Defense & Security - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

The Militarization of Russia’s Murmansk Region: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strategic Significance

12Jul

By ISSGNo Comments

Arctic, Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Russia and Eurasia

The Militarization of Russia’s Murmansk Region: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strategic Significance

By José Carlos Palma * The Murmansk region in Russia stands as a critical and heavily militarized area due to its strategic location, historical defense considerations, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Situated in the far northwestern part of the country, bordering the Barents Sea and adjacent to NATO members, the region plays a pivotal role in Russia's military posture. This article provides a deep and detailed analysis of the factors driving the militarization of the Murmansk region, examining its Arctic strategic importance, the significance of the Northern Fleet, military bases and installations, nuclear deterrence, Arctic military modernization, and geopolitical considerations. Arctic Strategic Importance: The Arctic region has become a focal point of international interest d...

Space-Based Weapon Systems: Exploring the Frontier of Military Capabilities in Outer Space

2Jul

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Space Defense

Space-Based Weapon Systems: Exploring the Frontier of Military Capabilities in Outer Space

By José Carlos Palma* Space-based weapon systems refer to offensive or defensive capabilities deployed in space with the purpose of conducting military operations or protecting assets in space or on Earth. These systems utilize space-based platforms, such as satellites, to deliver kinetic or non-kinetic effects. Here is a deep and detailed exploration of space-based weapon systems: I. Types of Space-Based Weapon Systems A. Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons: 1. Kinetic ASATs: These weapons physically destroy or disable enemy satellites using direct impact or fragmentation techniques. 2. Non-Kinetic ASATs: These weapons use non-destructive means, such as electronic or cyber attacks, to disrupt or disable satellite functions. B. Space-Based Directed Energy Weapons: 1. Hi...

The Military Use of Space: Defining its Significance in Modern Warfare

2Jul

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Space Defense

The Military Use of Space: Defining its Significance in Modern Warfare

By José Carlos Palma * The military use of space has become an integral aspect of modern warfare, where nations leverage space-based assets and capabilities to achieve strategic objectives. This article delves into the definition and significance of the military use of space, highlighting it's evolving nature and the impact it has on contemporary conflicts. I. Understanding the Military Use of Space A. Definition: The military use of space refers to the utilization of space technology, assets, and systems to support and enhance military operations and capabilities. B. Space-Based Assets: This includes satellites, communication networks, navigation systems, intelligence-gathering systems, and space-based weapon systems. II. Significance of the Military Use of Space A. Communication...

Cold War 2.0 — Kremlin rolls out red carpet for China’s Xi

20Mar

By ISSGNo Comments

Geopolitics and International Security

Cold War 2.0 — Kremlin rolls out red carpet for China’s Xi

Chinese leader offers Putin a lifeline as Ukraine war churns By Guy Taylor - The Washington Times Cold War 2.0 shifted into a new gear Monday as Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Moscow in a major show of solidarity with Russian President Vladimir Putin against the United States and other Western democracies. Mr. Xi is seeking to highlight China’s rising diplomatic clout during the three-day state visit, his first overseas trip since formally securing an unprecedented third five-year term as president this month. Analysts say he also aims to give the embattled Mr. Putin a boost just days after an international arrest warrant was issued for the Russian leader on war crimes charges related to his troubled invasion of Ukraine. The Ukraine war and the prospect that Beijing cou...

U.S. Cites Russian Noncompliance with New START Inspections

9Feb

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Missile Defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation

U.S. Cites Russian Noncompliance with New START Inspections

Authored by Shannon Bugos on February 9, 2023 Russia has failed to fully comply with the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) because of its refusal to allow on-site inspections and to reschedule a meeting to discuss treaty concerns, according to a U.S. assessment released in January. Senior Russian officials have accused the United States of “politicizing nuclear arms control,” saying that Washington “would have to adjust its policy towards Russia to move to a constructive arms control agenda.” In August, Moscow prohibited U.S. on-site inspections of its nuclear weapons-related facilities subject to the treaty over complaints about reciprocal access. Russia called off a planned meeting of the treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) in Egypt in Novembe...

Russia will unveil the export Sukhoi Su-57E fighter in India

9Feb

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Military Technology, Defense Industry, Acquisition, and Innovation

Russia will unveil the export Sukhoi Su-57E fighter in India

MOSCOW, INDIA — Russia intends to show an export version of its Su-57E Felon fighter jet. Russia’s largest arms trading company, Rosoboronexport, announced the news to reporters. The Su-57E will be displayed in India at the Aero India 2023 International Air Show in Bangalore. The exhibition starts on February 13 and ends on February 17. This is the 14th Aero India Expo. Besides the Su-57E, Rosoboronexport reported that the Su-75 Checkmate will also be displayed in India. It is not clear from the statement of the Russian company whether a working prototype of the Su-75 will be displayed at the exhibition or mockup. Rosoboronexport plans to present 200 samples in India. In the short press release of the Russian commercial company, the Su-57 was called “a promising fifth-generation multi-...

US, UK and Australia carry out China-focused air drills

9Feb

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Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Defense & Security

US, UK and Australia carry out China-focused air drills

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada — The US, UK and Australia carried out joint air drills on Wednesday (Feb 8) over the Nevada desert and beyond as part of an effort to simulate high-end combat operations against Chinese fighter aircraft and air defences. Reuters accompanied British forces for several hours during the US-hosted, three-week-long Red Flag exercises aboard Britain's KC-2 Voyager refuelling tanker aircraft, which on Wednesday supplied fuel for US and British fighter jets. US Air Force Colonel Jared J. Hutchinson, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron that runs Red Flag, said the annual drills were not tied to any recent events. On Saturday, a US fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, hiking tensions. "(China is) just t...

North Korea shows off largest number of nuclear missiles

9Feb

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Asia, Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation

North Korea shows off largest number of nuclear missiles

SEOUL — Nuclear-armed North Korea showcased its missile production muscle during a nighttime parade, state media reported on Thursday (Feb 9), displaying more intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) than ever before and hinting at a new solid-fuel weapon. North Korea held the widely anticipated nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its army, state news agency KCNA said. Leader Kim Jong Un attended with his daughter, who is seen as playing a possible future leadership role in the hereditary dictatorship. Imagery released by state media showed as many as 11 Hwasong-17s, North Korea's largest ICBMs, which are suspected to have the range to strike nearly anywhere in the world with a nuclear warhead. "This is cumulatively m...

Military spending boost to give Poland largest army in EU

30Jan

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Defense Budget, Defense & Security

Military spending boost to give Poland largest army in EU

WARSAW Poland plans to raise the country's defense spending to 4% of its GDP, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Monday. "The war in Ukraine has made us arm ourselves even faster, which is why we will make an unprecedented effort: 4% of GDP for the Polish army, this year," Morawiecki told reporters. He said raising defense spending to their new target "could mean this will be the highest percentage ... of all NATO countries." Poland spent 2.4% of its GDP on the military in 2022 -- the third-highest percentage among NATO countries. The US spends 3.47% -- $822 billion -- on defense. Members of NATO are expected to reach spending at least 2% of GDP on defense by 2024. Between now and 2035, Warsaw plans to spend $100 billion on the military. It has already spent $10 billion on a...

Why Is Russia Recruiting Former Afghan Soldiers For Its War Against Ukraine? – Analysis

16Jan

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Defense Strategy and Capabilities, Defense & Security

Why Is Russia Recruiting Former Afghan Soldiers For Its War Against Ukraine? – Analysis

By The Jamestown Foundation According to multiple reports, Russia is recruiting Afghan security personnel, who were previously trained by the United States, for its war effort against Ukraine. The former Afghan elite commandos and soldiers are reportedly joining the Russian private military company known as the Wagner Group, a private mercenary force playing a prominent role in Moscow’s war against Ukraine—especially in the recent intense fighting around Bakhmut (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, December 27, 2022). Before its military withdrawal, which was completed in 2021, the US built and trained the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, spending almost $90 billion over the past 20 years. US Navy SEALs and the British Special Air Service handled most of the training for these...