Tag: missile

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Putin calls for resuming production of intermediate missiles

Putin’s statement comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine and concern about possible nuclear attacks…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for resuming production of intermediate-range missiles that were banned under a now-scrapped treaty with the United States.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, or INF, which banned ground-based nuclear and conventional missiles with a range of 500-5,500 kilometers (310-3,410 miles), was regarded as an arms control landmark when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed it in 1988.

The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing Russian violations.

“We need to start production of these strike systems and then, based on the actual situation, make decisions about where — if necessary to ensure our safety — to place them,” Putin said at a meeting of Russia’s national security council.

Putin said Russia hadn’t produced such missiles since the 2019 treaty scrapping, but that “today it is known that the United States not only produces these missile systems, but has already brought them to Europe for exercises, to Denmark. Quite recently it was announced that they are in the Philippines.”

Since withdrawing from the treaty, the U.S. Army has moved forward with developing a conventional, ground-launched, midrange missile capability called the Typhon that would have been banned under the INF. The Typhon fires two Navy missiles, the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile and Standard Missile-6.

The last remaining arms-control pact between Washington and Moscow is the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. It’s set to expire in 2026, and the lack of dialogue on anchoring a successor deal has worried arms control advocates.

Putin’s statement comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine and concern about possible nuclear attacks.

In June, Putin spoke to executives from international news organizations about Moscow’s use of nuclear weapons.

“We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says,” he said. “If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially.”

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Pakistan, Iran Agree to Deescalate Tensions After Missile Strikes

Pakistan foreign minister talked to his Iranian counterpart over the phone and expressed country’s desire to work with Tehran based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation while stressing the close brotherly relations.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and agreed to de-escalate the situation that emerged after strikes by both sides in each other’s territories, said the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Ministry said on Friday in a statement that Jilani talked to Amir-Abdollahian over the phone and expressed Pakistan’s desire to work with Iran based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation while stressing the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

Jilani stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin the cooperation, said the statement.

According to the Ministry, the two Foreign Ministers agreed that working-level cooperation and close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened.

Both Foreign Ministers also discussed the return of the ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals, the Ministry added.

Pakistan on Wednesday accused Iran of violating Pakistan’s airspace, killing two Pakistani children, after Iran hit some targets near the Pakistan-Iran border inside Pakistan.

Later on Wednesday evening, Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and advised the latter not to send its ambassador to Islamabad.

On Thursday, Pakistan’s military announced that the country carried out effective strikes against hideouts inside Iran used by “terrorists” responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan.

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Ukraine Boosts Ammunition and Missile Production

Ukraine is striving to boost its defence production amid the conflict with Russia…reports Asian Lite News

Ukraine has tripled the production of weapons and military equipment this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The output of ammunition for artillery and drones as well as missile production has also increased this year, Zelensky was quoted by the presidential press service as saying on Wednesday, without providing exact figures.

Zelensky further said that next year, Ukraine will focus on the production of explosives and gunpowder to strengthen its position in the conflict with Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the President, currently, about 300,000 people are employed in Ukraine’s defence industry.

Ukraine is striving to boost its defence production amid the conflict with Russia.

Ukraine plans to spend 1.69 trillion hryvnias (about $45 billion), or 21.6 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), on national defence in 2024.

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Indian Navy Unveils Crest of Guided Missile Destroyer ‘Surat’

The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat, represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities…reports Asian Lite News

The crest of the Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction guided missile destroyer, ‘Surat’, was unveiled by Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at a vibrant ceremony in the city of Surat, in the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and senior dignitaries and officials from the State Government and the Indian Navy.

The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat.

Built in 1836, this lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses in India. The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also the state animal of Gujarat, symbolizes the ship’s majesty and strength.

Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship Surat stands as a powerful embodiment of the navy’s commitment to maritime security and national defence. This is well depicted by the wavy sea depicted on the crest.

