Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70 per cent.

"Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," said&nbsp;Indian envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-sale-of-f-35s-can-boost-uaes-military-capabilities-322255">Have a look: How sale of F-35s can boost UAE's military capabilities</a>

India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Oleg Ryazansev, a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian government's Army-2020 Forum.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foriegn countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign agreement for production and supply of IGLA-S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally."

Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the two countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by the end of 2020.

Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of year 2020."

Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment."

India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat. India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70 per cent. "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," said Indian envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma. Have a look: How sale of F-35s can boost UAE's military capabilities India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Oleg Ryazansev, a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian government's Army-2020 Forum. Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foriegn countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign agreement for production and supply of IGLA-S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally." Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the two countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by the end of 2020. Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of year 2020." Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment." India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018.

Moscow hopes agreement on IGLA missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid&nbsp;growing tensions with Taiwan and the US.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-finalizes-purchase-of-66-f-16-fighter-jets-in-biggest-arms-deal-with-us-321434" hreflang="en">Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US</a>

According to China's state media, the country&nbsp;has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder". A senior engineer in the report said that the&nbsp;weapon can carry six types of submunitions and attack different targets.

The announcement comes after heightened tensions with Taiwan and the US over Hong Kong and the escalating&nbsp;South China Sea dispute.&nbsp;

The Taiwanese government on Monday had said that it was stepping up its efforts to cross-check new arrivals from the city of Hong Kong in order to prevent Chinese spies from entering the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a>

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council had said that it was “strengthening the management” of Hong Kong and Macau residents who are originally from mainland China, or who are the current or previous party, government or military officials, and aimed to prevent them from “carrying out infiltration, united front, disturbance or spying activities”.&nbsp;

The highest-level meeting between the US and Taiwan in four decades angered Beijing. China warned the US not to “play with fire”.

Recently, Taiwan finalized its purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid growing tensions with Taiwan and the US. Also read: Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US According to China's state media, the country has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder".

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid growing tensions with Taiwan and the US. Also read: Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US According to China's state media, the country has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder". A senior engineer in the report said that the weapon can carry six types of submunitions and attack different targets. The announcement comes after heightened tensions with Taiwan and the US over Hong Kong and the escalating South China Sea dispute. The Taiwanese government on Monday had said that it was stepping up its efforts to cross-check new arrivals from the city of Hong Kong in order to prevent Chinese spies from entering the country. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council had said that it was “strengthening the management” of Hong Kong and Macau residents who are originally from mainland China, or who are the current or previous party, government or military officials, and aimed to prevent them from “carrying out infiltration, united front, disturbance or spying activities”. The highest-level meeting between the US and Taiwan in four decades angered Beijing. China warned the US not to “play with fire”. Recently, Taiwan finalized its purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

China unveils new weapons system 'Sky Thunder' amid tensions with Taiwan: Report

Iran claims to have established multiple underground missile cities along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Naval Commander has called these missile cities as a nightmare for Iran enemies.

WION Dispatch: Iran Navy Chief makes massive claim, Iran missile cities nightmare for Iran enemies

As Washington and Beijing trade barbs over the coronavirus pandemic, a longer-term struggle between the two Pacific powers is at a turning point, as the United States rolls out new weapons and strategy in a bid to close a wide missile gap with China.

The United States has largely stood by in recent decades as China dramatically expanded its military firepower. Now, having shed the constraints of a Cold War-era arms control treaty, the Trump administration is planning to deploy long-range, ground-launched cruise missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Pentagon intends to arm its Marines with versions of the Tomahawk cruise missile now carried on US warships, according to the White House budget requests for 2021 and Congressional testimony in March of senior US military commanders. It is also accelerating deliveries of its first new long-range anti-ship missiles in decades. 
In a statement to Reuters about the latest US moves, Beijing urged Washington to "be cautious in word and deed," to "stop moving chess pieces around" the region, and to "stop flexing its military muscles around China."

The US moves are aimed at countering China's overwhelming advantage in land-based cruise and ballistic missiles. The Pentagon also intends to dial back China's lead in what strategists refer to as the "range war." The People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's military, has built up a huge force of missiles that mostly outrange those of the US and its regional allies, according to senior US commanders and strategic advisers to the Pentagon, who have been warning that China holds a clear advantage in these weapons. 
And, in a radical shift in tactics, the Marines will join forces with the US Navy in attacking an enemy's warships. Small and mobile units of US Marines armed with anti-ship missiles will become ship killers.

In a conflict, these units will be dispersed at key points in the Western Pacific and along the so-called first island chain, commanders said. The first island chain is the string of islands that run from the Japanese archipelago, through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas.

Top US military commanders explained the new tactics to Congress in March in a series of budget hearings. The commandant of the US Marine Corps, General David Berger, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 5 that small units of Marines armed with precision missiles could assist the US Navy to gain control of the seas, particularly in the Western Pacific. "The Tomahawk missile is one of the tools that is going to allow us to do that," he said.

The Tomahawk - which first gained fame when launched in massed strikes during the 1991 Gulf War - has been carried on US warships and used to attack land targets in recent decades. The Marines would test fire the cruise missile through 2022 with the aim of making it operational the following year, top Pentagon commanders testified.

At first, a relatively small number of land-based cruise missiles will not change the balance of power. But such a shift would send a strong political signal that Washington is preparing to compete with China's massive arsenal, according to senior US and other Western strategists. Longer term, bigger numbers of these weapons combined with similar Japanese and Taiwanese missiles would pose a serious threat to Chinese forces, they say. The biggest immediate threat to the PLA comes from new, long-range anti-ship missiles now entering service with US Navy and Air Force strike aircraft.

"The Americans are coming back strongly," said Ross Babbage, a former senior Australian government defense official and now a non-resident fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a security research group. "By 2024 or 2025 there is a serious risk for the PLA that their military developments will be obsolete."

A Chinese military spokesman, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, warned last October that Beijing would "not stand by" if Washington deployed land-based, long-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

China's foreign ministry accused the United States of sticking "to its cold war mentality" and "constantly increasing military deployment" in the region.

"Recently, the United States has gotten worse, stepping up its pursuit of a so-called 'Indo-Pacific strategy' that seeks to deploy new weapons, including ground-launched intermediate-range missiles, in the Asia-Pacific region," the ministry said in a statement to Reuters. "China firmly opposes that."

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said he would not comment on statements by the Chinese government or the PLA.

US MILITARY UNSHACKLED

While the coronavirus pandemic rages, Beijing has increased its military pressure on Taiwan and exercises in the South China Sea. In a show of strength, on April 11 the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning led a flotilla of five other warships into the Western Pacific through the Miyako Strait to the northeast of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. On April 12, the Chinese warships exercised in waters east and south of Taiwan, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the US Navy was forced to tie up the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt at Guam while it battles to contain a coronavirus outbreak among the crew of the giant warship. However, the US Navy managed to maintain a powerful presence off the Chinese coast. The guided-missile destroyer USS Barry passed through the Taiwan Strait twice in April. And the amphibious assault ship USS America last month exercised in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the US Indo-Pacific Command said.

In a series last year, Reuters reported that while the US was distracted by almost two decades of war in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the PLA had built a missile force designed to attack the aircraft carriers, other surface warships and network of bases that form the backbone of American power in Asia. Over that period, Chinese shipyards built the world's biggest navy, which is now capable of dominating the country's coastal waters and keeping US forces at bay.

The series also revealed that in most categories, China's missiles now rival or outperform counterparts in the armories of the US alliance.

China derived an advantage because it was not party to a Cold War-era treaty - the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) - that banned the United States and Russia from possessing ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges from 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers. Unrestrained by the INF pact, China has deployed about 2,000 of these weapons, according to US and other Western estimates.

While building up its missile forces on land, the PLA also fitted powerful, long-range anti-ship missiles to its warships and strike aircraft.

This accumulated firepower has shifted the regional balance of power in China's favor. The United States, long the dominant military power in Asia, can no longer be confident of victory in a military clash in waters off the Chinese coast, according to senior retired US military officers.

But the decision by President Donald Trump last year to exit the INF treaty has given American military planners new leeway. Almost immediately after withdrawing from the pact on August 2, the administration signaled it would respond to China's missile force. The next day, US Secretary for Defense Mark Esper said he would like to see ground-based missiles deployed in Asia within months, but he acknowledged it would take longer.

Later that month, the Pentagon tested a ground-launched Tomahawk cruise missile. In December, it tested a ground-launched ballistic missile. The INF treaty banned such ground-launched weapons, and thus both tests would have been forbidden.

A senior Marines commander, Lieutenant General Eric Smith, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 11 that the Pentagon leadership had instructed the Marines to field a ground-launched cruise missile "very quickly."

The budget documents show that the Marines have requested $125 million to buy 48 Tomahawk missiles from next year. The Tomahawk has a range of 1,600km, according to its manufacturer, Raytheon Company.

Smith said the cruise missile may not ultimately prove to be the most suitable weapon for the Marines. "It may be a little too heavy for us," he told the Senate Armed Services Committee, but experience gained from the tests could be transferred to the army.

Smith also said the Marines had successfully tested a new shorter-range anti-ship weapon, the Naval Strike Missile, from a ground launcher and would conduct another test in June. He said if that test was successful, the Marines intended to order 36 of these missiles in 2022. The US Army is also testing a new long-range, land-based missile that can target warships. This missile would have been prohibited under the INF treaty.

The Marine Corps said in a statement it was evaluating the Naval Strike Missile to target ships and the Tomahawk for attacking targets on land. Eventually, the Marines aimed to field a system "that could engage long-range moving targets either on land or sea," the statement said.

The Defense Department also has research underway on new, long-range strike weapons, with a budget request of $3.2 billion for hypersonic technology, mostly for missiles.

