Author: Michael

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on December 22 confirmed that his country had received up to ten Oreshnik intermediate range hypersonic ballistic missile systems, following confirmation earlier in the year that the new Russian missiles would be prioritised for delivery the country. Lukashenko in 2024 stated a number of “ten for now,” suggesting that Belarus could host a larger arsenal in future. The procurement is a game changer for the reach of the Belarusian Armed Forces, and provides a means of countering the vast and fast growing capabilities of NATO members on its borders.

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The Libyan National Army has reportedly signed a $4 billion contract to procure armaments from Pakistan, with the bulk of the value of the contract financing the purchase of Chinese JF-17 fighter aircraft which are partly produced in Pakistan. A copy of the draft agreement indicates that 12 JF-17s and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft are currently planned for procurement, although it remains uncertain whether these are the latest significantly improved JF-17 Block 3 variants with advanced ‘4+ generation’ capabilities.

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Presidential Aide and Russian Naval Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev has confirmed that work is underway to develop a next generation nuclear powered nuclear armed ballistic missile submarine, underscoring the country’s continued prioritisation of both its long range submarine fleet and of its nuclear forces. He elaborated that the program will include autonomous underwater vehicles and unspecified high-end underwater weapons “with no global analogues.” The vessels will succeed the Borei class ships currently in production, of which eight are now in service with four more planned.

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The Republic of China Army’s 584th Armoured Brigade has deployed newly operationalised M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks for battalion-level urban operational readiness and infrastructure protection exercises in the Hsinchu area, alongside multiple other armoured vehicle types. The Republic of China Ministry of National Defence reported that the exercise is aimed at validating the unit’s ability to respond to changing battlefield circumstances and protect key targets.

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