The Indian state of Manipur is again witnessing fresh bouts of violence in the state's capital city of Imphal. A crowd attempted to encircle a police station and demanded weapons.

Manipur: Fresh mob violence prompts cops to fire in air; curfew relaxations revoked in Imphal | WION

Weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces in violence-affected Manipur, an official said on Thursday.

According to the defence spokesperson, an extensive search of the area by the security personnel of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Churachandpur Police was launched&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday.

"Responding to a specific intelligence regarding the presence of a cache of arms and ammunition, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Churachandpur Police in the general area of Gothal-Phoulijang in Churachandpur district on 12 Oct 2023 launched a search," the official said, adding that it led to the recovery of the arms and&nbsp;ammunitions.

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"An extensive search of the area by the troops led to the recovery of one 9mm carbine gun, one tear gas gun, one improvised mortar, ammunition and other war-like stores, under the aegis of Red Shield division of Indian Army," the officials added.

The recoveries have been handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation.

During the operation, a medical camp was also organised and essential items were distributed at Gothal-Phoulijang village as part of the civic action&nbsp;programme.

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Weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces in violence-affected Manipur, an official said on Thursday. According to the defence spokesperson, an extensive search of the area by the security personnel of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Churachandpur Police was launched on Thursday.

Weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces in violence-affected Manipur, an official said on Thursday. According to the defence spokesperson, an extensive search of the area by the security personnel of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Churachandpur Police was launched on Thursday. "Responding to a specific intelligence regarding the presence of a cache of arms and ammunition, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Churachandpur Police in the general area of Gothal-Phoulijang in Churachandpur district on 12 Oct 2023 launched a search," the official said, adding that it led to the recovery of the arms and ammunitions. Also read | Jaishankar gets Z security after Khalistan group in Canada puts up posters labelling him 'enemy of Canada' "An extensive search of the area by the troops led to the recovery of one 9mm carbine gun, one tear gas gun, one improvised mortar, ammunition and other war-like stores, under the aegis of Red Shield division of Indian Army," the officials added. The recoveries have been handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation. During the operation, a medical camp was also organised and essential items were distributed at Gothal-Phoulijang village as part of the civic action programme. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Weapons, warlike stores recovered by security forces during combing operations in Manipur

War is raging between Israel & Hamas. Rockets & missiles are being fired at each other. Israel vows to end the war. But what are the Israeli defence capabilities? Watch this video to find out.

Israel-Palestine war: Defence capabilities of Israel amid war with Hamas

India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’—the two-day seminar of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).

The list includes futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, remotely piloted airborne vehicles up to 25 km with a 2kg Payload for the army, naval shipborne unmanned aerial system, medium upgrade low endurance class tactical drone, an electric light vehicle for the army, medium range precision kill system for artillery, next-generation low-level light radar for the army.

<h2>Five indigenisation lists issued so far</h2>

This was the fifth indigenisation list released by the ministry in the last three years, in which a total of 509 defence items have been placed under the import ban.

“The list lays special focus on import substitution of components of major systems, besides important platforms, weapon systems, sensors and munitions, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to 10 years,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“The items in the list will provide ample visibility and opportunity to the domestic industry to understand the trend and futuristic needs of the Armed Forces and create requisite R&amp;D and manufacturing capacity within the country,” it said.

The list has been prepared by the Department of Military Affairs.

<h2>India's reliance on foreign weapons&nbsp;</h2>

India, which remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, relies heavily on foreign defence manufacturers to fulfil its security needs.

It launched the import bans list around three years ago to attain twin objectives—cut down import costs and boost defence manufacturing.

Russian weapons continue to dominate India’s weapons armoury and it has remained the largest supplier between 2018-22.

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According to the Swedish Think Tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France was the second largest supplier between 2018-22.

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Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market for three countries — Russia, France and Israel&nbsp; —and the second largest export market to South Korea.

India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21st on the list of arms exporters.

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India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.

India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’—the two-day seminar of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO). The list includes futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, remotely piloted airborne vehicles up to 25 km with a 2kg Payload for the army, naval shipborne unmanned aerial system, medium upgrade low endurance class tactical drone, an electric light vehicle for the army, medium range precision kill system for artillery, next-generation low-level light radar for the army. Five indigenisation lists issued so far This was the fifth indigenisation list released by the ministry in the last three years, in which a total of 509 defence items have been placed under the import ban. “The list lays special focus on import substitution of components of major systems, besides important platforms, weapon systems, sensors and munitions, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to 10 years,” the defence ministry said in a statement. “The items in the list will provide ample visibility and opportunity to the domestic industry to understand the trend and futuristic needs of the Armed Forces and create requisite R&D and manufacturing capacity within the country,” it said. The list has been prepared by the Department of Military Affairs. India's reliance on foreign weapons India, which remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, relies heavily on foreign defence manufacturers to fulfil its security needs. It launched the import bans list around three years ago to attain twin objectives—cut down import costs and boost defence manufacturing. Russian weapons continue to dominate India’s weapons armoury and it has remained the largest supplier between 2018-22. Also read | Sikkim floods: Dalai Lama expresses grief following devastation According to the Swedish Think Tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France was the second largest supplier between 2018-22. Also read | US: Following McCarthy's ouster, Jim Jordan to run for House speaker's pos Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market for three countries — Russia, France and Israel —and the second largest export market to South Korea. India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21st on the list of arms exporters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India bans imports of 98 weapons, releases fresh indigenisation list

Human rights groups on Tuesday urged Indonesia to investigate suspected arms sales by&nbsp;state-owned companies to&nbsp;Myanmar, where Indonesia has been trying to promote reconciliation since a 2021 military coup triggered widespread conflict.

