All articles tagged with #nuclear deterrent
North Korea conducted hypersonic missile tests observed by Kim Jong-un, emphasizing the need to strengthen its nuclear deterrent amid regional tensions and upcoming political events, with recent tests and military advancements signaling a focus on enhancing missile capabilities.
North Korea conducted missile tests involving hypersonic weapons, with leader Kim Jong Un emphasizing the need to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent amid regional tensions and upcoming political events, including a major party congress and international summits.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a successful long-range cruise missile test, emphasizing the country's military progress amid preparations for a key party congress in 2026, and reaffirming its focus on nuclear deterrence and military development.
North Korea announced successful tests of a new hypersonic missile system aimed at enhancing its nuclear deterrent, with tests involving two projectiles that hit a land target, amid ongoing tensions and upcoming international meetings in South Korea.
North Korea announced it tested a new hypersonic missile system aimed at enhancing its nuclear deterrent, with tests involving two projectiles that hit land targets, amid ongoing tensions and upcoming international meetings in South Korea.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced increased defence spending plans in the House of Commons amid broader economic pressures, with a goal to reach 3% of GDP by 2034, including a £15bn investment in nuclear deterrence and new submarines. Labour leader Keir Starmer outlined his defence goals, emphasizing readiness, Nato contribution, and innovation, while political reactions highlighted concerns over the pace and timeline of spending commitments amidst global threats and economic constraints.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for the UK to build up to 12 new attack submarines, invest £15 billion in nuclear weapons, and enhance military readiness amid concerns over Russia, as part of a broader effort to modernize the UK's armed forces and strengthen alliances. The government aims to reach 3% of GDP on defense by 2034, though funding sources remain uncertain, and the review highlights emerging threats like drone warfare.
The US Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a nighttime test of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, launching it from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to a test site in the Marshall Islands. The missile, selected randomly from Minot Air Force Base, was launched using an airborne control system, demonstrating the survivability and reliability of the US nuclear deterrent. This routine test, not influenced by current global events, underscores the strategic role of ICBMs, which are set to be replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel in the 2030s amid rising costs.
The US conducted a planned test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, emphasizing that such tests are routine and not linked to current global tensions. The missile traveled 4,200 miles to the Marshall Islands, showcasing the US's nuclear deterrent capabilities. This follows a previous failed test in November, highlighting the importance of a successful launch.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a live-fire drill of nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers targeting Seoul, as part of efforts to boost the country's war deterrent amid escalating tensions with South Korea and its allies. The missile tests come after South Korea and Japan reported detecting multiple short-range ballistic missiles fired by North Korea toward its eastern coast, raising regional tensions. The launches coincide with a visit to Seoul by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and are seen as a response to the latest South Korean-U.S. combined military drills. There are concerns that North Korea may escalate pressure in the run-up to elections in the United States and South Korea.
The Trident nuclear-weapons system is a key part of the UK's nuclear deterrent, consisting of four Vanguard-class submarines armed with Trident missiles and warheads. The system is based at Faslane near the Firth of Clyde and has an annual running cost of about £3bn. A recent test firing of a Trident missile from a Royal Navy submarine failed, raising concerns about the system's reliability. The decision to use Trident can only be made by the prime minister, and the system is controversial due to ethical, economic, and strategic concerns.
The test firing of a Trident missile from a Royal Navy submarine has failed for the second time in a row, with the latest test from HMS Vanguard witnessing the missile's booster rockets failing and landing in the sea close to the launch site. The UK Ministry of Defence insists that the nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective, but the failure is highly embarrassing for both the UK and the US manufacturer of the Trident missile. The Labour Party has called for assurances over the effectiveness of the nuclear deterrent, while the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament described it as an expensive failure following a reported £500m refit.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, is urging Europeans to prepare for potential war without U.S. support and to develop their own nuclear deterrent, citing the looming return of Donald Trump and increased nuclear rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Weber advocates for a European nuclear defense, suggesting the internationalization of France's nuclear arsenal and a structured dialogue with the UK. He emphasizes the need for honesty about the threat posed by Putin and the importance of centrist parties in addressing the risks.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new submarine that Pyongyang claims can carry nuclear weapons, strengthening the country's nuclear deterrent. The submarine, a long-desired weapon for North Korea, is seen as a crucial part of Kim's nuclear weapons program, allowing the country to strike enemies from the sea. However, it remains unclear if the submarine is operational, as North Korea has yet to demonstrate its ability to successfully fire nuclear-capable missiles.