MISSILE SYSTEMS
India's Rudram-1 Missile: How does it stack up against global competitors?
Rudram 1 Missile: India has successfully tested its first indigenous anti-radiation missile, the Rudram-1, developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force. Integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI jets, it targets radiation sources with INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing Head, crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD). Compared globally, Rudram-1 enhances India's SEAD capabilities against adversaries like the US (AGM-88 HARM), Russia (Kh-58), UK (ALARM), China (FT-2000), Iran (Hormoz-2), and Brazil (MAR-1). This milestone strengthens India's defense against regional threats, showcasing its technological prowess and commitment to indigenous defense innovation.
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.
Putin says Russia should produce previously banned missiles
Putin was referring to missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (300-3,400 miles) that were banned under the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Washington withdrew from the deal in 2019, citing Russia's failure to comply. The Kremlin said at the time that it would abide by a moratorium on production if the US did not deploy missiles within striking distance of Russia.
North Korea says it tested a new multiwarhead missile. South Korea says it's covering up a failure
North Korea announced a successful test of a multiwarhead missile aimed at enhancing its capability to overcome US and South Korean defenses. However, South Korea disputed this claim, asserting the missile launch had actually failed. North Korea's state media reported the test involved separating and guiding warheads accurately, showcasing progress in its missile development despite technical challenges. Analysts anticipate further tests to refine this technology, which includes decoys to evade missile defenses. The test coincides with heightened regional tensions, including North Korea's objections to US military presence and provocative actions toward South Korea.
North Korea says it tested a multiwarhead missile. Kim Jong Un covets the weapon to overwhelm US defenses
North Korea announced it successfully tested a multiwarhead missile, aiming to enhance its capability to overwhelm U.S. missile defenses. The launch tested separation and guidance control of individual warheads, which were accurately directed to targets and verified by radar. This test, North Korea's first known attempt at developing a multiwarhead missile, was seen as a significant step in Kim Jong Un's weapons modernization program. While South Korea initially assessed the launch as a failed hypersonic missile test, analysts suggest it was a preliminary evaluation of key MIRV subsystems. This development intensifies regional security concerns.
Taiwan detects 15 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation
The Ministry of National Defense reported 15 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels near Taiwan over the weekend. Eight aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the activity. This adds to a pattern of increased Chinese military presence around Taiwan, with 301 aircraft and 183 naval/coast guard vessels tracked this month alone. China's actions are part of its strategy to assert sovereignty over Taiwan.
Russia launches missile attack on Kyiv and surrounding region, Ukraine says
Russia launched three missiles on Ukraine, with two destroyed. No damage reported. Kyiv under air raid alerts. Witnesses heard blasts around Kyiv. Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Sergiy Karazy.
Taiwan to receive 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles from US by year-end
Taiwan is set to receive all 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers from the US by the end of this year, following a two-year delay. The delay was due to the weapons initially failing to meet US Army standards. However, after passing all required tests, delivery is now expected before year-end. These missiles are part of three major arms packages purchased from the US, including F-16V fighter jets and AGM-154 air-to-ground missile systems. The TOW 2B missiles target the tops of armored vehicles, enhancing Taiwan's defensive capabilities.
Israel defence exports hit record $13.1 billion in 2023
Israeli defence exports reached a record high of $13.1 billion in 2023. The exports were driven by missile and air defence systems, radar, electronic warfare, and other technologies. The Defence Ministry emphasised the importance of strengthening security relations globally, entering new markets, and reducing regulatory obstacles. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the industry's dual focus on supporting national security and pursuing international partnerships through exports.
Russia fires more missiles and drones at Ukraine ahead of diplomatic efforts to stop the war
Russian forces launched a nighttime missile and drone attack on Kyiv and five other Ukrainian regions, injuring several people. Ukraine's air force intercepted 29 of 30 air targets. President Zelenskyy praised the defense efforts and urged for more Western air defense systems, with the US agreeing to send another Patriot missile system. Upcoming international meetings, including a G7 summit, will focus on supporting Ukraine. Despite Russian advances, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, seeking more Western military aid and preparing for a future counteroffensive.
US to send another patriot missile system to Ukraine after repeated demands
US President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine in response to escalating conflict with Russia. The decision comes following high-level meetings and internal debate over bolstering Ukraine's air defenses. The system, considered one of the best in the US arsenal, will be sent from Poland to assist Ukraine in defending against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
Germany's Diehl to further expand production of IRIS-T air defence systems
German arms manufacturer Diehl intends to expand production of the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system, aiming for at least 10 firing units by 2026 and a doubling of missile production by 2025. This move follows heightened threats from Russia, prompting Germany to bolster its defense capabilities. Germany has already supplied two IRIS-T units to Ukraine for missile defense and plans to provide six more. Additionally, some NATO countries, including Estonia and Latvia, have signed agreements to purchase the IRIS-T system, which has a range of up to 40 kilometers and a 360-degree view.
Russian missiles and drones target Ukrainian energy sites
Russia launched 100 missiles and drones at Ukraine, damaging energy facilities. President Zelensky called for international support to counter destabilization and chaos.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Ukraine steps up attacks with U.S. long-range missiles
The Ukrainian army has used U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target Russian airfields and warships in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory but is barred from attacking inside Russia, limiting its defensive capabilities. Ukraine's recent strikes with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) aim to weaken Russia's military operations, but U.S. and Western restrictions prevent targeting Russia itself. Ukrainian officials argue this policy allows Russia to attack from within its borders without repercussion. Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration to revise this policy to better support Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.
Seven dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv as Kyiv pleads for weapons
On Thursday, Russia launched missile strikes on Kharkiv, killing seven people at a printing house and wounding 28 others, as President Zelenskiy criticized Western allies for insufficient military support. The city, heavily bombarded for months, faced an intensified ground offensive beginning May 10, which has reportedly stalled. Around 15 missiles targeted transport infrastructure and the printing house, causing significant damage and casualties. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have called for more air defense systems, emphasizing the need for greater international assistance to counter Russian attacks effectively.
Japan, US move ahead in co-developing hypersonic weapons interceptor as regional threats grow
Japan and the United States collaborate on the Glide Sphere Interceptor missile defense system to counter the growing threat of hypersonic weapons from China, Russia, and North Korea. Japan's role includes developing key components for interceptors, with deployment planned on Aegis-class destroyers.
Ukrainian troops pull out of some areas and Zelenskyy postpones foreign trips amid Russian offensive
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion arms package for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, aimed at supporting Ukraine in its defense against a new Russian offensive. The package includes funds for medium- and long-term foreign military financing, with most of the money coming from a package approved last month by Congress. Blinken's visit comes as Ukrainian forces face increased pressure from Russian troops in the east. President Zelenskyy has postponed all his upcoming foreign trips in response to the escalating conflict.
Forty-five Chinese aircraft, 6 vessels detected near Taiwan, tensions rise
According to official statements released on Wednesday, a total of 45 PLA aircraft and 6 vessels from China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected operating near Taiwan as of 6 am local time. Of particular concern was the intrusion into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) by 26 aircraft, which crossed the median line, venturing into the northern and southwestern sectors of Taiwan's airspace.
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