#military-strategy

#military-strategy

Civilian deaths mounted as Russia continued to press its offensive in eastern Ukraine, claiming to have captured two more villages, as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to retaliate with further attacks inside Russia.

Hamas militants attempted to capture an Israeli soldier in Khan Younis, reflecting their strategy to leverage hostages for negotiations, despite the failed attempt.

The ability of Ukraine's industry to build drones at scale and adapt them in response to changing battlefield conditions creates a model that other militaries are striving now to follow.

The MIM-104 Patriot is Ukraine's best surface-to-air missile system and a critical shield since it arrived in the country over two years ago. Kyiv is believed to be operating six batteries, which are a critical element in its defense against Russia's massive attacks on Ukrainian cities, especially those involving ballistic missiles.

China's recent emphasis on the DF-5B missile's capabilities indicates a potential shift in its communication strategy regarding nuclear growth.

Cohen argues that Trump, in striking Iran, demonstrated qualities his predecessors lacked, taking decisive action against a dangerous regime with necessary clarity.

The purchase represents the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation, marking a return to air-based nuclear strikes after nearly three decades.

The attack on Iranian nuclear sites doesn't pose the same hazard as an accident with a functioning nuclear reactor, as radioactive contamination is likely to be local.

The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran reflect a bankruptcy of decades-long approaches that depend on pressure and destabilization without addressing the underlying issues.

Despite fears of operational secrecy being compromised by Trump's social media, the Pentagon executed a decoy mission to ensure covert airstrikes on Iran proceeded without detection.

"At this moment, this is not the Americans beginning a large-scale, grinding, drag-out, Ken Burns-style war... But rather the sort of very, very spectacular-couple of major strikes and done-TikTok-style war, which Trump's base can certainly get behind."

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft capable of deploying GBU-57 bunkers busters, essential for targeting Iran's fortified nuclear sites.

Trump has indicated that US military action against Iran hinges on the effectiveness of bunker buster bombs, particularly regarding the Fordow uranium enrichment facility.

Trump has been briefed on security at the U.S. Army bases, since they could be incredibly vulnerable to retaliation from Iran.

The Quds Force is pivotal in Iran's military strategy, directly reporting to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has long worked to enhance Iran's influence in the region.

China's nuclear arsenal is expanding rapidly, with estimates suggesting that at its current growth rate it could reach 1,500 warheads by 2035.

President Trump affirmed his backing of Israel's defense while suggesting he could mediate a nuclear arms deal, aiming to avoid U.S. military involvement in the Middle East.