<p>The US forces have secretly deployed a missile that can literally fry electronic components in Iranian nuclear sites using high-power microwaves. The missile, known as the Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP), was first tested in 2012 and is jointly developed by Boeing's Phantom Works for the US Air Force Research Laboratory. The missile is understood to have been operational since 2019.</p>

<h2><strong>How does CHAMP operate?</strong></h2>

<p>The CHAMP is fitted in an air-launched cruise missile and delivered by a B-52 bomber.</p>

<p>Once it enters enemy airspace, the missile stays low and emits high-powered microwave energy aimed at target devices. This ends up frying and destroying the enemy’s military capability without having to use explosives and causing causalities.</p>

<p>The missile is equipped with an electromagnetic pulse cannon. A super-powerful microwave oven is harnessed to generate a concentrated beam of energy that triggers voltage surge in electronic equipment, rendering them useless.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Iran vs Israel: West Asia on nuclear knife edge</strong></p>

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<p>It is not clear where exactly the US has deployed this weapon or whether it has shared this technology with any other nation.</p>

<p>Mary Lou Robinson, former chief of the High Power Microwave Division of the Air Force Research Lab at Kirtland Air Force Base, was quoted as saying by DailyMail that at least 20 CHAMP missiles are currently in operation, capable of taking out any military target, including nuclear facilities.</p>

<h2><strong>West Asia crisis</strong></h2>

<p>The development comes amidst heightened tensions in West Asia as Israel and Iran trade missile and drone attacks over the last week.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden has warned Iran that further attacks on Israel would plunge the Middle East further into conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj53PngzNCFAxVWZ2wGHYutAvUQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj53PngzNCFAxVWZ2wGHYutAvUQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">West Asia crisis: Iran 'not planning' retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran over the weekend tried to shield its equipment against threats of an imminent Israeli strike, but US officials said that would not be effective against the high-power microwave (HPM) missiles.</p>

<p>Besides underground bunkers and command centres, HPM can quickly disable fighter planes, tanks, ships, and missile systems, according to US officials.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US forces have secretly deployed a missile that can literally fry electronic components in Iranian nuclear sites using high-power microwaves. The missile, known as the Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP), was first tested in 2012 and is jointly developed by Boeing's Phantom Works for the US Air Force Research Laboratory.

The US forces have secretly deployed a missile that can literally fry electronic components in Iranian nuclear sites using high-power microwaves. The missile, known as the Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP), was first tested in 2012 and is jointly developed by Boeing's Phantom Works for the US Air Force Research Laboratory. The missile is understood to have been operational since 2019. How does CHAMP operate? The CHAMP is fitted in an air-launched cruise missile and delivered by a B-52 bomber. Once it enters enemy airspace, the missile stays low and emits high-powered microwave energy aimed at target devices. This ends up frying and destroying the enemy’s military capability without having to use explosives and causing causalities. The missile is equipped with an electromagnetic pulse cannon. A super-powerful microwave oven is harnessed to generate a concentrated beam of energy that triggers voltage surge in electronic equipment, rendering them useless. Watch: Gravitas | Iran vs Israel: West Asia on nuclear knife edge × It is not clear where exactly the US has deployed this weapon or whether it has shared this technology with any other nation. Mary Lou Robinson, former chief of the High Power Microwave Division of the Air Force Research Lab at Kirtland Air Force Base, was quoted as saying by DailyMail that at least 20 CHAMP missiles are currently in operation, capable of taking out any military target, including nuclear facilities. West Asia crisis The development comes amidst heightened tensions in West Asia as Israel and Iran trade missile and drone attacks over the last week. US President Joe Biden has warned Iran that further attacks on Israel would plunge the Middle East further into conflict. Also read: West Asia crisis: Iran 'not planning' retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan Iran over the weekend tried to shield its equipment against threats of an imminent Israeli strike, but US officials said that would not be effective against the high-power microwave (HPM) missiles. Besides underground bunkers and command centres, HPM can quickly disable fighter planes, tanks, ships, and missile systems, according to US officials. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US deploys ‘CHAMP’ missile that can FRY Iranian nuclear equipment

<p>US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Saturday, June 19, announced the passing away of their pet, Champ. "Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home", read a statement released by the President and the first lady.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our family lost our loving companion Champ today. I will miss him. <a href="https://t.co/sePqXBIAsE">pic.twitter.com/sePqXBIAsE</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1406273358187044868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Biden continued the tradition of having pets inside the White House. Champ was one of two German Shepherds living at the White House with the Bidens. The other one is Major, who is the first rescue dog to live in the White House. &nbsp;The Bidens adopted him in November 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ, also a German Shepherd, joined the family in 2008.</p>

<p>However, Major had to be briefly removed from the premises after two incidents of nipping staff at the White House.</p>