China's foreign ministry drew a distinction between the PLA's arsenal of missiles and the planned US deployment. It said China's missiles were "located in its territory, especially short and medium-range missiles, which cannot reach the mainland of the United States. This is fundamentally different from the US, which is vigorously pushing forward deployment."

BOTTLING UP CHINA'S NAVY

Military strategists James Holmes and Toshi Yoshihara suggested almost a decade ago that the first island chain was a natural barrier that could be exploited by the American military to counter the Chinese naval build-up. Ground-based anti-ship missiles could command key passages through the island chain into the Western Pacific as part of a strategy to keep the rapidly expanding Chinese navy bottled up, they suggested. 
In embracing this strategy, Washington is attempting to turn Chinese tactics back on the PLA. Senior US commanders have warned that China's land-based cruise and ballistic missiles would make it difficult for US and allied navies to operate near China's coastal waters.

But deploying ground-based US and allied missiles in the island chain would pose a similar threat to Chinese warships - to vessels operating in the South China Sea, East China Sea and Yellow Sea, or ships attempting to break out into the Western Pacific. Japan and Taiwan have already deployed ground-based anti-ship missiles for this purpose.

"We need to be able to plug up the straits," said Holmes, a professor at the US Naval War College. "We can, in effect, ask them if they want Taiwan or the Senkakus badly enough to see their economy and armed forces cut off from the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In all likelihood the answer will be no."

Holmes was referring to the uninhabited group of isles in the East China Sea - known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China - that are claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing.

The United States faces challenges in plugging the first island chain. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to distance himself from the United States and forge closer ties with China is a potential obstacle to American plans. US forces could face barriers to operating from strategically important islands in the Philippines archipelago after Duterte in February scrapped a key security agreement with Washington.

And if US forces do deploy in the first island chain with anti-ship missiles, some US strategists believe this won't be decisive, as the Marines would be vulnerable to strikes from the Chinese military. 
The United States has other counterweights. The firepower of long-range US Air Force bombers could pose a bigger threat to Chinese forces than the Marines, the strategists said. Particularly effective, they said, could be the stealthy B-21 bomber, which is due to enter service in the middle of this decade, armed with long-range missiles.

The Pentagon is already moving to boost the firepower of its existing strike aircraft in Asia. US Navy Super Hornet jets and Air Force B-1 bombers are now being armed with early deliveries of Lockheed Martin's new Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, according to the budget request documents. The new missile is being deployed in response to an "urgent operational need" for the US Pacific Command, the documents explain.

The new missile carries a 450 kilogram warhead and is capable of "semi-autonomous" targeting, giving it some ability to steer itself, according to the budget request. Details of the stealthy cruise missile's range are classified. But US and other Western military officials estimate it can strike targets at distances greater than 800 kilometers.

The budget documents show the Pentagon is seeking $224 million to order another 53 of these missiles in 2021. The US Navy and Air Force expect to have more than 400 of them in service by 2025, according to orders projected in the documents.

This new anti-ship missile is derived from an existing Lockheed long-range, land attack weapon, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. The Pentagon is asking for $577 million next year to order another 400 of these land-attack missiles.

"The US and allied focus on long-range land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles was the quickest way to rebuild long-range conventional firepower in the Western Pacific region," said Robert Haddick, a former US Marine Corps officer and now a visiting senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies based in Arlington, Virginia.

For the US Navy in Asia, Super Hornet jets operating from aircraft carriers and armed with the new anti-ship missile would deliver a major boost in firepower while allowing the expensive warships to operate further away from potential threats, US and other Western military officials say.

Current and retired US Navy officers have been urging the Pentagon to equip American warships with longer-range anti-ship missiles that would allow them to compete with the latest, heavily armed Chinese cruisers, destroyers and frigates. Lockheed has said it successfully test-fired one of the new Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles from the type of launcher used on US and allied warships.

Haddick, one of the first to draw attention to China's firepower advantage in his 2014 book, "Fire on the Water," said the threat from Chinese missiles had galvanized the Pentagon with new strategic thinking and budgets now directed at preparing for high-technology conflict with powerful nations like China.

Haddick said the new missiles were critical to the defensive plans of America and its allies in the Western Pacific. The gap won't close immediately, but firepower would gradually improve, Haddick said. "This is especially true during the next half-decade and more, as successor hypersonic and other classified munition designs complete their long periods of development, testing, production, and deployment," he said.

As Washington and Beijing trade barbs over the coronavirus pandemic, a longer-term struggle between the two Pacific powers is at a turning point, as the United States rolls out new weapons and strategy in a bid to close a wide missile gap with China.

As Washington and Beijing trade barbs over the coronavirus pandemic, a longer-term struggle between the two Pacific powers is at a turning point, as the United States rolls out new weapons and strategy in a bid to close a wide missile gap with China. The United States has largely stood by in recent decades as China dramatically expanded its military firepower. Now, having shed the constraints of a Cold War-era arms control treaty, the Trump administration is planning to deploy long-range, ground-launched cruise missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. The Pentagon intends to arm its Marines with versions of the Tomahawk cruise missile now carried on US warships, according to the White House budget requests for 2021 and Congressional testimony in March of senior US military commanders. It is also accelerating deliveries of its first new long-range anti-ship missiles in decades. In a statement to Reuters about the latest US moves, Beijing urged Washington to "be cautious in word and deed," to "stop moving chess pieces around" the region, and to "stop flexing its military muscles around China." The US moves are aimed at countering China's overwhelming advantage in land-based cruise and ballistic missiles. The Pentagon also intends to dial back China's lead in what strategists refer to as the "range war." The People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's military, has built up a huge force of missiles that mostly outrange those of the US and its regional allies, according to senior US commanders and strategic advisers to the Pentagon, who have been warning that China holds a clear advantage in these weapons. And, in a radical shift in tactics, the Marines will join forces with the US Navy in attacking an enemy's warships. Small and mobile units of US Marines armed with anti-ship missiles will become ship killers. In a conflict, these units will be dispersed at key points in the Western Pacific and along the so-called first island chain, commanders said. The first island chain is the string of islands that run from the Japanese archipelago, through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas. Top US military commanders explained the new tactics to Congress in March in a series of budget hearings. The commandant of the US Marine Corps, General David Berger, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 5 that small units of Marines armed with precision missiles could assist the US Navy to gain control of the seas, particularly in the Western Pacific. "The Tomahawk missile is one of the tools that is going to allow us to do that," he said. The Tomahawk - which first gained fame when launched in massed strikes during the 1991 Gulf War - has been carried on US warships and used to attack land targets in recent decades. The Marines would test fire the cruise missile through 2022 with the aim of making it operational the following year, top Pentagon commanders testified. At first, a relatively small number of land-based cruise missiles will not change the balance of power. But such a shift would send a strong political signal that Washington is preparing to compete with China's massive arsenal, according to senior US and other Western strategists. Longer term, bigger numbers of these weapons combined with similar Japanese and Taiwanese missiles would pose a serious threat to Chinese forces, they say. The biggest immediate threat to the PLA comes from new, long-range anti-ship missiles now entering service with US Navy and Air Force strike aircraft. "The Americans are coming back strongly," said Ross Babbage, a former senior Australian government defense official and now a non-resident fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a security research group. "By 2024 or 2025 there is a serious risk for the PLA that their military developments will be obsolete." A Chinese military spokesman, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, warned last October that Beijing would "not stand by" if Washington deployed land-based, long-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. China's foreign ministry accused the United States of sticking "to its cold war mentality" and "constantly increasing military deployment" in the region. "Recently, the United States has gotten worse, stepping up its pursuit of a so-called 'Indo-Pacific strategy' that seeks to deploy new weapons, including ground-launched intermediate-range missiles, in the Asia-Pacific region," the ministry said in a statement to Reuters. "China firmly opposes that." Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said he would not comment on statements by the Chinese government or the PLA. US MILITARY UNSHACKLED While the coronavirus pandemic rages, Beijing has increased its military pressure on Taiwan and exercises in the South China Sea. In a show of strength, on April 11 the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning led a flotilla of five other warships into the Western Pacific through the Miyako Strait to the northeast of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. On April 12, the Chinese warships exercised in waters east and south of Taiwan, the ministry said. Meanwhile, the US Navy was forced to tie up the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt at Guam while it battles to contain a coronavirus outbreak among the crew of the giant warship. However, the US Navy managed to maintain a powerful presence off the Chinese coast. The guided-missile destroyer USS Barry passed through the Taiwan Strait twice in April. And the amphibious assault ship USS America last month exercised in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the US Indo-Pacific Command said. In a series last year, Reuters reported that while the US was distracted by almost two decades of war in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the PLA had built a missile force designed to attack the aircraft carriers, other surface warships and network of bases that form the backbone of American power in Asia. Over that period, Chinese shipyards built the world's biggest navy, which is now capable of dominating the country's coastal waters and keeping US forces at bay. The series also revealed that in most categories, China's missiles now rival or outperform counterparts in the armories of the US alliance. China derived an advantage because it was not party to a Cold War-era treaty - the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) - that banned the United States and Russia from possessing ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges from 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers. Unrestrained by the INF pact, China has deployed about 2,000 of these weapons, according to US and other Western estimates. While building up its missile forces on land, the PLA also fitted powerful, long-range anti-ship missiles to its warships and strike aircraft. This accumulated firepower has shifted the regional balance of power in China's favor. The United States, long the dominant military power in Asia, can no longer be confident of victory in a military clash in waters off the Chinese coast, according to senior retired US military officers. But the decision by President Donald Trump last year to exit the INF treaty has given American military planners new leeway. Almost immediately after withdrawing from the pact on August 2, the administration signaled it would respond to China's missile force. The next day, US Secretary for Defense Mark Esper said he would like to see ground-based missiles deployed in Asia within months, but he acknowledged it would take longer. Later that month, the Pentagon tested a ground-launched Tomahawk cruise missile. In December, it tested a ground-launched ballistic missile. The INF treaty banned such ground-launched weapons, and thus both tests would have been forbidden. A senior Marines commander, Lieutenant General Eric Smith, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 11 that the Pentagon leadership had instructed the Marines to field a ground-launched cruise missile "very quickly." The budget documents show that the Marines have requested $125 million to buy 48 Tomahawk missiles from next year. The Tomahawk has a range of 1,600km, according to its manufacturer, Raytheon Company. Smith said the cruise missile may not ultimately prove to be the most suitable weapon for the Marines. "It may be a little too heavy for us," he told the Senate Armed Services Committee, but experience gained from the tests could be transferred to the army. Smith also said the Marines had successfully tested a new shorter-range anti-ship weapon, the Naval Strike Missile, from a ground launcher and would conduct another test in June. He said if that test was successful, the Marines intended to order 36 of these missiles in 2022. The US Army is also testing a new long-range, land-based missile that can target warships. This missile would have been prohibited under the INF treaty. The Marine Corps said in a statement it was evaluating the Naval Strike Missile to target ships and the Tomahawk for attacking targets on land. Eventually, the Marines aimed to field a system "that could engage long-range moving targets either on land or sea," the statement said. The Defense Department also has research underway on new, long-range strike weapons, with a budget request of $3.2 billion for hypersonic technology, mostly for missiles. China's foreign ministry drew a distinction between the PLA's arsenal of missiles and the planned US deployment. It said China's missiles were "located in its territory, especially short and medium-range missiles, which cannot reach the mainland of the United States. This is fundamentally different from the US, which is vigorously pushing forward deployment." BOTTLING UP CHINA'S NAVY Military strategists James Holmes and Toshi Yoshihara suggested almost a decade ago that the first island chain was a natural barrier that could be exploited by the American military to counter the Chinese naval build-up. Ground-based anti-ship missiles could command key passages through the island chain into the Western Pacific as part of a strategy to keep the rapidly expanding Chinese navy bottled up, they suggested. In embracing this strategy, Washington is attempting to turn Chinese tactics back on the PLA. Senior US commanders have warned that China's land-based cruise and ballistic missiles would make it difficult for US and allied navies to operate near China's coastal waters. But deploying ground-based US and allied missiles in the island chain would pose a similar threat to Chinese warships - to vessels operating in the South China Sea, East China Sea and Yellow Sea, or ships attempting to break out into the Western Pacific. Japan and Taiwan have already deployed ground-based anti-ship missiles for this purpose. "We need to be able to plug up the straits," said Holmes, a professor at the US Naval War College. "We can, in effect, ask them if they want Taiwan or the Senkakus badly enough to see their economy and armed forces cut off from the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In all likelihood the answer will be no." Holmes was referring to the uninhabited group of isles in the East China Sea - known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China - that are claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing. The United States faces challenges in plugging the first island chain. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to distance himself from the United States and forge closer ties with China is a potential obstacle to American plans. US forces could face barriers to operating from strategically important islands in the Philippines archipelago after Duterte in February scrapped a key security agreement with Washington. And if US forces do deploy in the first island chain with anti-ship missiles, some US strategists believe this won't be decisive, as the Marines would be vulnerable to strikes from the Chinese military. The United States has other counterweights. The firepower of long-range US Air Force bombers could pose a bigger threat to Chinese forces than the Marines, the strategists said. Particularly effective, they said, could be the stealthy B-21 bomber, which is due to enter service in the middle of this decade, armed with long-range missiles. The Pentagon is already moving to boost the firepower of its existing strike aircraft in Asia. US Navy Super Hornet jets and Air Force B-1 bombers are now being armed with early deliveries of Lockheed Martin's new Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, according to the budget request documents. The new missile is being deployed in response to an "urgent operational need" for the US Pacific Command, the documents explain. The new missile carries a 450 kilogram warhead and is capable of "semi-autonomous" targeting, giving it some ability to steer itself, according to the budget request. Details of the stealthy cruise missile's range are classified. But US and other Western military officials estimate it can strike targets at distances greater than 800 kilometers. The budget documents show the Pentagon is seeking $224 million to order another 53 of these missiles in 2021. The US Navy and Air Force expect to have more than 400 of them in service by 2025, according to orders projected in the documents. This new anti-ship missile is derived from an existing Lockheed long-range, land attack weapon, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. The Pentagon is asking for $577 million next year to order another 400 of these land-attack missiles. "The US and allied focus on long-range land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles was the quickest way to rebuild long-range conventional firepower in the Western Pacific region," said Robert Haddick, a former US Marine Corps officer and now a visiting senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies based in Arlington, Virginia. For the US Navy in Asia, Super Hornet jets operating from aircraft carriers and armed with the new anti-ship missile would deliver a major boost in firepower while allowing the expensive warships to operate further away from potential threats, US and other Western military officials say. Current and retired US Navy officers have been urging the Pentagon to equip American warships with longer-range anti-ship missiles that would allow them to compete with the latest, heavily armed Chinese cruisers, destroyers and frigates. Lockheed has said it successfully test-fired one of the new Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles from the type of launcher used on US and allied warships. Haddick, one of the first to draw attention to China's firepower advantage in his 2014 book, "Fire on the Water," said the threat from Chinese missiles had galvanized the Pentagon with new strategic thinking and budgets now directed at preparing for high-technology conflict with powerful nations like China. Haddick said the new missiles were critical to the defensive plans of America and its allies in the Western Pacific. The gap won't close immediately, but firepower would gradually improve, Haddick said. "This is especially true during the next half-decade and more, as successor hypersonic and other classified munition designs complete their long periods of development, testing, production, and deployment," he said.

US rearms to nullify China's missile supremacy

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday.

"Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-erdogan-seek-to-ease-syria-tensions-at-high-stakes-talks-284398">Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks</a>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present.

But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage.

Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah.

It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-play-active-role-in-israel-palestine-peace-process-says-un-committee-on-palestine-284245">India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Pales</a>tine&nbsp;

SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region.

"The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target."

In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said. The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Also read: Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present. But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah. It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly. Also see: India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region. "The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target." In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, the South's military said, weeks after Pyongyang threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon" and its deadline for Washington to offer sanctions relief expired.

The launch was the nuclear-armed North's first for more than three months and came as nuclear negotiations with the United States remain at a standstill.

The two devices were fired eastwards over the sea from the Wonsan area on the east coast and flew 240 kilometers (150 miles) at a maximum altitude of 35 kilometres, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/north-koreas-kim-guides-military-drills-warns-serious-consequences-if-virus-breaks-out-report-283444">North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: Report</a>

They were "believed to be short-range ballistic missiles," a JCS official said.

South Korea's security ministers expressed "strong concern" the North was "carrying out actions giving rise to military tensions", the presidential Blue House said.

Japan's defence ministry said there was no indication of anything coming down in its waters or exclusive economic zone, but added: "Recent repeated launches of ballistic and other missiles by North Korea are a serious issue."

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wages-all-out-responses-to-virus-with-586-new-cases-283567"> South Korea wages 'all-out responses' to virus with 586 new cases</a>

The launch came as Pyongyang battles to prevent a coronavirus outbreak and days after the one-year anniversary of the collapsed Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

Negotiations have since been deadlocked over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return, despite a high-profile June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula.

Pyongyang carried out a series of weapons tests late last year, the last of them in November, often describing them as multiple launch rocket systems. It also carried out static engine tests, most recently in December.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-asks-russias-putin-to-step-aside-in-syria-283496">Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria</a>

At a party meeting at the end of that month, Kim declared that Pyongyang no longer considered itself bound by its moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, and threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon" soon.

North Korea has a long history of seeking to demonstrate its military capability to try to obtain concessions.

"March is pretty reliably missile-testing season for North Korea," tweeted Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists.

"Looks like COVID-19 hasn't changed that (or Pyongyang is determined to make it appear as if it hasn't)," he added.

Former State Department official Mintaro Oba said: "Coronavirus dominates our attention at the moment, but this is a reminder that North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile programmes."

It would "look for ways to gain leverage and reclaim the initiative as we get closer to the US presidential election", he added.

<h2>- Joint exercises -</h2>

North Korea has not reported a single case of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,000 people and infected over 88,000 in dozens of countries since it emerged in neighbouring China.

But state media have said around 7,000 people have been quarantined in three provinces alone.

Seoul and Washington last week said they will postpone forthcoming joint military exercises after South Korea which has more than 4,000 infections declared its highest "severe" alert level over the coronavirus.

The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect it against the nuclear-armed North, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek Washington's biggest overseas military facility.

The security allies have previously scaled back annual joint military exercises significantly to facilitate nuclear talks with Pyongyang which condemns such drills as preparations for an invasion but a command coordination exercise had been planned for this spring.

In the past, Pyongyang has fired missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland and has carried out six nuclear tests, the last of them 16 times more powerful than the Hiroshima blast, according to the highest estimates.

It is under multiple sets of sanctions over its weapons programmes from the United Nations Security Council, US, the South and other bodies.

Heightened tensions in 2017 were followed by two years of nuclear diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington, including three meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump, but little tangible progress was made.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, the South's military said, weeks after Pyongyang threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon" and its deadline for Washington to offer sanctions relief expired.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, the South's military said, weeks after Pyongyang threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon" and its deadline for Washington to offer sanctions relief expired. The launch was the nuclear-armed North's first for more than three months and came as nuclear negotiations with the United States remain at a standstill. The two devices were fired eastwards over the sea from the Wonsan area on the east coast and flew 240 kilometers (150 miles) at a maximum altitude of 35 kilometres, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Also read: North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: Report They were "believed to be short-range ballistic missiles," a JCS official said. South Korea's security ministers expressed "strong concern" the North was "carrying out actions giving rise to military tensions", the presidential Blue House said. Japan's defence ministry said there was no indication of anything coming down in its waters or exclusive economic zone, but added: "Recent repeated launches of ballistic and other missiles by North Korea are a serious issue." Also see: South Korea wages 'all-out responses' to virus with 586 new cases The launch came as Pyongyang battles to prevent a coronavirus outbreak and days after the one-year anniversary of the collapsed Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Negotiations have since been deadlocked over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return, despite a high-profile June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula. Pyongyang carried out a series of weapons tests late last year, the last of them in November, often describing them as multiple launch rocket systems. It also carried out static engine tests, most recently in December. Also read: Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria At a party meeting at the end of that month, Kim declared that Pyongyang no longer considered itself bound by its moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, and threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon" soon. North Korea has a long history of seeking to demonstrate its military capability to try to obtain concessions. "March is pretty reliably missile-testing season for North Korea," tweeted Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists. "Looks like COVID-19 hasn't changed that (or Pyongyang is determined to make it appear as if it hasn't)," he added. Former State Department official Mintaro Oba said: "Coronavirus dominates our attention at the moment, but this is a reminder that North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile programmes." It would "look for ways to gain leverage and reclaim the initiative as we get closer to the US presidential election", he added. - Joint exercises - North Korea has not reported a single case of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,000 people and infected over 88,000 in dozens of countries since it emerged in neighbouring China. But state media have said around 7,000 people have been quarantined in three provinces alone. Seoul and Washington last week said they will postpone forthcoming joint military exercises after South Korea which has more than 4,000 infections declared its highest "severe" alert level over the coronavirus. The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect it against the nuclear-armed North, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek Washington's biggest overseas military facility. The security allies have previously scaled back annual joint military exercises significantly to facilitate nuclear talks with Pyongyang which condemns such drills as preparations for an invasion but a command coordination exercise had been planned for this spring. In the past, Pyongyang has fired missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland and has carried out six nuclear tests, the last of them 16 times more powerful than the Hiroshima blast, according to the highest estimates. It is under multiple sets of sanctions over its weapons programmes from the United Nations Security Council, US, the South and other bodies. Heightened tensions in 2017 were followed by two years of nuclear diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington, including three meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump, but little tangible progress was made.

North Korea fires 'short-range ballistic missiles'

India successfully test-fires the 3,500 km strike range nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.&nbsp;

This nuclear-capable missile meant for Arihant submarine and will strengthen its capabilities to hit enemy targets from submarines.

K-4 is the most potent missile that India can fire from a submarine, giving the country unprecedented second-strike capability and huge deterrence power.

K-4 is being created by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for being conveyed on the armada of the Arihant Class atomic submarines being made by India.&nbsp;

India is relied upon to complete more trial of the missile before it is prepared for being equipped on the atomic submarines. Right now, just the main atomic pontoon INS Arihant is operational for the Navy.

K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile.

(With inputs from ANI)

India successfully test-fires the 3,500 km strike range nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. This nuclear-capable missile meant for Arihant submarine and will strengthen its capabilities to hit enemy targets from submarines.

India successfully test-fires the 3,500 km strike range nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. This nuclear-capable missile meant for Arihant submarine and will strengthen its capabilities to hit enemy targets from submarines. K-4 is the most potent missile that India can fire from a submarine, giving the country unprecedented second-strike capability and huge deterrence power. K-4 is being created by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for being conveyed on the armada of the Arihant Class atomic submarines being made by India. India is relied upon to complete more trial of the missile before it is prepared for being equipped on the atomic submarines. Right now, just the main atomic pontoon INS Arihant is operational for the Navy. K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile. (With inputs from ANI)

India test-fires nuclear-capable K-4 ballistic missile off Andhra Pradesh coast

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed the nation from &nbsp;White House after Iran fired ballistic missiles on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-its-time-for-iraqi-response-to-us-drone-strike-says-paramilitary-chief-qais-al-khazali-272966">US airbases in Iraq </a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Trump, in a nationally televised address from the White House, said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Also read: Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq</a>

"All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-facts-about-al-asad-us-air-base-in-iraq-attacked-by-iran-272873">In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US air base in Iraq attacked by Iran</a>

"The US Administration will impose new sanctions on Iran in response to the attack," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman</a>

He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-to-new-high-after-iran-attacks-us-bases-in-iraq-272812">Also Read: Oil prices surge to new high after Iran attacks US bases in Iraq</a>

He did not specify how those sanctions would be applied.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-have-slapped-americans-on-the-face-ayatollah-khamenei-273042/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in the day, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had called his country's missile strike on US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" for America and said that Washington's troops must leave the region.

Khamenei was addressing the public in Teheran just hours after the burial of General Solemani.

"Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," he said. 
&nbsp; 
"Today Iran is well equipped," Khomeini said, adding, "More people will join the movement and it will spread outside Iran."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed the nation from White House after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed the nation from White House after Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Trump, in a nationally televised address from the White House, said that these missile attacks had not harmed any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to de-escalate a standoff. Also read: Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq "All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world. No American or Iraqi lives were lost," Trump said. In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US air base in Iraq attacked by Iran "The US Administration will impose new sanctions on Iran in response to the attack," Trump said. Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman He termed these sanctions as 'punishing economic sanctions' against the Iran government. Also Read: Oil prices surge to new high after Iran attacks US bases in Iraq He did not specify how those sanctions would be applied. Watch: Earlier in the day, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had called his country's missile strike on US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" for America and said that Washington's troops must leave the region. Khamenei was addressing the public in Teheran just hours after the burial of General Solemani. "Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," he said. "Today Iran is well equipped," Khomeini said, adding, "More people will join the movement and it will spread outside Iran." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says no US troops hurt in Iran strikes, announces new sanctions on Iran

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called his country's missile strike on US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" for America and said that Washington's troops must leave the region.

Khamenei was addressing the public in Teheran on Wednesday just hours after the burial of General Solemani.

"Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," he said. 
&nbsp; 
"Today Iran is well equipped," Khomeini said, adding, "More people will join the movement and it will spread outside Iran."

"The US thought they defeated Iraq," he said. "Faith allows us to move mountains," the supreme leader said at a public gathering.

"Faith and honour are as important as the military," Khomeini said.&nbsp;

"Solemani was brave and wise, he had a vision," Khomeini said while paying tribute to the slain general.

The Iran leader attacked Israel asserting that the country had "lost good qualities of faith."

"Important events lead to revolution," he said while emphasising that the country cannot rely on the military alone.

Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities of Iran.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called his country's missile strike on US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" for America and said that Washington's troops must leave the region.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called his country's missile strike on US bases in Iraq a "slap in the face" for America and said that Washington's troops must leave the region. Khamenei was addressing the public in Teheran on Wednesday just hours after the burial of General Solemani. "Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," he said. "Today Iran is well equipped," Khomeini said, adding, "More people will join the movement and it will spread outside Iran." "The US thought they defeated Iraq," he said. "Faith allows us to move mountains," the supreme leader said at a public gathering. "Faith and honour are as important as the military," Khomeini said. "Solemani was brave and wise, he had a vision," Khomeini said while paying tribute to the slain general. The Iran leader attacked Israel asserting that the country had "lost good qualities of faith." "Important events lead to revolution," he said while emphasising that the country cannot rely on the military alone. Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities of Iran.

Missile strike a 'slap in the face' for US, says Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Russian military is on a mission to upgrade its nuclear arsenal.They have now tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the RS-12M Topol.

True to its nature, the Kremlin has revealed very little details about the missile's potential.

The test was conducted at the Kapustin Yar military range in southern Russia and that the missile hit the designated target about 2,100 kilometres away in Kazakhstan.

The visuals of the launch offer an exciting view of the launch which took place at night.

The Topols have been a loyal servant of the Russian military and was inherited from the soviet union. The NATO calls it the SS-25 sickle.

The Kremlin is planning to commission modern and more mobile versions of the missile called the 'Topol-M' in the early 2020s, thereby replacing the older ones.

The Russian military is on a mission to upgrade its nuclear arsenal.They have now tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the RS-12M Topol. True to its nature, the Kremlin has revealed very little details about the missile's potential.

The Russian military is on a mission to upgrade its nuclear arsenal.They have now tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the RS-12M Topol. True to its nature, the Kremlin has revealed very little details about the missile's potential. The test was conducted at the Kapustin Yar military range in southern Russia and that the missile hit the designated target about 2,100 kilometres away in Kazakhstan. The visuals of the launch offer an exciting view of the launch which took place at night. The Topols have been a loyal servant of the Russian military and was inherited from the soviet union. The NATO calls it the SS-25 sickle. The Kremlin is planning to commission modern and more mobile versions of the missile called the 'Topol-M' in the early 2020s, thereby replacing the older ones.

Russia aims to 'modernise' its nuclear arsenal as they test launch new Ballistic missile RS-12M Topol

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said.

The Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, fired the missile from underwater that landed on target on the Kamchatka peninsula in far eastern Russia, the ministry said.

The defence ministry said the "missile's flight went according to plan" and it landed at the set time.

Launched in 2017, the Prince Vladimir submarine is the first upgraded model of Russia's Borei class of ballistic missile submarines, designed to be more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models.

It is currently being tested and is set to enter service with the Russian Navy's northern fleet in December this year, the fleet's commander Vice Admiral Moiseyev told TASS state news agency.