Groups filed a complaint with Indonesia's national human rights commission on Monday alleging that three&nbsp;state-owned arms&nbsp;makers&nbsp;had been selling equipment to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since the coup, according to Feri Amsari, a legal adviser to the&nbsp;activists.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been racked by violence since the military overthrew a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years ago.

The group that drew up the complaint includes two&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;organisations, the Chin Human Rights Organisation and&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Accountability Project, and Marzuki Darusman, a former&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;attorney general and rights advocate.

They allege in their complaint that&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;state&nbsp;arms manufacturer PT Pindad,&nbsp;state&nbsp;ship maker PT PAL and aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia had supplied equipment to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;via a&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;company called True North, which they said was owned by the son of a minister in the military government.

PT Pindad and PT PAL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PT Pindad's director told media earlier that it had not sold products to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;since 2016.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia said it had never had a contract with&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;or related third party.

True North did not immediately respond to request for comment but an undated company profile seen by Reuters showed that it identified the three&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;arms manufacturers as "strategic partners".

The&nbsp;activists&nbsp;said&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;had bought various items from the companies, including pistols, assault rifles and combat vehicles.

As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Indonesia has been trying with few signs of success to engage with both&nbsp;Myanmar's military and opposition in the hope of facilitating talks.

Indonesia voted in favour of a U.N. General Assembly Resolution calling "on all UN member&nbsp;states to prevent the flow of arms to&nbsp;Myanmar" after the coup.

A spokesperson for Indonesia's foreign ministry said it was studying the complaint. A defence ministry spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Darusman said the rights commission, known as Komnas HAM, was obliged to investigate given that&nbsp;state-owned firms are subject to government control and oversight.

The UN special rapporteur on&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;reported in May that&nbsp;Myanmar's military had imported at least $1 billion worth of arms and related material since the coup, largely from Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand and India.

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Human rights groups on Tuesday urged Indonesia to investigate suspected arms sales by state-owned companies to Myanmar, where Indonesia has been trying to promote reconciliation since a 2021 military coup triggered widespread conflict.

Human rights groups on Tuesday urged Indonesia to investigate suspected arms sales by state-owned companies to Myanmar, where Indonesia has been trying to promote reconciliation since a 2021 military coup triggered widespread conflict. Groups filed a complaint with Indonesia's national human rights commission on Monday alleging that three state-owned arms makers had been selling equipment to Myanmar since the coup, according to Feri Amsari, a legal adviser to the activists. Myanmar has been racked by violence since the military overthrew a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years ago. The group that drew up the complaint includes two Myanmar organisations, the Chin Human Rights Organisation and Myanmar Accountability Project, and Marzuki Darusman, a former Indonesian attorney general and rights advocate. They allege in their complaint that Indonesian state arms manufacturer PT Pindad, state ship maker PT PAL and aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia had supplied equipment to Myanmar via a Myanmar company called True North, which they said was owned by the son of a minister in the military government. PT Pindad and PT PAL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PT Pindad's director told media earlier that it had not sold products to Myanmar since 2016. PT Dirgantara Indonesia said it had never had a contract with Myanmar or related third party. True North did not immediately respond to request for comment but an undated company profile seen by Reuters showed that it identified the three Indonesian arms manufacturers as "strategic partners". The activists said Myanmar had bought various items from the companies, including pistols, assault rifles and combat vehicles. As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Indonesia has been trying with few signs of success to engage with both Myanmar's military and opposition in the hope of facilitating talks. Indonesia voted in favour of a U.N. General Assembly Resolution calling "on all UN member states to prevent the flow of arms to Myanmar" after the coup. A spokesperson for Indonesia's foreign ministry said it was studying the complaint. A defence ministry spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Darusman said the rights commission, known as Komnas HAM, was obliged to investigate given that state-owned firms are subject to government control and oversight. The UN special rapporteur on Myanmar reported in May that Myanmar's military had imported at least $1 billion worth of arms and related material since the coup, largely from Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand and India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Activists say Indonesian state weapons makers supplying Myanmar

China has offered to help the war-torn nation of Syria with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Syrian President announcing the formation of a strategic partnership.

Syria's efforts to boost commercial ties

China's arms exports have declined due to poor quality and also weak performance. This is all according to reports in the last decade China's Weaponry exports dropped by nearly a quarter. Watch this interview with a China analyst, foreign affairs & security strategist Collins Chong Yew Keat to know more.

China's arms export decline due to defective quality, unreliable performance

China's arms exports have declined due to poor quality and also weak performance. This is all according to reports in the last decade China's Weaponry exports dropped by nearly a quarter.

Report: China's armaments fail to perform as promised

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be travelling to Russia this month where he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the need to provide weapons for the ongoing war against Ukraine, reported the New York Times on Monday (September 4), citing US and allied sources. 
 
Kim is likely to board an armoured train from Pyongyang to Vladivostok on the Pacific Coast of Russia, where he is set to meet Putin, said the newspaper. 
 
The planned trip will take place as Russia and North Korea have been discussing holding joint military exercises after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea during which he tried to convince Pyongyang to let Russia purchase artillery ammunition. 
 
As per reports, Putin wants North Korea to provide Russia with artillery shells and antitank missiles, and Kim wishes Russia to share the advanced technology for the nuclear-powered submarines and satellites, as per the officials. On his trip, Kim is also hoping to seek food aid for his impoverished nation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-russia-ready-to-discuss-the-grain-deal-632259">Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met</a>

The two leaders will be present on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, which is scheduled to run from September 10 to 13, as per the officials. 
 
Kim is also likely to visit Pier 33, where naval ships from the Pacific fleet of Russia dock, officials stated. The anniversary of its founding is celebrated by North Korea on September 9.

<h2>US reacts to reports of Putin-Kim meeting</h2>

The White House on Monday (September 4) stated that Kim Jong Un is expected to hold a "leader-level diplomatic engagement" with President Putin in Russia. 
 
"As we have warned publicly, arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson, using an acronym for the North, adding that "we have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia."

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Putin says he will soon meet with China President Xi as war in Ukraine drags on

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Previously, the US had warned that North Korea may provide weapons to Russia, amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine which has been vehemently opposed by the United States and its European allies, which Moscow calls a "special military operation." 
 
On August 30, White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed concerns over the actively advancing arms negotiations between the two countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be travelling to Russia this month where he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the need to provide weapons for the ongoing war against Ukraine, reported the New York Times on Monday (September 4), citing US and allied sources.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be travelling to Russia this month where he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the need to provide weapons for the ongoing war against Ukraine, reported the New York Times on Monday (September 4), citing US and allied sources. Kim is likely to board an armoured train from Pyongyang to Vladivostok on the Pacific Coast of Russia, where he is set to meet Putin, said the newspaper. The planned trip will take place as Russia and North Korea have been discussing holding joint military exercises after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea during which he tried to convince Pyongyang to let Russia purchase artillery ammunition. As per reports, Putin wants North Korea to provide Russia with artillery shells and antitank missiles, and Kim wishes Russia to share the advanced technology for the nuclear-powered submarines and satellites, as per the officials. On his trip, Kim is also hoping to seek food aid for his impoverished nation. ALSO READ | Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met The two leaders will be present on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, which is scheduled to run from September 10 to 13, as per the officials. Kim is also likely to visit Pier 33, where naval ships from the Pacific fleet of Russia dock, officials stated. The anniversary of its founding is celebrated by North Korea on September 9. US reacts to reports of Putin-Kim meeting The White House on Monday (September 4) stated that Kim Jong Un is expected to hold a "leader-level diplomatic engagement" with President Putin in Russia. "As we have warned publicly, arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson, using an acronym for the North, adding that "we have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia." WATCH | Russia's Putin says he will soon meet with China President Xi as war in Ukraine drags on Previously, the US had warned that North Korea may provide weapons to Russia, amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine which has been vehemently opposed by the United States and its European allies, which Moscow calls a "special military operation." On August 30, White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed concerns over the actively advancing arms negotiations between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Putin in Russia for discussion on weapons supply

The Indian army has successfully demonstrated the indigenous weapons as the Brazilian Army Chief inspected the weapons in India's Pokhran. While Rajasthan's Pokhran testing range has witnessed many military drills in the past this time it's different.

Pokhran: Indian Army demonstrates indigenous weapons in presence of the Brazilian Army Chief

Syria has been wracked by conflict for over 12 years and in a striking irony Syrian youngsters find respite in a make-believe battlefield inspired by the video game PUBG.

Syria's PUBG inspired make-believe battlefield

A series of explosions rocked Syria overnight. The country's capital, Damascus was targeted during the early hours on Sunday.

Syria: Blasts target weapons warehouse in Iran-backed militia

As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, US President Joe Biden's administration has hit a hurdle.&nbsp;Egypt, a Middle-Eastern ally of both Russia and US&nbsp;is now resisting senior US&nbsp;leaders' requests to send arms to Ukraine, Wall Street Journal reported quoting Egyptian and American officials. It is worth noting that Egypt had agreed not to send weapons to Russia after initial plans to provide rockets to Moscow.

The plans to not send arms to Russia were abandoned earlier this year due to pressure from the US, according to officials cited by the media portal.

US officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urged Egypt to divert its weapons supply toward Ukraine so that Kyiv can be aided with more ammunition for its military operations against Russia.&nbsp;

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The request was formally made in March reportedly during a meeting between Austin and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in Cairo. However, Egypt did not commit to the request at the time. It led to multiple subsequent discussions on the matter between senior US officials and Egyptian counterparts, WSJ reported.

The request by US officials to Egypt includes providing artillery shells, antitank missiles, air-defense systems, and small arms to Ukraine. While Egypt has not categorically rejected the requests, there have been indications from Egyptian officials that they do not intend to send the requested weapons.

<h2>Egypt's role in seeking peace</h2>

“We find these conversations with Egypt productive. On a range of diplomatic discussions, Egypt’s response has been befitting of a strong U.S. partner,” an official reportedly said adding, “These are not simple or quick issues, and our discussions with our Egyptian partners on our mutual interest in ending Russia’s war are productive and ongoing,” the official also said.

