The wars conflicts and Rising security concerns are forcing countries around the world to increase their military spending. Global military spending reached a record high in 2023 surging 6.8% to almost 2.5 trillion dollar. This marks the ninth consecutive year of increase with 2023 being the steepest rise since 2009. Watch in for more details!

Global military expenditure reaches over $2.4 trillion in 2023

Cambodia and China began 15-day military exercises on Thursday as questions grow about Beijing's increasing influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

China's new Naval outpost in Cambodia?

The Myanmar Junta is facing the sternest challenge to its authority since grabbing power in a 2021 coup. An alliance of three Myanmar ethnic minority groups, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, the Arakan Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army or MNDAA, known as the Brotherhood alliance, has waged a coordinated offensive since the 27th of October last year, thereby unnerving the military. The offensive, dubbed by rebels as Operation 1027, signifying the date on which it began, has made inroads into the Junta-controlled areas in the northern Shan state, Kayah state in the east and Rakhine state in the west. This past week, in the latest blow to the military, an ethnic armed group, the Arakan army, captured a military command and took hundreds of Junta personnel prisoner in the Western Rakhine state. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Myanmar: Hundreds of junta personnel paraded as prisoners

UK's Ministry of Defence suffered a significant data breach. The personal information of UK military personnel has been hacked. A third-party payroll system used by the MoD was attacked. This system included names and bank details of current and past members of the armed forces.

Who is hacking UK armed forces’ personal data?

<p>Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know about the blast</strong></h2>

<p>“Unfortunately a sticky bomb placed in a motorbike targeted a convoy of counter-narcotics police,” said Qani in a statement, on X.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 11:00 am (local time) and based on “preliminary information three police personnel were martyred and five others injured,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blast is being investigated by the police, said Qani. According to the spokesman, the convoy of police forces that was targeted was carrying poppy&nbsp;that is used to make opium, in a bid to destroy it before their vehicle was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-ethnic-armed-group-says-captured-hundreds-of-junta-personnel-718665">Myanmar ethnic armed group says captured hundreds of junta personnel</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, sources had told WION that&nbsp;six people had been killed and eight others were&nbsp;injured after a blast in an&nbsp;explosives-laden motorcycle when a military convoy was passing through an area in&nbsp;Faizabad city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Afghanistan International citing residents in the city said that the blast destroyed at least one Taliban ranger vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban faces rare protests over ban on poppy cultivation</strong></h2>

<p>The blast comes a day after the Taliban said they have managed to quell rare protests over security forces’ attempts to eradicate poppy cultivation in the province, which generates income for many impoverished farmers across Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were holding meetings in the Badakhshan province amid the ongoing protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unrest erupted last week after Taliban’s anti-narcotics forces began destroying poppy fields in Badakhshan province which led to unprecedented violent protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Taliban security forces used firearms to disperse the demonstrators and killed two people during the two-day protest.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Tuesday (May 7), the Afghan Taliban said that they had quelled protests in a rare official acknowledgement of civil disturbance since the group returned to power in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pak-pm-imran-khans-wife-moved-to-jail-on-her-request-heres-why-719372">Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's wife moved to jail on her request. Here's why</a></strong></p>

<p>Zabihullah Amiri, head of the Taliban-run provincial government’s media department, said that an official delegation from Faizabad city had travelled to the two districts, held meetings and that the areas were now “under control”.</p>

<p>“They accepted the legitimate demands of the people, at the moment, there are no issues in Argo and Darayim districts,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The people and area are under the control of security forces, and the latest update is that people have committed to cooperating with security forces to eradicate poppy cultivation.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8).

Three police personnel were killed and five others were injured after a blast rocked Faizabad city, the provincial capital of north Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, said the spokesperson for Taliban’s interior minister, Abdul Mateen Qani, on Wednesday (May 8). What we know about the blast “Unfortunately a sticky bomb placed in a motorbike targeted a convoy of counter-narcotics police,” said Qani in a statement, on X. The incident took place around 11:00 am (local time) and based on “preliminary information three police personnel were martyred and five others injured,” he added. The blast is being investigated by the police, said Qani. According to the spokesman, the convoy of police forces that was targeted was carrying poppy that is used to make opium, in a bid to destroy it before their vehicle was attacked. Also Read | Myanmar ethnic armed group says captured hundreds of junta personnel Earlier, sources had told WION that six people had been killed and eight others were injured after a blast in an explosives-laden motorcycle when a military convoy was passing through an area in Faizabad city. A report by Afghanistan International citing residents in the city said that the blast destroyed at least one Taliban ranger vehicle. Taliban faces rare protests over ban on poppy cultivation The blast comes a day after the Taliban said they have managed to quell rare protests over security forces’ attempts to eradicate poppy cultivation in the province, which generates income for many impoverished farmers across Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were holding meetings in the Badakhshan province amid the ongoing protests. The unrest erupted last week after Taliban’s anti-narcotics forces began destroying poppy fields in Badakhshan province which led to unprecedented violent protests. According to reports, Taliban security forces used firearms to disperse the demonstrators and killed two people during the two-day protest. On Tuesday (May 7), the Afghan Taliban said that they had quelled protests in a rare official acknowledgement of civil disturbance since the group returned to power in 2021. Also Read | Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's wife moved to jail on her request. Here's why Zabihullah Amiri, head of the Taliban-run provincial government’s media department, said that an official delegation from Faizabad city had travelled to the two districts, held meetings and that the areas were now “under control”. “They accepted the legitimate demands of the people, at the moment, there are no issues in Argo and Darayim districts,” he said. He added, “The people and area are under the control of security forces, and the latest update is that people have committed to cooperating with security forces to eradicate poppy cultivation.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a trip to three European countries beginning Sunday (5 May). Watch to know more.

Chinese President Xi sets off on diplomatic trip to Europe

<p>The US military carried out a major experiment, matching a piloted aircraft against an AI-controlled F-16. The AI-managed F-16D X-62A, also recognised as the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), engaged in an aerial combat session last year.</p>

<p>This information was disclosed recently by the US Air Force and DARPA. Military officials stated that the trials demonstrated the potential for machine learning to revolutionise aerial combat tactics.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program achieves world first for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> in aerospace. 7min video highlights how in-air combat tests between AI- and human-piloted F-16s <a href="https://twitter.com/EdwardsAFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdwardsAFB</a> are transforming progress for human-machine teaming and trusted autonomy. <a href="https://t.co/NewcjI4UjP">https://t.co/NewcjI4UjP</a></p>
— DARPA (@DARPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1780651249085403244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>DARPA initiated AI experimentation in December 2022 through its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) programme, aiming to create an autonomous fighter jet system.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-launched-at-us-led-coalition-base-in-syria-from-iraq-713682">Also read |&nbsp;Rockets launched at US-led coalition base in Syria from Iraq</a></p>

<p>During the September 2023 dogfight, humans were present on the AI-controlled jet with the ability to deactivate the AI, though this wasn't necessary. Both aircraft engaged in close encounters, approaching within 2,000 feet at speeds of 1,200 miles per hour. The outcome of the dogfight was not disclosed.</p>

<p>Bill Gray, the chief test pilot at the Air Force's Test Pilot School, stressed on&nbsp;the significance of dogfighting in advancing autonomous AI systems for various aerial tasks. The ACE programme, which began in December 2022, has conducted 21 test flights, leading to extensive software modifications.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian soldiers welcome US&nbsp;aid&nbsp;vote</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukrainian-soldiers-welcome-us-aid-vote-713692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Secretary of the US Air Force, Frank Kendall, informed the US Senate about plans to introduce an autonomously flown F-16 later in the year, with a pilot observing as the technology operates, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;The goal is for the technology to be fully capable without human intervention, highlighting the evolving role of AI in military aviation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US military carried out a major experiment, matching a piloted aircraft against an AI-controlled F-16. The AI-managed F-16D X-62A, also recognised as the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), engaged in an aerial combat session last year.

