ballistic missiles

China's nuclear arsenal is rapidly growing, with over 300 new silos and expanded fissile material production aiming for parity with the US. Pakistan counters India with a "full spectrum deterrence" doctrine and diverse missile systems. India is bolstering its defence with the multi-layered Sudarshan Chakra air-defence umbrella to counter both threats.

India's air defence capabilities have been significantly bolstered by the S-400 system, a formidable shield against aerial threats. Its advanced radar and missile technology allows for the interception of aircraft and ballistic missiles at extreme ranges, far surpassing Western counterparts. This strategic asset provides crucial coverage against regional adversaries, enhancing national security.

North Korea launched projectiles, possibly a short-range ballistic missile, into the Yellow Sea, marking its eighth weapons test this year. This move escalates regional tensions and highlights Pyongyang's focus on modernizing its short-range missile program to evade defense systems. South Korea, the US, and Japan are on high alert, sharing intelligence.

North Korea conducted tests of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and AI-guided cruise missiles, aiming to enhance precision-strike capabilities below the nuclear threshold. Leader Kim Jong Un emphasised the combat readiness of these weapons for border deployment.

Russia's Oreshnik missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds and MIRV warheads, struck Kyiv in retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack. This hypersonic threat overwhelms current air defenses. India's Agni-V, a comparable MIRV-equipped IRBM, boasts Mach 24 speeds and advanced features, enhancing its survivability and strike capability.

Russia's latest missile and drone assault on Kyiv, featuring the hypersonic Oreshnik, signals a dangerous escalation. Moscow aims to break Ukraine's resilience and psychologically pressure the West. The attacks target Kyiv as the political heart, overload air defenses, and serve as geopolitical signaling, demonstrating Russia's strategic strike capabilities and readiness for a prolonged conflict.

Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting air defense responses in both nations. The US military intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Strait of Hormuz and allies, striking Iranian radar sites in response. These actions escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing regional confrontations.

Russia unleashed a fierce assault on Kyiv, deploying the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile alongside numerous drones and other advanced weaponry. This escalation followed Moscow's accusations of Ukrainian strikes on a student dormitory, which Kyiv denied.

India is rapidly advancing its indigenous defence capabilities, moving from import dependence to becoming a global player. From long-range missiles and nuclear submarines to anti-drone systems and hypersonic technology, the nation is building a resilient arsenal. This strategic shift enhances national security and positions India as a key partner in defence innovation and production.

Middle East tensions surged as Iran launched missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing peace talks, no breakthrough has occurred, and the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for 96 days. Meanwhile, US crude inventories saw a significant drop for the seventh consecutive week, adding to market volatility.

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.

Russia on May 24 struck Ukraine with an Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile — a weapon Kyiv currently has no capability to intercept. Here’s what we know about this nuclear-capable missile

India has received its fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia, significantly bolstering its long-range aerial defence. This delivery, part of a larger 2018 deal, follows earlier squadrons and is set for rapid deployment. The system has proven effective, notably during Operation Sindoor, and is integrating into India's broader 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence network alongside indigenous projects like Kusha.

A recent Ukrainian drone attack on St. Petersburg, bypassing Russian defenses, highlights the global need for advanced air defense. India is bolstering its capabilities with Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered shield inspired by systems like Israel's Iron Dome and US platforms. This ambitious project aims for comprehensive protection by 2035, integrating space-based surveillance and AI.

Fresh US intelligence suggests Iran has resumed military production, including drones, much sooner than anticipated, raising concerns about its rapid arsenal regeneration. Tehran's strategy of decentralized manufacturing and reliance on commercially available components allows for swift replenishment of weapons like Shahed drones and Fateh missiles, even after recent strikes.

The US is exploring redirecting frozen Iranian assets to Gulf states for rebuilding after missile and drone strikes. This move comes as indirect negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked, with Tehran demanding the release of $24 billion in frozen funds. Military tensions continue to escalate across the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for a meeting to resolve key issues, proposing negotiations in a neutral country. Zelenskyy also called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children, while accusing Russia of preparing for a prolonged conflict and seeking to destabilize neighboring regions.

Sourav Ganguly has refuted claims of mediating between Mamata Banerjee and Yusuf Pathan regarding resignation. Suryakumar Yadav backs the Indian team after losing T20 captaincy. Iran's missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain were intercepted. A protest at Jantar Mantar concluded, demanding action on exam irregularities. Meanwhile, Rosneft CEO noted US firms benefit from Hormuz disruptions.

Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone assault on Ukraine, reportedly using Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. Ukrainian authorities said two people were killed and 56 injured in strikes across Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia used the hypersonic Oreshnik missile, causing widespread damage to homes, schools and infrastructure.

Kuwait's air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, with loud explosions reported across the country. The military confirmed these were the result of air defense operations against hostile aerial targets. Citizens were cautioned against approaching any fallen debris, with authorities urging reliance on official information.

Kyiv endured a massive overnight aerial assault, with Russia deploying over 700 drones and 50 missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik. The barrage, described as one of the war's most intense, struck government buildings and residential areas, causing casualties and widespread damage. Russia stated the strikes targeted military facilities in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks.