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November 28, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read more

November 28, 2022 - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read more

November 23, 2022 - Iran has reached 60 percent uranium enrichment purity at its Fordow nuclear plant, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday. Read more

November 21, 2022 - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim. Read more

November 20, 2022 - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency. Read more

November 19, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read more

November 18, 2022 - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (#ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read more

November 17, 2022 - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula. Read more

November 16, 2022 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict. Read more

November 16, 2022 - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault". Read more

November 16, 2022 - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters. Read more

November 16, 2022 - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously. Read more

November 07, 2022 - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Read more

November 07, 2022 - On Saturday, November 5th the Iranian Revolutionary Guard tested a satellite launch vehicle that Washington has speculated could also launch nuclear warheads. Read more

November 06, 2022 - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station. Read more

November 06, 2022 - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read more

November 05, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military. Read more

November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in northern Japan. Read more

November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read more

November 02, 2022 - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read more

November 02, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read more

October 31, 2022 - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read more

October 30, 2022 - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read more

October 29, 2022 - *UPDATES* The United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read more

October 28, 2022 - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. Read more

October 28, 2022 - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read more

October 28, 2022 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read more

October 26, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read more

October 25, 2022 - *New Information* - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read more

October 24, 2022 - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the United States and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read more

October 22, 2022 - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday. Read more

October 21, 2022 - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read more

October 20, 2022 - "On October 19th, General Michael "Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a visit aboard the USS West Virginia, a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine at an undisclosed location at sea in international waters in the Arabian Sea. Read more

October 17, 2022 - The United States deployed four bombers from South Dakota to the Andersen AFB, in Guam ahead of North Korea's expected nuclear test, as well as recent provocations. Read more

October 17, 2022 - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read more

October 16, 2022 - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea. Read more

October 16, 2022 - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads. Read more

October 15, 2022 - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely. Read more

October 14, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang Read more

October 14, 2022 - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons. Read more

October 13, 2022 - *Updated* South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. Read more

October 13, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles. Read more

October 12, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential. Read more

October 10, 2022 - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats. Read more

October 10, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA. Read more

October 09, 2022 - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies." Read more

October 09, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of ​​Japan.." Read more

October 09, 2022 - US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches: We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more

October 09, 2022 - North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military. Read more

October 07, 2022 - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test. Read more

October 07, 2022 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. Read more

October 07, 2022 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Read more

October 05, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles. Read more

October 05, 2022 - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read more

October 05, 2022 - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States Read more

October 3, 2022 - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan Read more

October 3, 2022 - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday. Read more

October 01, 2022 - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 30, 2022 - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 29, 2022 - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 28, 2022 - Hurricane Ian view via null school wind surface map. Hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm with a current wind speed of 140mph. Read more

September 27, 2022 - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read more

September 25, 2022 - Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read more

September 24, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read more

September 17, 2022 - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction". Read more

September 14, 2022 - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read more

September 12, 2022 - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read more

September 07, 2022 - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read more

September 03, 2022 - NASA made a second attempt to launch the Artemis 1 SLS on Saturday, but a hydrogen fuel leak was detected in the gas line that perplexed technicians. NASA's engineers discovered problems with one of the gas lines as fuel was actively being loaded. Read more

August 30, 2022 - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the northern part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read more

August 17, 2022 - Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on August 16th. Read more

August 09, 2022 - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read more

August 08, 2022 - US ARMED FORCES long-range missile support specialists have selected Northrop Grumman Corporation to attend to the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapons system process to shield the Continental US from nuclear long-range missile assaults. Read more

August 04, 2022 - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read more

August 01, 2022 - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read more

August 01, 2022 - An Iranian IRGC-affiliated Telegram channel has posted a video openly declaring that Iran can move its peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program very quickly, and said that Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of turning New York into ruins. Read more

Kim Jong Un: Goal Is To Have World's Strongest Nuclear Force - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read Full Article

China Plans To Build Nuclear Powered Base On Moon By 2028 - BEIJING - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read Full Article

Iran Reaches 60 Percent Enrichment Purity, One Step From Weapons Grade (90%) - TEHRAN - Iran has reached 60 percent uranium enrichment purity at its Fordow nuclear plant, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday.  

The United States however, has refused to confirm the findings for Fordow, wanting instead to turn to diplomacy efforts to diffuse the situation. 

Iran had already reached 60 percent enrichment at another nuclear facility, but the fact that this particular location is based inside of a mountain makes it particularly difficult to target and destroy. 

Weapons-grade levels of uranium would require 90 to 93 percent enrichment, but 60% is just one step behind weapons-grade refinement level. 

The JCPOA agreement in 2015 restricts Iran's nuclear enrichment to just 3.67 percent. 60 percent greatly exceeds the numbers agreed upon in the deal. 

The IAEA put out a statement that said, “Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi today said Iran had started producing high enriched uranium – UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) enriched up to 60 per cent – using the existing two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges in the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, in addition to such production that has taken place at Natanz since April 2021."

“Iran continues to advance its enrichment activities at the Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz and now plans to install a second production building, capable of housing over 100 centrifuge cascades," it added. 

SEOUL - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim. 

Col. Kim Jun-rak, a spokesperson for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "We have assessed the ICBM, fired on Nov. 18, was the Hwasong-17 missile as the North has claimed, and we have no information regarding its operational deployment". 

He said that intelligence officials from both South Korea and the United States are currently carrying out "additional analysis" in an attempt to find out more. 

2.0 Earthquake Near North Korea's Nuclear Test Site - PYONGYANG - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency. 

This earthquake is one of a series of earthquakes that have hit North Korea in the last few months. 

The latest earthquake occurred 38 kilometers north-northwest of Kilju, North Hamgyong Province at 3:21 p.m. local time, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 41.29 degrees north and a longitude of 129.22 degrees east and had a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). 

There were six other minor earthquakes near Kiju, near the location of the nuclear test site in February and March of this year. 

Kim Jong Un Oversaw ICBM Test, Vows To Respond With Nukes If Enemies Continue To Pose Threats - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read Ongoing Report

North Korea Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - ICBM - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (#ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read Full Article

North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) - SEOUL - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula.  Read Full Article

Former Russian President Says Missile Strike In Poland Proves West Is "Approaching A World War" - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the missile strike in Poland only proves that the West is "approaching a world war," and that the West wants to "wage war on Russia by all means against Russia", and that talking about Russian missiles falling into Poland is a "provocation" with the intent on escalating the conflict.

NATO, Poland Says Missile That Landed In Poland Likely Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that although the missile that landed in Poland and killed two people was "likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile" that it was "not Ukraine's fault".

"Russia bears ultimate responsibility" for the missile strike, not Ukraine, but that there is no indication that the missile strike was an intentional attack from Russia.

Polish President Andrzej Duda also said, “There is no indication that this could be qualified as an attack against Poland. It is highly probable that one of the missiles fired by the Ukrainian missile defense unfortunately fell on our territory."

Missile Blast In Poland Caused By Ukrainian Air Defense Missile - Reuters reported that U.S. President Joe Biden told the G7 and NATO partners that "a missile blast in Poland was caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile", according to a NATO source who reportedly spoke to Reuters.

On The Likelihood Of NATO's Article 5 Being Declared - Article 5 is not automatic, it needs to be agreed upon. It is unlikely alliance members will agree on article 5 if it was accidental, which thus far it looks to be. If it is found that it was intentional, however, the likelihood of article 5 will increase tremendously.

*Ongoing Report* Missile Believed To Be Russian Made Crosses Into NATO Member Poland, Killing Two People - The Associated Press reported that a Russian-made missile crossed into the eastern part of Poland on Wednesday, striking a grain facility near the Ukrainian border on the Polish side and killing two people. Poland is a member of the NATO alliance. Investigations have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile.

Investigations of the missile have not yet concluded who manufactured the missile, and Poland will likely request consultations with the other alliance members under NATO's article 4.

The Associated Press has reported that three U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly "suggested" that the missile was fired by Ukrainian forces and was intended to target a Russian missile.

Polish President Polish President Andrzej Duda informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US president Joe Biden that the Polish ambassador to NATO "will request to invoke article 4, that is consultations among allies".

If Russia was to blame for the missile being launched into Poland, it is possible that NATO article 5 could be triggered, which states that an attack on one NATO member is seen as an attack on all NATO members. Article 5 is not automatic, however and would require that the alliance is in agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put out a statement saying that it was a "very significant escalation" in the war.

Although a statement was released by the Polish Foreign Ministry saying that the missile was most likely manufactured in Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda's statement said that it "most probably" was Russian, but also said officials still haven't been able to confirm who fired the missile.

Duda's statement to reporters said, "We do not have any conclusive evidence at the moment as to who launched this missile. "It was most likely a Russian-made missile, but this is all still under investigation at the moment. We are acting with calm. This is a difficult situation."

The White House put out a statement that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with President Duda and expressed condolences, also offering assistance with the Polish investigation.

The Pentagon says that they have no confirmation that a Russian-made missile crossed into Poland and killed two people. An urgent meeting of the Committee for National Security and Defense Affairs has been called by Polish prime minister.

Even if it was a Russian-made missile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Article 5 is not 'automatically triggered'. Members of the NATO alliance must agree on any actions and responses that the alliance takes in relation to article 5 before taking action.

While speaking to reporters after the emergency meeting with G7 and NATO leaders in Bali, Indonesia, Biden said that preliminary information suggested that it's 'unlikely' that the missile was fired from Russian territory, but that the information is not conclusive until the investigation is completed.

This only addresses whether the missile was fired from Russian territory however, not whether it was fired by Russia from Ukrainian territory.

Biden said, "We agreed to support Poland’s investigation into the explosion … And I’m going to make sure we figure out exactly what happened.”

"Then we’re going to collectively determine our next step as we investigate and proceed. There was total unanimity among the folks at the table,” he added.

Russia denied any involvement in firing the missiles into Poland and called reports by the Polish media first reporting the explosion and deaths as "a deliberate provocation in order to escalate the situation".

The statement by the Kremlin said that the wreckage shown by Polish media "“from the scene in the village of Przewodow have nothing to do with Russian weapons.”

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that evidence suggests the missile that landed in Przewodów was a 'single act' and that there is no evidence that there will be any further missiles shot into Poland.

Poland is, however, increasing its military readiness in response, and is carrying out a careful analysis and consulting with NATO allies regarding the potential use of NATO's article 4, which allows for a NATO member to consult with the other alliance members.

Pentagon: U.S. Able To Respond Quickly To North Korean Nuclear Test - PENTAGON - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Washington believes North Korea has completed all preparations for a seventh nuclear test. Read Full Article

Iran Tests Satellite Launch Vehicle That Could Be Used For Nuclear Warheads - TEHRAN - On Saturday, November 5th the Iranian Revolutionary Guard tested a satellite launch vehicle that Washington has speculated could also launch nuclear warheads. Read Full Article

China Completes Construction Of Its Space Station - SPACE - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station.

The Mengtian module was launched into space using a Long March 5B rocket at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and 13 hours after launch made a successful dock with the Space Station.

About a fifth of the size of the International Space Station, it can hold three astronauts, or up to six astronauts during handovers.

The station includes the core Tianhe module and two laboratory modules named Wentian and Mentian.

Finland And Sweden To Decide Issues On Nuclear Weapons Only After Joining NATO - Both Finland and Sweden say they will be deciding issues on nuclear weapons only after they are officially accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but that they do not seek any opt-outs or preconditions for joining the alliance, they said at a press briefing in Helsinki. Read Full Article

North Korea Fires 4 Ballistic Missiles Into Western Sea - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military.

The missiles were fired from the Tongrim County in North Pyongyan Province at 11:32 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. local time, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

They flew about 130 kilometers (80 miles) at an apogee of 20 kilometers (a little over 12 miles) at a top speed of Mach 5, the JCS statement said.

The ballistic missile test by the North comes as South Korea and the United States end their joint six-day-long military exercises.

The last day of exercises involved two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers and four South Korean F-35A fighter jets.

North Korea Launches At Least 4 More Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea launched at least three, possibly four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in northern Japan.

The barrage of missile launches by North Korea came, at least in part in response to joint military exercises being held by North Korea and the United States. Exercises in which North Korea has called a provocation.

In response to the latest missile launches by North Korea, the United States and South Korea decided to extend the large-scale joint aerial exercises.

North Korea responded to the move by the United States and South Korea to extend exercises by saying, "North Korea says that the US and South Korea have made a very risky and wrong decision by extending air force drills, and both countries will come to know what a terrible mistake they have made," according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.

The South Korean Defense Minister has released a video message saying that "Any nuclear attack by North Korea will lead to the end of the Kim Jong-un regime. This is a strong warning against the DPRK."

The suspected ICBM test carried out by North Korea yesterday is reported to have failed after launch.

North Korea Launches At Least 26 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells In Last 24 Hours - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read Full Article

Norway Raises Military Alert Level After Drone Sightings Near Norway's Airports, Oil and Gas Fields - Norway has reportedly raised its military alert level after unmanned aerial (UAV) drones were sighted over the last few weeks around Norway's oil and gas fields and airports, which has led to at least seven arrests of Russian citizens. Read Full Article

North Korea Launches At Least 23 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read Full Article

Poland Is, And Finland May Be Interested In Participating in NATO's Nuclear Sharing Program - Both Poland and Finland may be interested in participating in NATO's nuclear sharing program, which would give both countries access to deploying nuclear weapons in their territory, and allow NATO to establish bases within their borders. Poland interested, Finland more reserved on the matter. Read Full Article

2022 National Defense Strategy Of The United States Of America - WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read Full Article

US, NATO Deploying B61-12 Thermonuclear "Gravity Bomb" To Europe - NATO - the United States said during a closed meeting with NATO that it will be accelerating the deployment of an upgraded version of the B61-12 air-dropped thermonuclear "gravity bomb" to European bases in December, which is a few months earlier than was originally planned. Read Full Article

International Space Station Forced To Use Thrusters To Avoid Debris From Russian Anti-Satellite Test - NASA - The International Space Station was forced to ignite a thruster in order to move the space station away from debris created from a Russian anti-missile test in 2021. The anti-satellite missile test involved Russia targeting and destroying one of its own non-functioning satellites, which then generated about 1,500 pieces of space Debris in outer space. Read Full Article

US, South Korea Vow Unparalleled Response If North Carries Out 7th Nuclear Test - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read the following article for more information on them: Read Full Article

Russia, NATO Hold Simultaneous Nuclear Exercises As Tensions Escalate - MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the launches of ballistic and cruise missiles on Wednesday as part of Russia's yearly "Grom" nuclear exercises, as NATO holds simultaneous nuclear exercises. Read Full Article

*NEW* Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US Says Claims Are False - *New Information* - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the US and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation. Read Full Article

Russia Claims Ukraine Preparing To Use Dirty Bomb, US And Ukraine Claim It Is A False Flag Operation By Russia - MOSCOW - Russia has claimed that Ukraine is preparing a possible 'provocation' involving the use of a 'dirty bomb', while the United States and Ukraine claim that this might be a pretext for a Russian 'false flag' operation.

Russian Defense Ministry, Sergey Shoigu spoke on the phone to the Defense Minister for France discussing "the situation in Ukraine, which is consistently veering towards further uncontrolled escalation", according to Russian state news agency RT.

Shoigu voiced 'concerns' about a 'possible Ukrainian provocation' which may involve the use of a 'dirty bomb'.

The Russian state news agency then quoted RIA Novosti as citing "sources in different countries including Ukraine” as saying that Kiev is preparing to detonate “a dirty bomb or a low-yield nuclear weapon" and then RT added, "on its own territory".

The Russian state news agency said that the goal would be to 'accuse Moscow of using weapons of mass destruction in a ploy to launch a powerful anti-Russia campaign".

The report made claims that two Ukrainian institutions have already been "tasked with manufacturing a 'dirty bomb', with the work now at the 'final stages'.

The Russian news agency also claimed that Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky's administration has been engaged in behind-the-scenes' talks with British officials in order to secure the transfer of nuclear arms components to Kiv, Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba put out a statement saying, "I spoke to @SecBlinken. We both agreed Russia’s ‘ dirty bomb ’ disinformation campaign might be aimed at creating a pretext for a false flag operation. We also discussed further practical steps to boost Ukraine’s air defense. Secretary affirmed the US spares no effort to this end."

A 'dirty bomb' is an improvised weapon that uses a mixture of nuclear waste material, and conventional explosives. It does not tend to have the same yield as a nuclear bomb would, but such an explosion can still spread radioactive waste material into the atmosphere.

Ukraine Claims Russian Aircraft Capable Of Launching Hypersonic Missiles Spotted Over Belarus Capital - BELARUS - The Ukrainian National Resistance Center has claimed that three Russian aircraft capable of equipping and launching hypersonic missiles were spotted over Minsk, Belarus on Sunday.

"Three MiG-31 supersonic fighters were spotted over Minsk, which can carry Kh-47M2 'Kinzhal' missiles and are capable of launching them at a distance of 2,000 km," the Resistance Center claimed.

"Russia relocated its planes to the airfield in Machulyshchy. These are not standard MIG-31, but a special modification named MIG-31K. Unlike standard MIGs, this model has an increased fuel supply and special communication equipment," it added.

It also claimed that "three Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Russian Air Force flew to the airfield 'Machulyshchi' from the Russian Federation."

Russia's hypersonic missiles, such as the Kinzhal missile have a range of around 1,243 miles and can fly at 10 times the speed of sound, reaching targets within minutes after they are launched.

Pentagon: Supersonic Bombers Sent To Guam To Send Message, To Deter Provocations - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read Full Article

White House: Iranian Troops Were Sent To Ukraine Help Russia Use Iranian Drones - According to the White House, Iranian troops were sent to Ukraine to help assist Russia in operating Iranian-made drones that Russia had reportedly purchased from the country. Read Full Article

CENTCOM Commander Embarks USS West Virginia Ballistic Missile Submarine - "On October 19th, General Michael "Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a visit aboard the USS West Virginia, a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine at an undisclosed location at sea in international waters in the Arabian Sea.

Kurilla was joined on the USS West Virginia by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT. During his visit on board the submarine, General Kurilla received a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of the vessel, which operates globally under U.S. Strategic Command.

“I was thoroughly impressed with the crew of the USS West Virginia; these sailors represent the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and discipline across the U.S. military," said Kurilla. "These submarines are the crown jewel of the nuclear triad, and the West Virginia demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability of USCENTCOM and USSTRATCOM forces at sea."

USSTRATCOM forces are on watch 24/7 globally, operating in all domains, while supporting other commands, to defend the nation and our allies.

West Virginia is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads."

US Strategic Bombers Deployed To Guam Ahead Of North Korea's 7th Nuclear Test - GUAM - The United States deployed four bombers from South Dakota to the Andersen AFB, in Guam ahead of North Korea's expected nuclear test, as well as recent provocations. Members of our our intel community pointed out that the United States has maintained 4 bombers in Guam for most of 2022. It is possible that these bombers are either additional bombers being deployed to Guam, or on rotation.

Aircraft monitoring service Aircraft spots spotted a USAF B-1Bs SURGE21 and 22 arriving in Guam at around 07:00 UTC.

The monitoring service posted the following on Twitter: "USAF B-1Bs SURGE21 & 22 departed Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota and arrived into Andersen AFB, Guam a few hours ago around 07:00 UTC. With this latest batch, there are now 4 B-1Bs on the ground at Andersen AFB, Guam for this Bomber Task Force deployment."

Guam is within two hours flight time to the Korean Peninsula. B-1B bombers were also deployed to Guam in June after North Korea showed signs that they were preparing for a seventh nuclear test.

The United States Air Force had said during that deployment that, "The mission of the strategic bomber demonstrates the U.S. military's credibility to cope with a more diverse and uncertain global security environment than at any other time in history."

In addition to the bombers, the United States has also deployed surveillance assets over the Korean peninsula ahead of the expected nuclear test.

North Korea shot 350 artillery rounds into the East and West Sea buffer zone with the South in less than 14 hours "from the midnight of the previous day to the afternoon of the 19th," according to South Korean news agency Yonhap (from translation).

The North fired 100 artillery rounds into the West Sea from 12:30 p.m. in the in South Hwanghae Province, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"A spokesman for the General Staff of the North Korean Army said on the same day, just before the announcement by the South Korean military authorities, "between 8:27 am and 9:40 a.m. today, the enemy fired another 10 or so multiple rocket launchers from the front edge of the friendly (North Korean) 5th Corps. The Korean Central News Agency reported that they carried out a military provocation". Yonhap reported.

"The General Staff of the Korean People's Army has issued instructions to the friendly eastern and western front units once again to conduct threat warning fire in the eastern and western seas in response to the appropriateness raised this morning," Yonhap cited the spokesman as saying.

The report added that on the 18th, North Korea had fired around 100 artillery rounds from the Jangsangot area in Hwanghae Province to the West Sea from around 10pm, and 150 artillery shots from the Jangjeon area in Gangwon Province to the East Sea from around 11pm, totally 350 shots in about 14 hours, until the afternoon of the 19th.

On the 14th, it reported around 130 shots were fired from Majang-dong, Hwanghae-do to the West Sea at 1:20 am, and 40 shots from Gueup-ri, Gangwon-do to the East Sea at 2:57. 90 shots were fired from Jangjeon area to the East Sea at 5:20 pm.

Yonhap reported that the North violated the 9/19 agreement by firing more than 560 rounds at five locations, including 90 rounds from Haeju Bay in the West Sea, and 210 rounds from the west of Jangsangot.

Yonhap said that North Korea had claimed the MLRS fire was in response to an announcement from a spokesperson for the General Staff, "for the purpose of sending a warning to the intentional provocations of the enemy."

Situation Overview: South Korea On 24-Hour Standby: Possible Nuclear Test By North - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read Full Article

South Korea Looking Carefully At Nuclear Deterrance Options - SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea.

South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, one of the oldest running newspapers in the country reported that South Korea had requested that the United States deploy strategic assets, such as nuclear submarines or aircraft carriers around the Korean Peninsula around the clock on a rotational basis if the South carries out a 7th nuclear test.

When the South Korean President was asked about the report, he said "As I said the other day, there are diverse opinions across our nation and in the United States regarding extended deterrence, so I am listening to them carefully and looking carefully at various possibilities."

"I'd like you to understand that it's difficult for a president to openly confirm or give a clear answer on such security issues," he added.

Chinese ambassador, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula Affairs posted a statement regarding reports that the South Korean ruling party had proposed the United States redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in the region.

Xiaoming said, "In response to reports that in response to the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons, South Korea's ruling party proposed that South Korea need to redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that we have taken note of the relevant reports. All parties concerned should abide by their international obligations and commitments and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and the region."

He then added, "In response to the report that the ruling party in the #ROK has proposed that the country needs to re-deploy the #US ’s tactical nuclear weapons to respond to the threat of the #DPRK ’s nuclear weapons, #FM spokesperson said that we have noted the reports."

"Relevant parties need to fulfill their respective international obligations and commitments, and take concrete actions to uphold peace and stability on the #Korean Peninsula and in this region."

South Korean Daegu City Mayor Hong Joon-pyo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has been calling for South Korea to acquire nuclear weapons of its own.

On October 5th, he wrote on Facebook, "It is time for the government to thoroughly review the nuclear strategy towards the North" and said that national security should be obtained through "military balance".

Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for North Korean Studies at the Sejong Institute told the South Korean daily newspaper Hankyoreh that, "The tactical nuclear redeployment brought up by the ruling party is not a well-thought-out decision."

“It is a misjudgment which has been caused by excessive trust in the US since [South Korea] has long been relying on extended deterrence from the US," he reportedly added.

Experts in the United States however, have stated that there is "little or no military benefit that can be served by deploying U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea," according to South Korean news Yonhap.

The paper also reported that stationing nuclear-armed submarines in waters near South Korea may also provide no significant merit, and said that the 28,500 U.S. soldiers already currently stationed in South Korea may provide enough security assurance and deterrence that the country needs.

Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow at the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation said, "The redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korean soil lacks military merit".

The expert also said that the United States does not maintain ground-based nuclear weapons and that its tactical nuclear weapons are now mounted on mobile air and sea platforms, which make them "difficult for North Korea to find and target".

"To place them in a static underground bunker would degrade allied deterrence and heighten the risk of a North Korean preemptive attack on such high-value targets," he added.

In 1991 the United States removed its nuclear weapons from South Korea due to a disarmament deal with the Soviet Union at the time, as well as an inter-Korean agreement on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

However, according to Yonhap, a growing number of South Koreans, including ruling party lawmakers have "been calling for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea," due to the recent series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

Patrick Cronin, Chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington said that he does not think that the Biden Administration will agree to deploy nuclear weapons in South Korea, and said that the United States military may not have such weapons available currently due to the war with Ukraine, and competition with China.

"The deployment of 28,500 U.S. troops on South Korean soil remains a severe barrier to aggression by North Korea. These forces and the alliance are backed by the entire arsenal of U.S. forces, including stealthy undersea and long-range nuclear weapons," he told Yonhap.

In response to the South Korean President's comments on looking into "various possibilities" to strengthen U.S. extended deterrence, Yonhap reported Klingner as pointing out that America's nuclear submarines do not need to be near the continent to hit North Korea.

"Submarines are stealthy launch platforms whose location is best kept from opponents. Any U.S. statement that a submarine was "near" Korea could not be verified by either North or South Korea. Nor does the submarine need to (be) near the peninsula to reach North Korea with nuclear weapons," he stated according to Yonhap.

Another expert, Harry Kazianis, president and CEO of Rogue States Project, a national security think tank based in Washington told the news agency that the United States may be already be patrolling the Pacific on a 'nearly continuous basis".

"Basing such a submarine would only speed up the destruction of North Korea within a few minutes if the DPRK attacked, and provides no benefit to Seoul at all," he said.

"While it does signal support for sure, there is no military benefit in any way at all," he added, adding that the Biden administration might appear to consider deploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea if the request is made, but not actually deploy them.

"Washington could float the idea it was considering such a request to get North Korea to back off or deter more DPRK missile tests and get the benefit of deployment without actually doing it," he told Yonhap.

In another report, Radio Free Asia said that North Korea is not yet in a position to deploy tactical nuclear weapons that would have the capability of hitting targets with precision.

It did say, however, that according to experts, the country will likely begin testing tactical nuclear weapons in the near future.

Tactical nuclear weapons have warheads much smaller than a larger nuclear warhead. While a nuclear missile is intended for widespread destruction, tactical nuclear missiles are meant to be used on targets in the battlefield.

Olli Heinonen, who is a former deputy director-general for safeguards at the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke to Radio Free Asia and said that North Korea does not have enough fuel to manufacture multiple tactical nuclear weapons.

"The bulk of its plutonium has the wrong composition for short-range targeted strikes," RFL cited him as saying. He did say that the country is striving "to produce good fissile material for miniaturizing nuclear weapons."

He said that even if the North obtains enough plutonium, the weapons will still have to be tested, which would lead to depleted supplies.

"They need to conduct nuclear tests if they want to miniaturize weapons. Once they will test it, they will see if it works, Only then can they manufacture more efficient and smaller weapons." he stated according to RFA.

Bruce Bennett, a senior defense researcher at the RAND Corporation told RFA that the tests that North Korea has carried out thus far were "not very serious operational tests," but said that their purpose may have been to “to make sure his personnel really understand how to fire the missiles.”

“In real operations, these theater missiles would need to be fired within a few tens of seconds of each other to then give their launchers time to escape before they could be targeted,” he told RFA.

"But on the North’s five recent test events involving two missiles, the shortest separation in the launches was nine minutes, the longest 22 minutes, and the average 14 minutes. That is not really operational," he added.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a press briefing that the United States is committed to "dialogue and diplomacy" and to diffuse the tensions with North Korea, but is ensuring that its "deterrent capabilities are where they need to be."

"We want to see the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We believe that the best way to do that is through diplomacy – through principled, hard-nosed diplomacy with the DPRK,” referring to North Korea. “Clearly the DPRK is not there yet." Price said.

Russia Moving Nuclear Capable Missile Systems To Belarus, Converting Belarusian Jets To Carry Nukes, But Not Moving Nuclear Weapons To Belarus At This Time - Russia is transferring dual-equipped Iskander-M missile systems with conventional missiles to Belarus, and converting Belarusian SU-25 jets with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, but it is 'not planned' to equip Belarus with actual nuclear warheads.

Deputy head of the Russian delegation to the UN General Assembly Vorontsov said that nuclear technologies will not be moved from Russia to Belarus.

"In particular, in Poland, for several years now, they have been declaring their desire to become fully involved in joint nuclear missions. Recently, Warsaw's activity in this area has sharply increased. This, of course, was taken into account by Russia and Belarus when considering the issue of countermeasures," Vorontsov said according to Russian state news RIA Novosti.

"At this stage, we are talking exclusively about the transfer to the Republic of Belarus of dual-equipped Iskander-M complexes with conventional missiles, as well as giving some of the Belarusian Su-25 aircraft the technical ability to carry nuclear weapons. At the same time, transferring technology to Belarus for converting aircraft into nuclear weapons carriers not expected".

"It is also not planned to physically equip Belarusian systems with nuclear warheads, nor to move such warheads to Belarusian territory." he added.

