World 

Defense News ,Maldives :- On February 16, 2024, an unconfirmed Twitter post suggested that the Maldives has declared bankruptcy and is seeking financial assistance from the IMF.The Maldives, an island nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean, heavily relies on tourism and is largely funded by China. In 2020, the Maldivian government received financial support, including loans of USD 196 million, USD 28.9 million from the IMF's Rapid Credit Facility, and USD 56 million in grants from the IMF.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a warning on February 7, 2023, indicating a high risk of 'debt distress' for the Maldives due to its increasing ties with China. The nation is currently under the governance of a pro-China government led by President Mohamed Muizzu.Since Muizzu became president in November of the previous year, China has promised additional funding to the Maldives. During a recent visit to China, Muizzu expressed gratitude for the nation's support in the form of "selfless assistance" for development funds.The IMF, in its report, called for "urgent policy adjustment" without specifying details about the Maldives' foreign debt. It warned that without significant policy changes, fiscal deficits and public debt would remain high, posing a continued risk of external and overall debt distress for the Maldives.The Maldives' economy, heavily dependent on tourism, suffered during the Covid pandemic, but the nation has taken measures to boost tourism, such as expanding airports and increasing the number of hotels. Despite these efforts, the IMF expressed caution, stating that uncertainties surrounding the economic outlook remain high, with risks leaning toward the downside.During the presidency of Abdulla Yameen, the Maldives borrowed extensively from China for construction projects, resulting in more than 42% of the country's $3 billion foreign debt owed to China in 2021, according to the World Bank.As the Maldives becomes closer to China, it is distancing itself from India. Indian troops operating three reconnaissance aircraft in the Maldives have been instructed to leave by May 10. Meanwhile, President Muizzu has pledged to strengthen the nation's military to defend its extensive maritime territory.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-17 06:49:14

 World 

Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- Ukraine reported that Russia fired around 24 North Korean ballistic missiles towards the country since December 30, causing damage and casualties. At least 14 civilians have been killed, according to Ukrainian authorities.Andriy Kostin, Ukraine's prosecutor general, mentioned that a preliminary assessment identified the missiles as part of the KN-23/24 series from North Korea, used by Russia in these attacks. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied the use of North Korean-made missiles.Kostin highlighted the questionable accuracy of the missiles, with only two out of the 24 being relatively precise, hitting an oil refinery and an airfield. He also mentioned that the U.S. believes Russia began receiving such missiles after a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.Between December 30, 2023, and February 7, 2024, Ukraine experienced at least 12 missile attacks across seven regions. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Donetsk, and Dnipro were among the targeted areas. The deadliest incident occurred in Kharkiv on January 2, resulting in three deaths and 64 injuries.Kostin revealed that an investigation was ongoing to determine if a large crater near Bucha, caused by an air strike, was linked to the North Korean missile. The missiles' maximum range was estimated to be 650 km, and it was preliminarily suggested that Russia launched them from the Voronezh region. The use of North Korean-made missiles raises concerns about the origin and motivation behind these attacks on Ukraine.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-17 06:46:39

 World 

Defense News ,Russia :- Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has passed away in prison, as reported by Al Jazeera on Friday, citing state media.The 47-year-old opposition leader's death was confirmed by state media, quoting the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he was serving his sentence.According to the prison service statement, Navalny "felt bad" and lost consciousness almost immediately after a walk. Despite immediate medical attention and resuscitation attempts, the prison staff confirmed his death. The causes of his death are currently under investigation.Details regarding the incident are still awaited.In January, on New Year's Eve, Navalny shared a message on social media expressing that he didn't feel lonely and was in a "great" mood. However, he mentioned missing spending time with his family and friends in person.In a New Year's Eve message posted by his team on social media, Navalny stated that it would be the third time he had used Photoshop to create the traditional family New Year's Eve photo. He mentioned trying to keep up with the times and using artificial intelligence to draw himself, hoping for a fantastic result.At that time, Navalny was serving his term at the Russian Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region's IK-3 prison colony.Navalny had been in prison since January 2021, following his return to Moscow after recovering from nerve agent poisoning in Germany, which he attributed to the Kremlin.Before his arrest, Navalny was known for campaigning against corruption and organizing significant anti-Kremlin protests. He faced three prison terms and spent months in isolation in Penal Colony Number 6 for alleged minor infractions.A court later extended Navalny's sentence to 19 years on "extremism" charges and ordered his transfer to a more secure and harsher prison. Throughout the ordeal, Navalny consistently rejected all charges, considering them politically motivated.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-17 06:31:53

 World 

Defense News ,US :- The Biden administration is thinking about sending bombs and other weapons to Israel to boost its military strength, despite urging a ceasefire in Gaza, as per a report from the Wall Street Journal on Friday. Current and former U.S. officials revealed that the proposed arms shipment includes MK-82 bombs, KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions for precision guidance, and FMU-139 bomb fuses, with an estimated value in the tens of millions of dollars.The administration is still internally reviewing the proposed delivery, and details may change before notifying congressional committee leaders who must approve the transfer, according to a U.S. official mentioned in the report. The U.S. State Department, Defense Department, Israel Defense Forces, and Israel Defense Ministry did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.As of December 2023, the Biden administration had skipped congressional review of weapons sales to Israel twice, drawing criticism for supplying arms amid allegations that American-made weapons have been used in strikes causing civilian casualties.The conflict in Gaza began when Iran-backed Hamas sent fighters into Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and 253 hostages seized, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's air and ground offensive has since devastated much of Gaza, causing 28,775 deaths, mostly civilians according to Palestinian health authorities, and displacing nearly all of its 2 million inhabitants from their homes.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-17 06:28:46

 World 

Defense News ,Russia :- Last week, there are reports that the Russian military might have launched a super-fast missile called Zircon in Ukraine. The information comes from the UK defense intelligence.Normally, this missile is used by the Russian Navy, but this time it was launched from a coastal defense system on land. This is making people wonder how it happened.The intelligence believes that a system called K-300, which is usually used for coastal defense, might have been changed to launch this missile.If this is true, it's a big problem for Ukraine's air defense because the Zircon missile is very fast and can move in different ways.Russia is showing off its ability to use this missile in a real situation to prove that it works. They previously tested it successfully from a naval vessel in May 2022. The missile can travel up to 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) and has a speed of Mach 9.After the missile hit Kyiv on February 7, the Kyiv Scientific-Research Institute for Forensic Examinations confirmed that it was indeed the Zircon missile. This was the first time it was used in a real attack, and it caused five deaths and damaged buildings.The institute looked at the parts of the missile and its fragments and said that the marks and features show it was a Zircon missile.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 15:54:29

 World 

Defense News ,Pakistan :- Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) achieved a significant moment on Wednesday as they laid the keel for the second Hangor-class submarine. This event marks a big step in Pakistan's efforts to modernize its navy.Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, attended as the chief guest, emphasizing the project's importance for Pakistan's maritime security. The country is steadily progressing towards having a fleet of eight Hangor-class submarines, which will enhance its underwater capabilities.Under the agreement between Pakistan and China, the construction of these submarines is split. While four are being built at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry in China, the other four, including the newly laid keel, are being constructed at KS&EW through a technology transfer agreement. This collaboration not only boosts Pakistan's naval power but also strengthens its indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.The keel laying ceremony comes after the successful start of the construction of the first Hangor-class submarine in December 2022, which is already well underway. With the commencement of the second submarine, Pakistan is moving closer to realizing its goal of a strong submarine fleet, ensuring increased maritime deterrence and safeguarding its national interests.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 15:48:10

 World 

Defense News ,US, Russia :- The White House has confirmed that Russia is developing a capability to target satellites in space and called Moscow's pursuit of this particular capability "troubling."White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said the US is closely monitoring this Russian activity and will continue to take it seriously amid reports of Moscow reportedly developing a space-based nuclear weapon designed to disable or destroy satellites.While addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time), John Kirby said, "While I am limited by how much I can share about the specific nature of the threat, I can confirm that it is related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing. I want to be clear about a couple of things right off the bat."According to the intelligence presented to Congress, the US military "cannot counter such a weapon and defend its satellites," according to a report in the New York Times."First, this is not an active capability that's been deployed. And though Russia's pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety. We are not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth. That said, we've been closely monitoring this Russian activity and we will continue to take it very seriously," added Kirby.He noted that US President Joe Biden has been regularly informed by his national security team. Kirby said Biden has directed a series of initial actions, including additional briefings to congressional leaders, and direct diplomatic engagement with Russia. He said that the intelligence community has serious concerns about a broad declassification of this intelligence.Kirby said, "President Biden has been kept fully informed and regularly informed by his national security team, including today. He has directed a series of initial actions, including additional briefings to congressional leaders, direct diplomatic engagement with Russia, with our allies and our partners as well, and with other countries around the world who have interests at stake. The intelligence community has serious concerns about a broad declassification of this intelligence. They also assess that starting with private engagement rather than immediately publicizing the intelligence could be a much more effective approach.""We agree with that, which is consistent, of course, with how we have conducted downgrades of information in the past. This administration has put a lot of focus on strategically doing that, in a deliberate way and in particular, when it comes to Russia. And there are two things that we always do first when we consider downgrades. One, we work with the intelligence community to conduct a thorough scrub of that intelligence to make sure that we are protecting sources and methods. And, two, we sequence our private diplomacy with our public disclosure to ensure the maximum effect," he added.Asked whether it is a nuclear weapon or nuclear-powered weapon, Kirby responded, "I'm not going to be able to go into any more detail than I did in my opening statement. It is an anti-satellite capability that they're developing. And beyond that, I will not go."John Kirby said that the US has been aware of the Russian pursuit of this kind of capability for many months. However, he added that the intelligence community in recent weeks has been able to assess it with a sense of confidence on exactly how Russia continues to pursue it.Asked when US President Joe Biden was informed about Russia developing this capability, Kirby said, "I don't have a specific date on a calendar. He has been kept informed throughout. And our general knowledge of Russian pursuit of this kind of capability goes back many, many months, if not a few years. But only in recent weeks now has the intelligence community been able to assess with a higher sense of confidence exactly how Russia continues to pursue it."Kirby's remarks come after the head of the US House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, revealed that members of Congress had access to information about an unspecified "serious national security threat. He even urged US President Joe Biden to declassify all information related to the threat, CBS News reported.According to CBS News report, Turner said, "I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat."Notably, orbital nuclear weapons are currently banned due to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. A nuclear detonation in space could have both immediate and long-lasting effects in Earth's orbit.In the immediate aftermath, nuclear explosions could cause a multitude of damaging effects; pulses of high-energy radiation such as heat, x-rays and other radiation can "can damage nearby satellites and blind their sensors," according to a 2023 study by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS).

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 15:45:00

 World 

Defense News ,US :- The US Army has introduced its latest combat helmet, the Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS), to around 2,000 troops. This new helmet is designed to replace older models like the Integrated Head Protection System, the Advanced Combat Helmet, and the Enhanced Combat Helmet, which were introduced in the early 2000s.The NG-IHPS comes with improved features, including better retention and suspension systems, an upgraded cover, and a night vision bracket. It allows for the integration of additional components such as hearing protection, a mandible protector, and communication devices. Moreover, the helmet is compatible with heads-up displays like the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular.According to Maj. Matthew Nulk, Assistant Program Manager of the US Army Head Protection Team, the NG-IHPS offers increased ballistic and fragmentation protection while reducing the weight required by 40%. This represents a significant advancement in rifle threat protection for soldiers.The initial batch of NG-IHPS helmets has been distributed to the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg. Additional helmets are expected to be supplied to the division's 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams in the coming quarter. The overall rollout of the NG-IHPS is planned for all close-combat force units over the next three years.Lt. Col. Ken Elgort, Soldier Protective Equipment Product Manager, highlighted the significance of this development, stating that the NG-IHPS not only provides protection against relevant battlefield threats but also serves as a purpose-built platform for integrating current and future soldier-enabling devices.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 15:41:45

 World 

Defense News ,Italy :- The United States Department of State recently gave the green light for Italy to buy more advanced weapons for its Lockheed Martin F-35A/B Lightning II multirole fighters. These weapons are worth about USD 220 million.Italy plans to get more RTX GBU-53/B StormBreaker SDB-II guided bombs. They want to add 125 bombs and eight simulators to their arsenal. Before, Italy got approval for buying 48 of these bombs and four simulators.The new batch of bombs is valued at a maximum of USD 150 million, and the first batch was contracted in December last year.The GBU-53/B StormBreaker bombs are special because of their guidance system, allowing them to destroy both stationary and moving targets. They are lightweight (93 kg), making it possible for multirole combat aircraft to carry more of them, helping to eliminate more targets with less collateral damage.In addition to the bombs, Italy also wants to buy twelve AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guided missiles. This is an extension of a previous request, which included twelve missiles and the necessary logistical package. The total cost for the 24 missiles, additional elements, and support is valued at a maximum of USD 70 million.Both the StormBreaker bombs and AMRAAM missiles will play a crucial role in enhancing Italy's F-35 Lightning II fleet, improving its abilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 14:33:22

