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Latest Defense NewsChina ,U.SChina on Thursday announced rare sanctions against two U.S. defense companies over what it said is their support for arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy Beijing claims as its own territory to be recovered by force if necessary.The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. It also bars the companies' management from entering the country.Filings show General Dynamics operates a half-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, which remains heavily reliant on foreign aerospace technology even as it attempts to build its own presence in the field.The company helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan to replace outdated armor intended to deter or resist an invasion from China.General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the U.S. military. Chinese authorities did not go into details on the company's alleged involvement with supplying arms to Taiwan.Beijing has long threatened such sanctions, but has rarely issued them as its economy reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment and a sharp decline in foreign investment."The continued U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, interfere in China's internal affairs, and undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It insists that the mainland and the island to which Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces fled amid civil war in 1949 remain part of a single Chinese nation.Sanctions were leveled under Beijing's recently enacted Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions.General Dynamics fully owned entities are registered in Hong Kong, the southern Chinese semi-autonomous city over which Beijing has steadily been increasing its political and economic control to the point that it faces no vocal opposition and has seen its critics silenced, imprisoned or forced into exile.Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties - a concession Washington made to Beijing when they established relations in 1979 - the U.S. remains Taiwan's most important source of diplomatic support and supplier of military hardware from fighter jets to air defense systems.Taiwan has also been investing heavily in its own defense industry, producing sophisticated missiles and submarines.China had 14 warplanes and six navy ships operating around Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, with six of the aircraft crossing into Taiwan's air defense identification zone - a tactic to test Taiwan's defenses, wear down its capabilities and intimidate the population.So far, that has had little effect, with the vast majority of the island's 23 million people opposing political unification with China.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 15:15:32

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Latest Defense NewsSwedenSweden is allocating 385 million kronor (approximately $36 million) towards fortifying its bomb shelters, emergency services, and civil defense, the government announced on Thursday. The move comes in response to heightened tensions and warnings of potential conflict.Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin stated that the funds would be utilized to enhance the readiness of rescue services in the event of a conflict, strengthen cyber security measures, and support the healthcare system in stockpiling essential medicines. Additionally, money will be allocated towards the refurbishment of bomb shelters, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and maintaining transportation infrastructure.Bohlin emphasized the prolonged deterioration of security conditions, citing concerns about the possibility of war. His remarks echoed sentiments expressed earlier in the year when he cautioned of the potential for conflict in Sweden. These warnings were reinforced by the commander of Sweden’s armed forces, Micael Byden, who urged citizens to prepare mentally for the prospect of war.Sweden's defense spending had undergone significant reductions following the end of the Cold War but was reversed after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Stockholm announced plans to increase defense spending, aiming to reach two percent of GDP at the earliest opportunity. Recent indications suggest that military expenditure will surpass the two-percent target in 2024.The allocated civil defense budget for 2024 stands at 6.5 billion kronor, according to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. However, the agency has identified a need for an annual budget of 20 billion kronor to adequately address defense requirements.Sweden’s investment in strengthening its civil defense infrastructure reflects a proactive approach to enhancing national security amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 15:12:43

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Latest Defense NewsSpainA detachment of five Spanish Eurofighters, accompanied by approximately 60 support personnel, has recently joined NATO's Air Shielding mission at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base along Romania's Black Sea coast.The Spanish Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Garrido, stated that their unit, dubbed PAZNIC, arrived on April 8. They are slated to integrate with Allied forces for two weeks, during which they will conduct training and deterrence flights.Lieutenant Colonel Garrido emphasized the importance of their contribution to NATO's defensive posture along the eastern flank, working in tandem with other Allied forces. This mission aims to enhance the air and missile defense capabilities of NATO territory, reassure Allied populations, and improve overall readiness for defense.The deployment follows Agile Combat Employment (ACE) procedures, an operational concept focused on enhancing resilience and survivability while generating air combat power from dispersed locations. This approach requires coordination between the deploying force and the host base, with limited support staff relying heavily on cooperation with local resources.The Spanish Air Force sees this deployment as valuable experience in implementing the ACE concept, which is designed to ensure readiness and adaptability in responding to potential threats to NATO territory.In addition to the Spanish Eurofighters, the Air Shielding mission incorporates contributions from other Allied fighter squadrons and Surface-Based Air and Missile Defense units, such as the French MAMBA system stationed in Romania.Overall, the participation of Spanish forces in NATO's Air Shielding mission underscores the Alliance's commitment to collective defense and the strengthening of capabilities along its eastern flank.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 15:06:55

