Top Global Defense News of the Week: Land, Air, and Sea Highlights – November 10–15, 2025.

Major defense news from November 10 to 15, 2025, highlights a worldwide focus on deterrence, long-range strike capabilities, and advanced technology integration. These shifts carry direct implications for U.S. power projection, alliance dynamics, and future force modernization.

A series of defense news across several continents is drawing heightened attention from U.S. defense analysts, according to Army Recognition's reporting from November 10 to 15, 2025. Officials and industry experts note that recent events such as South Korea’s stepped-up naval drills, China’s pairing of a stealth unmanned aircraft with its frontline fighter, Moldova’s introduction of new artillery systems, and the U.S. effort to revive electromagnetic railgun development show a broader shift to high-precision, high-readiness capabilities. Additionally, the deployment of U.S. AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft in Central America and Senegal’s successful anti-ship missile test highlight the expanding geographic scope of deterrence activity.
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Top defense news of the week 10 to 15 November 2025 showcases global military activity across land, air, and sea.

South Korea Regains Naval Initiative in the East China Sea

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has taken a decisive step toward blue water capability. It launched its first major task fleet exercise under the new Task Fleet Command. The operation featured KDX-III Aegis destroyers, advanced submarines, and replenishment vessels. This marks Seoul's strategic pivot from coastal defense to maritime force projection in the contested East China Sea. The move aims to counterbalance Chinese naval activity and strengthen South Korea’s role in the U.S.-led regional security architecture. Defense officials in Seoul described the fleet formation as the “centerpiece of future Korean naval deterrence.” They see it as a new phase in the country's strategic naval doctrine.

Moldova Fields Israeli-Made ATMOS 200 Self-Propelled Howitzers

Moldova has enhanced its long-range precision fire by fielding the Israeli-developed ATMOS 200 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The ATMOS from Elbit Systems provides shoot-and-scoot mobility, NATO-standard firepower, and C4I integration for modern artillery. This procurement marks a rare step forward for Moldova's ground forces, which long relied on outdated Soviet-era systems. The exact number of units delivered is undisclosed, but Moldovan Ministry of Defense sources confirm that at least one operational battery is in service, giving Moldova a new level of deterrence against potential cross-border threats.

China Demonstrates GJ-11 Stealth Drone Teaming with J-20 Fighter Jet

For the first time, China has publicly demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) between its GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” stealth drone and J-20 fifth-generation fighter jet. The PLA released the coordinated flight, which featured synchronized maneuvers with the J-16D electronic warfare variant. This demonstration showcased an integrated strike and EW package. The GJ-11 can fly at high subsonic speeds and features a radar-evading design. It is believed suited for deep-strike and reconnaissance missions. The display shows the People’s Liberation Army Air Force's commitment to integrating stealth drones into its doctrine. It signals the maturation of unmanned combat aviation in China’s airpower strategy.

U.S. Railgun Revival: General Atomics Unveils Containerized Weapon for Guam and Golden Dome

General Atomics has reignited U.S. interest in electromagnetic weaponry with a proposal for containerized railgun platforms that can be deployed to fixed sites like Guam or integrated into the Golden Dome missile defense architecture. The scalable system, ranging from 3 to 32 megajoules, is designed to intercept incoming missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, or drone swarms using hypervelocity projectiles. Unlike previous shipboard prototypes, the new railgun modules are packaged for rapid deployment via sea or airlift and can operate independently of naval platforms. The Pentagon is reportedly reviewing the system as part of a broader effort to enhance point-defense capabilities at forward positions in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Deploys AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship in El Salvador Amid Venezuela Tensions

In a notable expansion of forward-strike capability in Latin America, the United States has deployed AC-130J Ghostrider gunships to an air base in El Salvador. The move, confirmed via satellite imagery and regional defense sources, comes as pressure intensifies on Venezuela, where U.S. officials cite growing security concerns, including narco-terrorism, state-sponsored militia activity, and illegal arms flows. The AC-130J, equipped with precision-guided munitions, 105mm howitzers, and advanced ISR systems, offers both surgical strike and overwatch functions. Regional analysts interpret the deployment as a strategic signal that the U.S. is prepared to escalate kinetic options should diplomatic deterrence fail.

Senegal Fires Indigenous Anti-Ship Missile from OPV Cayor in Historic First

The Senegalese Navy has conducted its first live anti-ship missile firing from a domestically operated offshore patrol vessel, the OPV Cayor. The launch used an MBDA MARTE MK2/N missile. This confirms Senegal’s entry among African naval forces capable of beyond-line-of-sight maritime strike missions. The test was conducted in the Atlantic off the coast of Dakar. It also validated the combat capability of the OPV 58S platform built by French shipbuilder Piriou. This event illustrates a new layer of deterrence in West Africa. Rear Admiral Abdou Sène called it a “defining moment for national sovereignty at sea.”

This week’s developments highlight accelerating military modernization across diverse regions. From Africa’s coastal waters to East Asia’s airspace, defense innovation and strategic repositioning are shaping new operational realities. As platforms grow more networked, autonomous, and distributed, the balance of power is increasingly influenced not just by quantity but by adaptability, integration, and precision. The emerging common denominator: nations are preparing not for distant wars, but for contested domains where deterrence is measured in response time, reach, and credibility.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.