 World 

Defense News ,U.S :- On Wednesday, SpaceX successfully sent six new satellites into low-Earth orbit, dedicated to detecting and tracking missiles for the United States.These satellites consist of two Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) units from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the final four satellites from the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Tranche 0 Tracking Layer. The entire Tranche 0 satellite group includes 27 units, with 19 focused on data transport and communications, while the rest are dedicated to missile warning.SDA director Derek Tournear highlighted the collaboration, stating that launching both Tracking and HBTSS satellites into the same orbit is a significant achievement for both agencies. This joint effort allows them to observe test targets simultaneously, ensuring a better understanding of how the sensors work together.Looking ahead, in Tranche 1, the SDA plans to deploy both sensor types as an operational system. This includes medium-field-of-view demonstrating fire control based on HBTSS design and wide-field-of-view for warning and tracking based on Tranche 0 tracking design.The HBTSS, a key component in this launch, specializes in detecting and tracking ballistic and maneuvering hypersonic missiles, surpassing current systems' capabilities. It boasts higher sensitivity to the lower heat signatures of hypersonic missiles. The HBTSS is designed to identify these advanced threats earlier than terrestrial radars and provide crucial tracking data for interceptors.Following the recent launch, two HBTSS prototypes will undergo two years of in-orbit testing. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) explained that the Space Development Agency (SDA) plans to build upon the successes of the HBTSS fire-control capabilities and incorporate them into future satellite tranches.In summary, this recent SpaceX launch marks a significant advancement in missile-detection technology, bringing together the expertise of both the MDA and SDA to enhance the capabilities of the United States' missile defense system.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 14:24:21

 World 

Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- In the eastern town of Avdiivka, Ukraine has urgently sent more soldiers to reinforce its troops, stating that the situation is extremely critical. Russian forces have been besieging the city in the Donetsk region for the past year, surrounding it on three sides.The Third Separate Assault Brigade, in a post on its Telegram channel, confirmed its redeployment to strengthen Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. Recent weeks have seen Russian forces making progress in their attempts to capture the city, leading to reports of street fighting on the outskirts.Ukraine's top commander acknowledged on Wednesday that the country is outnumbered on the battlefield. The ongoing battle for Avdiivka, an industrial hub less than 10 kilometers north of Donetsk, has become one of the bloodiest conflicts in the two-year war. It is drawing comparisons with the intense fight for Bakhmut last year, where tens of thousands of soldiers lost their lives.The Third Separate Assault Brigade expressed concern about the unstable and threatening situation in Avdiivka. The enemy continues to actively rotate troops and deploy additional forces and resources into the city. Despite these challenges, Ukraine's army, as per the general staff, remains steadfast in holding back the enemy's attempts to surround Avdiivka.According to the general staff, Russia launched 34 attacks in the area on Wednesday, highlighting the intensity of the conflict. Additionally, Moscow continued its aerial attacks on Ukraine overnight, firing 26 missiles. These attacks resulted in the death of at least one person and the destruction of multiple homes, according to Ukrainian officials on Thursday.In a tragic incident, a 66-year-old woman lost her life when two projectiles hit a residential area in the northeastern city of Chuguyiv, as reported by the prosecutor's office. Despite the challenges, Ukraine's air defenses successfully shot down 13 of the Russian missiles, according to the air force.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 07:39:05

 World 

Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- The Ukrainian military recently used the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), marking a significant development in their arsenal. The evidence emerged online when remnants of this ammunition were discovered near Kreminna in the Luhansk region on February 13.The United States government had announced the future delivery of GLSDB missiles as part of an arms package on February 3, 2023. It took almost a year for this promise to be fulfilled due to certain reasons, mainly because this type of ammunition was not in serial production at that time. The introduction of GLSDB brings a notable change to the capabilities of the MARS and HIMARS rocket systems.Previously, Ukraine relied on GMLRS missiles with a range of up to 85 km. However, after the initial shock of their use, Russians strategically moved their large warehouses beyond this range, over 100 km from the front lines. The GLSDB, with its doubled flight range, is poised to alter this dynamic, even though it comes at the cost of reducing the explosive material content in the warhead. Despite the reduced explosive power, hitting ammunition depots with the GLSDB is expected to yield satisfying results.The GLSDB could emerge as a compelling alternative to the scarce ATACMS Block I missiles, which Ukrainians have used sparingly in combat since October 2023. Despite a similar range, the lightweight GLSDB missile is estimated to cost around USD 40,000, significantly cheaper than the heavy ATACMS, which comes with a price tag of about USD 1 million.Notably, the ATACMS version provided to Ukrainian soldiers is equipped with a cluster warhead, making it suitable for targeting scattered objects across open ground. This limitation was evident during attacks on airfields in Berdyansk and Luhansk, where several helicopters were taken down in open spaces. In contrast, the GLSDB has the ability to penetrate building roofs and can penetrate about 90 cm of reinforced concrete before detonation.The ground-launched GLSDB is a collaborative effort between Boeing in the United States and Saab in Sweden. It combines the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb with the engine from the M26 rocket of the 227 mm caliber from the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system. Launched from the ground to high altitudes, the GLSDB deploys wings and fins after the engine burns out, entering its glide phase towards the target. The estimated flight range is around 150-160 km, and its targeting is achieved through inertial navigation with satellite correction, ensuring accuracy to less than 1 meter.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 07:35:32

