SOURCE: ANI

China is among the world’s top arms traders, with many sales achieved thanks to affordable products, Beijing’s political heft and favourable contractual terms. However, it is a case of buyer beware, because clients often end up with equipment that is defective or not well supported by their Chinese manufacturers.

According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), eight Chinese companies – including AVIC, Norinco, China South Industry Group Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) – were among the world’s top hundred arms producers in 2022. Their combined revenue amounted to USD108 billion, a 2.7 per cent increase compared to the preceding year.

SOURCE: AFI

While the possibility of Russia placing a nuclear weapon in orbit raises alarm bells, U.S. officials cautiously assess the situation. Detonation, they believe, is highly unlikely. Instead, the weapon would likely become a chilling reminder, a “time bomb” hanging in low orbit. This shadow cast by Putin serves as a potent warning: push him too far with sanctions or military opposition, and he could cripple economies without directly harming human lives.

Some view the weapon as a desperate attempt by Putin to regain leverage, a way to demonstrate his willingness to escalate without directly crossing the nuclear threshold. Others fear it could destabilize the already fragile international order, normalizing the presence of nuclear weapons in space and potentially triggering an arms race.

SOURCE: AFI

The Turkish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has released a rendered image and technical specifications for its planned aircraft carrier, offering a glimpse into the nation’s future naval ambitions.

The new carrier, significantly larger than Turkey’s current TCG ANADOLU amphibious assault ship, will boast a length of 285 meters and a displacement of 60,000 tons. This increased size is intended to accommodate a larger number of aircraft, the exact type of which remains undisclosed.

SOURCE: AFI

Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) witnessed a momentous occasion on Wednesday with the keel laying ceremony of the second Hangor-class submarine, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s naval modernization efforts.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, graced the ceremony as the chief guest, highlighting the importance of this project for Pakistan’s maritime security. This development signifies steady progress towards acquiring a fleet of eight Hangor-class submarines, bolstering the nation’s underwater capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

JSC Rosoboronexport, part of Russia’s Rostec state corporation, unveiled its new RVV-MD2 short-range air-to-air missile at the Dubai Air Show 2023, marking its first international appearance. This missile, designed for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter program, also boasts compatibility with Sukhoi 30/35/34 aircraft, potentially expanding its reach to various operators.

The RVV-MD2 boasts an advanced combined guidance system, seamlessly integrating inertial guidance, a multi-element dual-channel infrared seeker with enhanced jamming resistance, and a radio correction receiving channel. This allows the missile to independently determine its position and track enemy aircraft through evasive maneuvers within its impressive 180° forward hemisphere scanning area.

SOURCE: AFI

In the wake of recent political developments in Bangladesh, a new campaign has emerged on the country’s socio-political landscape – the “India Out” campaign. This movement, echoing the sentiments of its counterpart in the Maldives, seeks to challenge the influence of India within Bangladesh’s domestic affairs. With the backing of opposition parties, the campaign advocates for the boycott of Indian products and alleges undue interference in Bangladesh’s political processes.

The genesis of this movement lies in the contentious backdrop of Bangladesh’s recent general election, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth consecutive term amidst allegations of electoral irregularities and authoritarian governance. Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have decried what they perceive as a lack of democratic integrity in the electoral process and a clampdown on dissenting voices under Hasina’s tenure.