The Latest Breaking News from Defense Ministry

Israel Successfully Tests New Laser Defense System

A high-powered laser defense system has for the first time passed a test to intercept drones, missiles and other aerial threats, Israel's Defense Ministry said on Thursday. Israel has accelerated the roll-out of the laser-based interceptor as part of a plan to adopt such technology and reduce the high costs…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 14, 2022

Zelenskyy forecasts ‘hard battle’ in Ukraine’s east as civilians flee expected fighting

KYIV, Ukraine — Amid signs that atrocities and fighting were likely to intensify as the war in Ukraine entered its seventh week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday warned of a “hard battle” ahead, with Russian forces amassing in the east for a new offensive.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 9, 2022

Zelenskyy forecasts ‘hard battle’ in Ukraine’s east as civilians flee expected fighting

KYIV, Ukraine — With President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanding tribunal-style justice for a deadly strike on a train station in Ukraine’s east, terrified civilians fled Saturday by the thousands from the region, expected to be the next major battleground in the more than 6-week-old war.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 9, 2022

War in Ukraine fuels fears among draft-age Russian youths

As the Russian army bogs down in Ukraine, many youths back home feel increasingly jittery about the prospect of being drafted and sent into combat

The Independent UK · Apr 1, 2022

Seoul: N. Korea fired old ICBM, not new big one, last week

South Korea has dismissed North Korea’s claim to have launched a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile last week

The Independent UK · Mar 29, 2022

Japan launches new cyber defense command to counter threat from neighboring countries

The Defense Ministry has launched a cyber defense command by reorganizing related units of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. The move is aimed at strengthening its ability to cope with rapidly growing cyber threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Mar 20, 2022

India says it ‘accidentally’ fired a missile into Pakistan

A “technical malfunction” led to India accidentally firing off a missile that landed in Pakistan earlier this week, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Tribune News Service · Mar 11, 2022

Saudi Defense Ministry: 2 American Women Rescued from Houthis in Yemen in Special Operation

Saudi Arabia and the United States mounted a joint operation in January to rescue two young American women who were held captive by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki confirmed the operation, saying it was an "extension of the firm partnership…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 11, 2022

Third round of Ukraine peace talks ends with no major breakthroughs

The talks near the Belarus border concluded after about four hours.

Axios · Mar 7, 2022

Taiwan Reports 9 Chinese Planes Flew Through Its Air Defense Zone

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced the incursion of nine Chinese Air Force planes Thursday morning into its air defense zone as the island nation’s government condemned Russia’s military invasion of Taiwan.

Benzinga · Feb 24, 2022