All articles tagged with #nuclear capabilities
The Pentagon's 2025 China Military Power Report highlights China's ongoing rapid military modernization, focusing on capabilities aimed at Taiwan, including nuclear buildup, long-range strike, and maritime coercion, despite internal leadership purges and organizational disruptions, with progress expected to continue toward 2027 and beyond.
Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, the Burevestnik, which reportedly has an 8,700-mile range and is designed to evade current defenses, with Putin emphasizing its potential deployment and invulnerability, amid ongoing military drills.
US officials are preparing for potential North Korean military action, possibly encouraged by Russia, to create chaos before the US election. Concerns are heightened by North Korea's closer ties with Russia, including military aid exchanges and potential advancements in nuclear capabilities. The Biden administration is wary of increased tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, though China may prefer stability.
The Biden administration is increasingly worried about the growing military alliance between Russia and North Korea, which could enhance Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities and escalate tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. officials fear North Korea might take provocative military actions near the U.S. presidential election, potentially at Russia's behest, to create global turmoil. This alliance marks a significant shift from Russia's previous cooperation with the U.S. to control North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Iran is receiving military support from Russia, including anti-aircraft launchers and fighter jets, and has threatened to use weapons it has never used before in response to any Israeli aggression. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel of a "severe, extensive and painful response" to even the slightest action, while blaming Western support for Israel as the cause of tension in the region. The threats come amid international concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities, with reports of its uranium stockpile exceeding agreed limits and enrichment to close to weapons-grade. Israel has stated it has "no choice" but to retaliate against Iran for launching missiles and drones into its airspace, prompting warnings from the United Nations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew on a modernized Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, praising its capabilities and sending a signal to the West amid heightened tensions. The flight comes ahead of the upcoming election and showcases Moscow's nuclear capabilities, with the aircraft capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles and flying 12,000 km non-stop. The move is seen as a reminder of Russia's military strength and comes at a time of strained relations between Russia and the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew on a nuclear-capable Tu-160M bomber, showcasing Russia's nuclear capabilities and potentially sending a message to the West. The modernized bomber, capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles, is part of Russia's efforts to bolster its military strength. The flight comes amid heightened international tensions, including Russia's occupation of territories in Ukraine and strained relations with the U.S. over cyberattacks and election interference accusations.
The Kremlin has dismissed the United States' warning about Russia's new nuclear capabilities in space as a "malicious fabrication" and a ploy to secure more funding. The U.S. has informed Congress and European allies about Russian attempts to develop a space-based weapon, but Moscow has labeled the claims as fabrications. Tensions between the two nations have escalated, with both sides warning of the risk of conflict. The reported Russian space-based, anti-satellite nuclear weapon has raised concerns, as the U.S. lacks the capability to counter such a weapon.
The United States has informed Congress and European allies about new intelligence regarding Russian nuclear capabilities in space, which is not an urgent threat but could pose an international concern. The warning, issued by Representative Mike Turner, relates to Russian attempts to develop a space-based weapon, specifically a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. The Biden administration has been criticized for possibly blocking a $95 billion bill aimed at providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with some lawmakers advocating for a more isolationist approach to global threats from Russia and other rivals. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the warning as a "trick" by the White House, while US national security adviser Jake Sullivan arranged a briefing with congressional leaders to discuss the matter.
US intelligence indicates that Russia is pursuing new nuclear capabilities in space, raising concerns about the militarization of space. This development has prompted the US to closely monitor Russia's activities and assess the potential implications for international security.
North Korea conducted its first flight test of a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, the Pulhwasal-3-31, as part of its efforts to expand military capabilities amid escalating tensions with South Korea and the United States. The missile, still in development, is said to eventually carry nuclear weapons. The test comes amidst a deepening rift with South Korea and the U.S., with North Korea also firing several cruise missiles into its western coast. Analysts suggest that these displays of new weapons systems may indicate a problem within North Korea, possibly related to shortages in its personal inventory due to alleged arms shipments to Russia.
North Korea claims to have tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone aimed at destroying naval vessels and ports in response to naval drills by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. The test comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un scrapping the idea of peaceful reunification with South Korea and declaring South Korea as its most hostile foreign adversary. South Korea has disputed the capabilities of the drone and denounced North Korea's recent tests as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.