US President Trump defended a new MOU with Iran, stating it's unfair for Tehran to lack ballistic missiles if regional rivals possess them. He differentiated missile threats from nuclear ones, with follow-up talks planned.
A new analysis by the Lowy Institute warns that China's military is developing a "real and growing" ability to hit the Australian mainland with missiles and threaten critical infrastructure. The report highlights China's vast military build-up and its increasing power projection capabilities in the region.
A Lowy Institute report indicates China's missile capabilities pose a growing threat to Australia, with new long-range and hypersonic weapons increasing Beijing's capacity for direct strikes. The report assesses China's military build-up, not its intentions, highlighting the need for informed public discussion.
India is enhancing its air defence capabilities with the "Sudarshan Chakra" project, a multi-layered architecture to counter ballistic missiles and aerial threats from China and Pakistan. Recent successful tests of its Ballistic Missile Defence system and deployment of Akash missile systems highlight these efforts.
Ukraine faces a threat of Russian Zircon hypersonic missile strikes on the night of June 13, according to monitoring resources cited by the "Zerkalo Nedeli" Telegram channel. These missiles are designed for large surface and land targets, launched from ships, submarines, and frigates, boasting hypersonic speeds and a range of up to 1,000 km, making them difficult to intercept.
Russian State Duma Defense Committee member Viktor Sobolev dismissed threats from Denis Shtilerma, co-founder of Fire Point, to strike Moscow as 'information warfare' aimed at influencing the population. Sobolev also stated Russia has the resources to strike Kyiv and that Moscow should not 'forgive' Ukraine amid increased attacks.
Bahrain's Interior Ministry activated air raid sirens and urged calm amid a missile threat. Kuwait's Ministry of Defense confirmed intercepting hostile missiles and drones. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for missile strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, citing retaliation for an attack on Qeshm Island.
Gulf states are urging the US to degrade Iran's missile and drone capabilities after a recent war, fearing ongoing regional instability. Despite a ceasefire, Iran's neighbors remain suspicious, impacting diplomacy, trade, and infrastructure. Analysts suggest a tactical reduction in hostility, not full reconciliation, is likely.
The US Navy has requested fiscal 2027 funding for the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS), a new Army-Navy collaboration designed to counter cruise missiles as part of the Golden Dome missile defense. The system will start at 150 kilowatts with potential to scale to 300kW+, with the Navy planning nearly $95 million in FY2027 and $676 million total through 2031. The program draws on Lockheed Martin's HELIOS naval laser experience, with contracts expected by March 2027.
Hong Kong footballer Ryan Fok Jun-hei, who trains under guidance from stars like Iniesta and Gundogan, has paused his career in Dubai due to the nearby Iran war, training remotely while awaiting clearance to return.