On the threshold of joining the Indian Navy’s fleet, Surat promises to serve as a formidable sentinel, safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers and upholding its strategic interests in the region

Named after the vibrant city of Surat, renowned for its rich maritime history and shipbuilding legacy, the warship Surat also embodies the enterprising and self-reliant spirit of its namesake.

The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat, represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities.

The ship has been constructed using innovative block construction methodology, wherein the ship’s hull has been assiduously assembled at distinct geographical locations before being integrated at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While also highlighting intricate precision and engineering excellence, this methodology underscores the growing refinement of India’s shipbuilding prowess.

Project 15B follows the success of Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and serves as a testament to India’s steadily growing naval prowess.

The construction of the warship Surat exemplifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous, cutting-edge maritime technology and commitment to strategic military advancements.

Slated to join active service next year, Surat and her able-bodied crew will serve the nation proudly in the decades to come, said officials. (ANI)

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Russia tests new nuclear submarine with Bulava missile

Australia's nuclear submarine deal with US miffs France, says it is stab in the back(indianarrative)

The 12-metre-long (39 ft) Bulava missile was designed to be the backbone of Moscow’s nuclear triad and has a range of more than 8,000km (5,000 miles)…reports Asian Lite News

Russia has said it successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads from one of its submarines.

Sunday’s launch comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the withdrawal of its ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty in a move Moscow argued was needed to bring it into line with the United States.

“The new nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine cruiser Emperor Alexander the Third has successfully launched the Bulava sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile,” Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The missile, which the Federation of American Scientists says is designed to carry as many as six nuclear warheads, was launched from an underwater position in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast and hit a target thousands of kilometres away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East.

The Emperor Alexander the Third is one of Russia’s new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each and are more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models.

Intended to be the core naval component of the nation’s nuclear forces, the Russian navy currently has three Borei-class submarines in service, one more is finishing tests and three others are under construction, according to the defence ministry.

“Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the Navy,” the ministry statement said.

The 12-metre-long (39 ft) Bulava missile was designed to be the backbone of Moscow’s nuclear triad and has a range of more than 8,000km (5,000 miles).

Since rising to power in 1999, Putin has increased military spending and sought to rebuild Russia’s nuclear and conventional forces after the chaos that accompanied the fall of the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago.

Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has severely damaged its relations with the US and the European Union which have also been alarmed by Putin’s willingness to escalate nuclear rhetoric. Last month, he said he was not ready to say whether Russia should resume nuclear testing.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview aired on Sunday that relations with the US were below zero.

“Relations are at zero – or I would say below zero,” Peskov said, though he added that at some point, the leaders of Russia and the United States would have to resume contact.

“Putin has repeatedly stated that he is ready for any contacts,” Peskov said.

The 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty treaty outlaws all nuclear explosions, including live tests of nuclear weapons, although key countries — including the US and China — have never ratified it.

Earlier this year, Russia also suspended participation in the New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control treaty between Moscow and Washington, but said it would continue to respect the caps on nuclear weapons set by the treaty.

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IAF activates three S-400 missile units on China, Pak border

Russia shoots down Ukrainian helicopter with S-400 missiles.(photo:IN)

The Russian side has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

With the Air Force having already operationalised three of its S-400 air defence missile squadrons along borders with China and Pakistan, Indian and Russian officials are set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the remaining two squadrons.

India had signed an over Rs 35,000 crore contract with the Russian side in 2018-19 for five squadrons of the S-400 missiles of which three have already arrived in the country but delivery of the remaining two was hindered due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“The three squadrons have already been operationalised in important sectors. While one unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts,” defence sources told ANI.

The Russian and Indian officials would be soon meeting again to discuss the final delivery schedule of the remaining two missile squadrons, sources said.

The Russian side has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine.

Sources further mentioned that some reports suggested that the squadrons manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by the Russians for their own utilization but nothing is confirmed and India is also focused only on getting its own systems.

Meanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system under Project Kusha after the development project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Indian Air Force is working with the DRDO to squeeze the delivery schedule of the LR-SAM.

The three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) defence system would be able to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at around 400 Km ranges.

The system would be ably complemented by the existing air defence systems, including the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) of the three services and is already operational. (ANI)

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Ukrainian missiles shot down over Crimea bridge

Russian defence ministry on Saturday said that its forces had destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched at the peninsula overnight, according to CNN…reports Asian Lite News

Russian officials have said that multiple missiles were shot down over the bridge connecting Crimea to the mainland on Saturday, CNN reported.

The Russia-appointed Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov in a post on Telegram wrote that two Ukrainian missiles were shot down on Saturday afternoon, according to CNN. Aksyonov further said that the bridge was undamaged.

In an update issued later on Saturday, Aksyonov said that another Ukrainian missile had been shot down in the area. Photos and videos circulating on social media platforms showed white smoke

In a post on Telegram, Aksyonov wrote, “Another enemy missile was shot down over the Kerch Strait. Thank you to our air defence troops for their high professionalism and vigilance!,” CNN reported.

Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russian-appointed Head of Crimea, said special services have put a “smoke screen,” which he said is used to conceal any damage caused.

Earlier, the Russian defence ministry on Saturday said that its forces had destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched at the peninsula overnight, according to CNN.

Following the attempted strikes, the Russian foreign ministry criticised Ukraine for carrying out what it described as a “terrorist attack” and termed the attacks “unacceptable.”

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “The Crimean bridge is an object of purely civilian infrastructure, attacks on which are unacceptable. It has been subjected to such attacks since the autumn of last year, which also led to the death of civilians.”

She further said, “Such barbaric actions cannot be justified and will not go unanswered.”

Meanwhile, traffic has resumed on the Crimean Bridge after it was temporarily blocked, CNN reported citing the Crimean Bridge operative information Telegram account.

Crimean bridge, also known as the Kerch bridge, holds personal value for Russian President Vladimir Putin. It marks the “reunification” of Crimea with the Russian mainland. (ANI)

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Russian missiles hit residential building in eastern Ukraine

Ukraine began its long-awaited counteroffensive in June but has made modest advances in the face of stiff resistance from Russian forces…reports Asian Lite News

Rescue workers combed through the rubble of damaged buildings in the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, the day after Russian strikes killed at least seven people.

Pokrovsk sits just 50 kilometers from the eastern frontline, where Moscow says it is gaining ground and repelling Ukrainian attacks.

Two missiles — launched 40 minutes apart — damaged residential buildings, a hotel, catering establishments, shops and administrative buildings on Monday, Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk region’s military administration said.

Seven people died and 67 were wounded, including two children, according to Igor Klymenko, Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs.

Those killed included a high-ranking emergency official of Donetsk region, Klymenko said.

“We are resuming the demolition of rubble,” he said early Tuesday after the rescuers “were forced to suspend work for the night due to the high threat of repeated shelling.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Moscow had struck a residential building, and shared a video on social media of civilians helping wounded people and rescuers clearing rubble from a building that had lost its top floor.

The footage also showed a second building that appeared heavily damaged.

The city had a pre-war population of around 60,000 people.

Also on Monday, Russia said it had recently advanced three kilometers toward Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine around 150 kilometers north of Pokrovsk and a few dozen kilometers from the Russian border.

Kupiansk and its surroundings in the Kharkiv region were retaken by Ukrainian forces in September, but Moscow has renewed its assault on the area.

“Over the past three days, the advance of Russian troops… amounted to 11 kilometers along the front and more than three kilometers deep into the enemy’s defense,” Moscow’s defense ministry said.

It said that it had “improved” its standing along the frontline and continued to repel Ukrainian counterattacks.

On Saturday, Russia struck a blood transfusion center in Kruglyakivka — near Kupiansk — with a “guided air bomb”, killing at least two people and wounding four, Kyiv said.