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Latest Defense NewsU.SUS Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has announced plans to fly in a newly-configured F-16 fighter aircraft controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). Addressing US senators, Kendall stated his intention to be a passenger on the flight to witness firsthand the performance of the AI-controlled plane in the air. "Hopefully, neither he nor I will be needed to fly the airplane," Kendall remarked.The scheduled flight test is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, a larger US military initiative. With a budget of $6 billion, the CCA program aims to develop a fleet of 1,000 AI-enabled drones that will operate alongside human-piloted jets.These AI-controlled drones, often referred to as "loyal wingmen," are designed to provide cover for the US Air Force's most advanced warplanes and serve as scouts or communication hubs. With estimated costs ranging between $10 million and $20 million per drone, they offer a more cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft.Furthermore, the drones are expected to demonstrate enhanced intelligence, efficiency, and maneuverability compared to existing aircraft. This capability could allow them to execute riskier maneuvers while supporting the operations of human-piloted jets.The products of the CCA project are slated to become operational by 2028, marking a significant step forward in the integration of AI technology within the US military's aircraft fleet.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 14:52:50

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Latest Defence NewsU.S ,IsraelUS President Joe Biden on Wednesday promised "ironclad" support for Israel as Iran threatens reprisals over a strike that leveled an Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed two generals.Biden's promise comes despite his public criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the toll on civilians in Israel's campaign against Hamas, especially after a strike killed seven aid workers.Iran is "threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel," Biden told a news conference."As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said."Let me say it again -- ironclad. We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," said Biden, who was speaking next to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.US officials have voiced alarm over the prospect of an imminent strike against Israeli interests after Israel on April 1 destroyed the consulate building, killing seven members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards including two generals.Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned in a speech Wednesday that the "evil regime" of Israel "must be punished and will be punished."Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly riposted, in a Persian-language statement on social media site X, "If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran."Iran's clerical state supports Hamas, which on October 7 launched the deadliest attack against Israel in the country's history, triggering a relentless six-month Israeli military operation inside the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.The United States since the start of the war has sought to prevent it from spreading including to Lebanon, where Iran supports the Shiite militant movement Hezbollah.The United States has been tightlipped in its public reaction to the April 1 strike, saying it has not determined whether Israel struck a diplomatic facility, which would violate international agreements on the inviolability of embassies and consulates.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 06:05:56