The US military carried out a major experiment, matching a piloted aircraft against an AI-controlled F-16. The AI-managed F-16D X-62A, also recognised as the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), engaged in an aerial combat session last year. This information was disclosed recently by the US Air Force and DARPA. Military officials stated that the trials demonstrated the potential for machine learning to revolutionise aerial combat tactics. Watch the video here: Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program achieves world first for #AI in aerospace. 7min video highlights how in-air combat tests between AI- and human-piloted F-16s @EdwardsAFB are transforming progress for human-machine teaming and trusted autonomy. https://t.co/NewcjI4UjP — DARPA (@DARPA) April 17, 2024 × DARPA initiated AI experimentation in December 2022 through its Air Combat Evolution (ACE) programme, aiming to create an autonomous fighter jet system. Also read | Rockets launched at US-led coalition base in Syria from Iraq During the September 2023 dogfight, humans were present on the AI-controlled jet with the ability to deactivate the AI, though this wasn't necessary. Both aircraft engaged in close encounters, approaching within 2,000 feet at speeds of 1,200 miles per hour. The outcome of the dogfight was not disclosed. Bill Gray, the chief test pilot at the Air Force's Test Pilot School, stressed on the significance of dogfighting in advancing autonomous AI systems for various aerial tasks. The ACE programme, which began in December 2022, has conducted 21 test flights, leading to extensive software modifications. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian soldiers welcome US aid vote Secretary of the US Air Force, Frank Kendall, informed the US Senate about plans to introduce an autonomously flown F-16 later in the year, with a pilot observing as the technology operates, as reported by Reuters. The goal is for the technology to be fully capable without human intervention, highlighting the evolving role of AI in military aviation. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: US Air Force conducts first-ever human vs AI aerial dogfight

In what is being termed as the biggest shakeup of China's military in over a decade Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered a major overhaul of the PLA with extensive Focus now to strengthen China's cyber warfare capabilities. Watch i for more details!

China: Xi decrees new branch creation to streamline PLA's Cyber capabilities

In what is being termed as the biggest shakeup of China's military in over a decade Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered a major overhaul of the PLA with extensive Focus now to strengthen China's cyber warfare capabilities. Watch in for more details!

China: Xi Jinping decrees expansion of cyberwarfare capabilities

West Asia continues to simmer. According to reports an explosion occurred at a military base in Iraq early on Saturday causing a large fire. Watch in for more details!

Iraq military base explosion: US denies reports of alleged attack in Iraq

In their first meeting since Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan convened in Iran on Monday. Russia stated that the primary issue had been settled, subject to additional work on a peace treaty. The summit was held against the backdrop of escalating Middle East tensions, following Azerbaijan's swift advance into the disputed territory.

Russia begins withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh even though Moscow has a military base in Armenia

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. Watch to know more.

China 'militarising' space?

Amid Myanmar's escalating crisis, the National Unity Government (NUG) is actively seeking formal engagement with India, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Zaw Kyaw, spokesperson for the Office of the President, NUG, conveyed the NUG's plea in an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. Kyaw urged India to reassess its engagement with the military junta and opt for conversation with the NUG.

Myanmar: Uprising against Myanmar's military Junta, NUG's spokesperson talks to WION

The Philippines has accused China of attempting to recruit its military officers to conduct Espionage activities in its exclusive economic zone sparking a controversy. China has however strongly denied the allegations. Watch in for more details!

Philippines steps up probe into alleged Chinese sleeper cells

Myanmar is on the boil the Junta there had retreated from their base close to Thailand's border after being pummeled by Rebel drones Junta forces have taken control of Myawaddy a strategic trading Outpost. Hundreds of refugees crossed over the river Frontier between Myanmar and Thailand after the strategic Border Town became a battlefield for Rebels and the military Junta.

Myanmar junta attacked by rebel drones

India-UK defence ties are set to reach new highs in the New Year the UK's Royal Navy carrier strike group and the Indian Navy will conduct exercises in the India Pacific. A first step towards this two Royal Navy ships are undergoing repairs at an Indian Shipyard.

India-UK joint military exercise brings defence ties, deeper than ever

Myanmar: Violence escalates near Thai border

Myanmar is in a state of turmoil. After weeks of fighting between military personnel and rebel groups, anti-junta groups have now claimed control over the critical Border Town of Myawaddy.

