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Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Trump Eyes ‘New Golden Age' for US Nuclear Umbrella on China's Doorstep
The United States aims to pursue a "new golden age" in its relationship with Japan as the two countries recently discussed America's extended deterrence—commonly known as the nuclear umbrella—amid China's military buildup, a State Department official told Newsweek. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The U.S. has committed to defending Japan through extended deterrence, which refers to the pledge to deter and respond to nuclear and non-nuclear threats against allies and partners, including, if necessary, through the use of nuclear weapons. Over 30 countries are protected by America's nuclear umbrella, a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report stated. According to the Pentagon, China continues its rapid nuclear expansion and is estimated to possess over 600 warheads in its nuclear arsenal—making it the third largest in the world. The Chinese military has significantly expanded its medium-range ballistic missile fleet, which is capable of striking Japan as well as U.S. military bases located there. The Extended Deterrence Dialogue was held from June 5-6 at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the U.S. State Department and the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The bilateral dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. The U.S. side was represented by officials from the State Department and the Pentagon, while the Japanese delegation included officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries, as well as the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the command. Established in 2010, the bilateral discussion allows both governments to address strategic deterrence, including nuclear and missile defense policy, Japan's foreign ministry said. "Our tailored dialogues with allies in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific have become deeper and broader," the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek, adding that these efforts strengthen allied understanding of U.S. nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. This iteration, which was the first held under the second Trump administration, included a visit to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command's training facilities. Officially released photos show the Japanese delegation taking a close look at America's B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The U.S. Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers, according to the Federation of American Scientists, 46 of which are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles. This type of bomber was deployed to Guam—a U.S. military hub in the western Pacific Ocean—last month. Since 2022, this dialogue between Washington and Tokyo has taken place at key locations of the U.S. nuclear triad, which comprises strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command added. Last year, American and Japanese officials met at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where the Japanese delegation visited the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission. The base operates Minuteman III ICBMs on full alert around the clock. A U.S. State Department official told Newsweek: "This [Extended Deterrence Dialogue] advanced President Trump's determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations and to further enhance U.S. extended deterrence." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "The United States does not face the challenging international environment alone. Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. is also likely to enhance its extended deterrence to South Korea—another treaty ally in Northeast Asia—in order to better counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Related Articles With Israel Strike, Mark Levin Wins MAGA Battle Over Trump's Iran PolicyIran's Revolutionary Guard Chief Killed in Israel Strike, State Media SaysIsrael Strikes Iran, Warns of Imminent AttackUS Embassy in Middle East Prepares to Evacuate After Warning From Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Eyes 'New Golden Age' for US Nuclear Umbrella on China's Doorstep
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States aims to pursue a "new golden age" in its relationship with Japan as the two countries recently discussed America's extended deterrence—commonly known as the nuclear umbrella—amid China's military buildup, a State Department official told Newsweek. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. has committed to defending Japan through extended deterrence, which refers to the pledge to deter and respond to nuclear and non-nuclear threats against allies and partners, including, if necessary, through the use of nuclear weapons. Over 30 countries are protected by America's nuclear umbrella, a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report stated. According to the Pentagon, China continues its rapid nuclear expansion and is estimated to possess over 600 warheads in its nuclear arsenal—making it the third largest in the world. The Chinese military has significantly expanded its medium-range ballistic missile fleet, which is capable of striking Japan as well as U.S. military bases located there. What To Know The Extended Deterrence Dialogue was held from June 5-6 at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, the U.S. State Department and the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The bilateral dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. The U.S. side was represented by officials from the State Department and the Pentagon, while the Japanese delegation included officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries, as well as the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the command. Established in 2010, the bilateral discussion allows both governments to address strategic deterrence, including nuclear and missile defense policy, Japan's foreign ministry said. "Our tailored dialogues with allies in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific have become deeper and broader," the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek, adding that these efforts strengthen allied understanding of U.S. nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. This iteration, which was the first held under the second Trump administration, included a visit to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command's training facilities. Officially released photos show the Japanese delegation taking a close look at America's B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The U.S. Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers, according to the Federation of American Scientists, 46 of which are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles. This type of bomber was deployed to Guam—a U.S. military hub in the western Pacific Ocean—last month. The United States hosted Japan for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 5-6, 2025. — U/S of State for Arms Control & Int'l Security (@UnderSecT) June 9, 2025 Since 2022, this dialogue between Washington and Tokyo has taken place at key locations of the U.S. nuclear triad, which comprises strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command added. Last year, American and Japanese officials met at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where the Japanese delegation visited the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission. The base operates Minuteman III ICBMs on full alert around the clock. What People Are Saying A U.S. State Department official told Newsweek: "This [Extended Deterrence Dialogue] advanced President Trump's determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations and to further enhance U.S. extended deterrence." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "The United States does not face the challenging international environment alone. Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." What Happens Next? The U.S. is also likely to enhance its extended deterrence to South Korea—another treaty ally in Northeast Asia—in order to better counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Air Force Jets Perform World First Formation Over Miami Beach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jets with the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) flew its "first-ever tri-bomber/fighter dissimilar formation" over Miami Beach in a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday for a "freedom flyover" to commemorate those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military. Why It Matters AFGSC is a major command within the Air Force responsible for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May. While many view it as the unofficial start to summer, the day is meant to be a way to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military. What To Know For Memorial Day this year, the U.S. Air Force unveiled its first ever "seven-ship" tri-bomber formation during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show that took place over the weekend. The show was led by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and included the B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, F-22 Raptor, F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt. "This wasn't just an air show - it was a powerful tribute to those who gave everything and a celebration of the strength that defends our nation every single day," the AFGSC wrote on its Facebook reel with a video of the formation fly over. A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4. A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May People Are Saying U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command wrote on Facebook on Saturday: "The Active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard pilots united as one unstoppable force while thousands witnessed aviation history." Veteran Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said last week: "Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear. This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes." John Raughter, a Marine Corps veteran and spokesperson for the American Legion National Headquarters, previously told Newsweek about the holiday: "It is to unify and celebrate that America over the past 250 years has been blessed with more than 1 million heroic men and women who believed through their actions that this was a country worth dying for. There is nothing wrong with attending a barbecue, visiting a beach and enjoying other activities with family and friends. Many of our fallen heroes engaged in such activities. But it is important to take a few moments during the weekend to reflect on why the last Monday in May is a holiday and who has made it possible for us to enjoy such freedoms."