<h2>Egypt's geopolitical calculations&nbsp;</h2>

Egypt's reluctance to supply weapons to Ukraine is a significant challenge to the broader US initiative of gathering arms and ammunition for Ukraine at a crucial juncture in the conflict.

Alongside military support given itself, the US is also engaged in diplomatic endeavors to counter Russian influence and offer assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the global south.

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Egypt's stance of neutrality since Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been notable, maintaining cordial relations with the Russian government as well as with the US. Egypt's reliance on Russian wheat imports and Moscow's interest in expanding these sales further underscores the intricate balance Egypt is trying to maintain.

<h2>Congressional concerns</h2>

The Egyptian government's failure to deliver requested weapons has prompted concerns among members of the US Congress.

WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament&nbsp;

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Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration not to release $320 million in military aid to Egypt over human rights violations. The US currently provides Egypt with $1.3 billion in annual military aid, with a portion contingent on Egypt's human rights record.

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As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, US President Joe Biden's administration has hit a hurdle. Egypt, a Middle-Eastern ally of both Russia and US is now resisting senior US leaders' requests to send arms to Ukraine, Wall Street Journal reported quoting Egyptian and American officials.

As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, US President Joe Biden's administration has hit a hurdle. Egypt, a Middle-Eastern ally of both Russia and US is now resisting senior US leaders' requests to send arms to Ukraine, Wall Street Journal reported quoting Egyptian and American officials. It is worth noting that Egypt had agreed not to send weapons to Russia after initial plans to provide rockets to Moscow. The plans to not send arms to Russia were abandoned earlier this year due to pressure from the US, according to officials cited by the media portal. US officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urged Egypt to divert its weapons supply toward Ukraine so that Kyiv can be aided with more ammunition for its military operations against Russia. Also Read | Ahead of BRICS summit, Russian envoy Babushkin advocates trading in national currencies The request was formally made in March reportedly during a meeting between Austin and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in Cairo. However, Egypt did not commit to the request at the time. It led to multiple subsequent discussions on the matter between senior US officials and Egyptian counterparts, WSJ reported. The request by US officials to Egypt includes providing artillery shells, antitank missiles, air-defense systems, and small arms to Ukraine. While Egypt has not categorically rejected the requests, there have been indications from Egyptian officials that they do not intend to send the requested weapons. Egypt's role in seeking peace “We find these conversations with Egypt productive. On a range of diplomatic discussions, Egypt’s response has been befitting of a strong U.S. partner,” an official reportedly said adding, “These are not simple or quick issues, and our discussions with our Egyptian partners on our mutual interest in ending Russia’s war are productive and ongoing,” the official also said. Egypt's geopolitical calculations Egypt's reluctance to supply weapons to Ukraine is a significant challenge to the broader US initiative of gathering arms and ammunition for Ukraine at a crucial juncture in the conflict. Alongside military support given itself, the US is also engaged in diplomatic endeavors to counter Russian influence and offer assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the global south. Also Read | Indian govt proposes revamp of colonial-era laws, here’s what will change Egypt's stance of neutrality since Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been notable, maintaining cordial relations with the Russian government as well as with the US. Egypt's reliance on Russian wheat imports and Moscow's interest in expanding these sales further underscores the intricate balance Egypt is trying to maintain. Congressional concerns The Egyptian government's failure to deliver requested weapons has prompted concerns among members of the US Congress. WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament × Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration not to release $320 million in military aid to Egypt over human rights violations. The US currently provides Egypt with $1.3 billion in annual military aid, with a portion contingent on Egypt's human rights record. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Egypt's resistance to supply weapons to Ukraine poses challenge for Biden administration: Report

Ukraine no longer wants to rely on the US. Ukrainian troops are abandoning US tactics in their counteroffensive against Russia. As per the sources, U.S. tactics have proved to be ineffective.

Why are Ukrainian troops abandoning US tactics in their counteroffensive against Russia?

Weapons are usually made from metals found on Earth. But have you ever seen one made from an object that fell from the sky?

An item that fell from the sky was used to make this ANCIENT WEAPON

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of&nbsp;his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating&nbsp;the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban.&nbsp;

During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>Three principles&nbsp;</h2>

According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-military-expansion-raises-concern-over-regional-stability-616936">Watch |&nbsp;China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability</a>

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LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters.&nbsp;

Japanese media reports state that the&nbsp;government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considering-exporting-weapons-to-countries-under-invasion-report-570482">Also read |&nbsp;Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report</a>

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Seeing the&nbsp;allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports.&nbsp;

While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent&nbsp;of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent&nbsp;were against it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban. During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter. Three principles According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict. Watch | China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability × LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters. Japanese media reports state that the government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies. Also read | Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report Russia-Ukraine war However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war. Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. Seeing the allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports. While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent were against it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Is Japan looking to supply lethal arms to Ukraine?

In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies.

Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs or cluster submunitions, are a type of weapon that consists of a container or shell filled with numerous smaller explosive submunitions. When the main munition is deployed, it opens up in mid-air or upon impact, releasing the submunitions over a wide area.&nbsp;These explosive devices are banned by over 100 countries.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-opens-over-new-zealands-2019-white-island-volcanic-eruption-incident-that-killed-22-614451">Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22</a>

Shoigu stated that while Russia possesses cluster munitions, it has refrained from using them thus far in its "military operations" in Ukraine.

However, the United States has previously accused Russia of employing cluster munitions in Ukraine, resulting in a significant number of unexploded bomblets.

The US claims that the cluster munitions it intends to provide to Ukraine have a lower failure rate compared to those used by Russia.

<h2>Russia's cluster munitions more effective: Shoigu&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the Russian defence minister said that Russia's cluster munitions are more effective than the American ones and that the Russian army is taking measures to protect its troops from such weapons.

"In the event that the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the armed forces of Ukraine as a response," Shoigu said on Tuesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-outgoing-prime-minister-prayut-chan-o-cha-announces-retirement-from-politics-614430">Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics</a>

Moreover, Human Rights Watch has reported the use of cluster munitions by both Russia and Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, referred to by Russia as a "special military operation."

Neither the US, Russia, nor Ukraine are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Watch | Why US military deals are not enough to wean India off Russian arms yet

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US officials claim that they approved Ukraine's request for cluster bombs when it became apparent that Ukraine was running out of its&nbsp;regular artillery ammunition, and domestic production could not meet its needs.

However, several close allies of the United States, including Britain, Canada, and Germany, have expressed opposition to the use of cluster munitions.

In addition, Shoigu mentioned that Russia is significantly reducing Ukraine's counteroffensive capabilities, and Russian forces have gained ground during their own counterattack in the eastern Donetsk region.

(Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)

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In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies.

In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies. Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs or cluster submunitions, are a type of weapon that consists of a container or shell filled with numerous smaller explosive submunitions. When the main munition is deployed, it opens up in mid-air or upon impact, releasing the submunitions over a wide area. These explosive devices are banned by over 100 countries. Also Read | Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22 Shoigu stated that while Russia possesses cluster munitions, it has refrained from using them thus far in its "military operations" in Ukraine. However, the United States has previously accused Russia of employing cluster munitions in Ukraine, resulting in a significant number of unexploded bomblets. The US claims that the cluster munitions it intends to provide to Ukraine have a lower failure rate compared to those used by Russia. Russia's cluster munitions more effective: Shoigu Meanwhile, the Russian defence minister said that Russia's cluster munitions are more effective than the American ones and that the Russian army is taking measures to protect its troops from such weapons. "In the event that the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the armed forces of Ukraine as a response," Shoigu said on Tuesday. Also Read | Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics Moreover, Human Rights Watch has reported the use of cluster munitions by both Russia and Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, referred to by Russia as a "special military operation." Neither the US, Russia, nor Ukraine are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Watch | Why US military deals are not enough to wean India off Russian arms yet × US officials claim that they approved Ukraine's request for cluster bombs when it became apparent that Ukraine was running out of its regular artillery ammunition, and domestic production could not meet its needs. However, several close allies of the United States, including Britain, Canada, and Germany, have expressed opposition to the use of cluster munitions. In addition, Shoigu mentioned that Russia is significantly reducing Ukraine's counteroffensive capabilities, and Russian forces have gained ground during their own counterattack in the eastern Donetsk region. (Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine

US is reaching new heights. The nation has found a new way to target enemies. This time it's not a human-made weapon. But a Celestial Weapon, known as Asteroids. According to a Russian Expert, Anatoly Zaitsev, the US might be planning a celestial attack on Russia. This attack will use 'Asteroid' as a weapon.

Russian expert claims the US is working on weaponising asteroids against their enemies

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: Images showed individuals, including young children and teens, posing for pictures with rockets, anti-aircraft missiles, and also launchers, according to AFP. Hamas, a group from Gaza, has made their weapons available to the public for the first time in an effort to inspire resistance among the region's youth.

Hamas militants put their weapons on public display for first time

Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons.&nbsp;

A recent report by New York Times states&nbsp;that Kyiv has not received weapons for which it has already paid money to contractors. Meanwhile, the arms donated by the allies are in such shabby condition that they are only fit enough to be 'cannibalised' for spare parts.&nbsp;

"Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted.&nbsp;

Money paid to state-owned companies never materialised in the delivery of arms, one of the people involved in Ukraine's arms purchasing was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

The recent delivery of&nbsp;33 self-propelled howitzers by Italy shows the true extent of the problem&nbsp;the Ukrainian administration is facing. A video showed smoke coming out of the engine of one vehicle, while another had engine coolant leaking from it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-counteroffensive-leads-to-advancements-in-southern-region-russia-ukraine-war-605765">WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War</a>

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When quizzed about the decrepit condition of the howitzers, the Italian defence ministry in a statement said the vehicles had been decommissioned long ago. However, Ukraine had&nbsp;asked for them anyway&nbsp;“to be overhauled and put into operation, given the urgent need for means to face the Russian aggression".

To arrest the slide, Kyiv sent those howitzers to&nbsp;Tampa-based Ultra Defense Corporation for repairs to the tune of $19.8 million. However, after being shipped back to Ukraine, 13 of them were deemed "not suitable for combat missions".&nbsp;

A miffed Kyiv shot down a letter to Pentagon and let Washington know about its frustrations.&nbsp;

“The American company, offering its services, had no prior intention to fulfil its obligations,” wrote&nbsp;Volodymyr Pikuzo,&nbsp;Ukraine's defence procurement director in the letter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858">Also read |&nbsp;Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</a>

The report claims that it is only this&nbsp;year that the Volodomyr Zelensky government has smelled the coffee and started analysing its past purchases to understand where the money is being spent and omit problematic contractors.&nbsp;

Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine reliant on the West for keeping up in the war</h2>

The US has been one of the biggest donors for Ukraine in the ongoing war. It has committed almost $40 billion in military aid and more in financial and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the European allies have also pooled resources and donated tens of billions of dollars.&nbsp;

It is due to the money committed already that Ukrainian officials have mostly refrained from complaining about the broken equipment, However, as the war drags on and soldiers grow weary in the absence of proper weapons, the frustration is bound to grow.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons.

Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons. A recent report by New York Times states that Kyiv has not received weapons for which it has already paid money to contractors. Meanwhile, the arms donated by the allies are in such shabby condition that they are only fit enough to be 'cannibalised' for spare parts. "Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted. Money paid to state-owned companies never materialised in the delivery of arms, one of the people involved in Ukraine's arms purchasing was quoted as saying. The recent delivery of 33 self-propelled howitzers by Italy shows the true extent of the problem the Ukrainian administration is facing. A video showed smoke coming out of the engine of one vehicle, while another had engine coolant leaking from it. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War × When quizzed about the decrepit condition of the howitzers, the Italian defence ministry in a statement said the vehicles had been decommissioned long ago. However, Ukraine had asked for them anyway “to be overhauled and put into operation, given the urgent need for means to face the Russian aggression". To arrest the slide, Kyiv sent those howitzers to Tampa-based Ultra Defense Corporation for repairs to the tune of $19.8 million. However, after being shipped back to Ukraine, 13 of them were deemed "not suitable for combat missions". A miffed Kyiv shot down a letter to Pentagon and let Washington know about its frustrations. “The American company, offering its services, had no prior intention to fulfil its obligations,” wrote Volodymyr Pikuzo, Ukraine's defence procurement director in the letter. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes The report claims that it is only this year that the Volodomyr Zelensky government has smelled the coffee and started analysing its past purchases to understand where the money is being spent and omit problematic contractors. Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat. Ukraine reliant on the West for keeping up in the war The US has been one of the biggest donors for Ukraine in the ongoing war. It has committed almost $40 billion in military aid and more in financial and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the European allies have also pooled resources and donated tens of billions of dollars. It is due to the money committed already that Ukrainian officials have mostly refrained from complaining about the broken equipment, However, as the war drags on and soldiers grow weary in the absence of proper weapons, the frustration is bound to grow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky administration cannot account for 'hundreds of millions of dollars' spent on weapons: Report

The intensifying head-to-head clash between Russia & Ukraine has set alarm bells ringing. e war shows no prospects of ending any day soon. Nations around the world are reaching out to Ukraine to provide weaponry aid. The US is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells. Washington is rushing weapons & ammunition to Ukraine for a fresh counteroffensive.

Why is the US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells?

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes&nbsp;weapons and ammunition&nbsp;to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions.

Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global&nbsp;shortages&nbsp;of munitions.

"There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity.

Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US&nbsp;can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military.

Tokyo, which hosted US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US&nbsp;government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said.

The US&nbsp;wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US&nbsp;army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added.

Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security.

The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment.

The US&nbsp;State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US&nbsp;planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense".

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Eager to help</h2>

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced&nbsp;Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two.

That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations.

Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks.

There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

"The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said.

Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains.

South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US&nbsp;has&nbsp;approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed.

Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome".

The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US&nbsp;government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy.

Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military.

"We have not received any direct inquiry from the US&nbsp;government or US&nbsp;military," the company said in an email.

Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Japan's next move</h2>

Supplying commercial TNT to the US&nbsp;may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions.

In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China.

Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat.

"Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions. Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global shortages of munitions. "There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity. Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military. Tokyo, which hosted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said. The US wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added. Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security. The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment. The US State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense". Eager to help Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two. That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations. Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks. There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. "The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said. Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains. South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US has approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed. Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome". The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy. Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military. "We have not received any direct inquiry from the US government or US military," the company said in an email. Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers. Japan's next move Supplying commercial TNT to the US may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions. In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China. Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat. "Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.

US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells: Report

The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case&nbsp;after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were&nbsp;injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather. The incident took place over the weekend in Lake of the Four Seasons, a community in the US state of Indiana.&nbsp;

According to a statement by Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, the police believe that “someone” might have pulled the pin on the device. The 47-year-old man who died was later identified as Bryan Niedert, while the identity of the two teenagers, his 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, who were injured was not known.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the two teenagers suffered shrapnel wounds and were taken to the hospital. However, their condition was not immediately known. Erik Longnecker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a statement said that they are supporting the Lake County Sheriff’s office and Porter County Bomb Squad in the investigation.&nbsp;

A bomb squad was called to their house where the explosion took place to check if any other explosives were at the house. While such incidents are not common in the US, they&nbsp;are not entirely unheard of. In 2020, a 12-year-old in Virginia died after what is believed to be a WW II-era hand grenade bought at a local flea market exploded.&nbsp;

Such incidents also prompted the FBI to issue a statement which said that some families of war veterans in the US are finding “unexpected, and highly dangerous souvenirs” among their loved one’s belongings which service members either brought home from their combat service or purchased them later.

It added that these devices are known as military ordnance and can remain intact for decades but explode without notice and also warned that they are “highly dangerous, and only a trained bomb technician should handle them.”&nbsp;

The federal agency also noted that there has been an increase in the number of calls they are receiving about such devices as large numbers of elderly veterans are now dying.&nbsp;

Special Agent Patrick Carolan, a bomb technician with the FBI, said, “People are often a little shocked and concerned to realise that they or their loved ones have been living with such a dangerous item in their home, sometimes for decades.” 
 
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The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather.

The local police in the United States reported a bizarre case after a man in Indiana was killed and two children were injured after they found a hand grenade while going through the belongings of their grandfather. The incident took place over the weekend in Lake of the Four Seasons, a community in the US state of Indiana. According to a statement by Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, the police believe that “someone” might have pulled the pin on the device. The 47-year-old man who died was later identified as Bryan Niedert, while the identity of the two teenagers, his 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, who were injured was not known. As per media reports, the two teenagers suffered shrapnel wounds and were taken to the hospital. However, their condition was not immediately known. Erik Longnecker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a statement said that they are supporting the Lake County Sheriff’s office and Porter County Bomb Squad in the investigation. A bomb squad was called to their house where the explosion took place to check if any other explosives were at the house. While such incidents are not common in the US, they are not entirely unheard of. In 2020, a 12-year-old in Virginia died after what is believed to be a WW II-era hand grenade bought at a local flea market exploded. Such incidents also prompted the FBI to issue a statement which said that some families of war veterans in the US are finding “unexpected, and highly dangerous souvenirs” among their loved one’s belongings which service members either brought home from their combat service or purchased them later. It added that these devices are known as military ordnance and can remain intact for decades but explode without notice and also warned that they are “highly dangerous, and only a trained bomb technician should handle them.” The federal agency also noted that there has been an increase in the number of calls they are receiving about such devices as large numbers of elderly veterans are now dying. Special Agent Patrick Carolan, a bomb technician with the FBI, said, “People are often a little shocked and concerned to realise that they or their loved ones have been living with such a dangerous item in their home, sometimes for decades.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Antique grenade found in grandfather’s belongings explodes, kills one, injures two

Two mass shootings took place in Serbia only in this month. It left 17 people dead. Many of the killed victims were children. The government in the wke of these mass shootings announced a one-month amnesty period for citizens to turn in unregistered firearms as part of a gun control drive.

In Pics | Serbians surrender 13,500 weapons in amnesty after mass shootings

Serbian authorities displayed around 13,500 weapons they say people have been handed over since this month's mass shootings, including hand grenades, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket launchers.

Serbian authorities display 13,500 weapons

India is on its way to cement stronger ties with foreign nations around the world. It is trying to prove its mettle in the global arms trade. For this, India plans to carry out a major change in the deployment of defence attaches overseas. The move is seen as a bid to boost exports of made in India weapons.

What is India's new plan to boost exports of MADE IN INDIA weapons to Africa, West Asia?

A report by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the US Department of Defense (DOD) spends around one billion dollars every year to develop what is known as “directed energy” weapons.&nbsp;

The weapons in question essentially fire concentrated electromagnetic energy or simply known as lasers. However, this military technology is also something that the American taxpayers are now paying at least a billion dollars for. So this is how it is being used.&nbsp;

According to the report, the DOD has developed high-energy lasers that have “successfully shot down drones in demonstrations.” The GAO who reportedly visited these defence facilities also found how the US military is working on making laser weapons small and light enough to be used by one person.&nbsp;

The Pentagon too is experimenting with high-powered microwave weapons which could potentially penetrate solid objects and this technology has several implications including, disrupting the enemy’s power source, sensors and other electronics, said the GAO.&nbsp;

Similarly, a Congressional Research Service (CRS), a non-partisan organisation which conducts research for lawmakers, in its analysis, last year, found that these high-energy lasers and microwave weapons could be useful for short-range air defence, against drones as well as to counter rocket, artillery and mortar fire, reported CBS News.&nbsp;

The CRS also found that these lasers are not only affordable but also more efficient than conventional weapons.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the GAO noted how various branches of the US military have already tested these powerful lasers. Reportedly, the US Navy has tested them on drones and small boats while the Air Force has developed a laser which can be attached to its aircraft.&nbsp;

“DOD has pursued these potentially transformative technologies for decades because they could provide considerable advantages,” stated the GAO, in its report. It added, “They can deliver destructive or disruptive effects to targets at the speed of light and have potentially significant advantages over kinetic weapons, such as missiles, including lower per-use cost.”&nbsp;

However, the GAO report finds that the departments have had difficulty “getting these technologies out of the lab and into the field for several reasons” which include determining how to use them for different missions. Additionally, the DOD’s “efforts to transition prototypes to acquisition programs face challenges,” said the government agency.&nbsp; 
 
But this is not the only hurdle that these weapons face, as directed energy weapons also have legal and functional limitations, including some laser systems being restricted under international treaties.&nbsp;

For example, the United Nations has banned laser weapons specifically designed to cause permanent blindness, while previous prototypes have reportedly been affected by atmospheric conditions like rain or fog.&nbsp;

Therefore, before these “direct energy” weapons can be put to actual use on missions, simply powering them remains a challenge, not to mention the development of new tactics to deploy this novel weaponry.&nbsp;

“As a novel technology, (directed energy) weapons require the development of new tactics, techniques and procedures — processes by which the warfighter knows how best to use a particular technology in an operational environment,” the GAO noted.&nbsp; 
 
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A report by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the US Department of Defense (DOD) spends around one billion dollars every year to develop what is known as “directed energy” weapons.

A report by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the US Department of Defense (DOD) spends around one billion dollars every year to develop what is known as “directed energy” weapons. The weapons in question essentially fire concentrated electromagnetic energy or simply known as lasers. However, this military technology is also something that the American taxpayers are now paying at least a billion dollars for. So this is how it is being used. According to the report, the DOD has developed high-energy lasers that have “successfully shot down drones in demonstrations.” The GAO who reportedly visited these defence facilities also found how the US military is working on making laser weapons small and light enough to be used by one person. The Pentagon too is experimenting with high-powered microwave weapons which could potentially penetrate solid objects and this technology has several implications including, disrupting the enemy’s power source, sensors and other electronics, said the GAO. Similarly, a Congressional Research Service (CRS), a non-partisan organisation which conducts research for lawmakers, in its analysis, last year, found that these high-energy lasers and microwave weapons could be useful for short-range air defence, against drones as well as to counter rocket, artillery and mortar fire, reported CBS News. The CRS also found that these lasers are not only affordable but also more efficient than conventional weapons. Meanwhile, the GAO noted how various branches of the US military have already tested these powerful lasers. Reportedly, the US Navy has tested them on drones and small boats while the Air Force has developed a laser which can be attached to its aircraft. “DOD has pursued these potentially transformative technologies for decades because they could provide considerable advantages,” stated the GAO, in its report. It added, “They can deliver destructive or disruptive effects to targets at the speed of light and have potentially significant advantages over kinetic weapons, such as missiles, including lower per-use cost.” However, the GAO report finds that the departments have had difficulty “getting these technologies out of the lab and into the field for several reasons” which include determining how to use them for different missions. Additionally, the DOD’s “efforts to transition prototypes to acquisition programs face challenges,” said the government agency. But this is not the only hurdle that these weapons face, as directed energy weapons also have legal and functional limitations, including some laser systems being restricted under international treaties. For example, the United Nations has banned laser weapons specifically designed to cause permanent blindness, while previous prototypes have reportedly been affected by atmospheric conditions like rain or fog. Therefore, before these “direct energy” weapons can be put to actual use on missions, simply powering them remains a challenge, not to mention the development of new tactics to deploy this novel weaponry. “As a novel technology, (directed energy) weapons require the development of new tactics, techniques and procedures — processes by which the warfighter knows how best to use a particular technology in an operational environment,” the GAO noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon spends $1 billion every year to develop ‘directed energy’ weapons

The Russia-Ukraine war sparked an international drive to increase the production of arms. Despite not directly arming Ukraine, South Korea has taken the lead in arms production & its export. Ally South Korea reached an agreement to lend the US 500,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells. This could give Washington greater flexibility to supply Ukraine with ammunition.

Why is South Korea lending 500,000 rounds of artillery shells to the US?

Is Pakistan betraying China? Reports say, Pakistan is secretly sending weapons to Ukraine. Has Islamabad dropped its veneer of neutrality? Will China & Russia punish Pak? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Pak secretly sending weapons to Ukraine | Will Russia & China punish Pak?

India on Thursday cleared the decks for buying indigenous military hardware worth ₹70,500 crore, including supersonic missiles, artillery guns, maritime helicopters and a long-range standoff weapon, officials familiar with the matter said.

India to purchase weapons worth over $8.4 MN

China has refuted the claims suggesting it had supplied weapons to Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang took a stern stance and said Beijing was being unfairly dragged into the conflict.

China has refuted the claims suggesting it had supplied weapons to Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang took a stern stance and said Beijing was being unfairly dragged into the conflict. “China did not create the crisis. It is not a party to the crisis. And it has not provided weapons to either side of the conflict. Why on earth is there blame and sanctions on China? This is absolutely unacceptable," Qin told reporters on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting. “There seems to be an invisible hand pushing for the protraction and escalation of the conflict,” he said before adding, “Ukraine crisis is a tragedy that could have been avoided." China and Russia have a relatively close working relationship. After Russia suffered setbacks in the war, news reports suggested that China had started delivering weapons to Kremlin - a claim that has not been proven so far. Read more: China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question The Chinese minister added that reason and dialogue were required to solve the situation instead of imposing sanctions. “Conflict, sanctions and pressure will not solve the problem. What is needed is calmness, reason and dialogue while respecting the legitimate security concerns of all parties.” WATCH | China releases 12-point policy paper on Russia-Ukraine war × The US, however, continues to allege that China is supplying arms through clandestine means. In January, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on a Chinese firm named Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute for allegedly supplying satellite images to Putin's private militia, the Wagner group. “These images were gathered in order to enable Wagner combat operations in Ukraine,” read a statement released by the treasury department. Read more: China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and warned him of consequences if China supplied the arms. Shortly after the meeting, Blinken gave an interview and doubled down on the warning. "One of the things that I shared with him (Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi) was a growing concern on our part, that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine." While allegations fly left, right and centre, Chinese media is reporting that Xi Jinping might visit Putin after the culmination of the Chinese parliament next week. Putin had previously extended an official invitation to Xi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Why on earth...': Chinese FM quashes rumours of supplying weapons to Russia

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