MILITARY UPGRADE
New Cuban radar site near US military base could aid China spying, think tank says
Cuba is constructing a new radar site near Santiago de Cuba, capable of monitoring U.S. military activities at Guantanamo Bay, according to satellite imagery analyzed by a Washington think tank. The facility, set east of Santiago de Cuba and due to be operational soon, could track signals up to 8,000 miles away. The development raises concerns about China's strategic interests, despite denials from Cuban officials. This site adds to suspicions of increased Chinese surveillance capabilities in Cuba, targeting U.S. military and space operations.
Japan launches an advanced Earth observation satellite on its new flagship H3 rocket
Japan deployed an upgraded Earth observation satellite for disaster response and security after it was launched on a new flagship H3 rocket Monday. The H3 No. 3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre on a southwestern Japanese island and released its payload about 16 minutes later as planned, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said during a livestream.
IAF to acquire 6 Tapas drones, lead military acquisition for Made-in-India UAVs
Indian Navy to order four Tapas drones built by DRDO for maritime surveillance operations.
North Korea says deal between Putin and Kim requires immediate military assistance in event of war
The new agreement between Russia and North Korea, as reported by North Korean state media, requires the countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other in the event of war. This agreement marks a significant upgrade in their relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin also raised concerns about a potential arms arrangement between Pyongyang and Moscow, with North Korea supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with ongoing weapons tests and military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
North Korea's Kim vows 'full support' for Russia in Ukraine as Putin vows to upgrade ties
Putin thanked Kim for the support and said the two countries would sign an agreement to boost their partnership as both "fight against the imperialist hegemonistic policies of the U.S. and its satellites against the Russian Federation."
China ready to work with New Zealand to upgrade ties as Chinese Premier Li visits Wellington
New Zealand has in recent years taken a less assertive line with Beijing on security matters than its Western partners in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing partnership and has sought a consistent foreign policy approach to Beijing that spans political parties and administrations. But Luxon told reporters Monday that there were areas where, in talks with Li, Wellington would "call out our differences and discuss those openly, too."
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Bangladesh military complains about faulty Chinese parts
Bangladesh, a major buyer of weapons from China, has accused Chinese companies of supplying faulty parts and technical problems with its imported military hardware. The Bangladesh military has accused Chinese companies of supplying faulty spare parts for corvettes, petrol crafts, and onshore patrol vehicles, with manufacturing defects and technical challenges. The Bangladesh Air Force has alleged technical problems with Chinese-made F-7 fighter jets and short-range air defense systems, and has faced issues with firing ammunition for its Chinese-made K-8W aircraft.
Indonesia accepts South Korea warship donation, despite cost concerns
Indonesia's parliament has approved a proposal to accept a South Korean donation of a corvette for its navy, despite concerns about the vessel's age and the need for significant maintenance costs. The 36-year-old corvette, Bucheon 773, is seen as a boost to Indonesia's military capability, but it requires approximately $85 million for maintenance and additional costs before it can be operational. Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been advocating for upgrading Indonesia's military hardware, but his decision to procure used equipment has faced criticism.
US Pentagon chief visits Cambodia to boost ties with China ally
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia to reset ties with China ally, addressing concerns over China's influence in the region.
Satellite images show China's J-20 stealth fighters near Indian border in Sikkim
Satellite images reveal China's deployment of J-20 stealth fighters near the Indian border in Tibet. This strategic move places the advanced aircraft within proximity to India, raising regional tensions. India counters with its Rafale fighters and upgraded air defenses, including the S-400 system. Both nations are enhancing their military capabilities along the border, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the region.
Iran's president accident: All about the crashed Bell helicopter that killed Ebrahim Raisi
A Bell 212 helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister crashed in heavy fog on Sunday, with all feared dead, according to state media. The Bell 212, developed for the Canadian military in the late 1960s, is widely used for various purposes, including government transport. The crash's wreckage has been located by search teams.
What we know about the crashed helicopter carrying Iran's president
A Bell 212 model helicopter, developed by Bell Helicopter for Canadian military, crashed in Iran, killing top officials. The aircraft, known for its versatility, is used globally for various purposes. Non-military organizations like Japan's Coast Guard operate it. Iran, a major buyer of Bell and Agusta helicopters, has a history of aviation competence.
North Korea fires ballistic missile, South Korea's military says
North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast, as confirmed by South Korea's military. Details of the projectile and its trajectory were not immediately provided. North Korea has been conducting various missile tests to enhance its defensive capabilities. The launch coincides with Russian President Putin's visit to China.
China, Cambodia to hold joint military exercises
Cambodia and China will hold joint annual military drills from Thursday, an official said, amid US concerns that Beijing could use a Cambodian naval base to expand its influence in the region. He said the Chinese vessels would test the "Ream Naval Base that China is constructing for Cambodia", and denied Chinese troops would be stationed at the base. suy/srg/sco
China blasts US military aid to Taiwan, saying the island is entering a "dangerous situation"
The US Senate late Tuesday passed USD 95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Military strength, capabilities necessary to prevent wars, says Army chief
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande emphasized the importance of military strength and capabilities in preventing wars and protecting national interests in the face of recent geopolitical changes. He highlighted the need for self-reliance in defense, citing the impact of supply chain disruptions and external dependencies. The Army's transformation efforts focus on modernization, technology infusion, and capability development to create a future-ready force. The Army is pursuing new technologies and building a robust defense-industry ecosystem to achieve self-reliance and enhance its operational capabilities across all domains of warfare.