 World 

Defense News ,Russia :- Russia's Rostec state corporation, through JSC Rosoboronexport, recently introduced its latest short-range air-to-air missile, the RVV-MD2, at the Dubai Air Show 2023. This marks the missile's first international debut. Designed initially for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter program, the RVV-MD2 is also compatible with Sukhoi 30/35/34 aircraft, extending its potential use to various operators.The RVV-MD2 stands out with its advanced combined guidance system, seamlessly integrating inertial guidance, a multi-element dual-channel infrared seeker with enhanced jamming resistance, and a radio correction receiving channel. This advanced technology enables the missile to independently determine its position and track enemy aircraft even during evasive maneuvers, covering an impressive 180° forward hemisphere scanning area.Rosoboronexport's goal is to attract different Russian jet operators with the RVV-MD2, given its compatibility with multiple Sukhoi platforms and its advanced capabilities. This could position the missile competitively in the air-to-air missile market.Key Features:1. Developed for Su-57 Fighter Program: Specifically designed for the advanced Su-57, adaptable to various Sukhoi platforms.2. Combined Guidance System: Integrates inertial navigation, advanced infrared seeker, and radio correction for precise targeting.3. Independent Targeting: Capable of determining its own coordinates and autonomously tracking targets.4. 180° Forward Hemisphere Scanning: Effectively tracks evasive maneuvers.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 07:17:24

 World 

Defense News ,UK ,Ukraine :- On Thursday, Britain revealed its plans to collaborate with Latvia in leading an international coalition focused on delivering thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine.Last month, London committed £200 million ($250 million) to offer the "largest drone package ever given to Ukraine by any nation." This commitment was part of a 10-year security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.The UK's contribution involves supplying thousands of "first-person view" drones, enabling operators to have a clear understanding of the situation and target positions, armored vehicles, and ships. These drones have proven to be highly effective since Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago.Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated, "The UK is committed to providing Ukraine with what it needs," ahead of a NATO meeting in Brussels on Thursday. Referring to the collaboration with Latvia, he added, "Together, we will equip Ukraine with the capabilities necessary to defend itself and triumph in this conflict."During the NATO ministerial meeting, Britain, along with its 13 allies and potential member Sweden, is set to sign an agreement for two new procurement initiatives focused on munitions and missiles. Led by the UK, these initiatives aim to enhance defense industrial capacity across the Euro-Atlantic region and replenish depleted stockpiles due to the conflict in Ukraine.France, Germany, and Turkey are among the countries participating in these procurement plans, according to a statement from the defense ministry. Additionally, Britain is collaborating with NATO members Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States to provide air-defense equipment to Ukraine, further strengthening the collective support for Ukraine's defense.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 07:12:33

 World 

Defense News ,Canada :- Saab has secured a substantial order from the Canadian government for their short-range air defense system, RBS 70 NG. The deal, valued at approximately CAD 227 million (SEK 1.8 billion), will involve delivering the necessary equipment, such as firing units, missiles, transport vehicles, training, and support, starting in 2024.This order comes after a competitive selection process, where Saab's proposal was chosen to fulfill Canada's urgent operational needs for the Soldier Portable Air Defence System Program. As part of the agreement, Saab is committed to providing long-term air defense support to the Canadian Armed Forces, particularly focusing on their Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.To meet this commitment, Saab plans to incorporate Canadian content by collaborating with local offices and partners based in Canada. Saab's President and CEO, Micael Johansson, expressed satisfaction in delivering their reliable air defense solution, the RBS 70 NG, which he considers a crucial capability for nations in the current global environment.The RBS 70 NG, a short-range air defense system developed by Saab, is known for its unjammable laser-beam guidance and auto-tracking technology. Saab already serves RBS 70 NG customers worldwide, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Latvia.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-16 06:59:23