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Latest Defence NewsAustralia ,GermanyAustralia has clinched its largest foreign military export deal with Germany, signing a production contract for 123 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles. The agreement also includes the export of over 100 vehicles to the German Army. This milestone follows a mutual agreement between the Australian and German governments, with Rheinmetall, the defense contractor, spearheading the initiative.The contract, valued at €2.7 billion, encompasses production, maintenance, and repair services. Rheinmetall's Managing Director in Australia, Nathan Poyner, affirmed the significance of this order, marking a pivotal moment in Australia's defense export history. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2025, with the first Australian-manufactured vehicle expected to roll out in 2026.The Heavy Weapon Carrier, also known as the "Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie" vehicle, is derived from the Australian Army's Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV). The Boxer platform is globally renowned for its advanced features, including enhanced troop safety, firepower, and mobility, making it adaptable for various operational scenarios, from peacekeeping missions to high-intensity combat.One of the key components of the CRV is its reconnaissance mission module, equipped with the two-person digital Lance turret. This marks the first utilization of a crewed medium-caliber turret on the Boxer platform, further enhancing its capabilities on the battlefield.Production of the German Boxers will take place at Rheinmetall's Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in South East Queensland, Australia. This facility, staffed by over 650 skilled workers, serves as a hub for vehicle, armor, and electronics production, not only for Australia but also for global partners.The contract underscores Rheinmetall's commitment to fostering Australia's defense industry capability, creating local value, and integrating Australian companies into its global supply chain. Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, expressed gratitude for being selected to supply the Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor for the German Army's new force category, the 'medium forces.'By leveraging the expertise of its Australian workforce and integrating capabilities from its global network, Rheinmetall aims to expedite the delivery of combat vehicles to the German Army. This collaboration not only strengthens defense ties between Australia and Germany but also contributes to enhancing global security.In addition to the Boxer vehicles ordered under Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 project, which includes the CRV variant with the crewed digital Lance turret, Rheinmetall provides services for the Australian Army's HX truck fleet and supplies the Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System to the Royal Australian Navy. Furthermore, Rheinmetall has been instrumental in managing training systems for Defense and has delivered a significant number of HX Trucks to the New Zealand Defense Force.In conclusion, the signing of the production contract for Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles marks a significant milestone in Australia's defense export history. This collaboration between Australia and Germany, facilitated by Rheinmetall, not only enhances bilateral defense cooperation but also contributes to global security efforts. With deliveries set to commence in 2025, this partnership underscores the shared commitment to bolstering defense capabilities and fostering innovation in the defense industry.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 05:57:25

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Latest Defence NewsNorth KoreaNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un said unstable geopolitical situations surrounding his country mean now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever, as he inspected the country's main military university, KCNA news agency said on Thursday.Kim gave field guidance on Wednesday at Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics, named after his father who died in 2011, which KCNA said is the "highest seat of military education" in the country.North Korea has stepped up weapons development in recent years under Kim and has forged closer military and political ties with Russia, allegedly aiding Moscow in its war with Ukraine in return for help with strategic military projects.Affirming that if the enemy opts for military confrontation with the DPRK, the DPRK will deal a death-blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilizing all means in its possession," KCNA quoted Kim as telling the university staff and students.DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name."Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the DPRK, he said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," KCNA said.Earlier this month, Kim supervised the test launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile using solid fuel, which analysts said would bolster the North's ability to deploy missiles more effectively than liquid-fuel variants.North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of provoking military tensions by conducting what it called "war maneuvers" as the allies have conducted military drills with greater intensity and scale in recent months.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 05:53:48

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Latest Defence NewsGreeceGreece has officially sealed the deal with the United States to acquire 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. This purchase, greenlit by the US State Department in 2023, comes with a price tag of $1.95 billion.The agreement encompasses not only the helicopters themselves but also includes provisions for personnel training and necessary equipment to ensure seamless integration of these aircraft into the Hellenic Army.Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo expressed confidence that this deal would bolster Greece's defense modernization efforts. The versatile capabilities of the Black Hawk helicopters are expected to enhance both national security and collaborative missions within NATO.The UH-60M Black Hawk, manufactured by Lockheed-owned Sikorsky, originated in the 1970s as a utility aircraft. Over the years, it has undergone significant enhancements in performance, survivability, and reliability compared to its predecessors.These twin-engine helicopters boast a maximum speed of 159 knots (183 miles/295 kilometers per hour) and a cruising speed of 152 knots (175 miles/282 kilometers per hour). The UH-60M comes in two main variants: utility and special purpose, with further subdivisions into 29 different modifications.While the exact delivery date for the helicopters is yet to be disclosed, this acquisition marks a substantial step forward in Greece's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen its partnerships within the NATO alliance.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-11 05:36:19

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Latest Defence NewsU.S ,UkraineThe United States has agreed to sell $138 million worth of urgently needed military equipment to Ukraine to repair and upgrade its Hawk missile systems. This move comes as a larger $60 billion aid package remains stalled in Congress.Ukraine’s air defenses, which were mainly Soviet-era when Russia invaded in February 2022, have seen significant improvement with US equipment and aid since the conflict began. The US has provided Ukraine with advanced air defense systems like Patriot missiles, as well as older equipment such as the Hawk.The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that Ukraine urgently needs to enhance its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and aerial attacks. The sale of Hawk missile system equipment is aimed at improving Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and critical national infrastructure.Despite the urgency, the sale is not expected to change the overall military balance in the region.Ukraine has been calling on the United States to approve the $60 billion aid package, which has been delayed by disagreements among Republicans in Congress. This package would enable the delivery of essential weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian troops on the front lines.President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine could lose the war if the aid package is not approved soon. Russian forces have intensified attacks recently, including a major aerial assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in power outages for over a million homes and the shutdown of the country’s largest hydroelectric plant.The attacks have also targeted Chasiv Yar, a location close to Kramatorsk, an important rail and logistics hub for the Ukrainian army.Washington has been a crucial military supporter of Kyiv since the Russian invasion. However, due to delays in the aid package caused by internal disagreements within the Republican party over President Joe Biden's immigration policies, Ukrainian soldiers have had to ration ammunition, uncertain about when the next delivery will arrive.The $60 billion aid package has already been approved by the Senate, but its passage through Congress remains uncertain amidst ongoing political wrangling.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 15:55:46

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Latest Defence NewsRussia Ukraine WarRussia's state-owned TASS News Agency has reported that the country is developing more powerful ammunition by studying NATO-made equipment collected in Ukraine. According to the report, Russian defense conglomerate Rostec is upgrading tank shells based on their analysis of NATO assets seized in the conflict."We are actively working on new ammunition with better performance," stated Bekhan Ozdoev, a Rostec official. He mentioned that feedback from Russian soldiers in Ukraine is being considered in this development process.Rostec claims that Western efforts to improve tanks for Ukraine will be futile as they continue to enhance defense technology from captured equipment. In June 2023, Moscow announced the capture of German Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in the Zaporizhzhya region. Footage was released showing Russian troops inspecting the seized Western equipment.Earlier this year, a German lawmaker warned that Ukraine was close to losing all its Leopard 2 main battle tanks, as many were destroyed, captured, or inoperable.The report contradicts a Russian official's statement that their engineers found seized Western vehicles, especially the Bradleys, to be "significantly inferior" to Russian counterparts in terms of firepower, mobility, maintenance, and ease of use.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 15:50:31

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Latest Defence NewsFrance ,SerbiaSerbia is in discussions with French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 12 Rafale multipurpose fighter jets. This news was confirmed by the office of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic following a series of high-level talks.During his two-day visit to France on April 8-9, President Vucic engaged in strategic discussions with Dassault Aviation, showing a keen interest in enhancing Serbia’s military assets and exploring broader avenues of cooperation between Serbia and France. “We had a meeting with the Dassault group on Rafale but also on other types of cooperation. We are going to sign a contract which will significantly improve the safety of our country,” Vucic stated, highlighting the importance of this potential acquisition for Serbia’s national security.The Serbian President also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the strategic partnership between the two nations across various sectors, including defence, energy, and high technology. These discussions underscore the multifaceted relationship between Serbia and France, aiming to foster deeper cooperation beyond the military sphere.Serbia’s interest in the Rafale jets is not new. The country has been contemplating this purchase for over two years, with initial discussions revolving around the acquisition of six jets, a number that has now doubled. The shift towards a larger fleet reflects Serbia’s commitment to modernizing its air force, which currently relies on aging Soviet-made MiG-21 and MiG-29 fighters, along with older Yugoslav combat aircraft.The move comes in the wake of Croatia’s acquisition of 12 used Rafale jets from France in November 2021, which prompted Vucic to hint at Serbia’s potential interest in bolstering its own air force capabilities with the French-manufactured jets.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 15:27:58

