Good morning! Time for a quick Sunday rundown of what’s happening in defense and global affairs for November 24.
Putin Orders More Tests, Production of Hypersonic Missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday plans to ramp up testing of the hypersonic Oreshnik (Hazel tree) missile in “combat conditions” following its recent deployment against Ukraine.
The missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10, was fired at Dnipro in a notable escalation of the nearly three-year conflict.
Putin has also ordered the missile to enter serial production, touting it as a powerful guarantee of Russia’s sovereignty and claiming it surpasses current global missile technology.
The missile test, Putin said, was a response to Ukraine using US- and UK-supplied missiles against Russian territory.
He warned that Russia reserves the right to target military facilities in countries supplying such weapons.
The announcement came during a highly publicized meeting with military leaders as the war’s intensity continues to grow.
US Expects North Korean Troops to Join Russia’s Fight in Ukraine
The US expects North Korean troops stationed in Russia to soon join the fight against Ukraine, according to Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin on Saturday.
Speaking during a visit to Fiji, Austin said around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been integrated into Russian military formations in the Kursk region, though there’s no evidence yet of them actively engaging in combat.
Reports suggest Russia has supplied North Korea with oil, anti-air missiles, and economic aid in exchange for the troop deployment.
Meanwhile, Ukraine warns that Russia has amassed a 50,000-strong force, including North Korean troops, to regain territory lost to Ukraine in August during a rapid counteroffensive.
China, Russia, and North Korea Forge Military Tech Exchange
The growing alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is raising alarms among Western leaders, especially as these nations begin sharing high-level military technology.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, warned on Saturday that Russia is likely to provide missile and submarine tech to North Korea in exchange for troops and artillery.
Similarly, China’s support in rebuilding Russia’s military could see Moscow sharing advanced submarine technology with Beijing, threatening America’s dominance in undersea warfare.
Paparo described this alliance as a mutual exchange where each country fills gaps in resources or operational needs for the others.
At the Halifax International Security Forum, officials stressed that the Ukraine war has linked European and Indo-Pacific security, making it impossible to view these theaters in isolation.
Germany’s Minister of State, Tobias Lindner, emphasized the need for a tough stance on Russia to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific.
Sweden Funds Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Production
Sweden is stepping up its support for Ukraine by funding the mass production of long-range missiles and drones within Ukraine itself.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced during a Friday press briefing alongside Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov.
While exact figures and timelines weren’t disclosed, this commitment highlights Sweden’s long-term dedication to bolstering Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Jonson emphasized that Ukraine is Sweden’s top security priority and has the right to defend itself both “inside and outside” its borders.
Sweden has already contributed around 48.4 billion Swedish krona ($4.37 billion) in military aid and pledged an additional 25 billion Swedish krona ($2.28 billion) annually through 2026, with the possibility of increasing that amount.
Sweden’s defense industry, including heavyweights like Saab, is expected to play a significant role in this initiative, although details on specific systems and companies involved remain under wraps.
Meanwhile, Sweden has also supported Ukraine with its Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control System and trained Ukrainian pilots on Saab Gripen fighter jets, though further Gripen donations are on hold as allies prioritize F-16 deliveries.
Israel Destroys Villages, Eyes Buffer Zone Against Hezbollah
Israel appears to be creating a buffer zone along the Lebanon border to reduce Hezbollah’s threat, but it’s unclear if this strategy will prevent future attacks.
The move, as reported by AFP News on Friday, comes after months of intense bombardment and ground operations that have left over a dozen border villages in ruins.
Israeli officials hope this “no man’s land” will keep Hezbollah from using the area to launch attacks, but experts question its long-term effectiveness.
The destruction in the area has been massive, with villages like Mais al-Jabal and Mhaibib seeing more than half their structures destroyed.
Residents have lost homes, schools, and even cemeteries to the conflict.
Israel has also uncovered tunnels and infrastructure allegedly used by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, which it accuses of planning attacks similar to the October 7 assault by Hamas.
While Israel’s actions aim to weaken Hezbollah, experts note the group continues to fire rockets and deploy drones into Israel, showing no sign of retreat.
The idea of a lasting buffer zone may face challenges, as displaced residents are likely to return and rebuild if a political agreement is reached.
Sudanese Army Reclaims Key City from Paramilitary Force
The Sudanese Army announced on Saturday that it had recaptured Sinja, the capital of Sennar state, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant win in the 19-month-long conflict.
Sinja, located on a critical road linking army-controlled regions, had been under RSF control for five months.
Army-backed officials celebrated the victory, with armed forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visiting the area to inspect operations.
The RSF’s occupation of Sinja had forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee, while those who stayed endured months of violence, looting, and fear.
Residents, like Sinja teacher Abdullah al-Hassan, expressed relief and joy at the army’s arrival, describing it as an end to “months of terror.”
The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 11 million people and caused tens of thousands of deaths.
The RSF still controls large parts of Sudan, including Darfur, Kordofan, and areas around Khartoum.
Civilians displaced by the conflict, like 46-year-old Asia Khedr, hope this latest victory could signal a path back to their homes and an end to their suffering.
Pentagon Awards Boeing $4B for Tankers and Surveillance Jets
Boeing recently announced that it has landed two major Pentagon contracts worth over $4 billion, a much-needed boost after the company’s defense division reported $2 billion in losses last quarter.
The deals include $2.38 billion for 15 KC-46A Pegasus aerial tankers and $1.67 billion for seven P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
The KC-46A deal brings the total planes on contract to 168, with 89 already delivered to the US USAir Force and four to Japan.
Meanwhile, the P-8A contract, which also includes work for foreign military sales to Canada and Germany, raises the total number of Poseidons under contract to 207.
These surveillance aircraft are critical for US Navy operations and AUKUS-related experimentation.
While Boeing has faced challenges with delays and cost overruns on the KC-46A program, these new contracts reaffirm its role in bolstering US and allied defense capabilities.
