DEFENSIVE ARMS
Is China fueling Pakistan's nuclear ambitions against India?
A recent image from the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade reveals Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block II aircraft equipped with a Ra’ad-I nuclear-capable missile, marking a significant strategic enhancement. The development, aided by China, aims to replace aging Mirage aircraft and bolster Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence. Amidst an intensifying nuclear arms race in South Asia, this advancement impacts regional stability and poses implications for India.
Pakistan equips JF-17 jets with Ra'ad nuclear missiles, US report confirms
Recently analyzed photographs from the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade rehearsals have unveiled Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Block II aircraft equipped with a Ra'ad air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), as confirmed by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
Chinese troops are going to stay at the disputed site along India border for longer period: US Report
China-India Border Tensions: Amid global focus on Ukraine, Gaza, and the South China Sea, tensions on the China-India border remain significant. Reports from the US Army War College and the US Annual Threat Assessment highlight the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) strategic positioning and infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Aksai Chin. These developments indicate a prolonged readiness for potential conflict, underscoring the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Poised along the Indian border, Chinese troops are there for the long haul
The Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College published an in-depth report examining PLA activity along the mountainous border in Aksai Chin opposite India in 2020-21. It considered how the PLA rapidly moved troops into the region as violence flared between Chinese and Indian troops in Galwan Valley on 15-16 June 2020. However, Blasko, a former US defence attache in Beijing and Hong Kong, also provided a useful assessment of current and future conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles, one fails
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, with one launch failing, South Korea's military reported Monday. The launches followed North Korea's warning of "fatal consequences" after joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The first missile flew 600 km, while the second traveled 120 km and seemed to explode mid-air. The launches come amid tensions over accusations that North Korea supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and ongoing military activities in both Koreas.
From Classmates to Commanders: Sainik School graduates Dwivedi and Tripathi now command India's Armed Forces
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, once classmates at Sainik School Rewa, now lead the Indian Army and Navy. Their unique bond, formed in the early 1970s, has strengthened inter-service ties. With Admiral Tripathi already at the helm and Lieutenant General Dwivedi stepping in as Army Chief, their careers highlight the influence of early connections in military leadership.
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Taiwan detects five Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels conducted operations around Taiwan over the weekend. From Saturday 6 am to Sunday 6 am local time, five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in various sectors. Additionally, seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were active in the region. Taiwan's armed forces monitored these activities closely and responded appropriately. This incident is part of China's increasing military maneuvers near Taiwan amid ongoing tensions over sovereignty.
As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies
The United States concluded its inaugural multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea, marking a milestone in strengthening regional security alliances. Dubbed Freedom Edge, the exercise focused on enhancing joint capabilities in missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance amid escalating threats from North Korea and China. Despite geopolitical tensions, the drills aimed to foster interoperability among allied forces, crucial for coordinated responses to regional challenges. The exercises underscore efforts by the Biden administration to solidify partnerships amidst growing military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
WikiLeaks founder Assange strikes US plea deal, to be a ‘free man’
He flew out of London to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory in the Pacific where he will plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defence information, according to a court document.
US urges Israel's defense minister to avoid Lebanon escalation
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions in Lebanon during a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed efforts to free hostages in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic resolution. Tensions have risen with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel is winding down the Gaza conflict, redeploying forces to the northern border. President Joe Biden proposed a ceasefire and hostage release plan on May 31, but Hamas has its own demands. Gallant also met with CIA chief Bill Burns to discuss hostage negotiations.
China sanctions several Lockheed Martin units, three executives over arms deals with Taiwan
Named under the sanctions were Lockheed Martin Missile System Integration Lab, Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories and Lockheed Martin Ventures. Top executives James Donald Taiclet, Frank Andrew St John and Jesus Malave were listed as banned from travelling to China.
Russia-North Korea pact could dent China's influence, but Beijing still holds sway over both
China appears concerned as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties through a new defence pact, potentially challenging China's influence over North Korea. Experts suggest China is struggling to respond due to conflicting goals of maintaining peace in Korea while countering the US. China's weak public response may indicate uncertainty on how to proceed. Concerns include Russia aiding North Korea's weapons program and the potential for a new Cold War alliance.
Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes
Ukraine hit a modern Russian warplane at an air base far from the front lines, using Western-supplied weapons. Satellite photos confirm the strike on a Su-57 fighter plane at the Akhtubinsk base.