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Latest Defence NewsMyanmarArmored vehicles rumbled through the town of Mae Sot as artillery echoed across the Myanmar border, where clashes between the military junta and an ethnic armed group intensified for the second consecutive day. The scene painted a picture of tension and fear as hundreds of people queued at the immigration checkpoint in Mae Sot, seeking refuge in Thailand from the escalating violence in Myanmar.Many of those fleeing recounted the horror of the artillery and gunfire that had disrupted their lives in Myanmar, prompting them to seek safety across the border. Khu, a 49-year-old from Myawaddy, expressed her fear as she crossed into Thailand with her pet dog, opting to stay until the fighting subsided.Thai soldiers maintained vigilance beneath the friendship bridge connecting Mae Sot with the trade hub of Myawaddy in Myanmar, while hundreds of civilians crossed over to seek shelter in Thailand. Amidst the chaos, a Thai soldier reflected on the intensity of the conflict, describing it as the most severe he had witnessed during his fifteen years in Mae Sot.Among those seeking refuge was Jafal Sweardik, a 14-year-old who fled with his family from near Myawaddy, where the sounds of artillery had overshadowed the Eid festivities. His relief at finding safety in Thailand was palpable as he looked forward to reuniting with family and sharing a meal.The strategic importance of Myawaddy as a trade hub became apparent amidst the clashes, with reports of the Karen National Union (KNU) seizing a military base nearby. More than $1.1 billion worth of trade flowed through Myawaddy annually, making it a crucial source of revenue for the military junta.As fighting intensified, residents of Myawaddy described the harrowing experience of living amidst the conflict, with artillery sounds and explosions becoming a constant presence. Despite the chaos, some chose to remain behind to protect their homes while their loved ones sought refuge across the border.Reports from Myanmar indicated heightened security measures, with authorities blocking traffic into Myawaddy and residents fleeing to Mae Sot in search of safety. In response to the influx of refugees, Thailand reinforced its border controls and prepared to accommodate up to 100,000 people fleeing the violence.The escalation of clashes along the Thai-Myanmar border underscored the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar since the military seized power from the democratically-elected government in 2021. With thousands seeking refuge in neighboring Thailand, the humanitarian crisis fueled concerns about the stability of the region and the plight of those caught in the crossfire.In Mae Sot, the influx of refugees strained resources and prompted calls for assistance from international aid organizations. The humanitarian response aimed to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to those displaced by the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for support amidst the escalating crisis.As tensions continued to simmer along the border, the plight of Myanmar's civilian population remained precarious, caught between the warring factions vying for control. For those seeking refuge in Thailand, the journey across the border offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty and fear gripping their homeland.In the face of adversity, communities on both sides of the border rallied together to provide support and assistance to those affected by the conflict. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, acts of kindness and compassion served as a beacon of hope in the midst of turmoil, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis.As the sun set on another day of violence and displacement, the fate of Myanmar's civilian population hung in the balance, with their future uncertain amidst the ongoing turmoil and strife. For now, the border town of Mae Sot stood as a symbol of refuge and resilience, offering sanctuary to those fleeing the ravages of conflict in search of a better tomorrow.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 15:07:04

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Latest Defence NewsU.S ,UkraineThe US has transferred more than 5,000 AK-47s, rocket launchers and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition seized from Iran to Ukraine as it tries to defend against Russia, the US Central Command has announced. Ukraine has been facing severe shortages of weapons and munitions on the battlefield in its raging war against Russia, with the US unable to send more equipment from its stockpiles until more funding is approved by the much-divided Congress.On April 4, 2024, the US government transferred over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s and over 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces, CENTCOM said.It said the material transferred to Ukraine is enough to equip one Ukrainian brigade - around 4,000 personnel - with small-arms rifles."These weapons will help Ukraine defend against Russia's invasion," CENTCOM said in a statement on Tuesday.The US government obtained ownership of these munitions on December 1, 2023, through the Department of Justice's civil forfeiture claims against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).The munitions were originally seized by the US military and its partners "from four separate transiting stateless vessels between 22 May 2021 to 15 Feb 2023," the statement said.The US transferred over one million rounds of seized Iranian ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces in October, CNN reported.Over the past year, the US Navy has seized thousands of Iranian assault rifles and more than one million rounds of ammunition from vessels used by Iran to ship weapons to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.The seizures, frequently carried out with regional partner forces, target small stateless vessels on routes historically used to smuggle weapons to the Houthis.For the last year, the Biden administration has been working to legally send the seized weapons, which are stored in CENTCOM facilities across the Middle East, to the Ukrainian military.The munitions were being transferred from the IRGC to the Houthis in Yemen in violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216."U.S. CENTCOM is committed to working with our allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region by all lawful means including U.S. and U.N. sanctions and through interdictions."Iran's support for armed groups threatens international and regional security, our forces, diplomatic personnel, and citizens in the region, as well as those of our partners. We will continue to do whatever we can to shed light on and stop Iran's destabilising activities," the CENTCOM statement said.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 14:57:39

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Latest Defence NewsIndiaLithuania continues to provide vital military support to Ukraine, underscoring its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and security. On April 5, M577 armored personnel carriers were delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, following a request for assistance. This ongoing aid reflects Lithuania's strategic objective of supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized the importance of this assistance, stating, "The weaponry and equipment we and the Allies transfer is a critical factor in Ukraine’s fight for independence and for security of the whole Europe. We will assist Ukraine for as long as necessary."In addition to the recent delivery of armored personnel carriers, Lithuania responded promptly to Ukraine's request for 155mm ammunition in early March. Furthermore, Lithuania made a decision to contribute 35 million euros to the multinational Ammunition Initiative of the Czech Republic to aid in purchasing and delivering ammunition to Ukraine.The assistance provided by Lithuania encompasses a wide range of support, including weaponry, ammunition, UAVs, anti-drone equipment, training assistance, and repair of heavy equipment, among others. Lithuania has also approved a long-term plan for assistance to Ukraine, allocating a EUR 200 million package for new procurement for Ukraine from 2024 to 2026.Overall, since the beginning of the conflict, Lithuania has already provided approximately EUR 605 million worth of military assistance to Ukraine. This continued support underscores Lithuania's commitment to standing by Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and security.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 05:27:25

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Latest Defence NewsU.K ,IsraelRejecting accusations that Israel carried out a genocide in Gaza, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said there was no 'evidence' of it.On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised the international community for failing to hold Hamas accountable, while US Defence Secretary Austin denied claims that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.Both officials insisted that Israel must guarantee long-term improvements to the humanitarian situation in the enclave."We don't have any evidence of genocide being created," Austin said in testimony before the US Senate Armed Services Committee regarding US President Joe Biden's latest budget request, The Times of Israel reported.Austin's statement came a day after Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren shared a video on her social media handle, asserting that the International Court of Justice should find Israel guilty of genocide because there was 'ample evidence'.Austin referred to the horrors carried out by Hamas on October 7 as a 'war crime' but refrained from calling them a genocide at the hearing on Tuesday.Austin made these remarks during a session that was often disrupted by far-left protesters yelling at him to cease supplying Israel with arms, The Times of Israel reported.They raised their hands, stained in red, in the air and yelled, "Stop the genocide."Several senators expressed their outrage at the civilian deaths and insisted that more was needed to be done by the administration to put pressure on Israel to save the Gaza population.Six months have elapsed since Hamas launched a brutal onslaught on Israel, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. Despite the passage of time, 134 hostages remain in Hamas' captivity, their fate hanging in the balance amidst ongoing efforts to secure their release.The Israel Defence Forces have withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip after a four-month fight in the Khan Younis area, The Times of Israel reported.As the country marked six months of war against Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) published new data on its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon, highlighting everything from the number of terror operatives killed to the number of sites struck.According to the data, more than 13,000 Hamas operatives and members of other terror groups have been killed by the IDF in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, in addition to some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7, when gunmen rampaged through southern communities, massacring some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 253 to Gaza.The data presented by the IDF further stated that the military has killed five Hamas brigade commanders and those of an equivalent rank, as well as more than 20 battalion commanders.Since October 7, in the West Bank, the IDF said the troops have arrested more than 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,600 affiliated with Hamas.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-10 05:20:00