Iran Extends Agreement With Nuclear Agency, Averting Crisis
Michael Crowley and Farnaz Fassihi | New York Times
Iran agreed on Monday to a one-month extension of an agreement with international inspectors that would allow them to continue monitoring the country’s nuclear program, avoiding a major setback in the continuing negotiations with Tehran. Under the agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran will extend access to monitoring cameras at its nuclear facilities until June 24, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the agency’s director general, told reporters in Vienna.
China’s Mysterious H-20 Strategic Bomber ‘May Be Able to Strike Second Island Chain’
Kristin Huang | South China Morning Post
China’s next-generation Xian H-20 strategic bomber may have adopted a stealthy flying wing design that can help it strike targets in the second island chain and beyond, an analyst said after images of the aircraft’s design were published. The latest edition of Modern Weaponry, a monthly magazine run by state defence corporation China North Industries Group, or Norinco, has released four computer-generated pictures of the design of the Xian H-20. The bomber has been under development for years and photos of it have never been officially disclosed.
US Lifts Missile Restrictions on South Korea, Ending Range and Warhead Limits
Brian Kim | Defense News
South Korea can now develop ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets far beyond the Korean Peninsula, following the United States’ approval to lift a 42-year-old restriction on its ally’s missile development program. South Korean and U.S. leaders announced the termination of missile guidelines imposed on Seoul in 1979. At the time, South Korea wanted to acquire American technology to develop its own missiles, and in return, the Asian nation agreed to limit the range of its missiles to 180 kilometers with a maximum payload of 500 kilograms.
Estimated Cost of US Nuclear Modernization Jumps 28 Percent
Patrick Tucker | Defense One
The estimated cost of replacing America’s nuclear bombers, missile submarines, and ICBMs just jumped again—from $315 billion in 2015 to $494 billion in 2019 and now to $634 billion, a 28 percent increase, according to a Congressional Budget Office report released Monday. The report identifies a $140 billion increase in the cost of nuclear delivery systems and weapons, such as ICBMs, as the largest contributor to the jump. “Projected costs for command, control, communications, and early-warning systems have also increased substantially,” it says, adding that if full costs of B-52 and B-21 bombers were included, “the total costs of nuclear forces, with cost growth, would be $711 billion.”
Russia Says It Can Now Operate Nuclear Capable Bombers From Syrian Air Base
Reuters
Russia said on Tuesday it had the ability for the first time to operate long-range strategic nuclear-capable bombers from its air base in Syria, expanding its capabilities and allowing such planes to train in new regions. The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that three Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bombers had flown to Hmeymim. It said runways at the base had been made longer and one of them upgraded allowing Russia to operate aircrafts of all types from the base.
Pakistan’s Largest Chinese-Built Nuclear Plant to Start Operating
Syed Hassan | Reuters
Pakistan’s largest nuclear power plant was opened on Friday, generating electricity for the national grid as the country tries to wean itself off its reliance on fossil fuels. The facility, built with Chinese assistance, in the southern port city of Karachi is Pakistan’s sixth nuclear power plant and dramatically increases its nuclear energy capacity. China is a close ally of Pakistan and has invested billions in the energy sector, largely coal-fired power production.