$8 billion US military aid package to Taiwan will 'boost confidence' in region: President-elect Lai Ching-te
US approved $8B defense package for Taiwan to counter China. President-elect Lai aims to maintain peace. Taiwan strengthens military with US hardware. China threatens annexation. Taiwan prepares for defense with asymmetrical warfare.
Chinese general takes a harsh line on Taiwan and other disputes at an international naval gathering
The 19th biennial meeting of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium opened in Qingdao, where China's northern naval force is based, providing a vivid backdrop to China's massive military expansion over the past two decades that has seen it build or refurbish three aircraft carriers.
Beijing says US, Japan 'smeared and attacked' China at summit
China criticizes US and Japan for "smeared and attacked" comments during a summit on defense ties. Biden and Kishida announced plans to restructure US military command in Japan for better defense against threats like a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. China opposes the upgrade, calling it interference in its affairs. The US and Japan aim to enhance cooperation in intelligence, surveillance, cybersecurity, and joint military operations. Biden will host a trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines to support Manila amid South China Sea tensions.
Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida agree to tighten military and economic ties to counter China
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan announced strengthened military, economic, and other cooperation between their countries to counter China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes creating an expanded defense architecture with Australia, participating in military exercises with Britain, and exploring Japan's entry into a U.S.-led coalition with Australia and Britain. Additionally, the U.S. will take a Japanese astronaut to the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program, marking a significant upgrade in the alliance. Kishida also reaffirmed Japan's support for Ukraine, framing the conflict as relevant to East Asia's future security.
Iran’s better, stealthier drones are remaking global warfare
Iran's drone technology is reshaping global conflicts, with drones based on Iranian designs being used in various countries, including Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. These drones, like the Zagel-3 based on Iran's Ababil model, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are used by militias and militaries worldwide. Iran's drone industry, fueled by sanctions and innovative methods to circumvent them, is a key element of its military strategy, allowing it to project power and influence far beyond its borders.
China vows to treat foreign firms equally amid industrial upgrade push
For years, Western firms have complained of unequal access in China, a vast consumer market and also global supplier of raw materials and components. Western governments have expressed concern about "economic coercion", and companies have considered "de-risking" supply chains and operations away from China.
China vows to treat foreign firms equally amid industrial upgrade push
China assures equal treatment for foreign companies, addressing concerns of unequal access.
South Korean defence chief says North Korea has supplied 7,000 containers of munitions to Russia
North Korea has reportedly sent 7,000 containers of military equipment to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, according to South Korea's defense minister. This includes artillery shells and missiles, with transfers accelerating after a summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. In exchange, North Korea may have received aid and military assistance. The North has also increased missile tests, possibly to distract from its domestic issues and to align with Moscow over the conflict. The recent missile launches follow joint military drills between South Korea and the U.S. and come ahead of South Korea's parliamentary elections.
Indian Army establishes elite tech unit STEAG to research future communication technologies
The Indian Army has formed the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), a specialized unit focusing on researching advanced communication technologies such as 6G, AI, machine learning, and quantum computing for military use. STEAG aims to bridge the gap between the armed forces, industry, and academia while fostering self-reliance in high-end communication technologies. This move aligns with the Army's goal of acquiring new technologies to enhance operational capabilities in modern warfare.
India opens new Naval base at Minicoy, near Maldives
India has inaugurated a new naval base, "INS Jatayu," on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep islands. This base, the second on the island chain, will enhance India's military capacity in the region, being the nearest major military installation to the Maldives. Co-located with a joint airfield planned for the future, INS Jatayu will host more assets, bolstering India's surveillance capabilities. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has plans to upgrade its infrastructure in Lakshadweep, including new jetties, radar stations, and an air enclave.
China increases defence budget by 7.2% to accelerate military modernisation; Here's how India's preparedness holds up
China has announced a significant 7.2% increase in its defence budget, surpassing $230 billion, which is more than three times India's military expenditure. This increase comes despite China's economic slowdown and refusal to de-escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China aims to modernize its two-million-strong armed forces to deter US interference, especially regarding Taiwan. This includes strengthening conventional military and nuclear forces and strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), such as a military assistance pact with the Maldives.
Ukraine says destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea
Ukraine said on Tuesday its forces destroyed a Russian military patrol ship in the Black Sea near annexed Crimea, the latest naval attack on Moscow's fleet in the key waterway. Ukraine's GUR military intelligence unit on Tuesday released a black and white video of what it said was the overnight attack on the Sergei Kotov, a 94-metre (308-foot) Russian military patrol ship.
Taiwan holds military drills to defend against the threat of a Chinese invasion
Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan's military conducted a defensive exercise involving land, sea, and air maneuvers. Major Gen. Sun Li-fang warned that China's actions could spark a conflict with devastating regional effects. Simulated attacks and a mine-laying demonstration highlighted the drills. The exercise aims to boost public confidence, occurring weeks after electing an independence-leaning president. Despite its smaller military, Taiwan invests in advanced weaponry, and tensions rise further with China changing flight paths near Taiwan. The annual drills showcase Taiwan's defense capabilities and readiness.
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