The ministry said talks are ongoing over a draft “Letter of Intent,” stressing that the proposal remains preliminary and non-binding. It added that any arrangement would need to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty and comply with national laws.

Media reports had suggested the United States was seeking “blanket overnight access” for its military aircraft and that President Prabowo Subianto had approved the plan. The ministry, however, said the draft was still under internal review.

Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet Indonesia’s defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin later on Monday, according to a U.S. government advisory, with the discussions expected to cover defence cooperation.

Indonesia emphasised that control over its airspace remains solely under national authority, and that any agreements with foreign partners would safeguard its strategic interests.

The discussions come amid heightened regional security dynamics and increased military coordination between the United States and its partners across the Indo-Pacific.

The ceremony, scheduled for mid-April, will coincide with the inauguration of a newly built memorial museum dedicated to troops killed during overseas deployment, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

South Korean officials estimate that around 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed since Pyongyang deployed thousands of personnel, along with missiles and munitions, to support Moscow’s war effort. North Korea confirmed last year that its forces were engaged in combat operations abroad and had suffered casualties.

Leader Kim Jong Un has overseen preparations for the ceremony and inspected the nearly completed museum, which state media said is 97% finished. KCNA reported that Kim praised the project as a symbol of “heroism” and described it as a site for promoting patriotism and commemorating the fallen.

Analysts say North Korea’s support for Russia has been reciprocated through financial assistance, food supplies, energy resources and military technology transfers, helping Pyongyang mitigate the impact of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons program.

The burial ceremony will mark the first anniversary of what state media described as the “liberation operations” in Kursk, underscoring Pyongyang’s alignment with Moscow’s narrative of the conflict.

Kim has previously presided over similar commemorative events, with state media releasing images showing him paying respects to fallen soldiers, including ceremonies involving flag-draped coffins and interactions with returning troops.

The move, announced by Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, will redirect procurement spending toward domestic suppliers and allied countries, according to an Israeli defense spokeswoman.

Policy rift deepensIsrael said the decision was in response to several French actions, including recognition of a Palestinian state, exclusion of Israeli firms from defense exhibitions, and a ban on Israeli aircraft carrying munitions for operations against Iran from transiting French airspace.

“The French ban was imposed despite prior coordination,” the spokeswoman said, adding that Israel viewed the measures as harmful to bilateral defense cooperation.

France’s presidency said its position was consistent with its policy since the start of the conflict, after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Paris for not allowing Israel-bound military flights to cross its airspace.

According to a French parliamentary report, Israel’s procurement from French defense firms totaled about $260 million between 2015 and 2024, primarily involving components rather than complete weapons systems.

France does not directly export arms to Israel but supplies parts used in broader defense production chains.

The decision signals a further deterioration in defense ties between the two countries as the regional conflict intensifies following a military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

Israel’s defense ministry said it viewed the developments “with great severity,” warning of potential long-term impacts on strategic cooperation.

In a statement, the ministry said the talks focused on what it described as a “military-political crisis” triggered by U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, and included an exchange of views on shifting the conflict toward a political and diplomatic track grounded in international law.

The Russian side also briefed Iran on a recent shipment of humanitarian aid, according to the statement. Moscow and Tehran have previously signed a strategic partnership agreement spanning political, economic, military and energy cooperation, though it does not include a mutual defense clause.

At a Group of Seven meeting, European foreign ministers raised concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russia may be assisting Iran in targeting U.S. forces in the region.

Two Western security sources and a regional official close to Tehran told Reuters that Russia had provided satellite imagery and technical support to enhance Iranian drone capabilities, drawing on systems used by Moscow in its conflict in Ukraine.

Russia has deployed Iranian-designed drones in its war in Ukraine, underscoring growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

The latest diplomatic engagement comes amid intensifying hostilities across the Middle East and mounting international calls to contain the conflict through negotiations.

This large-scale military drill highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to improving combat readiness, enhancing operational coordination, and fostering defense partnerships with allied nations.

The ATLC-35 exercise is recognized as one of the region’s most advanced and strategic air and missile defense training operations.

Its primary goal is to simulate realistic combat environments, strengthen tactical planning, and test the interoperability of forces from different countries.

The participation of Saudi Arabia underscores its continuous efforts to build modern, efficient, and cooperative defense capabilities.

The Royal Saudi Air Force is actively taking part with Tornado fighter aircraft, conducting a wide range of missions that include defensive and offensive operations, combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and night flying exercises.

These drills are designed to enhance precision, coordination, and rapid response under complex battle conditions — essential skills in ensuring national and regional security.

Similarly, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Force plays a crucial role in this joint exercise, focusing on missile defense systems, airspace monitoring, and intercept operations.

By engaging in these integrated drills, Saudi forces are refining their strategic capabilities to detect, track, and neutralize airborne threats effectively.

The ATLC-35 exercise also provides a valuable opportunity for the Kingdom to share expertise with partner nations, exchange tactical knowledge, and develop joint operational strategies.

These collaborations help participating countries achieve a higher level of military integration and trust, reinforcing stability and collective defense across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in this advanced training operation reflects the Kingdom’s broader defense vision under Vision 2030, which emphasizes strengthening national capabilities and enhancing regional partnerships.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a leader in technological innovation, defense modernization, and international cooperation.

By taking part in multinational exercises like ATLC-35, the Kingdom showcases its readiness to contribute to peace, security, and stability both regionally and globally.

These exercises not only improve tactical efficiency but also build stronger military relationships with allied countries in the Middle East and beyond.

The ATLC-35 program represents the modern face of military training — one that combines cutting-edge technology, strategic coordination, and joint decision-making.

Through this, Saudi pilots, engineers, and defense specialists gain invaluable experience working alongside world-class forces, preparing them for a wide range of future missions.

Beyond technical training, the exercise emphasizes cooperation, mutual understanding, and the spirit of alliance.

It allows Saudi personnel to engage in real-time simulations that enhance decision-making under pressure and adaptability in complex scenarios.

These skills are critical in maintaining a strong and capable defense force ready to face modern challenges.

The Kingdom’s active participation in such exercises sends a strong message of unity and preparedness. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending its interests while supporting collective regional defense efforts.

By continually enhancing its forces’ skills and capabilities, the Kingdom is ensuring that peace and security remain top priorities in an increasingly dynamic world.

The ATLC-35 exercise in the UAE stands as another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s defense achievements — a testament to the Kingdom’s growing strength, strategic vision, and dedication to global peace through cooperation and readiness.

Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark and Poland have all said Russian drones or fighter jets have violated their airspace in recent weeks, prompting the NATO alliance to beef up defence around Europe’s eastern flank.

“Within the scope of NATO Assurance Measures, our Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft is carrying out missions in Lithuanian airspace between September 22-25,” the ministry said in its weekly press statement.

AWACS are capable of detecting low-flying drones and other objects that ground radars miss.

The ministry provided no further information.

Poland has shot down some of the drones, and Lithuania’s parliament on Tuesday granted the armed forces powers to shoot down any unmanned drone violating its airspace.

Western officials say Russia is carrying out the airspace violations to test NATO’s readiness and resolve. Estonia and Poland have asked the alliance to open consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty.

Article 4 says members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territory, political independence or security of any of them is threatened.

Turkey, NATO’s second largest army, has strong ties with Russia in areas including energy and tourism. It has condemned Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and provided Kyiv with military support, but refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia as part of a balancing act that it says helps it talk to both sides.