China strongly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, urges withdrawal
China has demanded the immediate withdrawal of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, expressing strong opposition and lodging a formal complaint. The U.S. approved an $80 million sale of F-16 fighter jet parts to Taiwan, aiming to bolster its security and maintain regional stability. China vowed to enhance its military training to protect its sovereignty. Taiwan welcomed the deal, set to be finalized in July, as a boost to its air force's combat capabilities.
Third term for Modi likely to see closer defense ties with US as India's rivalry with China grows
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes on boosting India's military preparedness and clout, focusing on expanding defense production and exports to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan says US arms sale shows 'commitment to defence' against China
Taiwan has expressed gratitude to the US for approving two military sales worth approximately $300 million to Taiwan, mainly of spare and repair parts for its F-16 fighter jets. The US has remained Taiwan's most important partner and biggest arms supplier, sparking repeated condemnations from China. Taiwan's defense ministry expressed gratitude for the approval and called on the Chinese Communist Party to stop irrational behaviours against Taiwan.
Zelenskyy visits Philippines to invite counterpart for peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Philippines to invite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to a global peace summit on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He accused Russia and China of disrupting the talks. Zelenskyy criticised China's role in supporting Russia and urged countries to attend the summit for peace. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and China were evident at the defense forum in Singapore.
China sanctions defense-related US companies and executives over Russia, Taiwan
China claims the self-governed island as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. It has long opposed any weapon sales by the U.S. to the island. While the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as a country, Washington is obligated by a federal law to ensure the island's government has the means to defend itself.
Taiwan detects Chinese incursion with military vessels around nation
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence has detected Chinese military vessels near the nation, including seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels. The Taiwan Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. This development marks a concerning escalation in tensions between Taiwan and China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the island.
Pentagon vows to keep arming Kyiv amid fresh Russian assault
The US announced no new aid packages Monday, but has now provided about $50.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops still control nearly 60% of Vovchansk and are fighting house-to-house to defend the border town in northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian attacks.
Taiwan detects 6 Chinese aircraft, 7 vessels around its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported the detection of six Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels around its territory on Monday. Notably, six aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Taiwan's Armed Forces monitored and responded to these incursions.
China commerce ministry bans some US firms including Boeing from import, export activities
China's Commerce Ministry has banned certain US firms from importing and exporting related activities to China, including one selling arms to Taiwan. The ministry also forbids them from making new investments in China. Senior executives of these companies will be prohibited from entering China, and their work permits will be revoked.
Taiwan detects seven Chinese military aircrafts and vessels across its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected Chinese military aircraft and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels near Taiwan. ROCArmedForces and Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence responded to the escalating tensions with China. Saturday, a significant presence of People's Liberation Army aircraft and vessels were identified in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zones. The tensions highlight China's ambitions to reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Israel advances further into Rafah
Hamas' armed wing said it destroyed an Israeli troop carrier with an Al-Yassin 105 missile in the eastern Al-Salam neighbourhood, killing some crew members and wounding others. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment. UNRWA, the main United Nations aid agency in Gaza, estimates some 450,000 people have fled Rafah since May 6. "People face constant exhaustion, hunger and fear. Nowhere is safe," the agency said on X.
US says Rafah offensive would jeopardize cease-fire talks as Biden threatens to halt more Israel aid
The United States has warned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Gaza's Rafah, Hamas' stronghold, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Biden threatened to pause offensive military aid to Israel if it proceeds with the operation. The U.S. views such an attack as strengthening Hamas' position and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Israel remains defiant, with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing willingness to stand alone if necessary. The U.S. is urging Israel to pursue more surgical operations against Hamas and is committed to Israel's defense, including providing defensive arms.
Why the US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid Gaza conflict
Amidst escalating violence in Gaza, the US has suspended a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Joe Biden emphasized the commitment to Israel's defense but stated that offensive weapons for densely populated areas would not be supplied. The decision comes amid a military assault in Rafah, raising questions about the impact of US arms in conflict zones. This development reflects a broader effort to balance support for allies with humanitarian considerations in conflict zones.
NATO chief chides members as Ukraine's allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia
Outgunned, Ukraine's troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin's forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine's army chief said Sunday. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.
China sanctions 2 US defense companies and says they support arms sales to Taiwan
The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. It also bars the companies' management from entering the country.
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