S. Korea Seeks Denuclearization Declaration From Summit With N. Korea: Official
Yonhap News
South Korea is seeking a denuclearization declaration from the upcoming summit with North Korea, a presidential official said Tuesday. The official said it’s a “matter of course” to seek such a declaration because denuclearization is one of the three key agenda items for the April 27 summit, along with bringing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations.
Russia and China are Testing Missiles That Could Blast U.S. Satellites Out of Space
Tom O’Connor | Newsweek
Russia and China have both tested powerful, advanced missile systems capable of taking out targets in outer space, including U.S. satellites. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced Monday that Russia tested an upgrade for its A-135 anti-ballistic missile system, a sophisticated missile shield designed to block Moscow from air and space attacks, in Kazakhstan.
Russia Conducts New Test of 'Nudol' Anti-Satellite System
Ankit Panda | Diplomat
Russia carried out the sixth flight test of its new anti-satellite missile system on March 26 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, The Diplomat has learned from U.S. defense officials with knowledge of ongoing Russian weapons development The test, which involved the system known as PL19/Nudol, was the first to see the direct ascent anti-satellite weapon launched from the transporter-erector-launcher system designed for its eventual deployment, U.S. defense officials familiar with details of the latest test confirmed. The test was the fourth successful flight test of the system.
U.S., South Korea Kick Off Annual Military Drill Without U.S. ‘Strategic Assets’
Franz-Stefan Gady | Diplomat
The U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) militaries kicked off their annual Foal Eagle/Key Resolve joint military drills simulating war on the Korean Peninsula on April 1 following a decision to postpone the exercises by a month to avoid overlapping with the Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Pakistan Conducts Second Test of Babur-3 Nuclear-Capable Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile
Ankit Panda | Diplomat
Last week, Pakistan announced the second successful flight test of its Babur-3 nuclear-capable submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM). The missile was tested from a submerged platform off Pakistan’s coast in the Arabian Sea and flew to strike a target at an undisclosed location. According to a statement released by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the test met “all the flight parameters.” The release described the launch platform as an “underwater dynamic platform.” The SLCM has a range of 450 kilomters, according to ISPR. It was first tested in January 2017.
Japan, U.S. Enhanced “Nuclear Bond” via Under-the-Table Discussions
Masakatsu Ota | Kyodo News
As the security environment has deteriorated in East Asia, Japan’s dependency on the U.S. nuclear umbrella and the bilateral “nuclear bond” have been strengthened through under-the-table discussions, according to a Japanese government memo recently obtained by Kyodo News and interviews with officials. In February, the administration of President Donald Trump unveiled its nuclear policy guideline “Nuclear Posture Review,” emphasizing the U.S. security commitment to defend allies including Japan which is under nuclear threat by North Korea.