Other Borei class submarines already in service include the Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky. They can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles, which are designed for use on these submarines.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine on Wednesday successfully test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the White Sea off Russia's northwestern coast, the defence ministry said. The Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, fired the missile from underwater that landed on target on the Kamchatka peninsula in far eastern Russia, the ministry said. The defence ministry said the "missile's flight went according to plan" and it landed at the set time. Launched in 2017, the Prince Vladimir submarine is the first upgraded model of Russia's Borei class of ballistic missile submarines, designed to be more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models. It is currently being tested and is set to enter service with the Russian Navy's northern fleet in December this year, the fleet's commander Vice Admiral Moiseyev told TASS state news agency. Other Borei class submarines already in service include the Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky. They can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles, which are designed for use on these submarines.

Russia's newest nuclear submarine test fires ballistic missile

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252939">China</a> unveiled the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental-range ballistic missile, touted to be the most powerful missile on the planet at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anniversary-no-force-can-shake-the-chinese-nation-says-president-xi-jinping-252931">National Day parade </a>in Beijing on Tuesday.

Dongfeng-41, has a range of up to 9,320 miles (15,000 kilometres), more than any missile on Earth.

The missile capable of carrying 10 independently targeted nuclear warheads and could theoretically, hit the United States in 30 minutes, according to the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Dongfeng-41 made its debut along with a clutch of new military hardware showcased at the National Day parade, as China observed its 70th anniversary of Communist rule.&nbsp;

China has the world's largest standing army and the world's third-largest air force. The day kicked off earlier with an opening address by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tiananmen Square in which he said: "No force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead."

This is Xi's fourth major military parade as Chinese leader. It was followed by a show of discipline and order from marching troops pageant involving more than 100,000 performers at Chang'an Avenue.

Helicopters flew national flags across the sky above BeijingApart from traditional air drones, China has also displayed its underwater vehicles and new stealthy DR-8 drones thought to be able to fly up to five times the speed of sound.&nbsp;

Moreover, a large number of tanks paraded ahead of the other heavy weaponry, including what is expected to be some never-before-seen machines.&nbsp;

A giant portrait of Communist leader Mao Zedong, under whose leadership the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, was carried down at the Chang`an Avenue while videos of him played on big screens.&nbsp;

The parade involved around 15,000 personnel. Today`s parade also features more than 160 aircraft and 580 pieces of equipment, alongside 59 formations and a military band, as per state-run news agency Xinhua.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, in a rare gesture, President Xi Jinping paid tribute to Mao Zedong ahead of the celebration to mark 70 years of communist rule in the country.

China unveiled the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental-range ballistic missile, touted to be the most powerful missile on the planet at the National Day parade in Beijing on Tuesday.

China unveiled the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental-range ballistic missile, touted to be the most powerful missile on the planet at the National Day parade in Beijing on Tuesday. Dongfeng-41, has a range of up to 9,320 miles (15,000 kilometres), more than any missile on Earth. The missile capable of carrying 10 independently targeted nuclear warheads and could theoretically, hit the United States in 30 minutes, according to the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Dongfeng-41 made its debut along with a clutch of new military hardware showcased at the National Day parade, as China observed its 70th anniversary of Communist rule. China has the world's largest standing army and the world's third-largest air force. The day kicked off earlier with an opening address by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tiananmen Square in which he said: "No force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead." This is Xi's fourth major military parade as Chinese leader. It was followed by a show of discipline and order from marching troops pageant involving more than 100,000 performers at Chang'an Avenue. Helicopters flew national flags across the sky above BeijingApart from traditional air drones, China has also displayed its underwater vehicles and new stealthy DR-8 drones thought to be able to fly up to five times the speed of sound. Moreover, a large number of tanks paraded ahead of the other heavy weaponry, including what is expected to be some never-before-seen machines. A giant portrait of Communist leader Mao Zedong, under whose leadership the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, was carried down at the Chang`an Avenue while videos of him played on big screens. The parade involved around 15,000 personnel. Today`s parade also features more than 160 aircraft and 580 pieces of equipment, alongside 59 formations and a military band, as per state-run news agency Xinhua. Earlier on Monday, in a rare gesture, President Xi Jinping paid tribute to Mao Zedong ahead of the celebration to mark 70 years of communist rule in the country.

National Day Parade: China unveils Dongfeng-41 nuke missile that can strike US in 30 minutes

Missiles and pyrotechnics: China set to celebrate 70th anniversary

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters.

Moscow and Beijing want to convene the 15-member council under the agenda item "threats to international peace and security" and have requested that UN disarmament affairs chief Izumi Nakamitsu brief the body.

The Pentagon said on Monday it had tested a conventionally configured cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China.&nbsp;

"We want to make sure that we, as we need to, can deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said.

Esper said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon. 
Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which U.S. officials believe was associated with the Kremlin`s hypersonic cruise missile program.

“They are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty.

"Right now Russia has possibly nuclear-tipped ... INF-range cruise missiles facing toward Europe, and that`s not a good thing,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the United States was in a position to deploy a new land-based cruise missile in Romania and Poland, a scenario he considered a threat that Moscow would need to respond to.&nbsp;

The United States has said it has no imminent plans to deploy new land-based missiles in Europe.

This week's US test would have been banned under the INF, which prohibited land-based missiles with a range of between 310 and 3,400 miles, reducing the ability of the United States and Russia to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. China was not a party to the INF treaty and has a large arsenal of land-based intermediate-range missiles.

Washington formally withdrew from the landmark 1987 pact with Russia on Aug. 2 after determining that Moscow was violating the treaty, an accusation the Kremlin has denied.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday that the US&nbsp;test showed the United States was stoking a new arms race and confrontation, which would have a serious negative impact on regional and global security.&nbsp;

A North Korean spokesman said on Thursday the US&nbsp;test and plans to deploy F-35 jets and offensive military equipment around the Korean peninsula were "dangerous" moves that would "trigger a new Cold War" in the region.&nbsp;

Asked whether he thought it was appropriate for Washington to continue to seek negotiations with Pyongyang after its repeated recent tests of short-range missiles, Esper said the biggest US concern was about North Korea's long-range missiles, tests of which it has frozen since 2017.

"I think you need to take a look at the bigger picture," he said when asked if recent U.S. statements playing down the short-range tests amounted to giving North Korea permission to conduct them.

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters.

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters. Moscow and Beijing want to convene the 15-member council under the agenda item "threats to international peace and security" and have requested that UN disarmament affairs chief Izumi Nakamitsu brief the body. The Pentagon said on Monday it had tested a conventionally configured cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China. "We want to make sure that we, as we need to, can deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said. Esper said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon. Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which U.S. officials believe was associated with the Kremlin`s hypersonic cruise missile program. “They are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty. "Right now Russia has possibly nuclear-tipped ... INF-range cruise missiles facing toward Europe, and that`s not a good thing,” he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the United States was in a position to deploy a new land-based cruise missile in Romania and Poland, a scenario he considered a threat that Moscow would need to respond to. The United States has said it has no imminent plans to deploy new land-based missiles in Europe. This week's US test would have been banned under the INF, which prohibited land-based missiles with a range of between 310 and 3,400 miles, reducing the ability of the United States and Russia to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. China was not a party to the INF treaty and has a large arsenal of land-based intermediate-range missiles. Washington formally withdrew from the landmark 1987 pact with Russia on Aug. 2 after determining that Moscow was violating the treaty, an accusation the Kremlin has denied. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday that the US test showed the United States was stoking a new arms race and confrontation, which would have a serious negative impact on regional and global security. A North Korean spokesman said on Thursday the US test and plans to deploy F-35 jets and offensive military equipment around the Korean peninsula were "dangerous" moves that would "trigger a new Cold War" in the region. Asked whether he thought it was appropriate for Washington to continue to seek negotiations with Pyongyang after its repeated recent tests of short-range missiles, Esper said the biggest US concern was about North Korea's long-range missiles, tests of which it has frozen since 2017. "I think you need to take a look at the bigger picture," he said when asked if recent U.S. statements playing down the short-range tests amounted to giving North Korea permission to conduct them.

Russia, China seek United Nations Security Council meeting on US missile developments

United States President Donald Trump weighed in on a mysterious explosion in&nbsp;Russia, noting US technology is more advanced to the "failed" weapon.

The failed missile explosion which has been cloaked in secrecy took place on Thursday at the Nenoska naval weapons range on the coast of the White Sea in northern Russia.

"The United States is learning much from the failed missile explosion in Russia. We have similar, though more advanced, technology. The Russian "Skyfall" explosion has people worried about the air around the facility, and far beyond. Not good!," tweeted Trump.

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The United States is learning much from the failed missile explosion in Russia. We have similar, though more advanced, technology. The Russian “Skyfall” explosion has people worried about the air around the facility, and far beyond. Not good!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1161026203345723393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is a first official reaction of Washington in relation with the explosion.

According to CNN, the incident had taken place on Thursday near Severodvinsk, a town located in the Arkhangelsk region which is home to a naval base and a shipyard, the Russian Defence Ministry had said.

Local authorities said that sensors "recorded a short-term increase in the radiation background" at 11:50 am (local time) on Thursday when the blast took place.

However, the radiation level started decreasing by 12:30 pm and returned to normal levels at around 2 pm, Rosatom said.

This was the second accident to hit the Russian military in less than a week.

At least 12 people had suffered injuries in an explosion at an ammunition depot in the Krasnoyarsk region on Tuesday.

(With inputs from ANI)

United States President Donald Trump weighed in on a mysterious explosion in Russia, noting US technology is more advanced to the "failed" weapon. The failed missile explosion which has been cloaked in secrecy took place on Thursday at the Nenoska naval weapons range on the coast of the White Sea in northern Russia.

United States President Donald Trump weighed in on a mysterious explosion in Russia, noting US technology is more advanced to the "failed" weapon. The failed missile explosion which has been cloaked in secrecy took place on Thursday at the Nenoska naval weapons range on the coast of the White Sea in northern Russia. "The United States is learning much from the failed missile explosion in Russia. We have similar, though more advanced, technology. The Russian "Skyfall" explosion has people worried about the air around the facility, and far beyond. Not good!," tweeted Trump. The United States is learning much from the failed missile explosion in Russia. We have similar, though more advanced, technology. The Russian “Skyfall” explosion has people worried about the air around the facility, and far beyond. Not good! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2019 × This is a first official reaction of Washington in relation with the explosion. According to CNN, the incident had taken place on Thursday near Severodvinsk, a town located in the Arkhangelsk region which is home to a naval base and a shipyard, the Russian Defence Ministry had said. Local authorities said that sensors "recorded a short-term increase in the radiation background" at 11:50 am (local time) on Thursday when the blast took place. However, the radiation level started decreasing by 12:30 pm and returned to normal levels at around 2 pm, Rosatom said. This was the second accident to hit the Russian military in less than a week. At least 12 people had suffered injuries in an explosion at an ammunition depot in the Krasnoyarsk region on Tuesday. (With inputs from ANI)

US has advanced weapons than the 'failed' Russian 'Skyfall' missile: Donald Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-lack-political-willon-peace-talks-north-korea-241083">North Korea</a>'s leader Kim Jong-un&nbsp;says the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-new-launches-threatens-to-take-new-road-240949">latest missile launches</a> were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-defy-norths-warnings-start-joint-drills-240816">joint war games</a>, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula.

The latest launch by the nuclear-armed North came after the South Korean and US militaries began mainly computer-simulated joint exercises on Monday to test Seoul's ability to take operational control in wartime.

Those drills are taking place despite Pyongyang's warnings that the exercises would jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

KCNA said Kim had watched the launches early Tuesday, which verified the "war capacity" of the "new-type tactical guided missiles".

With the launches carried out satisfactorily, "Kim Jong Un noted that the said military action would be an occasion to send an adequate warning to the joint military drill now underway by the US and South Korean authorities," KCNA said.

Pyongyang on Tuesday fired two projectiles that "are assumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into the sea, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier.

The latest weapons tests were the fourth pair of projectiles fired in less than two weeks, and the North has threatened more.

US President Donald Trump last week downplayed the North's launches, saying Kim would not want to "disappoint" him.

Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where the North made a vague pledge on denuclearisation.&nbsp;

A second summit in Hanoi this February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang might be willing to give up in return.

The two agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

Analysts say the military manoeuvres on both sides could see discussions pushed back until the autumn, and Pyongyang signalled Tuesday that it was in no mood to talk.

It called the drills a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.

Pyongyang has always been infuriated by military exercises between the South and US, seeing them as rehearsals for invasion, but in the past it has tended to avoid carrying out missile tests while the war games were taking place.

After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's own description of them as "provocative".

War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended and the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Tuesday said the latest drills are "consistent with the partnership we have with South Korea.&nbsp;

"North Korea has continued its exercises unabated. So they don't really have a lot to complain about," he told the "Fox and Friends" television show.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un says the country's latest missile launches were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their joint war games, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un says the country's latest missile launches were a warning to Washington and Seoul over their joint war games, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday, as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula. The latest launch by the nuclear-armed North came after the South Korean and US militaries began mainly computer-simulated joint exercises on Monday to test Seoul's ability to take operational control in wartime. Those drills are taking place despite Pyongyang's warnings that the exercises would jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. KCNA said Kim had watched the launches early Tuesday, which verified the "war capacity" of the "new-type tactical guided missiles". With the launches carried out satisfactorily, "Kim Jong Un noted that the said military action would be an occasion to send an adequate warning to the joint military drill now underway by the US and South Korean authorities," KCNA said. Pyongyang on Tuesday fired two projectiles that "are assumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into the sea, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier. The latest weapons tests were the fourth pair of projectiles fired in less than two weeks, and the North has threatened more. US President Donald Trump last week downplayed the North's launches, saying Kim would not want to "disappoint" him. Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore last year, where the North made a vague pledge on denuclearisation. A second summit in Hanoi this February broke up amid disagreements over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang might be willing to give up in return. The two agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but working-level dialogue has yet to begin. Analysts say the military manoeuvres on both sides could see discussions pushed back until the autumn, and Pyongyang signalled Tuesday that it was in no mood to talk. It called the drills a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul. Pyongyang has always been infuriated by military exercises between the South and US, seeing them as rehearsals for invasion, but in the past it has tended to avoid carrying out missile tests while the war games were taking place. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's own description of them as "provocative". War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended and the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Tuesday said the latest drills are "consistent with the partnership we have with South Korea. "North Korea has continued its exercises unabated. So they don't really have a lot to complain about," he told the "Fox and Friends" television show.

Kim Jong-un sends missile 'warning' to South Korea, US as tensions rise

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-believes-osama-bin-ladens-son-hamza-is-dead-official-239806">Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official</a>

The United States believes that&nbsp;Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US&nbsp;official said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-239805">US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>

The United States on Wednesday&nbsp;imposed sanctions&nbsp;on Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-only-works-if-both-parties-comply-us-prepares-to-pull-out-from-inf-treaty-with-russia-239821">'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia</a>

The United States will officially withdraw from the&nbsp;Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces&nbsp;(INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia -&nbsp;and throwing China into the mix.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809">US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks</a>

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-test-fired-new-rocket-system-under-kims-supervision-state-media-239815">North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media</a>

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

&nbsp;

Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US official said on Wednesday.

Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead, says US official The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the militant group, is dead, a US official said on Wednesday. US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries. 'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix. US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume. North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korea has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597"> tested a new rocket system</a> in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31."

"The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809"> test-fire </a>scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency.

South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast.&nbsp;

Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns.

The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.&nbsp;

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31.

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31." "The test-fire scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency. South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast. Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns. The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.

North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-siddharthas-found-on-the-banks-of-netravati-river-in-mangaluru-239587">CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru</a>

The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of&nbsp;Café Coffee Day&nbsp;and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, &nbsp;reported news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles</a>

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a>intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-province-considers-three-child-policy-to-halt-population-decline-239580">Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline</a>

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/want-to-make-high-end-computers-in-us-need-tariff-relief-apple-ceo-tim-cook-239585">Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook</a>

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep&nbsp;Mac Pro computer production&nbsp;in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-missing-signature-on-note-does-not-tally-with-siddharthas-signature-in-annual-reports-says-i-t-department-239586">CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department</a>

The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI. Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missilesintended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining. Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep Mac Pro computer production in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions. CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles</a> early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

Differences

A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon.

The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters.

Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington.

"For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said.

Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

 
&nbsp;

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. Differences A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said. A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon. The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters. Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington. "For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said. Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">North Korea</a> fired two, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">new short-range ballistic missiles</a>. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.&nbsp;

The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles.

South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week.

Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept.

Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities.&nbsp;

Why missile tests?

The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US.

&nbsp;July 25 missile tests

The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year.

It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021.

Destroy US-manufactured weapons!

North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons.

“There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA.

'No other choice'

North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea.

US playing down launches

US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches.

Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security.

The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok.&nbsp;

Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

Breach of promise

Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks.&nbsp;

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.&nbsp;

The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week. The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles. South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week. Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight. Watch Video: The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept. Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities. Why missile tests? The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US. July 25 missile tests The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021. Destroy US-manufactured weapons! North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons. “There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA. 'No other choice' North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea. US playing down launches US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches. Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security. The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok. Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. Breach of promise Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Why is North Korea conducting missile tests?

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week.

Brigadier General Amir Hatami stopped short of explicitly confirming the test. A US&nbsp;defence official said last week Iran had launched what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile that travelled some 1,000 km (620 miles) and added that the test by Washington's arch-foe in the Middle East posed no threat to shipping or US&nbsp;personnel in the region.

"Such things are normal across the world," Hatami was quoted by the semi-official news agency ISNA as saying, after being asked about the reported missile test.

"The research programmes of the armed forces are drawn up and carried out every year...including missile tests."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump left world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year, arguing that he wanted a wider accord that not only limited Iran's nuclear activity but also curbed its ballistic missile programme and reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to scuttle its oil exports.

Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says has only defence and deterrent purposes. The Islamic Republic denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

On Saturday, Iran said missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, without confirming last Wednesday's reported test.

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week.

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week. Brigadier General Amir Hatami stopped short of explicitly confirming the test. A US defence official said last week Iran had launched what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile that travelled some 1,000 km (620 miles) and added that the test by Washington's arch-foe in the Middle East posed no threat to shipping or US personnel in the region. "Such things are normal across the world," Hatami was quoted by the semi-official news agency ISNA as saying, after being asked about the reported missile test. "The research programmes of the armed forces are drawn up and carried out every year...including missile tests." US President Donald Trump left world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year, arguing that he wanted a wider accord that not only limited Iran's nuclear activity but also curbed its ballistic missile programme and reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to scuttle its oil exports. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says has only defence and deterrent purposes. The Islamic Republic denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful. On Saturday, Iran said missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, without confirming last Wednesday's reported test.

It's 'normal' for Iran to test missiles: Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week.

"It's certainly disappointing," Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper told his Senate confirmation hearing.

"Turkey has been a long-standing and very capable NATO ally, but their decision on the S-400 is the wrong one and it's disappointing," he said.

Esper said he would abide by the decision last year to drop Turkey from NATO's F-35 fighter jet development program due to Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400 system, the delivery of which began on Friday.

Esper said he had already told Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that his policy is, "You can either have the S-400 or the F-35. You cannot have both."

"Acquisition of the S-400 fundamentally undermines the capability of the F-35 and our ability to maintain that overmatch in the skies going forward," Esper told the Senate panel.

Despite warning Ankara multiple times over the past two years that it could face sanctions and other retaliatory action for acquiring the Russian system, Washington officials have been silent since the deliveries began Friday.