Two more people in Kruglyakivka died Monday when Russia attacked with “four guided aerial bombs”, according to Oleg Synegubov, governor of the Kharkiv region.

In mid-July, Ukraine said that it was in a “defensive position” in the Kupiansk area as the Russian army launched an offensive there.

Ukraine began its long-awaited counteroffensive in June but has made modest advances in the face of stiff resistance from Russian forces.

On the diplomatic front, Ukraine said Monday it was “satisfied” after a peace summit held in Saudi Arabia, to which Moscow was not invited.

Representatives from around 40 countries including China, India, the United States and Ukraine took part in the weekend summit in Jeddah.

The initiative was greeted with scorn by Moscow on Tuesday.

“We have become eyewitnesses of yet another unsuccessful attempt by the US administration to pass off their wishes for reality. There was no diplomatic success in Jeddah,” said Russian ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by state news agency RIA Novosti.

The diplomat said it was pointless to discuss the crisis in Ukraine without Russia’s participation.

“Does anyone still not understand that in such a situation it is impossible to achieve a specific result?” he said.

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Russia fumes as UK gives long-range missiles to Ukraine

Ukraine has long been calling for long-range missiles, but the US and other countries have been unwilling to supply them in case strikes inside Russia lead to escalation…reports Asian Lite News

The UK has been threatened with a “military response” by Russia after pledging to send long-range missiles to Ukraine. The UK’s defence secretary said Storm Shadow missiles will be provided to Ukraine’s military.

In response to reports the deal had been done, Moscow said the move would require an “adequate response from our military”.

Ukraine has long been calling for long-range missiles, but the US and other countries have been unwilling to supply them in case strikes inside Russia lead to escalation.

Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by British Aerospace and a French company, which carries a 450kg conventional warhead to a range of up to 200 miles (300km).

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Wallace said: “The donation of these weapons systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality, especially the deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, which is against international law.

“Ukraine has a right to be able to defend itself against this.” He added that the missiles would be for use “within Ukrainian sovereign territory”. Missiles being launched into Russia would raise the likelihood of a greater Russian reaction.

Wallace said he would not give in-depth details of the capabilities of Storm Shadow – but said: “These weapons will give Ukraine new capability, members should recognise that these systems are not even in the same league as the Russian AS-24 killjoy hypersonic missile,” or “even the Kalibr cruise missile with a range of over 2,000 kilometres, roughly seven times that of a Storm Shadow missile”.

In his speech, the defence secretary laid out some of the ways Russia had been attacking Ukraine – including allegations it had used white phosphorous. He said that using such weapons – “which burn at 800C” – is in contravention of “protocol three of the Convention of Certain Conventional Weapons.

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India to buy more Russian, American missile systems

The US Congress has already approved the sale of the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment to India…reports Ajit Dubey

At a time when the US and Russia are pitted against each other over Ukraine, India plans to buy missile systems from both these countries worth around USD 200 million.

A proposal by the defence forces is at an advanced stage in the defence ministry as per which the Indian Navy has proposed to acquire over 20 Klub anti-ship cruise missiles from Russia and equipment for the American Harpoon anti-ship missile system, defence sources told. The Klub missile from Russia is equipped on both the surface warships and submarines of the Indian Navy and has been one of the importing weapon systems for it for a long time, they said.

The Harpoon missile system acquisition is expected to cost around USD 80 million to the Indian Navy under a foreign military sales route.

The US Congress has already approved the sale of the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment to India.

The Indian Navy has already deployed the Harpoon missiles on its anti-submarine warfare aircraft and submarines.

India had requested to buy one Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) which includes one Harpoon Intermediate Level maintenance station; spare and repair parts, support, and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support.

India has traditionally been using Russian weapon systems but has diversified its acquisitions in the last two decades with procurements taking place from the U.S. and France also in a big way. (ANI)

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