NATO Allies & Russia To Launch Annual Nuclear Exercises Amidst Tensions - EUROPE - NATO put out a statement on Friday saying that it would be launching its annual nuclear exercises "Steadfast Noon". NATO also said that it will be monitoring Russia's own upcoming nuclear exercise very closely.

Russia will be holding their annual Grom exercise in late October, where the country's military will be testing its nuclear-capable bombers, missiles and submarines.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and said, "We have monitored Russian nuclear forces for decades and of course we will continue to monitor them very closely and we will stay vigilant - also when they now start a new exercise".

"What I can say is that this exercise, the Russian exercise, is an annual exercise. It's an exercise where they test and exercise their nuclear forces".

"We will monitor that as we always do. And of course we will remain vigilant, not least in light of the veiled nuclear threats and the dangerous rhetoric we have seen from the Russian side," Stoltenberg said.

NATO's yearly nuclear exercises normally run for around one week, and includes fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear missiles, though they do not carry live-nuclear weapons during the exercises.

The NATO jets will be testing the allies capability of carrying out nuclear strikes over Belgium, the North Sea and the United Kingdom.

"Training flights will take place over Belgium… as well as over the North Sea and the United Kingdom," NATO said in their statement about the exercise.

B-52 long-range nuclear-capable bombers will be flying from the Minot Air Base in North Dakota to take part in the exercise.

Sky News reports that the training this year will be hosted by Belgium, and run from Monday, October 17th to October 30th.

NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said: "This exercise helps ensure that the alliance's nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective."

A different NATO member country hosts the exercise each year, with last year the host being Italy.

The exercises, which were planned before Russia's invasion on Ukraine on February 24th, will include 14 out of 30 NATO member countries and be carried out about 625 miles from Russian territory, AP news cited a NATO official as saying.

Stoltenberg spoke to reporters and when asked if it would be a good idea to carry out nuclear exercises in light of the current situation, he said, "It would send a very wrong signal if we suddenly now cancelled a routine, long-time planned exercise because of the war in Ukraine. That would be absolutely the wrong signal to send".

"NATO’s firm, predictable behavior, our military strength, is the best way to prevent escalation,” he said. “If we now created the grounds for any misunderstandings, miscalculations in Moscow about our willingness to protect and defend all allies, we would increase the risk of escalation.”

Although NATO itself as an organization does not have nuclear weapons, some of its members such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France do have them.

The NATO Nuclear Planning Group, which includes defense ministers will be meeting on Thursday.

Stoltenberg said that Putin's latest nuclear rhetoric was "dangerous and reckless," and said that its members "have also conveyed clearly to Russia that it will have severe consequences if they use nuclear weapons in any way."

"We are closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces. We have not seen any changes in Russia’s posture, but we remain vigilant.” Stoltenberg said.

The United States' Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith also reportedly spoke to Euronews and said, "We've messaged the Russians quite directly that any use of nuclear weapons would be faced with unprecedented consequences".

"This is something we are monitoring closely and I think you've also heard colleagues back in Washington say that right now we do not see an indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons."

On Thursday Stoltenberg had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be crossing a "very important line" if he were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

When asked how NATO would respond to Russia using a nuclear weapon, Stoltenberg said, "We will not go into exactly how we will respond, but of course this will fundamentally change the nature of the conflict. It will mean that a very important line has been crossed."

"Even any use of a smaller nuclear weapon will be a very serious thing, fundamentally changing the nature of the war in Ukraine, and of course that would have consequences," the NATO chief added.

Addressing Russia's nuclear exercise, U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said, "Russia will also be conducting its annual exercise, I think, the week after or just after the annual exercise". He added, however that "what we don’t want is to do things out of routine."

"This is a routine exercise and it’s all about readiness," and added "NATO’s meeting is all about making sure we are ready for anything. I mean, that is the job of this alliance — to make sure that the 30 partners together are ready for what is thrown at us. And we have to continue to work at that."

During an interview with France 2 television, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine France would not respond with a nuclear strike, but put out a warning to leaders regarding nuclear rhetoric.

"We have a (nuclear) doctrine, which is clear. The dissuasion is working. But then, the less we talk about it, the less we brandish the threat, the more credible we are.”

Macron added, "Too many people are talking about it".

Readout of Secretary of Defense Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden - Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ministers of Defense for Finland and Sweden, Antti Kaikkonen and Peter Hultqvist. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his counterparts this week, Ministers Kaikkonen and Hultqvist from Finland and Sweden. The leaders reaffirmed the strength of the trilateral relationship, enhanced by Finland and Sweden's ongoing accession process into NATO.

The leaders discussed key global security issues including Russia's recent escalations of its unprovoked war in Ukraine, affirming our unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty. The leaders also discussed the impact of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and the importance of resilience, as well as other security issues in the Nordic region and the Arctic.

The progress towards Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO was also discussed, with all parties extending thanks to those nations that have already ratified the NATO accession protocols."

Statement From Japan's Ministry of Defense: North Korean Missile Launch (Translated) - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang, North Korea. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that it flew about 650km at a maximum altitude of about 50km and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of ​​Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, it is possible that the ballistic missile flew on an irregular trajectory, and the analysis is still ongoing.

The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.

Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister, (1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information. Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc. Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.

In response, the Minister of Defense (1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries. (2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance. I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives.

North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Macron: France Will Not Respond With Nuclear Weapons If Russia Deploys Them Against Ukraine - FRANCE - During a live interview on France 2 Wednesday, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that if Russia chooses to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, France would not be responding with nuclear weapons.

"Our doctrine rests on the fundamental interests of the nation. They are defined clearly and wouldn’t be directly affected at all if, for example, there was a ballistic nuclear attack in Ukraine, in the region," Macron stated during the interview.

13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 13th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 13th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.

One of the aircraft spotted was a Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft, and another was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.

Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.

A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "13 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 13, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."

An additional statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."

North Korea Fires Another Ballistic Missile, Flies Military Aircraft Near South Korean Border - SEOUL - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. North Korea also fired around 170 artillery shots into the "buffer zone".

The incident caused South Korea to scramble F-35 fighter jets, as well as other military aircraft in response after the North's aircraft flew around 7 miles from the shared border between the two countries early on Friday.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, "From 10:30 pm on the 13th to 0:20 on the 14th, North Korea fired a ballistic missile immediately after making a threatening flight south of the tactical action line with about 10 military aircraft."

The South Korean military put out a statement saying that North Korea had fired 1 short-range ballistic missile from Sunan area in Pyongyang.

The Japanese Prime Minister's office also put out a statement saying, "PM’s instructions (01:52) 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."

On October 4th, North Korea had fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) which has been presumed to be an upgraded version of the Hwasong-12 ballistic missile. It's maximum range was 4,500 kilometers (2796 miles).

Japane's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu said on Thursday that he believes North Korea has developed small nuclear warheads designed to fit onto ballistic missiles capable of reaching South Korea.

He also said that North Korea has made significant progress with its nuclear weapons program, and believes that the country has manufactured smaller warheads that can be placed onto medium-range ballistic missiles.

A few of those missiles include the Nodong, as well as the Scud-ER that has the capability of reaching Japan.

Hamada said that it is becoming more and more difficult to detect ballistic missile launches by North Korea, or to intercept them successfully.

A State Department spokesman said in a written inquiry regarding the North Korean ballistic missile launch, "This, along with other launches since last month, violates a number of resolutions unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council, and threatens peace and stability in the region" Yonhap reported.

