NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
North Korea test-launches 2 ballistic missiles, after end of new US-South Korea-Japan drill
North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles on Monday, following a vow of "offensive and overwhelming" responses to recent US-South Korea-Japan military drills. The missiles were launched from Jangyon, with the first traveling 600 km and the second 120 km. The first missile landed in the waters off Chongjin, while the second likely crashed inland. The test comes amid heightened tensions, with North Korea condemning the "Freedom Edge" drill and asserting defensive measures against perceived threats from the trilateral alliance and regional pressures.
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.
All about the US Navy nuclear ballistic missile submarine that surfaced off Norway
A nuclear powered ballistic submarine, a guided missile cruiser and two other aircraft of the US Navy were spotted in the Norwegian Sea near Russia. This comes in the backdrop of Russian naval ships being spotted in Cuba, this month. The situation is unlikely to escalate but will be closely monitored.
Seoul, Tokyo, Washington start new joint military drills
South Korea, the United States, and Japan began major military exercises, "Freedom Edge," focusing on missile and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber training. This follows a summit where the countries agreed to annual drills to counter North Korea's nuclear threats and China's regional influence. The exercises involve assets like the USS Theodore Roosevelt, JS Atago, and KF-16 fighter jets. North Korea, which views such drills as invasion rehearsals, responded angrily, especially after Seoul's announcement followed North Korea's claimed successful multi-warhead missile test.
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.
Manta Ray: US Navy's secret undersea drone spotted, then disappeared from Google Maps
The US Navy's Manta Ray submarine, a prototype underwater drone developed by Northrop Grumman, was recently spotted at the Port Hueneme naval base in California. Named after the sea creature, the Manta Ray can operate deep underwater in low-power mode for extended periods without refueling. This advanced submarine, designed with modular features for easy transport, is part of the US's strategic efforts to counter submarine threats from Russia and China. Its recent sighting and disappearance have sparked widespread interest and speculation.
Russian navy frigate conducts drills in Atlantic, defence ministry says
Russia's Admiral Gorshkov navy frigate, which visited Cuba earlier in June, conducted anti-submarine drills in the Atlantic Ocean using a helicopter, the defense ministry announced on Tuesday. The helicopter's crew practiced tactical techniques for locating and tracking submarines more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the ship, making a total of five landings on the frigate's deck. The drills followed the frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan's training in the Atlantic, including high-precision missile weapons exercises, before their arrival in Havana harbor on June 12.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
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.
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.
Taiwan keeping watch after Chinese submarine surfaces in Taiwan Strait
The narrow strait that separates Taiwan from China is a frequent source of tension. Taiwan reports Chinese warplanes and warships operating there on a daily basis, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims against the democratically governed island.
Why Russia’s bond with North Korea is a danger to the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea, strengthening ties with Kim Jong Un. The two countries have increased trade in commodities and arms, aiding Russia's war on Ukraine. The meeting could lead to further arms transfers, impacting the conflict and regional stability.
Why is there a Russian nuclear submarine just 200 miles off the coast of Florida?
There are four Russian naval ships in Cuba and they are participating in a joint naval exercise with the host nation. The US is closely monitoring the situation.
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.
In USA's backyard, Russian army to begin naval and air exercises in the Caribbean
Russia is deploying maritime and air assets in the Caribbean region. The US is not concerned at this stage but is closely monitoring the developments.
USD 3 billion deal with UK gets Australia closer to having a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines
Australia is providing 4.6 billion Australian dollars to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines with the UK, following a defence and security pact signing. The deal aims to counter challenges such as China's activities in the South China Sea. UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps emphasized the submarines' importance in a dangerous world. The agreement will boost production capacity in the UK and Australia, with submarines primarily from UK design and US weaponry. Australia will acquire at least three US nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
Australia earmarks billions for naval infrastructure as BAE wins AUKUS submarine work
Australia announced plans to invest billions in docks, shipyards, and factories in Australia and Britain for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact. The agreement with the United States and Britain will see Australia purchase up to five nuclear submarines from Washington in the early 2030s and jointly build and operate a new class, SSN-AUKUS, with Britain about a decade later. Australia will give Britain £2.4 billion ($3.1 billion) toward design work for the submarines and expand a Rolls-Royce plant that builds nuclear reactors.
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