All articles tagged with #military capabilities
North Korea announced successful sea-to-surface cruise missile tests amid U.S. President Trump's visit to South Korea, showcasing its growing military strength just before a planned summit, with ongoing tensions and no indication of renewed talks with the U.S.
North Korea, supervised by Kim Jong Un, tested two new antiair missiles amid ongoing joint military drills by South Korea and the U.S., highlighting its expanding military capabilities and strategic focus on countering aerial threats, while also strengthening ties with Russia and other nations.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over disputed territory involves a well-equipped Thai military backed by the US and a younger Cambodian force with strong China links, with Thailand holding significant military and economic advantages, but terrain and strategic factors influencing the ongoing clashes.
NATO's European commander urges rapid industrial mobilization to deliver military capabilities swiftly, emphasizing the need for a seamless industrial base, increased defense spending, and technological advancements to counter threats and enhance alliance readiness.
Iran possesses a highly advanced and diverse missile arsenal, including cruise, hypersonic, and long-range systems, but has largely held back from using them in the ongoing conflict with Israel, likely as a strategic deterrence measure and political leverage, with the potential to escalate if necessary.
Iran has launched around 350 missiles in its retaliation against Israel, which is a significant reduction from its estimated arsenal of 3,000 missiles. The conflict has exposed gaps between Iran's missile capabilities and their actual effectiveness, with many older missiles and limited reach, though Iran has developed advanced hypersonic missiles like Haj Qassem and Qassem Bashir that are harder to intercept. Despite the deployment of these modern weapons, Israeli defenses have intercepted most of Iran's attacks, indicating that Iran's missile threat may be overstated at this stage.
Israel's recent strikes on Iran were intended to demonstrate its capability to breach Iranian air defense at any time, without immediately escalating the conflict. The strikes targeted a major airbase in Isfahan and the Natanz uranium enrichment site, sending a message to Iran about Israel's military capabilities. Experts believe that Iran's direct attack on Israel has changed the interpretation of the conflict by western governments, and Israel may now be more likely to strike at Iran's nuclear facilities in the future. The Biden administration's pleas to avoid escalation are seen as behind the times, and Israel is expected to continue facing threats from multiple Iranian proxies.
The Pentagon press secretary commented on Iran's failed attack on Israel, stating that it revealed much about Tehran's weapons capabilities. The attack involved hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, with the majority being intercepted. This marked the first direct military assault by Iran on Israel, escalating tensions between the two countries. While Iran had warned of retaliation following an airstrike on its Syrian consulate, the U.S. and coalition partners successfully defended against the attack.
U.S. CENTCOM Gen. Michael Kurilla visited Israel amid rising tensions with Iran, meeting with IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen Hezi Halevi to review military capabilities and discuss security threats. The visit was prompted by threats from Iran against Israel, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to Israel's security. Iran has continued to promise action following the destruction of an Iranian consulate in Damascus, with Hezbollah's secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah assuring preparedness for any war. Iranian Foreign Minister conveyed to the U.S. through Oman that Iran would take action in a controlled and non-escalatory manner, while also pressing for a Gaza truce.
Russia has escalated its mechanized assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks, potentially aiming to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses before increased Western aid arrives. Despite facing severe shortages of ammunition and supplies, Ukrainian forces have managed to repel these assaults. The spike in attacks may be linked to the upcoming muddy terrain and Ukraine's material shortages. While Ukraine awaits additional support from NATO allies and potential aid packages, Russia has been strengthening its military capabilities, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
A report from the Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russia is preparing for a large-scale conventional conflict with NATO, with the Russian military undergoing structural reforms to support the war in Ukraine while expanding its conventional capabilities. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has outlined efforts to bolster Russia’s military capabilities, but the report indicates that Russia currently lacks the manpower, military infrastructure, and training capacity needed for the divisions and formations it plans to establish by the end of 2024.
Cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated with a rocket from Lebanon killing an Israeli soldier and Israeli airstrikes killing at least 10 people in southern Lebanon. The conflict was triggered by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and both sides possess significant military capabilities, with Hezbollah backed by Iran and Israel supported by the United States. While there is little appetite for a full-blown war, there are fears that a miscalculation could trigger a major escalation, prompting international efforts to tamp down tensions on the border.
Cross-border conflict between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israeli forces escalated with a rocket from Lebanon striking northern Israel, killing a soldier, and Israeli airstrikes killing at least 10 in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has a significant arsenal including rockets, precision-guided missiles, and other weaponry. Israel, supported by the U.S., possesses advanced military capabilities, including air force, missile defense systems, and a large troop presence. While both sides may not desire a full-blown war, there are concerns that a miscalculation could lead to a major escalation, as tensions remain high.
Europe is facing a race against time to strengthen its military capabilities and defend itself, as senior officials acknowledge the uncertainty of relying on the US for defense. Efforts to build up Europe's own defense leave it at least a decade away from being able to defend itself unaided, amidst concerns about potential conflict and the need to prepare for the future.
A new analysis suggests that Russia can sustain its current equipment loss rates in Ukraine for 2 to 3 more years, possibly longer, due to its production capacity and storage reserves, despite losing hundreds of armored vehicles and artillery pieces per month. However, some of the stored equipment is outdated. Ukraine has struggled to field new units with sufficient equipment, with US aid for Ukraine stalled in Congress, potentially placing greater strain on the Ukrainian military if support continues to be withheld.