"We continue to pursue sincere and continued dialogue with North Korea, but North Korea is refusing it".

*Update* - The South Korean military has reported that North Korea fired around 170 artillery rounds into the "buffer zone," and violated the 2018 inter-Korean accord.

The National Security Council (NSC) has strongly condemned North Korea for flying their military aircraft near the border and firing the artillery rounds into the buffer zone, as well as the missile launch.

A statement by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said that they are aware of the missile launch by North Korea, and said that the launch does not pose an immediate threat to United States personnel, or territory, or to allies.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch:

USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of a DPRK ballistic missile launch. We have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. We will continue consulting closely with our allies and partners to monitor the DPRK’s destabilizing ballistic missile launches. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Launches Two Long-Range Cruise Missiles - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles.

North Korea's state news agency said that the purpose of the test carried out on Wednesday was "enhancing the combat efficiency and might" of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People's Army "for the operation of tactical nukes".

Kim said that the test was a clear warning to its "enemies", and that the country "should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it".

According to KCNA the missiles flew for 10,234 seconds in order to "clearly hit the target 2,000 km (1,240 miles) away".

North Korea: Recent Missile Tests Simulated Use Of Tactical Nuclear Weapons - PYONGYANG - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential.

North Korean's official state news agency KCNA said that military units handling "tactical nukes" staged exercises where they practiced launching ballistic missiles "under the simulation of loading tactical nuclear warheads at a silo under a reservoir."

"The drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".

"Through seven times of launching drills of the tactical nuclear operation units, the actual war capabilities … of the nuclear combat forces ready to hit and wipe out the set objects at any location and any time were displayed to the full" KCNA stated.

The state news agency said that the ballistic missile tests were in response to the joint drills carried out by the United States and South Korea, which involved nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

North Korea viewed the drills as a military threat, and thus staged a "simulation of an actual war" in order to do checks on, and improve its war deterrence capabilities, as well as send a message to its enemies, according to KCNA.

Although the United States and allies insist that the joint drills in the region were purely defensive, North Korea considered them to be an invasion rehearsal.

The North had released a series of photos documenting the launches, which were supervised by Kim himself.

The launches included a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, as well as missiles which have the purpose of carrying out nuclear strikes on airfields in South Korea, as well as command facilities and strategic ports, KCNA said.

The missile that flew over Japan, North Korea said was a new-type intermediate range missile that flew a distance of 4,500 kilometers, or roughly 2796 miles, capable of hitting Guam, and possibly even Alaska or Hawaii which sits around 3,552 miles away from North Korea.

North Korea also claimed that 150 combat aircraft carried out a large-scale combined air-attack drill on October 8th, 2022.

The The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol released a statement that said, "It is important to accurately recognize the grave security reality on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and prepare appropriately for it. Protecting the lives and safety of people is not about words, but it is a real-life problem."

The South Korean President said that North Korean "drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".

South Korean President Yoon told reporters that North Korea has "nothing to gain from nuclear weapons".

"North Korea is steadily developing and advancing its nuclear weapons and threatening not only the Republic of Korea but the world, but I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons," he said, while saying that the nuclear threat is "growing serious by the day".

When he was asked whether Yoon's administration's denuclearization policy on North Korea is still effective in pushing the country toward complete denuclearization, Yoon replied yes, he does believe so.

"North Korea's denuclearization has been sought over the last 30 years since the early 90s under the aim of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which saw us having our tactical nukes withdrawn," he stated.

There have been raised concerns lately of an expected 7th nuclear test by the North after satellite photos show that the work being done on Tunnel 3 of North Korea's nuclear test site appears to be finished, which would conceivably make the facility ready to carry out a nuclear test.

White House Press Secretary Clarifies Biden's Armageddon Comments - White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed U.S. President Joe Biden's comments regarding the "prospect of Armageddon" on Sunday, saying that the President's statement reflects "the very high stakes that are in play”, in relation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats.

Kirby responded to Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week" and said, "The president was reflecting the very high stakes that are in play right now, Martha."

"When you have modern nuclear power and the leader of that modern nuclear power willing to use irresponsible rhetoric the way that Mr. Putin has several times in just the last week or two, as well as the high tension in Ukraine over just the course of the last few days,” he added.

"So the president, I think, was accurately reflecting the fact that the stakes are very high right now."

Kirby said that Biden's statements were not based on any new intelligence, and said that there is no indication that Putin "has made that kind of decision".

He also said that the United States has not "seen anything that would give us pause to reconsider our own strategic nuclear posture.”

"What the president was reflecting was that stakes are high right now, given what’s going on on the battlefield in Ukraine and given the very irresponsible and reckless comments made by Vladimir Putin in just the last few days," Kirby said.

French President Emmanuel Macron scolded Biden for using such rhetoric by saying, "We must speak with prudence when commenting on such matters."

Kim Jong Un Inspects Military Training Of Tactical Nuclear Weapon Units - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA.

The North Korean leader, who said he wants no more dialogue with enemies, made a "field guidance" to the drills that were carried out from September 25th to October 9th during the joint live-fire missile exercises between the United States and South Korea.

KCNA said that the joint exercises saw an aircraft carrier, an Aegis destroyer and a nuclear-powered submarine.

Kim reportedly said that he feels no need for dialogue with enemies, and there is nothing to talk with them about.

HHS purchases drug for use in radiological and nuclear emergencies - According to the ASPR government website, The U.S. Government has purchased $290 million worth of Nplate, from Amgen USA Inc. "as part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies."

Nplate is used to treat radiation sickness during nuclear emergencies. It reduces bleeding during exposure to radiation.

"As part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is purchasing a supply of the drug Nplate from Amgen USA Inc; Nplate is approved to treat blood cell injuries that accompany acute radiation syndrome in adult and pediatric patients (ARS).

Amgen, based in Thousands Oaks, California, developed Nplate for ARS with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

BARDA is using its authority provided under the 2004 Project Bioshield Act and $290 million in Project BioShield designated funding to purchase this supply of the drug. Amgen will maintain this supply in vendor-managed inventory.

This approach decreases life-cycle management costs for taxpayers because doses that near expiration can be rotated into the commercial market for rapid use prior to expiry and new doses can be added to the government supply.

ARS, also known as radiation sickness, occurs when a person’s entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation, reaching internal organs in a matter of seconds. Symptoms of ARS injuries include impaired blood clotting as a result of low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding.

To reduce radiation-induced bleeding, Nplate stimulates the body’s production of platelets. The drug can be used to treat adults and children.

Nplate is also approved for adult and pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder resulting in low platelet counts. Repurposing drugs for acute radiation syndrome that also are approved for a commercial indication helps to sustain availability of the product and improves healthcare provider familiarity with the drug.

About HHS, ASPR, and BARDA: HHS works to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans, providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security.

Within ASPR, BARDA invests in the innovation, advanced research and development, acquisition, and manufacturing of medical countermeasures – vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products – needed to combat health security threats." Read Full Statement

Japanese Ministry Of Defense Statement On Latest North Korean Missile Launches - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of ​​Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula, and both are outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The flight distance is estimated as follows, and the possibility of the launch location being over the sea is still being analyzed.

(1) At around 1:47 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.

(2) At around 1:53 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.

The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.

Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister,
(1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information.

2 Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc.

3 Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.

In response, the Minister of Defense:
(1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries.

(2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance.

I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives under the vice minister.

North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible."

US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."

North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military, after the United States and South Korea completed joint naval exercises the day before which involved U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The missile tests came after North Korea had warned the United States that the redeployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was inflaming tensions in the region.

The South Korean military reported that they detected the two missile launches between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. from North Korea's eastern coastal city of Munchon.

UN Panel: North Korea Continues Preperations For Nuclear Test - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test.

It also said the country may be obtaining and transferring weapons technology through students currently studying abroad.

The panel's biennial report, which covers the first six months of 2022 stated, "During the reporting period, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made preparations at its nuclear test site, although it did not test a nuclear device".

In March, the U.N. panel had reported that North Korea may have begun repairing the North's main nuclear site in Punggye-ri, possibly in order to carry out it's 7th nuclear test.

The report said, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has reopened its nuclear test infrastructure, including the test tunnel and supporting buildings (see figures I–III), which were demolished in May 2018".

The report said that the North's missile program has rapidly advanced, which may have been made possible by the "intangible transfer of technology involving scientists of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in particular fields of activity."

"A Member State informed the Panel that there were students from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea studying abroad who send information back to the country by order of military organizations and governmental departments responsible for science, technology and the economy," it stated.

Lukashenko: Moscow, Minsk will think about Response To The Nuclear Threat In Poland - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko: Moscow and Minsk will think about the response to the nuclear threat in Poland. (translated)

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying, "You have heard statements that they allegedly have already agreed: we will move nuclear weapons arsenals to Poland. We will think. We have already decided, we will think again how to respond to this. Don’t worry, everything will be fine".

Biden: Threat Of Nuclear Armageddon Highest Since Cuban Missile Crisis In 1962 - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the threat of nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Tuesday amidst reports that nuclear weapons were being moved to the frontlines that, "We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture, nor do we have indication that Russia is preparing to imminently use nuclear weapons".

U.S. Strategic Command on September 28th also stated, "We haven’t seen any evidence at this time that Russia will use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. We take these threats very seriously, but we have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture at this time."

Putin is "not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons, because his military is, you might say, significantly under performing," Biden said.

He also said, "we have not seen the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis" and said "we have a direct threat of the use of nuclear weapons if in fact things continue down the path they are going".

"We've got a guy I know fairly well..."

"We're trying to figure out what is Putin's off-ramp," Biden stated.

"I don't think there's any such thing as the ability to easily (use) a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon," Biden added.

"Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position that he does not, not only lose face, but lose significant power within Russia?".

Putin has repeatedly pointed to Russia's vast nuclear capabilities, making a statement on September 21st that said, “I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction ... and when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal".

"It’s not a bluff," He added.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week that the United States has been "clear" to Russia about the "consequences" of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

"This is something that we are attuned to, taking very seriously, and communicating directly with Russia about, including the kind of decisive responses the United States would have if they went down that dark road" Sullivan stated.

North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles.

Japan's Prime Minister's office has put out a statement saying, "[Emergency alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan."

After putting out the statement, the Prime Minister's office quickly deleted it. More information to follow.

Prime Minister's office update correction: "[Emergency alert (Correction)] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."

*Update* - The South Korean military is now saying that two short-range ballistic missiles were fired from Pyongyang, according to Yonhap.

Yonhap reported that the Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches from the Samsok area in Pyongyang between 6:01am and 6:23am local time.

The JCS put out a statement saying, "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".

North Korea Sends Missile Over Japan, US South Korea Hold Live-Fire Drills - PYONGYANG - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read Full Article

Malfunctioned South Korean Missile Crashes Down Inside Airforce Base In Gangneung During Joint Exercises With US - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States, leading some residents of the area to believe North Korea had attacked the city and caused panic.

Government officials didn't release any information regarding the incident for hours, leading to various assumptions as to what might have occurred.

The ballistic missile malfunction isn't reported to have caused any injuries, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The military said that it was investigating what had caused the "abnormal flight" of the missile.

Gangneung’s fire department, as well as its city hall stated that emergency workers were dispatched to the scene at the air force base in response to calls regarding a possible explosion, but were sent back by military officials.

On Thursday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that drills with the United States on Tuesday included test firing four intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRCBMs).

Each side launched two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), as well as a Hyumoo-2 missile which was successful.

During the joint live fire drills, fighter jets were deployed which fired at a target located off South Korea's western coast.

The drills were an apparent response to a North Korean IRBM Mupyong-ri missile that was fired on October 4th from Jagang which flew over Japan, leading to the country putting out a nationwide J-alert telling residents to seek cover underground or in a sturdy building.

A spokesperson for the Japanese government stated that the missile was not shot down because it was not believed to post a threat.

So far this year North Korea has test fired 40 ballistic missiles.

Statements By South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff: Statement 1 | Statement 2

Japanese Government Issues Warning: North Korea Appears To Have Launched Ballistic Missile Over Japan - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan and has urged everyone in the country to monitor news media.

A second message by the Prime Minister's Office of Japan stated, " [Emergency Alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan".

General Petraeus: US Would Destroy Russia's Troops And Equipment, Sink Black Sea Fleet If Putin Uses Nuclear Weapons - United States - If Russian President Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons, the US and its allies "would destroy Russia’s troops and equipment in Ukraine and will sink its Black Sea fleet," former CIA director and retired four-star general for the United States Army David Petraeus stated in an interview Sunday.

"Just to give you a hypothetical, we would respond by leading a NATO, a collective effort, that would take out every Russian conventional force that we can see and identify on the battlefield in Ukraine and also in Crimea and every ship in the Black Sea," he added.

When asked if Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine would draw America and NATO into the war, the General said that it would not trigger NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one member of the NATO alliance is an attack on all NATO members, due to the fact that Ukraine is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but he did say that there would be a NATO response to such an attack.

He said that radiation from such an attack would likely reach NATO member countries protected by Article 5, which could be seen as an attack on a NATO member.

"Perhaps you can make that case, the other case is that this is so horrific that there has to be a response – it cannot go unanswered.”

However, he also added "You don’t want to, again, get into a nuclear escalation here. But you have to show that this cannot be accepted in any way."

He said that he did not speak with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan on what the response from the United States would be if Russia used nuclear weapons, but said that officials in the administration has been communicating the response to Russia in dedicated channels.

General Petraeus claimed that Putin is losing the war in Ukraine, and said that "the battlefield reality he [Putin] faces" is "irreversible".

North Korea Fires Four Rounds Of Short-Range Ballistic Missiles In A Week - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Details on the launches here: Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the missiles were fired at around 6:45 am from Sunan, which is located north of Pyongyang. Each of the two missiles were fired around 8 minutes apart from one another.

The missiles flew around 217 miles at a maximum speed of Mach 6, according to the South Korean military.

Japan's Coast Guard also reported the missile test, saying that they flew 400km and 350 km respectively and reached an altitude of 50km, according to Japan's State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino.

USINDOPACOM Statement Regarding DPRK Launches: The US Indo-Pacific command has put out the following statement on the two short-range missile launches by North Korea:

"We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad.

North Korea Fires At Least One More Missile From Suchon Region - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military.

North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military, which says the missiles flew about 350 kilometers (217 miles) at apogees of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed of Mach 5.

One report by Yonhap says that one missile had been fired. Another report by Yonhap says that two missiles were fired, both short-range.

The missile(s), which landed in the East Sea, were fired hours after U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) around South Korea's shared border with North Korea.

The Japanese Coast Guard also reported that North Korea had launched a missile.

During her visit Kamala Harris said that the United States has a "strong alliance" with "the republic of North Korea," accidentally referring to South Korea as "North Korea".

