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President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order to develop a robust air defense system aimed at countering growing threats from hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles. The initiative, described in the decree as "Iron Dome for America," draws inspiration from Israel’s missile defense system but envisions broader applications to address threats from nuclear powers and other adversaries.
The decree underscores the urgency of deploying space-based tracking satellites, developing space interceptors, and enhancing preemptive strike capabilities. It also calls for strengthening domestic manufacturing of key components for military systems.
Trump’s directive tasks Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with drafting a comprehensive blueprint for the nation's air defense infrastructure. Once completed, the Pentagon is expected to outline strategies to assist allied nations with their air defense needs.
Historically, the U.S. and NATO have relied on fighter aircraft to intercept aerial threats, while adversaries such as Russia have favored ground-based missile systems. By early 2024, the U.S. maintained 15 Patriot air defense battalions, compared to Russia’s 44 S-400 divisions.
The order represents a strategic shift in U.S. defense policy, emphasizing advanced technological measures to counter emerging threats in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
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In a tense exchange of words on January 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a series of critical statements regarding negotiations with Ukraine, during an interview with Pavel Zarubin, the author of The Moscow Program. Kremlin. Putin.
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The European Union is moving toward another round of punitive economic measures against Moscow, with a proposal to cut 15 additional Russian banks from the SWIFT international financial messaging system, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The move, part of the bloc’s 16th sanctions package since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, signals an effort to tighten financial pressure on the Kremlin as the war nears its third anniversary.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed speculation about early parliamentary elections, affirming that the next vote will take place as scheduled in June 2026. With Armenia’s parliamentary system granting executive power to the leader of the ruling party, the upcoming elections are seen as crucial not only for the country’s domestic trajectory but also for its relations with Azerbaijan, Russia, and Georgia.
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China and India have suspended purchases of Russian oil for March delivery due to a surge in freight costs for tankers unaffected by U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported, citing traders familiar with the matter.
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