Myanmar: Rebel group takes over border town of Myawaddy

Myawaddy: Rebel group takes over border town in Myanmar

- China willing to raise strategic trust level with Vietnam - Biden tops Trump in blacklisting Chinese entities - UK to use new laser tech in Ukraine war? - UK tightens grip on migration - Kazakhstan on high alert amid flooding - Biden: Trilateral summit a 'new era of partnership'

China's military willing to raise strategic trust level with Vietnam

The militarization of artificial intelligence has a profound implication for Global Security and warfare. As per an investigation Israel has employed an AI driven kill list to pick over 30,000 Targets in Gaza with minimal human input fueling civilian casualties. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war | Israel using AI software to flatten Gaza?

<p>In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week. This visit marks the first military-level exchange between the two nations following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'.</p>

<p>The deepening of ties between Greece and India has been underscored by a series of high-profile engagements in recent times. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a visit to India, closely following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Greece the previous year.</p>

<p>Modi's visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the southern European nation in over four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ferry-passengers-jump-into-sea-to-save-their-life-from-fire-on-board-707804">Thailand: Ferry passengers jump into sea to save their life from fire on board</a></p>

<p>Military cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable upsurge, with collaborative efforts evident in various defense exercises. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, demonstrated the growing partnership in defense capabilities.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-75th-anniversary-us-spent-219-trillion-on-nato-over-75-years-how-much-other-members-contributed-707744">NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed?</a></p>

<p>Similarly, the Indian Navy's engagement in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime collaboration between the two nations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-elections-2024-indias-first-time-voter-from-chennai-speaks-to-wion-707786">Indian elections 2024: India's first-time voter from Chennai speaks to WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>Beyond military maneuvers, India and Greece have found common ground on several issues, further cementing their diplomatic camaraderie. Both nations have consistently aligned in their mutual support on Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.</p>


In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week.

In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week. This visit marks the first military-level exchange between the two nations following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'. The deepening of ties between Greece and India has been underscored by a series of high-profile engagements in recent times. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a visit to India, closely following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Greece the previous year. Modi's visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the southern European nation in over four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations. Also Read | Thailand: Ferry passengers jump into sea to save their life from fire on board Military cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable upsurge, with collaborative efforts evident in various defense exercises. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, demonstrated the growing partnership in defense capabilities. Also Read | NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed? Similarly, the Indian Navy's engagement in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime collaboration between the two nations. Watch | Indian elections 2024: India's first-time voter from Chennai speaks to WION × Beyond military maneuvers, India and Greece have found common ground on several issues, further cementing their diplomatic camaraderie. Both nations have consistently aligned in their mutual support on Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen

Terror outfit Jaish Al-Adl has claimed responsibility for simultaneous attacks on military posts in Southeastern Iran. At least five members of the security forces have been killed in the attack. Watch in for more details!

Jaish Al-Adl attacks on Iran's military post, 5 security personnel killed

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also called Sepah or Pasdaran, is a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces. Watch to know more

Iran's revolutionary guard corps: Military capabilities

The government disclosed guidelines for the construction of underground shelters on outlying islands in Okinawa Prefecture in case of a military crisis involving Taiwan.

Japan to build shelters on isles near Taiwan

US President Joe Biden and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to announce plans to restructure the US military command in Japan, the Financial Times reported, citing five people familiar with the matter.

US and Japan plan upgrade to security alliance

Washington and Tokyo are planning to announce an agreement to restructure the US military command in Japan when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits the White House next month. According to reports, this would be the biggest upgrade for the Security Alliance in decades.

US eyes revamped military command in Japan

Europe looks to Japan for defence pact amid ‘worrying shift’ in regional dynamic. Agreement being discussed could potentially include cooperation on naval exercises, intelligence sharing and responses to cyber threats.

EU, Japan sign defence deal

Europe looks to Japan for defence pact amid regional dynamics

Stockpile shortages & recruitment crisis hit #RoyalArmedForces Be it Trident Missile Failure or shortage of pilots in RAF British Army personnel drop to low levels British Army Chief: UK civilians should be ready to fight Can #RishiSunak save the UK armed forces? Is British Military Might Shrinking?

British Military Might 'Shrinking'

Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise as Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu has said China has built an enormous military base on three of its Islands surrounding Taiwan in the South China Sea. But at the same time, Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the Strategic waterways.

Beijing's aggressive expansion in the South China Sea

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