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Minuteman III vs Yars: US ICBM Passes Test Days After Russian Launch Flops
The United States has conducted another successful test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), while Russia reportedly canceled its own test. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said Wednesday's test launch demonstrated the nation's nuclear deterrent is "safe, secure, reliable, and effective" in deterring 21st century threats. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment by email. Both Washington and Moscow have maintained a complete "nuclear triad" since the Cold War-consisting of ICBMs, ballistic missile-armed submarines, as well as bomber and fighter aircraft-to deter adversaries and be prepared to respond should deterrence fail. The Pentagon defines an ICBM as a long-range missile with an estimated range of more than 3,400 miles, capable of launching a global nuclear strike from one region to another. This type of missile can carry more than one warhead, also known as the reentry vehicle. Prior to the most recent U.S. Minuteman III ICBM test launch, which involved a flight from California to the Central Pacific Ocean, Ukrainian intelligence claimed earlier this week that Russia aborted a "combat training" launch of its Yars ICBM after something "went wrong." The U.S. operates only one type of ICBM: the Minuteman III, which has a stated range of over 6,000 miles. A total of 400 missiles are deployed in silos across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, and are assigned to three Air Force missile units. While the Minuteman III missile is capable of carrying up to three nuclear warheads, it is currently equipped with only one. The U.S. ICBM fleet occasionally conducts test launches involving multiple unarmed reentry vehicles, the Federation of American Scientists said. Last year, the U.S. Air Force conducted three successful flight tests of the Minuteman III missile. Of the four tests carried out in 2023, one unarmed missile was forced to terminate its flight over the Pacific Ocean because of an anomaly, a table published by Newsweek shows. According to a report prepared by the Federation of American Scientists, the Yars is one of several Russian ICBMs currently in service. The land-based nuclear missile, which has an estimated range of over 6,500 miles, can be launched from either silos or mobile platforms. The American think tank also estimated that, as of March, Russia possessed a total of 206 Yars missiles. Each missile can carry up to four warheads, available in two variants: "light warheads" and more powerful, medium-yield warheads designed to strike hardened targets. Like its U.S. counterpart, the Russian military often test-fires its missiles, with the most recent publicized Yars launch taking place last October during a strategic deterrence forces drill. Since 2022, the Yars missile fleet has been test-launched approximately twice a year. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said: "The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners." The Federation of American Scientists commented: "Russia also appears to be in the early stages of development on at least two new ICBM programs, as well as on various hypersonic glide vehicles that could be fitted atop modified ICBMs. There is significant uncertainty, however, regarding the various designations and capabilities of these systems." Both the U.S. and Russia are likely to conduct further ICBM tests this year. It remains to be seen whether China, another major nuclear power, will carry out its second ICBM test since September 2024. Related Articles Chinese Satellites Capture US Bombers and Jets at Island Air BaseNew US-Iran Nuclear Talks as Tensions RiseUS Stealth Jet Carrier Patrols Waters Near ChinaUS and Russia Flex Military Muscles on Same Stage 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
News18
22-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
US Launches Doomsday Minuteman III Nuclear-Capable Missile
Last Updated: Minuteman III Launch: The US Air Force has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the Minuteman III "remains a viable deterrent". The US Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in what officials described as a 'doomsday missile test." The launch was captured on video and comes as Washington reaffirms the strength of its nuclear deterrent. What Is Minuteman III? The Minuteman III, a nuclear-capable missile, traveled approximately 4,200 miles at a speed exceeding 15,000 miles per hour, reaching the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. At 12:01am on May 21, 2025, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command launched an LGM-30G 'Minuteman III" Unarmed Nuclear-Capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.… — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 21, 2025 The Minuteman III is equipped with a single Mark-21 high-fidelity re-entry vehicle, which would typically carry a nuclear payload in an operational scenario. The missile has undergone numerous tests in the past, including one just before Donald Trump declared his presidential victory in November 2024. The Minuteman program, dating back to the 1970s, is slated for replacement by the Sentinel system. The Air Force has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the Minuteman III 'remains a viable deterrent" until the Sentinel achieves full operational capability. General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the US Global Strike Command, emphasized the significance of the test, saying, 'This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad." He further praised the personnel who maintain this critical capability, adding, 'This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who supports them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies." Why Minuteman III Is Crucial? The test coincides with US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of initial $25 billion funding for 'Golden Dome," a proposed nationwide missile defense system. TDonald rump envisions a comprehensive system capable of defending against a wide range of threats, from ICBMs to hypersonic and cruise missiles and drones, with an eventual cost estimated at $175 billion. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