It was not clear if new sanctions, demanded by the US Congress, would be enacted.

But in May the Pentagon said it was preparing to cut Turkey out of the network of manufacturers supplying parts to the F-35.

A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them.

On Monday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the delivery of the first S-400 equipment and said the next step was to jointly produce the system.

"We have begun to receive our S-400s. Some said, 'they cannot buy them'... God willing the final part of this (delivery) will be in April 2020," Erdogan told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara.

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week.

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week. "It's certainly disappointing," Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper told his Senate confirmation hearing. "Turkey has been a long-standing and very capable NATO ally, but their decision on the S-400 is the wrong one and it's disappointing," he said. Esper said he would abide by the decision last year to drop Turkey from NATO's F-35 fighter jet development program due to Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400 system, the delivery of which began on Friday. Esper said he had already told Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that his policy is, "You can either have the S-400 or the F-35. You cannot have both." "Acquisition of the S-400 fundamentally undermines the capability of the F-35 and our ability to maintain that overmatch in the skies going forward," Esper told the Senate panel. Despite warning Ankara multiple times over the past two years that it could face sanctions and other retaliatory action for acquiring the Russian system, Washington officials have been silent since the deliveries began Friday. It was not clear if new sanctions, demanded by the US Congress, would be enacted. But in May the Pentagon said it was preparing to cut Turkey out of the network of manufacturers supplying parts to the F-35. A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them. On Monday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the delivery of the first S-400 equipment and said the next step was to jointly produce the system. "We have begun to receive our S-400s. Some said, 'they cannot buy them'... God willing the final part of this (delivery) will be in April 2020," Erdogan told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara.

Turkey's Russian missile buy 'disappointing': Pentagon nominee

How Italian police seized an air-to-air missile in a warehouse

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a>, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through.&nbsp;

Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute.

Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia.

"Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer.

Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey.

The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion.

Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal.

Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector.

Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year.&nbsp; 
The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge.

'Complicated'

Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal.

Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership.

Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed.

But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly.

"We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said.&nbsp;

"You can`t do business that way. It`s not good."

"They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said.&nbsp;

"I don`t think he was treated fairly."

Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions".

In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance".

The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response. NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through. Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute. Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia. "Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer. Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey. The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion. Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal. Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector. Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year. The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge. 'Complicated' Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal. Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership. Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed. But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly. "We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said. "You can`t do business that way. It`s not good." "They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said. "I don`t think he was treated fairly." Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions". In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance". The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-his-second-term-as-prime-minister-narendra-modi-must-build-the-partys-bench-strength-220744"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies.

But in a possible warning to India, Pakistan also announced that it has conducted a training launch of a Shaheen II, surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which it said is capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons at a range of up to 1,500 miles.

"Shaheen II is a highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan`s strategic needs towards maintenance of deterrence stability in the region," Pakistan`s military said in a statement that made no direct mention of its neighbour.

On Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi spoke briefly with his Indian counterpart at the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

"We never speak bitterly, we want to live like good neighbours and settle our outstanding issues through talks," he said following the meeting.

The remark follows months of tension between the long-time rivals, which came close to war in February over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both sides have claimed since independence from Britain in 1947.

Following a suicide attack in Kashmir that killed 40 members of an Indian paramilitary police force in February, Indian jets launched a raid inside Pakistan, striking what New Delhi said was a training camp of Jaish-e Mohammed, the radical group that claimed the Kashmir attack.

In response, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory strike of its own and jets from the two countries fought a dogfight in the skies over Kashmir during which an Indian pilot was shot down and captured.

Amid international pressure to end the conflict, Pakistan returned the pilot and there were no further strikes but tensions remained high, with regular exchanges of artillery fire from both sides in Kashmir.

Pakistan has also kept part of its airspace closed to international air traffic, disrupting flights to India and other parts of the region.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly offered to start talks with India to resolve the Kashmir issue, and officials have said that they hoped the process could start once the election is concluded.

Khan himself said last month he believed there was more prospect of peace talks with Indian if Modi`s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the election.

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies.

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies. But in a possible warning to India, Pakistan also announced that it has conducted a training launch of a Shaheen II, surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which it said is capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons at a range of up to 1,500 miles. "Shaheen II is a highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan`s strategic needs towards maintenance of deterrence stability in the region," Pakistan`s military said in a statement that made no direct mention of its neighbour. On Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi spoke briefly with his Indian counterpart at the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. "We never speak bitterly, we want to live like good neighbours and settle our outstanding issues through talks," he said following the meeting. The remark follows months of tension between the long-time rivals, which came close to war in February over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both sides have claimed since independence from Britain in 1947. Following a suicide attack in Kashmir that killed 40 members of an Indian paramilitary police force in February, Indian jets launched a raid inside Pakistan, striking what New Delhi said was a training camp of Jaish-e Mohammed, the radical group that claimed the Kashmir attack. In response, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory strike of its own and jets from the two countries fought a dogfight in the skies over Kashmir during which an Indian pilot was shot down and captured. Amid international pressure to end the conflict, Pakistan returned the pilot and there were no further strikes but tensions remained high, with regular exchanges of artillery fire from both sides in Kashmir. Pakistan has also kept part of its airspace closed to international air traffic, disrupting flights to India and other parts of the region. Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly offered to start talks with India to resolve the Kashmir issue, and officials have said that they hoped the process could start once the election is concluded. Khan himself said last month he believed there was more prospect of peace talks with Indian if Modi`s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the election.

Pakistan says it wants peace with India, conducts missile test

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-recent-rocket-drill-was-regular-and-self-defensive-217093">North Korea`s second missile </a>test on Thursday signals it is serious about developing new, short-range weapons that could be used early and effectively in any war with South Korea and the United States, analysts studying images of the latest launches say.

Last week, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-confident-north-koreas-kim-wont-break-promise-215949&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixxeDVu5DiAhWHro8KHe-tADYQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LhzdUqfMCnUZdUBYQMyqN">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un </a>oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile experts believe will be easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight.&nbsp;

Photos released by state media on Friday showed Thursday`s test involved the same weapon.

The tests have increased tensions after the last US-North Korea summit collapsed in February in Hanoi with no agreement over Pyongyang`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said late on Thursday the launches seemed like a protest over the failed summit, while North Korea has defended the tests as routine and self-defensive.

Some analysts say the multiple tests show the missiles aren`t only for political show.

"This second test solidifies that these launches are not just to stir the pot and elicit a US response to resume negotiations," said Grace Liu, one of a team of missile experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California. "They are developing a reliable, operable missile that can defeat missile defences and conduct a precision strike in South Korea."

DEFEATING MISSILE DEFENCES

The US&nbsp;and South Korean responses to the launches have been muted, with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and other officials emphasising the missiles are not the large, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States.

But analysts said the military applications of the new missiles should not be underestimated.

"The Trump administration keeps downplaying these missiles because they are not ICBMs, but even though they can’t reach the US mainland, it’s missiles like these that will start the war," said Melissa Hanham, a weapons expert at Datayo, which tracks international security threats.&nbsp;

"They are small, easy to hide, easy to manoeuvre and you can’t tell what kind of warhead they are carrying. They could carry a nuclear weapon."

In a preliminary report on Wednesday, the North Korea tracking website 38 North said the new missile looks similar to Russia`s SS-26 Iskander missile and could exploit gaps in South Korean and American missile defence coverage.

The United States and South Korea field Patriot and THAAD missile batteries designed to shoot down various ballistic and cruise missiles, but their capabilities have been disputed.&nbsp;

While the origin of the North Korean missile remains unclear, a team of analysts at CNS told Reuters that Thursday`s test confirmed the missile is capable of manoeuvring to elude defences and protect its launch crew from detection.

"You can tell from the low apogee that this missile manoeuvres a bit in a boost to defeat missile defences and aircraft hunting the launcher," said Jeffrey Lewis of CNS.&nbsp;

Michael Duitsman, a rocket propulsion expert with the team, said North Korean state media photos of the launch show likely thrust vanes and steerable fins that guide the missile with precision and allow it to manoeuvre through much of its flight.

While Saturday`s missile was fired from a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle with wheels, Thursday`s test featured a tracked vehicle.

Use of a tracked vehicle, which North Korea has more experience building, suggests it may plan to deploy a large number of the missiles and launchers, said Joshua Pollack, editor of The Nonproliferation Review.

"This seems to be their only mass-production option for highly capable TELs at the moment," he said.&nbsp;

The missile uses solid fuel, which allows the weapon to be easily moved and fired more quickly than those using liquid fuel, analysts said.

In the end, the new missiles add a new level of unpredictability to an already tense situation, Hanham said.&nbsp;

"If North Korea pulls out (an ICBM) everyone knows it’ll be launched with a nuke," she said. "These little missiles you don’t know, so it’s hard to be prepared."&nbsp;

POLITICAL SHOCKWAVES

The new weapon`s manoeuvrability and low flying have led some South Korean officials to hesitate to label the weapon a "ballistic missile," a weapon that would likely violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"Given its low altitude, more careful analysis is required," said ruling party lawmaker Ahn Gyu-baek, citing military officials. "One should also be careful to not aggravate the situation with hasty actions."&nbsp;

Ahn said South Korean military officials had assessed a number of potential political motives behind the missile launches. Those included increasing pressure for sanctions relief, and protesting Seoul`s military buildup including the purchase of new F-35 fighter aircraft as well as joint military drills by the United States and South Korea, which North Korea complained about in statements defending the tests.&nbsp;

The tests also likely held a message for domestic audiences designed to boost support for Kim`s government, he said.

"The Kim regime is determined to fight pressure with pressure," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. "It is threatening to raise regional tensions and create political problems for Moon and Trump if not offered economic concessions it failed to win in Hanoi."