She said that "It is an alliance that is strong and enduring."

Harris also said, "I cannot state enough that the commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea is iron-clad, and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that it has meaning in every way that the words suggest".

She condemned North Korea as a "brutal dictatorship", along with the North's arms program and its human rights violations.

Hurricane Ian To Make Landfall In Florida- Hurricane Ian view via null school wind surface map. Hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm with a current wind speed of 140mph.

Russian Official Medvedev: Nuclear Weapon Threat "Not A Bluff - Russian official Medvedev said that the United States would not intervene even if Russia uses the "most formidable weapon," and said the country has the right to use nuclear weapons "if necessary," and said that it is "certainly not a bluff". Read Full Article

DOD: Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric - RUSSIA/UKRAINE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read Full Article

North Korea Fires Unidentified Ballistic Missile Into East Sea - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read Full Article

CIA: No Concrete Evidence Russia Planning To Use Weapons Of Mass Destruction - CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that although we should not underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine, the CIA has no concrete evidence that Russia is planning to use "weapons of mass destruction".

"I don't think we should underestimate Putin's adherence to his original plan to control Ukraine. I don't think we've seen any reason to believe he's given that up," he stated, after being asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin possibly using weapons of mass destruction if his progress in Ukraine is hindered by the Ukrainian military.

He said that although the United States shouldn't underestimate the Russian President's "risk appetite", "We have seen no concrete evidence of planning to use weapons of mass destruction," according to the Radio Free Europe news agency.

Pentagon Had Top Secret Meeting To Discuss China And Russia's Plans To Build Unique Space Weapons - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read Full Article

New North Korean Nuclear Force Policy: Nuclear Launch If Leader Killed In Attack - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read Full Article

Top Stories - NK: US & South Korean Military Drills Increased Possibility Of Nuclear War - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read Full Article

12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 7th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 7th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Of the military aircraft, three were SU-30 multirole aircraft.

A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "5 PLAN vessels and 12 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 7, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."

An additional statement from the MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*3) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."

Hydrogen Fuel Leak Cancels Artemis 1 Launch Again - NASA made a second attempt to launch the Artemis 1 SLS on Saturday, but a hydrogen fuel leak was detected in the gas line that perplexed technicians. NASA's engineers discovered problems with one of the gas lines as fuel was actively being loaded. Read Full Article

Rare Supertyphoon Hinnamnor Has Formed Near Japan, East Of Okinawa - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the northern part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read Full Article

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear forces - Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on August 16th. Read Full Article

The Russian Federation Leaves the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty - Russia stated on Monday, August 8th that they would no longer allow inspection of weapons under the New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty for an unspecified time due to restrictions on travel implemented by the United States and the west. Read Full Article

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system to be created by Northrop Grumman - US ARMED FORCES long-range missile support specialists have selected Northrop Grumman Corporation to attend to the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapons system process to shield the Continental US from nuclear long-range missile assaults. Read Full Article

Russia: US Directly Involved In Ukraine Conflict, Could Trigger Nuclear Response - At the United Nations, Russia said that although the conflict in Ukraine does not require the use of nuclear weapons, Moscow might decide to resort to a nuclear response as a result of what it says is direct involvement in its conflict with Ukraine by the United States. Read Full Article

Satellite Photos Indicate China May Be Resuming Nuclear Tests - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read Full Article

IRGC Posts Video Saying It will Build Nuclear Warheads And Turn NY Into Ruins - An Iranian IRGC-affiliated Telegram channel has posted a video openly declaring that Iran can move its peaceful nuclear program to a nuclear weapons program very quickly, and said that Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of turning New York into ruins. Read Full Article

Russia Set To Withdraw From International Space Station After 2024 - Yuri Borisov, who is head of the Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency has said that Russia will be withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) project after the year 2024. Read Full Article

Science Lab Module Added To the Chinese Tiangong Space Station - The Tiangong space station has received a new module, the Wentian science laboratory, which was docked with the Tianhe living module at around 3:13 AM local time on Monday. Read Full Article

NASA: Micrometeoroid Causes Significant Uncorrectable Damage To James Webb Space Telescope - NASA has reported that Micrometeoroids have hit the new James Webb space telescope that was launched on December 25th, 2021, and caused "significant uncorrectable" damage to the C3 mirror, which is one of its 18 gold plated primary mirror panels. Read Full Article

Air Force Successfully Completes Another Hypersonic Test - Aerospace company Lockheed Martin has put out a statement saying that they have successfully conducted the "second consecutive" hypersonic boosted test of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) with the United States Air Force Read Full Article

Flight Test Of US Reentry Vehicle For New ICBM Has Failed - A U.S. flight test of the reentry vehicle for the new Minotaur II+ Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) rocket failed when it exploded 11 seconds after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The explosion occurred at 11:01 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. There were no injuries as a result of the explosion, but the Minotaur II rocket was carrying the new Mk21A reentry vehicle and the failure sets the program back.

The LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM is meant to replace the Minuteman-III in 2029 and the development began in 2019 by the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center jointly with Lockheed Martin.

A press release said that the Minotaur II+ launch was meant to be "“demonstrating preliminary design concepts and relevant payload technologies in operationally realistic environments".

Colonel Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander said, "We always have emergency response teams on standby prior to every launch. Safety is our priority at all times".

Russia Starts Constant Nuclear Explosion Detection At Its New Facility - RUSSIA - A newly constructed nuclear facility in Russia, which opened on the 1st of June, 2022, has begun constant nuclear explosion detection, says The 12th Chief Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry as of the 1st of July 2022. Read Full Article

US, South Korea and Japan Vow Joint Response If North Tests Nuclear Weapon - The United States, South Korea, and Japan have vowed a response to any North Korean nuclear test and said that the response would be in the form of joint military drills, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday.

Kishida spoke to reporters and said, "The possibility of further provocations by North Korea is increasingly concerning," and said that it's important for the United States, Japan, and North Korean alliances to bolster deterrence.

"In the event of a nuclear test [by North Korea], South Korea, the U.S., and Japan will respond together, including joint training," he said.

U.S. President Joe Biden had also said that the three countries "remain deeply concerned about DPRK’s continued escalatory ballistic missiles tests and potential to conduct a nuclear test".

"Our trilateral cooperation, in my view, is essential to achieving our shared objectives, including a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a free and open Indo-Pacific," Biden had added.

At the same time, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has also adopted a new strategic concept which was revealed at the NATO Summit that states, "the erosion of the arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has negatively impacted strategic stability" that addresses North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as well as the use of nuclear weapons.

The new NATO strategic concept outline also states that "the Indo-Pacific is important for NATO, given that developments in the region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security," and seeks to strengthen both dialogue and cooperation with partners in the region.

US Fails Another Hypersonic Missile Test Due To "Anomaly" - The United States has failed the flight test of a new US hypersonic missile system in Hawaii, called "Conventional Prompt Strike". The failure was said to be most likely due to a problem that happened after ignition took place, according to a statement by the US Department of Defense.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Lieutenant Commander Tim Gorman said that "An anomaly occurred following ignition of the test asset. the Department remains confident that it is on track to field offensive and defensive hypersonic capabilities on target dates beginning in the early 2020s".

"Program officials have initiated a review to determine the cause to inform future tests. While the Department was unable to collect data on the entirety of the planned flight profile, the information gathered from this event will provide vital insights," he added.

In October, 2022 another flight test of the missile failed due to a malfunction with the booster. The malfunction had kept the missile from leaving the launch pad.