<p>Former President Barack Obama was dog-less while campaigning, but promised his daughters Sasha and Malia a puppy during his acceptance speech after winning the 2008 election. The Obamas eventually had a Portuguese Water Dog called Bo who was gifted to the family by the late Senator Ted Kennedy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-white-house-to-be-home-for-joe-bidens-pets-major-and-champ-a-brief-history-on-first-pets-of-america-357949"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;White House to be home for Joe Biden's pets Major and Champ: A brief history on 'first pets' of America&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The Obamas adopted a second dog of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013, according to the Presidential Pet Museum.</p>

<p>The 'first pets' of America enjoy perks as well. Like George W Bush`s Scottish Terrier, Barney, flew on Air Force One and starred in `Barney Cam` videos to celebrate the holiday season. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend," Bush said when Barney died in 2013.</p>

<p>The Clintons` Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy, joined cat Socks at the White House; while George HW Bush and family had several dogs in the White House, including Millie, the star of a children`s book written by Bush`s wife Barbara.</p>

<p>About 67% of all U.S. homes had a pet in 2019, up from 56% three decades ago, the American Pet Products Association reported last year.</p>


US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Saturday, June 19, announced the passing away of their pet, Champ. "Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home", read a statement released by the President and the first lady.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Saturday, June 19, announced the passing away of their pet, Champ. "Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home", read a statement released by the President and the first lady. Our family lost our loving companion Champ today. I will miss him. pic.twitter.com/sePqXBIAsE — President Biden (@POTUS) June 19, 2021 × Biden continued the tradition of having pets inside the White House. Champ was one of two German Shepherds living at the White House with the Bidens. The other one is Major, who is the first rescue dog to live in the White House. The Bidens adopted him in November 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ, also a German Shepherd, joined the family in 2008. However, Major had to be briefly removed from the premises after two incidents of nipping staff at the White House. Former President Barack Obama was dog-less while campaigning, but promised his daughters Sasha and Malia a puppy during his acceptance speech after winning the 2008 election. The Obamas eventually had a Portuguese Water Dog called Bo who was gifted to the family by the late Senator Ted Kennedy. Also Read | White House to be home for Joe Biden's pets Major and Champ: A brief history on 'first pets' of America The Obamas adopted a second dog of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013, according to the Presidential Pet Museum. The 'first pets' of America enjoy perks as well. Like George W Bush`s Scottish Terrier, Barney, flew on Air Force One and starred in `Barney Cam` videos to celebrate the holiday season. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend," Bush said when Barney died in 2013. The Clintons` Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy, joined cat Socks at the White House; while George HW Bush and family had several dogs in the White House, including Millie, the star of a children`s book written by Bush`s wife Barbara. About 67% of all U.S. homes had a pet in 2019, up from 56% three decades ago, the American Pet Products Association reported last year.

Biden's German Shepherd Champ dies; President, first lady pay tribute

Donald Trump was the first U.S. President in 156 years to not have a pet in the White House. The long-standing tradition is now back with Joe Biden's dogs- Champ and Major. WION's Molly Gambhir introduces you to America's first pets.

Gravitas: Meet America's first pets

<p>Serena Williams has history in her sights, as the defending champion plots to avenge one of the most painful defeats of her career by beating Angelique Kerber in Saturday&#39;s Wimbledon final. Williams suffered a stunning loss against Kerber in the Australian Open final in January, and the rivals will face off for the first time since then when they slug it out for the Wimbledon title.<br />
<br />
There was further frustrations for Serena when she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza last month. But the 34-year-old has been revitalised at the All England Club and, after taking just 48 minutes to crush Elena Vesnina in Wimbledon&#39;s quickest-ever semi-final, she has the chance to finally equal Steffi Graf&#39;s Open era record of 22 major titles by lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for a seventh time.<br />
<br />
Making history at Kerber&#39;s&nbsp;expense would be especially sweet, even more so after the fourth seed defeated Serena&#39;s sister Venus in the semi-finals, and Williams says she has learnt the lessons of Australia. &quot;Obviously it&#39;s significant that she beat&nbsp;me in Australia because that&#39;s the last time we played,&quot; Serena said.<br />
<br />
&quot;I made a lot of errors. She made little to no unforced errors. I felt like she played great. She was fearless. That&#39;s something I learned. When I go into a final, I too need to be fearless like she was.&nbsp;It was inspiring afterwards to realise there&#39;s a lot of things that I need to improve on.&quot;<br />
<br />
Since failing to complete a calendar Grand Slam last year, Serena has repeatedly had her hunger for more success questioned. But, having reached a ninth Wimbledon final and 28th Grand Slam, Williams insists she is still motivated.<br />
<br />
&quot;Yeah, I have no hunger anymore. Yeah, right,&quot; Serena said in a defiant press conference after her demolition of Vesnina. &quot;I mean, I think for anyone else in this whole planet, reaching the final would be a wonderful accomplishment. For me, it&#39;s not enough. But I think that&#39;s what makes me different. That&#39;s what makes me Serena. For me, it&#39;s about obviously holding the trophy and winning, which would make it a better accomplishment for me.&quot;<br />
<br />
In a combative mood with the media, Serena was quick to quash suggestions the pressure of trying to make history had been responsible for her failure to win a Grand Slam since last year&#39;s Wimbledon.<br />
<br />
&quot;My goal has never been 22. I don&#39;t talk about that anymore,&quot; she snapped. &quot;I love what I do. I work hard at what I do. I&#39;m extremely passionate. That&#39;s just the kind of something that keeps me going.&quot; Asked where she ranked among the great female athletes, Williams reframed the question.<br />
<br />
&quot;I prefer one of the greatest athletes of all time,&quot; she said with not a trace of a smile. Fortunately for fans hoping for a drama-filled final, Kerber isn&#39;t the type to back down in the face of Serena&#39;s aggression. The 28-year-old in her first Wimbledon final and second major title match, couldn&#39;t be&nbsp;in better form as she tries to become the first German woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Graf in 1996.<br />
<br />
&quot;I told myself that I would like to play better in the big tournaments. I just believe much more in myself, especially after Australia,&quot; Kerber said.<br />
<br />
&quot;I&#39;m a little bit more relaxed when I&#39;m going to the tournaments.&nbsp;I know I can trust my tennis.&quot;&nbsp;After sweeping to the final without dropping&nbsp;a set, Kerber is guaranteed to reach a career-high second in the rankings next week.<br />
<br />
&quot;I will go out there with a lot of confidence.&nbsp;I&#39;ll show her I&#39;m there to win. I have to play one of my best matches,&quot; Kerber said.<br />
The German added: &quot;I expect a really tough match. I know that she will go out and try to beat me, especially because she lost against me in Australia.&nbsp;On grass she is always dangerous. She won here so many times, she will go for it. I know this. I know I have to play my best tennis.&quot;<br />
<br />
(AFP)</p>


The defending champ can avenge her painful loss in last year's Australian open, and tie her idol Steffi Graf's record of 22 Grand Slam wins

Serena Williams has history in her sights, as the defending champion plots to avenge one of the most painful defeats of her career by beating Angelique Kerber in Saturday's Wimbledon final. Williams suffered a stunning loss against Kerber in the Australian Open final in January, and the rivals will face off for the first time since then when they slug it out for the Wimbledon title. There was further frustrations for Serena when she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza last month. But the 34-year-old has been revitalised at the All England Club and, after taking just 48 minutes to crush Elena Vesnina in Wimbledon's quickest-ever semi-final, she has the chance to finally equal Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 major titles by lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for a seventh time. Making history at Kerber's expense would be especially sweet, even more so after the fourth seed defeated Serena's sister Venus in the semi-finals, and Williams says she has learnt the lessons of Australia. "Obviously it's significant that she beat me in Australia because that's the last time we played," Serena said. "I made a lot of errors. She made little to no unforced errors. I felt like she played great. She was fearless. That's something I learned. When I go into a final, I too need to be fearless like she was. It was inspiring afterwards to realise there's a lot of things that I need to improve on." Since failing to complete a calendar Grand Slam last year, Serena has repeatedly had her hunger for more success questioned. But, having reached a ninth Wimbledon final and 28th Grand Slam, Williams insists she is still motivated. "Yeah, I have no hunger anymore. Yeah, right," Serena said in a defiant press conference after her demolition of Vesnina. "I mean, I think for anyone else in this whole planet, reaching the final would be a wonderful accomplishment. For me, it's not enough. But I think that's what makes me different. That's what makes me Serena. For me, it's about obviously holding the trophy and winning, which would make it a better accomplishment for me." In a combative mood with the media, Serena was quick to quash suggestions the pressure of trying to make history had been responsible for her failure to win a Grand Slam since last year's Wimbledon. "My goal has never been 22. I don't talk about that anymore," she snapped. "I love what I do. I work hard at what I do. I'm extremely passionate. That's just the kind of something that keeps me going." Asked where she ranked among the great female athletes, Williams reframed the question. "I prefer one of the greatest athletes of all time," she said with not a trace of a smile. Fortunately for fans hoping for a drama-filled final, Kerber isn't the type to back down in the face of Serena's aggression. The 28-year-old in her first Wimbledon final and second major title match, couldn't be in better form as she tries to become the first German woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Graf in 1996. "I told myself that I would like to play better in the big tournaments. I just believe much more in myself, especially after Australia," Kerber said. "I'm a little bit more relaxed when I'm going to the tournaments. I know I can trust my tennis." After sweeping to the final without dropping a set, Kerber is guaranteed to reach a career-high second in the rankings next week. "I will go out there with a lot of confidence. I'll show her I'm there to win. I have to play one of my best matches," Kerber said. The German added: "I expect a really tough match. I know that she will go out and try to beat me, especially because she lost against me in Australia. On grass she is always dangerous. She won here so many times, she will go for it. I know this. I know I have to play my best tennis." (AFP)

Serena Williams can make history by beating Kerber in Saturday's Wimbledon finals

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