NUCLEAR ARMED STATES
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.
US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea
A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, has arrived in South Korea for a joint exercise involving Japan, aimed at bolstering military readiness against North Korean threats. The exercise, called Freedom Edge, follows heightened tensions after a security pact between Russia and North Korea. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are increasing military cooperation, with the USS Roosevelt strike group expected to participate in the drills. The group will later head to the Middle East to promote regional stability and protect commerce.
Where are the nuclear hotspots around the world that can trigger the next World War?
Experts have identified several nuclear hotspots around the world that can trigger World War 3. This war unlike the previous world war will see the presence of nuclear weapons. South Asia, Russia, West Asia and the Korean Peninsula have been identified as some of the hotspots.
US and China hold first informal nuclear talks in 5 years, eyeing Taiwan
The Chinese representatives offered reassurances after their U.S. interlocutors raised concerns that China might use, or threaten to use, nuclear weapons if it faced defeat in a conflict over Taiwan. Beijing views the democratically governed island as its territory, a claim rejected by the government in Taipei.
Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against "aggression," signaling stronger ties amid their standoffs with the West. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and raised concerns over potential arms deals for Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement enhances security, trade, and cultural ties. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed alarm, and Putin’s subsequent visit to Vietnam underscores Russia’s efforts to bolster alliances amid global tensions.
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South Korea blasts Russia-North Korea deal, says it will consider supplying arms to Ukraine
South Korea condemns Russia and North Korea's mutual defense agreement, reconsidering support to Ukraine. North Korea and Russia vow military assistance in case of war, causing concern. Seoul warns of negative consequences on relations with Moscow.
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.
India's nuclear stockpile crosses Pakistan for first time in 25 years: SIPRI
According to the latest report from the arms tracker SIPRI, India's nuclear weapons stockpile has exceeded Pakistan's for the first time in 25 years, with India now estimated to possess 172 warheads compared to Pakistan's 170. The report also highlights that China has recently elevated its nuclear weapons readiness, placing warheads on high operational alert and pairing them with long-range missiles for potential short-notice strikes, marking a significant development in its nuclear strategy.
China's nuclear force now three times larger than India's: SIPRI data
China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, now boasting 500 warheads, triple that of India. This expansion reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and a global trend toward modernizing nuclear capabilities. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that all nine nuclear-armed states are enhancing their arsenals, with China and the US notably placing warheads on high operational alert.
Before his summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin vows they'll beat sanctions together
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for supporting his actions in Ukraine and pledged close cooperation to overcome US-led sanctions. Ahead of his two-day summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Putin highlighted their mutual opposition to Western ambitions and plans to develop independent trade and payment systems. Putin’s visit marks his first to North Korea in 24 years and underscores growing military and economic ties. US and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with military aid for the Ukraine conflict, which both countries deny.
9 nuclear-armed nations including India continued to modernise N-arsenals in 2023: SIPRI
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that nine nuclear-armed nations, including the US, Russia, France, China, India, and Pakistan, continued to modernize their nuclear arsenals in 2023. China notably increased its nuclear arsenal from 410 to 500 warheads and is expected to continue growing. The report highlighted that around 2,100 deployed warheads were on high operational alert, primarily held by Russia and the US, with China joining for the first time.
Watchdog: Nuclear-armed nations are deepening reliance on nuclear weapons
In 2023, the world's nine nuclear-armed states continued modernizing their arsenals, deepening reliance on nuclear deterrence, per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Amid rising geopolitical tensions, nuclear spending surged by $10.7 billion, totaling $91.4 billion. The US and Russia, holding nearly 90% of global warheads, remain central to these developments.
Russia rehearses delivering tactical nuclear weapons with dummy warheads
Russia conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, deploying dummy warheads to storage points and an airfield amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. President Putin ordered these exercises, which involved multiple military districts. The drills aim to signal Russia's readiness to respond to threats, particularly from Western support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are urged to consider the consequences of escalating the conflict. These drills highlight the ongoing risk of nuclear confrontation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
Modi 3.0 takes aim: Blueprint to make the Indian armed forces future ready
India faces growing security challenges from China and Pakistan, prompting calls for a robust and integrated defence strategy. This includes bolstering nuclear deterrence, enhancing military capabilities, and pushing for systemic reforms in defence production and organization. The new government must prioritize these measures to ensure national security and strategic autonomy in the coming years.
Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif says 1998 nuclear tests ensured 'credible minimum deterrence'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated the 26th anniversary of Pakistan's first successful nuclear tests, highlighting the nation's journey towards credible minimum deterrence. Pakistan conducted six tests on May 28, 1998, in response to India's tests, becoming the seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state with nuclear capabilities. Designated as Youm-e-Takbeer, the day was declared a public holiday.
No sign of foul play in Iran president's deadly helicopter crash, early report says
Four days after the crash that claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six others, Raisi was laid to rest in the Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Mashhad on Thursday. Analysts note Iran's concerning air safety history, marked by recurrent accidents, often involving U.S.-manufactured aircraft acquired prior to the 1979 Islamic revolution.
South Korea imposes sanctions on North Koreans, two Russian vessels
On Friday, South Korea imposed sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions through weapons trade and related activities between Pyongyang and Moscow. The vessels transported military supplies, while the sanctioned individuals facilitated arms negotiations and supported North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Accusations of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war have been denied by both countries. Russia condemned the sanctions and vowed to respond.
Indian counter-terror team to help France with Paris Olympics
Officials familiar with the matter have disclosed that India is poised to offer its expertise in security measures to France for the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris in July 2024. Both the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) engaged in extensive deliberations with their French counterparts. A consensus was reached between the two sides to dispatch a delegation comprising experts in counterterrorism and homeland security to Paris prior to the commencement of the major event.
Aggression or Caution: The choice facing Iran's next leaders
A decade ago, it was possible to imagine a very different future for the United States and Iran. Raisi's predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, and his urbane, Western-educated foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, seemed determined to dial back the decades of hostility, and sanctions, that had crippled Iran's economy. They talked about personal freedom and women's rights, and courted European leaders even while Iran's Revolutionary Guard kept funding terrorism.
Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline leader who brought Iran closer to China
Before news of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi’s death emerged, China expressed "deep concern" on Monday after his helicopter went missing. Given China's significant trade ties with Iran and its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil, its concern appears justified. China stated it would closely monitor the situation and offer support to rescue operations. Raisi's efforts to strengthen Iran-China relations included a visit to Beijing last year, marking the first such visit by an Iranian president in two decades.
Who was Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's hardline president who died in a helicopter crash?
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, considered a hard-liner and a potential successor to the supreme leader, died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous northwestern region, Iranian media reported. Raisi, who previously ran Iran's judiciary and faced U.S. sanctions over his role in the 1988 mass executions, became president in 2021 in an election with historically low turnout. As president, he supported Iran's uranium enrichment and aggressive foreign policy, including attacks on Israel.
North Korea's Kim accelerates production to shore up nuclear force, KCNA says
Kim Jong Un orders accelerated production at an arms factory to strengthen North Korea's nuclear force, overseeing a test of tactical ballistic missiles with new guidance technology to bolster nuclear war deterrence, making the enemy fear North Korea's nuclear combat posture. North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast on the same day.
What is Putin and Xi's 'new era' strategic partnership?
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, criticizing the United States for actions they see as threatening their countries. They expressed determination to defend their interests, resist interference, and support each other on key issues like Taiwan and Ukraine. They also condemned U.S. missile defense systems, nuclear weapons development, and military alliances in Asia. The joint statement outlines plans to deepen cooperation in trade, industry, agriculture, technology, energy, and nuclear energy.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing to discuss future strategic ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China to hold talks with China President Xi Jinping. The two leaders discussed about the Ukraine war and the increasing pressure on Beijing from the US and EU for supporting Russia. This is Putin's first foreign visit after being elected for the fifth term. Russia's large delegation, including five deputy prime ministers and other senior officials, is expected to discus trade and economic cooperation.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises - and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to conduct drills involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will include missile forces, aviation, and the navy from the Southern Military District, near Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Russia linked the drills to what it called "militant statements" by Western officials. While nuclear powers routinely conduct nuclear exercises, it is rare to explicitly link such drills to ongoing conflicts.
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
In a defiant address on Red Square, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia's nuclear readiness and determination to defend against Western threats. He praised Russian forces in Ukraine and accused Western elites of instigating global conflicts. The Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union's WWII victory, was marked by Putin's warnings and increased nuclear rhetoric. Despite tensions, several world leaders attended, while Armenia's PM, amidst a spat with Russia, notably did not. Putin's speech reflects a combative stance as Russia advances in Ukraine and he begins an unprecedented fifth term.
US official urges China, Russia to declare only humans, not AI, control nuclear weapons
A senior U.S. official has called on China and Russia to join the United States and others in committing to human control over nuclear weapons, excluding artificial intelligence from decision-making processes. Paul Dean, a State Department arms control official, emphasized the importance of this norm, noting that the U.S., France, and Britain have all made such declarations. Dean urged China and Russia to follow suit, highlighting the need for responsible behavior in the context of the P5, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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.
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