Defense & Strategy
Coverage of US, allied, and adversary military capability — carrier movements, basing, weapons procurement, doctrine, and the strategic calculus that translates capability into decisions.
Kim Jong Un Publicly Thanks Troops for Overseas Operations
Kim Jong Un formally thanked North Korean troops for overseas operations, the government's clearest public acknowledgment of DPRK forces deployed abroad.
Ukraine's Arctic Strike Extends Reach Into Russia's Gas Heartland
Ukraine's long-range strikes reached Russia's Arctic gas infrastructure this week, as a separate drone attack hit a Caspian port in Dagestan, widening pressure on Moscow.
Kim Praises North Korean Troops in Ukraine; Russia-China Pact Deepens
North Korea's Kim Jong Un publicly praised soldiers deployed in Ukraine alongside Russian forces as China and Russia reinforced their strategic partnership.
Beijing Boosts Taiwan-Facing Firepower With Brigade-Level 155mm Howitzers
China has deployed brigade-level 155mm howitzers aimed at Taiwan, the South China Morning Post reports, as Beijing simultaneously deepens ties with Russia and North Korea.
China's North Korea Card: Issue Linkage, Taiwan, and the Bargain Beijing Won't Name
A new policy analysis argues Beijing could trade concessions on North Korea's nuclear program to extract U.S. restraint on Taiwan — a linkage Washington has yet to price into its strategy.
Bodycam Footage Shows Russian Missile Detonating Yards From Kyiv Police Officers
Video from a Ukrainian officer's bodycam captured a Russian missile striking near police on patrol in Kyiv, as Ukraine moves to secure 1,000 Patriot missiles from Western allies.
Lithuania Trains Civilians for War, Tells Putin: 'We Don't Fear You'
As Russian forces resume deadly strikes on Kyiv, Lithuania launches civilian military training and delivers a direct warning to Moscow: 'We don't fear you.'
China Deploys Warrior Scientists to Gather Military Data Around Taiwan
War on the Rocks analysis finds China's marine scientific research ships are expanding operations around Taiwan in service of military objectives beyond oceanography.
Russia Resumes Kyiv Strikes, Killing Two, After U.S. Envoys Depart
Russian drones and missiles hit Kyiv overnight, killing two people and collapsing a roof, ending a three-day pause that coincided with U.S. peace envoy visits.
Kyiv on Alert as Capital Strike Pause Holds and Witkoff Cites Progress
Drone and missile alerts sounded in Kyiv overnight as a temporary pause on capital strikes held, while U.S. envoy Witkoff cited substantive progress in peace talks.
Kim Jong Un Designates New Destroyer as Nuclear Retaliation Platform
Kim Jong Un placed North Korea's newest Choe Hyon-class destroyer in the country's nuclear response system, saying it could deliver 'annihilating retaliatory strikes.'
Russia Has Resources to Fight Through 2028, Ukraine Intelligence Warns
Ukraine's military intelligence directorate assessed that Russia retains sufficient resources to sustain its war effort through 2028, even as U.S. envoys shuttle between Moscow and Kyiv.
Kim Launches Second Nuclear Destroyer as Allied Drills Begin
North Korea launched its second nuclear-capable destroyer as allied military exercises opened, with Kim Jong-un vowing to build a fully nuclear-armed navy to counter regional threats.
Kim Jong Un Names New Destroyer Part of Nuclear Response System
North Korea's Kim Jong Un has declared a newly commissioned naval destroyer part of his country's nuclear response architecture, deploying it on the east coast to boost deterrence.
Taiwan Experts Call for Shift to Smaller Naval Vessels to Counter China
Defense analysts urge Taiwan to restructure its navy around smaller, more survivable ships as PLA Navy expansion raises the cost of a conventional fleet strategy.
North Korean KN-23 Missiles Hit Ukraine Industrial Sites Again
Russia struck Ukrainian industrial infrastructure with North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles as Pyongyang's weapons reenter the conflict and Moscow signals confidence.
Pentagon Oil Deal Goes to Venezuelan Probed for Money Laundering
A Venezuelan billionaire previously investigated by U.S. authorities for money laundering has secured a Pentagon oil contract, raising procurement vetting questions.
Russia Strikes Ukraine Security Service Headquarters in Central Kyiv
A Russian drone strike hit the Security Service of Ukraine headquarters in central Kyiv on Thursday, part of an intensifying aerial campaign targeting Ukrainian state institutions.
Kyiv Strikes Military Plant and Naval Vessel Deep Inside Russia
Ukrainian forces hit a Russian military plant and a naval vessel deep inside Russian territory on War Day 1,654 as Trump administration envoys prepare weekend peace talks.
Pacific Summit Ends Without Unanimous Condemnation of China's Missile Launch
Pacific Island leaders failed to reach consensus on a joint censure of China's ballistic missile test, exposing Beijing's deepening diplomatic leverage across the region.
Ukrainian Sea Drones Strike Sochi Port for the First Time
Ukraine's naval drone campaign reached Sochi for the first time Wednesday, striking the Black Sea resort city's port and extending Kyiv's operational maritime reach.
China Surveyed Waters East of Taiwan Last Month, Beijing Confirms
Beijing disclosed a hydrographic survey of Taiwan's eastern approaches and a coast guard patrol in the same zone, operations Pacific defense planners say align with blockade contingency planning.
Pacific Leaders Call United Front as Taiwan Warns of Chinese Blockade Preparations
The chair of a Pacific regional forum demanded solidarity against a Chinese missile test as Taiwan warned Beijing is now fully preparing for a naval blockade of the island.
China Warns Taiwan as Taipei Plans Record Defense Budget
Beijing renewed warnings against Taiwanese independence as Taiwan unveiled a record defense budget, raising questions about the island's societal readiness for conflict.
Ukraine's Refinery Strikes Are Forcing Russia to Process Oil Abroad
Kyiv's drone campaign has knocked out dozens of Russian refineries, worsening domestic fuel shortages and pushing Moscow to route crude oil processing to foreign facilities.
Putin Calls Zelenskyy a Terrorist as Strikes Hit Both Countries
Putin accused Zelenskyy of 'terrorism' Wednesday as airstrikes rocked both nations; Ukraine warned foreign airlines to avoid Russian airspace as the conflict deepens.
Russian Strikes Wound Eight Civilians as Kyiv Escalates Drone Campaign
Russian attacks wounded eight Ukrainian civilians Tuesday as Zelensky declared Russian airspace completely unsafe and both governments threatened further escalation.
Zelenskyy: Ukrainian Drones Have Effectively Closed Russian Airspace
Ukraine's president warns international airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt air corridors and ceasefire talks advance in Moscow.
Russian Strikes Trigger Air Raid Alert on Kyiv's First Day of School
An air raid alert disrupted the first day of school in Kyiv on Monday after overnight Russian missile strikes, as Russia hit the Ukrainian capital for the sixth consecutive day.
Russian Drone and Missile Barrage Kills at Least 12 in Kyiv
A combined drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital killed at least 12 people as EU defence ministers met in Ireland over critical gaps in Ukraine's air defences.