While Kim may not return to launching ICBMs or testing nuclear weapons immediately, he may seek other provocative ways to break the stalemate, Pollack said.

"Kim Jong Un has given the United States until the end of the year to rethink its approach," he said. "But if they don’t get a meaningful response to these tests, maybe they’ll try to push the envelope further."

North Korea`s second missile test on Thursday signals it is serious about developing new, short-range weapons that could be used early and effectively in any war with South Korea and the United States, analysts studying images of the latest launches say.

North Korea`s second missile test on Thursday signals it is serious about developing new, short-range weapons that could be used early and effectively in any war with South Korea and the United States, analysts studying images of the latest launches say. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile experts believe will be easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight. Photos released by state media on Friday showed Thursday`s test involved the same weapon. The tests have increased tensions after the last US-North Korea summit collapsed in February in Hanoi with no agreement over Pyongyang`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said late on Thursday the launches seemed like a protest over the failed summit, while North Korea has defended the tests as routine and self-defensive. Some analysts say the multiple tests show the missiles aren`t only for political show. "This second test solidifies that these launches are not just to stir the pot and elicit a US response to resume negotiations," said Grace Liu, one of a team of missile experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California. "They are developing a reliable, operable missile that can defeat missile defences and conduct a precision strike in South Korea." DEFEATING MISSILE DEFENCES The US and South Korean responses to the launches have been muted, with US President Donald Trump and other officials emphasising the missiles are not the large, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States. But analysts said the military applications of the new missiles should not be underestimated. "The Trump administration keeps downplaying these missiles because they are not ICBMs, but even though they can’t reach the US mainland, it’s missiles like these that will start the war," said Melissa Hanham, a weapons expert at Datayo, which tracks international security threats. "They are small, easy to hide, easy to manoeuvre and you can’t tell what kind of warhead they are carrying. They could carry a nuclear weapon." In a preliminary report on Wednesday, the North Korea tracking website 38 North said the new missile looks similar to Russia`s SS-26 Iskander missile and could exploit gaps in South Korean and American missile defence coverage. The United States and South Korea field Patriot and THAAD missile batteries designed to shoot down various ballistic and cruise missiles, but their capabilities have been disputed. While the origin of the North Korean missile remains unclear, a team of analysts at CNS told Reuters that Thursday`s test confirmed the missile is capable of manoeuvring to elude defences and protect its launch crew from detection. "You can tell from the low apogee that this missile manoeuvres a bit in a boost to defeat missile defences and aircraft hunting the launcher," said Jeffrey Lewis of CNS. Michael Duitsman, a rocket propulsion expert with the team, said North Korean state media photos of the launch show likely thrust vanes and steerable fins that guide the missile with precision and allow it to manoeuvre through much of its flight. While Saturday`s missile was fired from a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle with wheels, Thursday`s test featured a tracked vehicle. Use of a tracked vehicle, which North Korea has more experience building, suggests it may plan to deploy a large number of the missiles and launchers, said Joshua Pollack, editor of The Nonproliferation Review. "This seems to be their only mass-production option for highly capable TELs at the moment," he said. The missile uses solid fuel, which allows the weapon to be easily moved and fired more quickly than those using liquid fuel, analysts said. In the end, the new missiles add a new level of unpredictability to an already tense situation, Hanham said. "If North Korea pulls out (an ICBM) everyone knows it’ll be launched with a nuke," she said. "These little missiles you don’t know, so it’s hard to be prepared." POLITICAL SHOCKWAVES The new weapon`s manoeuvrability and low flying have led some South Korean officials to hesitate to label the weapon a "ballistic missile," a weapon that would likely violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. "Given its low altitude, more careful analysis is required," said ruling party lawmaker Ahn Gyu-baek, citing military officials. "One should also be careful to not aggravate the situation with hasty actions." Ahn said South Korean military officials had assessed a number of potential political motives behind the missile launches. Those included increasing pressure for sanctions relief, and protesting Seoul`s military buildup including the purchase of new F-35 fighter aircraft as well as joint military drills by the United States and South Korea, which North Korea complained about in statements defending the tests. The tests also likely held a message for domestic audiences designed to boost support for Kim`s government, he said. "The Kim regime is determined to fight pressure with pressure," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. "It is threatening to raise regional tensions and create political problems for Moon and Trump if not offered economic concessions it failed to win in Hanoi." While Kim may not return to launching ICBMs or testing nuclear weapons immediately, he may seek other provocative ways to break the stalemate, Pollack said. "Kim Jong Un has given the United States until the end of the year to rethink its approach," he said. "But if they don’t get a meaningful response to these tests, maybe they’ll try to push the envelope further."

'Missiles like these will start the war': North Korea tests showcase growing capability

Seeking to further bolster its ability to destroy major ground targets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the DRDO are planning to testfire the air-launched version of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile BrahMos next week from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

Sources in the IAF said they are very keen for a fast track development of the 290-km strike range missile which can destroy targets on the ground and can be used for Balakot-type air strikes where the planes will not even have to cross enemy borders for the hit.

“A test of the missile is planned for the next week in the southern part of the country to prove its integration with the heavyweight Su-30 fighter,” they said.

During Balakot airstrikes, the IAF had used the Spice-2000 bombs launched from a Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft for striking Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) targets in Pakistan.

With the availability of BrahMos missile developed by DRDO, the IAF would be able to destroy similar targets from at least 150 km inside the Indian territory.

The world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile was first flight tested in July 2018 over the Bay of Bengal from a Su-30MKI only.

The supersonic cruise missile can be utilised in ‘multi-mission’ roles, including precision strikes on terror camps across the LoC, against high-value naval targets including aircraft carriers and nuclear bunkers.

During the previous test, the missile was gravity dropped from the aircraft and the two-stage missile’s engine fired up and propelled it towards the intended target.&nbsp;

Seeking to further bolster its ability to destroy major ground targets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the DRDO are planning to testfire the air-launched version of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile BrahMos next week from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft.

Seeking to further bolster its ability to destroy major ground targets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the DRDO are planning to testfire the air-launched version of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile BrahMos next week from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft. Sources in the IAF said they are very keen for a fast track development of the 290-km strike range missile which can destroy targets on the ground and can be used for Balakot-type air strikes where the planes will not even have to cross enemy borders for the hit. “A test of the missile is planned for the next week in the southern part of the country to prove its integration with the heavyweight Su-30 fighter,” they said. During Balakot airstrikes, the IAF had used the Spice-2000 bombs launched from a Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft for striking Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) targets in Pakistan. With the availability of BrahMos missile developed by DRDO, the IAF would be able to destroy similar targets from at least 150 km inside the Indian territory. The world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile was first flight tested in July 2018 over the Bay of Bengal from a Su-30MKI only. The supersonic cruise missile can be utilised in ‘multi-mission’ roles, including precision strikes on terror camps across the LoC, against high-value naval targets including aircraft carriers and nuclear bunkers. During the previous test, the missile was gravity dropped from the aircraft and the two-stage missile’s engine fired up and propelled it towards the intended target.

India likely to testfire air-launched version of BrahMos missile next week

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-holds-mass-rally-to-celebrate-kim-jong-uns-re-election-210230">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> has supervised the test-firing of a new type of "tactical guided weapon," the country's state media reported on Thursday.

It said the "advantages" of the weapon were "the peculiar mode of guiding flight and the load of a powerful warhead".

The KCNA report did not provide further details about the weapon, but said Kim described its development as one "of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People's Army".

KCNA added that Wednesday's test was "conducted in various modes of firing at different targets" and that Kim "guided the test-fire".

Thursday's announcement came the day after a US monitor, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said activity had been detected at North Korea's main nuclear site.&nbsp;

It suggested Pyongyang may be reprocessing radioactive material into bomb fuel since the collapse of a February summit with Washington.

That meeting, the second between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-open-to-third-summit-with-trump-210018">US President Donald Trump and Kim</a>, ended abruptly without agreement on Pyongyang's nuclear programme.

Since then, North Korea has said it is mulling options for its diplomacy with the US, and Kim said last week he was open to talks with Trump only if Washington came with the "proper attitude".

"Kim is trying to make a statement to the Trump administration that his military potential is growing by the day," said Center for the National Interest analyst Harry Kazianis.

"His regime is becoming frustrated with Washington's lack of flexibility in recent negotiations."

Last November, KCNA reported that Kim oversaw the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon" months after his first meeting with Trump.

It was the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began negotiations with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of a new type of "tactical guided weapon," the country's state media reported on Thursday. It said the "advantages" of the weapon were "the peculiar mode of guiding flight and the load of a powerful warhead".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of a new type of "tactical guided weapon," the country's state media reported on Thursday. It said the "advantages" of the weapon were "the peculiar mode of guiding flight and the load of a powerful warhead". The KCNA report did not provide further details about the weapon, but said Kim described its development as one "of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People's Army". KCNA added that Wednesday's test was "conducted in various modes of firing at different targets" and that Kim "guided the test-fire". Thursday's announcement came the day after a US monitor, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said activity had been detected at North Korea's main nuclear site. It suggested Pyongyang may be reprocessing radioactive material into bomb fuel since the collapse of a February summit with Washington. That meeting, the second between US President Donald Trump and Kim, ended abruptly without agreement on Pyongyang's nuclear programme. Since then, North Korea has said it is mulling options for its diplomacy with the US, and Kim said last week he was open to talks with Trump only if Washington came with the "proper attitude". "Kim is trying to make a statement to the Trump administration that his military potential is growing by the day," said Center for the National Interest analyst Harry Kazianis. "His regime is becoming frustrated with Washington's lack of flexibility in recent negotiations." Last November, KCNA reported that Kim oversaw the testing of a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon" months after his first meeting with Trump. It was the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it began negotiations with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme.

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