China showcased its advanced military capabilities during a Beijing parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Among the unveiled weaponry were the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile and the LY-1 shipborne laser weapon system, demonstrating China’s advancements in strategic nuclear deterrence and directed-energy weapons. The event also included various drones and missiles, highlighting the sophistication of its defense-industrial complex. The parade, attended by leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Il, served as a message to the U.S. and its allies, signaling China’s growing military might and ambition.
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Following an Iranian missile barrage on Israel, at least 240 people were wounded, four seriously, with damage inflicted upon a major hospital and a Tel Aviv high-rise. Israel retaliated with strikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, prompting Russia to voice concern over the safety of its personnel at the Bushehr nuclear plant. An Israeli official claimed that approximately two-thirds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers had been destroyed, while Iran launched over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones towards Israel. The conflict continues amidst escalating tensions and international calls for a ceasefire.
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Israel launched a large-scale air strike on Iran, targeting its main underground nuclear facility and killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists. This attack, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, prompted Iran to launch hundreds of ballistic missiles in retaliation, resulting in explosions across Tehran and other cities. The attack, the largest between the two countries, has raised international concerns, with President Trump suggesting that further conflict could be avoided through renewed nuclear talks. Casualty numbers are high on both sides, and the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear.
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On June 10th, 2025, a large-scale Russian attack using ballistic missiles and drones targeted Kyiv and Odesa, resulting in casualties and significant damage. In Kyiv, four people were injured, and historical sites like St. Sophia Cathedral were struck. Odesa suffered two fatalities and at least eight injuries, with infrastructure including a maternity hospital and film studio damaged. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the launched projectiles (213 drones and 7 missiles), but the attack underscored Russia’s continued aggression despite international peace efforts. This followed a similarly large-scale attack the previous day.
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Iran’s recent purchase of missile fuel from China, sufficient for the production of approximately 800 ballistic missiles, has understandably raised significant international concern. This substantial order points towards a potential escalation in regional tensions and underscores Iran’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
The scale of the order itself is alarming. 800 ballistic missiles represent a considerable increase in Iran’s arsenal, potentially altering the regional power balance and significantly impacting its ability to project power. The implications extend beyond Iran’s own military might, given the possibility of these missiles being supplied to proxy groups.
The potential transfer of these missiles to Iranian proxies, such as the Houthis, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.… Continue reading
A UN report reveals that North Korea supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and over 100 ballistic missiles in 2024, used in attacks against Ukraine. This included various weaponry such as self-propelled artillery systems, multiple rocket launchers, and anti-tank missiles. Evidence from recovered missile components confirmed North Korean origin and recent manufacturing dates, highlighting the rapid transfer and deployment of these weapons. Furthermore, the report details a reciprocal arms exchange, with Russia providing North Korea with air defense and electronic warfare systems.
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A recent Russian missile attack on Kyiv, involving Iskander-M and KN-23 ballistic missiles, resulted in the interception of six out of nine missiles by Ukrainian air defenses, despite the missiles’ upgrades. These upgrades include radar decoys and evasive maneuvers, creating quasi-ballistic flight paths that challenge the Patriot system’s interception capabilities. While interception remains possible, the modifications complicate the process, prompting efforts to enhance the Patriot system’s effectiveness. The attack, occurring hours after a prisoner exchange, caused injuries and significant damage across Kyiv.
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During the night of May 23-24, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, utilizing 14 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles and 128 drones, while electronic warfare neutralized a further 117 drones. The assault targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, causing widespread disruption. This large-scale attack demonstrates the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
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Following a briefing on Ukraine’s military capabilities, President Zelensky emphasized the urgent need to expedite the development of domestic ballistic missile systems. This acceleration is crucial for bolstering Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, a key element in its defense against Russia. While Ukraine has received some Western-supplied long-range missiles, supply limitations and past restrictions highlight the importance of self-reliance in this critical area. The successful testing and production of a domestically-made ballistic missile last year represents a significant step towards this goal.
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The missile that killed eight people in a Russian strike on Kyiv was reportedly North Korean, according to a Ukrainian source. This claim throws a significant wrench into the already complex geopolitical landscape of the conflict, suggesting a level of international collaboration in the war that was previously unforeseen.
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency alleges that by early 2025, North Korea had supplied Russia with a substantial number of ballistic missiles – a staggering 148 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles, to be exact. This large-scale transfer of weaponry represents a significant escalation in the conflict, not just in terms of military capabilities but also in the widening circle of actors involved.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood