All articles tagged with #combat readiness
The IDF conducted exercises over the past week to prepare troops for potential combat in Lebanon, focusing on complex and mountainous terrain, information gathering, and defending northern communities from enemy attacks.
Russia has reportedly put its advanced intercontinental ballistic missile system, the Sarmat, on combat duty, according to the head of the country's space agency. The Sarmat is capable of carrying up to 15 nuclear warheads and has a range of approximately 18,000km. It is designed to replace Russia's older generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The missile's short initial launch phase makes it difficult to track, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that it would make Russia's enemies "think twice" about their threats.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the acceleration of military modernization and combat readiness as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) marks its 96th anniversary. China has been ramping up military drills and maneuvers, showcasing its military might amid perceived external threats. Analysts suggest that China's actions are more of a political message than a military one, reflecting its perception of increased threats from the United States and its allies. China is also expanding its long-range capabilities, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and the development of advanced jet engines.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed that he ordered his army to full combat readiness during the recent uprising in Russia led by Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Lukashenko hinted that his order was partially in response to the exiled Belarusian opposition's calls for an "armed insurgency." He also expressed concern that if Russia collapses, Belarus will be left under the rubble. The Kremlin has allowed Prigozhin to leave Russia for Belarus and will not be prosecuted as part of the deal.
The commander of South Africa's ground forces, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, is in Moscow for talks on improving combat readiness with his Russian counterpart, Colonel General Oleg Salyukov. The South African delegation is expected to visit Russian ground forces’ training sites and defense industry enterprises. Mbatha’s visit comes after the US accused South Africa of secretly providing arms to Russia, which South Africa denied and announced an independent inquiry into the claims. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin where both leaders agreed to “intensify mutually beneficial ties in various fields.”
China has started three days of combat readiness patrol exercises around Taiwan, named “United Sharp Sword,” which include air and seaborne operations. The drills aim to examine the military's capabilities of gaining air and sea superiority/controls as well as information warfare strength. Taiwan's defense ministry has detected 42 fighter jets in the airspace around Taiwan and eight warships have also been detected. Taiwan has responded with calmness and reason to safeguard its national sovereignty and national security.
Belarus has announced a check of its armed forces' combat readiness following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statement that Moscow will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Putin said the move does not violate any of Russia's nuclear non-proliferation commitments and that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had requested the weapons' deployment. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg downplayed the move, but a top geopolitical strategist believes NATO should take immediate action.