ballistic missile

ballistic missiles are evolving beyond strategic roles, now carrying conventional warheads to strike deep targets. Iran and Russia exemplify this shift. India's Pralay, a short-range tactical missile, offers a conventionally armed option, capable of hitting key enemy infrastructure up to 500 km away and evading defenses, complementing other Indian weapon systems.

Amid rising tensions, Iran launched a series of eleven missiles aimed at Israel, yet each was thwarted by the country's intricate air defense system. This episode not only reveals the prowess of Israel's military technology but also its readiness to combat any form of aerial assaults, whether from makeshift devices or sophisticated missile strikes.

China's nuclear arsenal is rapidly growing, with over 300 new silos and expanded fissile material production aiming for parity with the US. Pakistan counters India with a "full spectrum deterrence" doctrine and diverse missile systems. India is bolstering its defence with the multi-layered Sudarshan Chakra air-defence umbrella to counter both threats.

India's air defence capabilities have been significantly bolstered by the S-400 system, a formidable shield against aerial threats. Its advanced radar and missile technology allows for the interception of aircraft and ballistic missiles at extreme ranges, far surpassing Western counterparts. This strategic asset provides crucial coverage against regional adversaries, enhancing national security.

India's nuclear warheads have increased to 190. This expansion is part of a modernization effort. Global nuclear powers are upgrading their arsenals. Asia faces rising tensions and strategic competition. India's nuclear strategy focuses on China and Pakistan. New delivery systems and sea-based deterrents are being developed. The global arms control framework is weakening.

India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads for the first time, a significant shift in its nuclear posture, according to SIPRI. With a total of 190 warheads, this move signals a move towards a more operationally ready sea-based deterrent. This development occurs as global nuclear arsenals expand, with China rapidly increasing its stockpile.

North Korea launched projectiles, possibly a short-range ballistic missile, into the Yellow Sea, marking its eighth weapons test this year. This move escalates regional tensions and highlights Pyongyang's focus on modernizing its short-range missile program to evade defense systems. South Korea, the US, and Japan are on high alert, sharing intelligence.

North Korea conducted tests of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and AI-guided cruise missiles, aiming to enhance precision-strike capabilities below the nuclear threshold. Leader Kim Jong Un emphasised the combat readiness of these weapons for border deployment.

Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting air defense responses in both nations. The US military intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Strait of Hormuz and allies, striking Iranian radar sites in response. These actions escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing regional confrontations.

Russia's Oreshnik missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds and MIRV warheads, struck Kyiv in retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack. This hypersonic threat overwhelms current air defenses. India's Agni-V, a comparable MIRV-equipped IRBM, boasts Mach 24 speeds and advanced features, enhancing its survivability and strike capability.

Russia's latest missile and drone assault on Kyiv, featuring the hypersonic Oreshnik, signals a dangerous escalation. Moscow aims to break Ukraine's resilience and psychologically pressure the West. The attacks target Kyiv as the political heart, overload air defenses, and serve as geopolitical signaling, demonstrating Russia's strategic strike capabilities and readiness for a prolonged conflict.

Middle East tensions surged as Iran launched missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing peace talks, no breakthrough has occurred, and the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for 96 days. Meanwhile, US crude inventories saw a significant drop for the seventh consecutive week, adding to market volatility.

India is rapidly advancing its indigenous defence capabilities, moving from import dependence to becoming a global player. From long-range missiles and nuclear submarines to anti-drone systems and hypersonic technology, the nation is building a resilient arsenal. This strategic shift enhances national security and positions India as a key partner in defence innovation and production.

Russia unleashed a fierce assault on Kyiv, deploying the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile alongside numerous drones and other advanced weaponry. This escalation followed Moscow's accusations of Ukrainian strikes on a student dormitory, which Kyiv denied.

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.

India has received its fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia, significantly bolstering its long-range aerial defence. This delivery, part of a larger 2018 deal, follows earlier squadrons and is set for rapid deployment. The system has proven effective, notably during Operation Sindoor, and is integrating into India's broader 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence network alongside indigenous projects like Kusha.

India is rapidly advancing in hypersonic weapon technology, achieving a significant scramjet breakthrough. This development positions the nation among global leaders like the US, China, and Russia, who are all racing to develop these near-unstoppable weapons. Hypersonic systems, flying above Mach 5, pose a new era of warfare, demanding advanced defense strategies.

A recent Ukrainian drone attack on St. Petersburg, bypassing Russian defenses, highlights the global need for advanced air defense. India is bolstering its capabilities with Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered shield inspired by systems like Israel's Iron Dome and US platforms. This ambitious project aims for comprehensive protection by 2035, integrating space-based surveillance and AI.

The US is exploring redirecting frozen Iranian assets to Gulf states for rebuilding after missile and drone strikes. This move comes as indirect negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked, with Tehran demanding the release of $24 billion in frozen funds. Military tensions continue to escalate across the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Sourav Ganguly has refuted claims of mediating between Mamata Banerjee and Yusuf Pathan regarding resignation. Suryakumar Yadav backs the Indian team after losing T20 captaincy. Iran's missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain were intercepted. A protest at Jantar Mantar concluded, demanding action on exam irregularities. Meanwhile, Rosneft CEO noted US firms benefit from Hormuz disruptions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for a meeting to resolve key issues, proposing negotiations in a neutral country. Zelenskyy also called for the return of Ukrainian civilians and children, while accusing Russia of preparing for a prolonged conflict and seeking to destabilize neighboring regions.

Russia on May 24 struck Ukraine with an Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile — a weapon Kyiv currently has no capability to intercept. Here’s what we know about this nuclear-capable missile