974657​

12.

Kazakhstan to supply fresh uranium to India under new deal to fuel nuclear power plants

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/kazakhstan-to-supply-fresh-uranium-to-india-under-new-deal-to-fuel-nuclear-power-plants/articleshow/128728157.cms

13.

Indian Navy to commission ‘Dolphin Hunter’ warship Anjadip

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-launches-advanced-dolphin-hunter-warship-anjadip-to-enhance-submarine-warfare-capabilities/articleshow/128711321.cms

14.

Pakistan Ordnance Factories Concludes Successful Exhibit at World Defense Show 2026

https://defensetalks.com/pakistan-ordnance-factories-concludes-successful-exhibit-at-world-defense-show-2026/​

15.

US Deploys 12 F-22 Raptors to Middle East After Nuclear Talks Collapse — Fifth-Generation Airpower Surge Signals Direct Warning to Iran

https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/us-f22-raptors-middle-east-deployment-iran-nuclear-talks-collapse-centcom-2026/​