Start your day informed! Here’s what’s making waves in defense and global affairs this Tuesday, November 26.
Satellite Images Reveal North Korea Boosting Missile Production
North Korea is expanding its February 11 plant, a key weapons facility producing short-range ballistic missiles, like the KN-23, which experts believe Russia has used in its war against Ukraine.
Satellite images from October reportedly show new construction at the site, including an additional assembly building and worker housing, suggesting a push to ramp up production.
Pyongyang has also improved access to underground areas at the complex, fueling speculation about increased missile output.
The KN-23, known for its low, hard-to-detect trajectory, could help Russia bypass Ukraine’s air defenses as it continues heavy missile strikes.
North Korea drastically expanding missile production.
Satellite images analyzed by U.S. researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, reveal that North Korea is expanding its “February 11” plant, the sole producer of Hwasong-11 missiles, reportedly used by… pic.twitter.com/mb4m6shlpS
— SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) November 25, 2024
Start your day informed! Here’s what’s making waves in defense and global affairs this Tuesday, November 26.
Satellite Images Reveal North Korea Boosting Missile Production
North Korea is expanding its February 11 plant, a key weapons facility producing short-range ballistic missiles, like the KN-23, which experts believe Russia has used in its war against Ukraine.
Satellite images from October reportedly show new construction at the site, including an additional assembly building and worker housing, suggesting a push to ramp up production.
Pyongyang has also improved access to underground areas at the complex, fueling speculation about increased missile output.
The KN-23, known for its low, hard-to-detect trajectory, could help Russia bypass Ukraine’s air defenses as it continues heavy missile strikes.
North Korea drastically expanding missile production.
Satellite images analyzed by U.S. researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, reveal that North Korea is expanding its “February 11” plant, the sole producer of Hwasong-11 missiles, reportedly used by… pic.twitter.com/mb4m6shlpS
— SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) November 25, 2024
While both Russia and North Korea deny weapons transfers, the deepening military cooperation between the two nations raises alarms in Seoul and Washington. This expansion hints at North Korea boosting its arsenal and possibly meeting Moscow’s demand for additional missiles.
Separately, reports indicate North Korean troops have joined Russia’s military efforts, further intertwining Pyongyang and Moscow in the ongoing conflict.
Russia Launches Record Drone Attack, Hits Ukrainian Power Grid
Russian forces launched their largest drone attack on Ukraine overnight, using 188 drones to target critical infrastructure and residential areas.
The strikes, according to Ukrainian officials on Tuesday, left much of western Ukraine’s Ternopil region without power, damaged buildings near Kyiv, and disrupted water and heating supplies.
Ukraine’s air force shot down 76 drones but lost track of 96 due to electronic warfare.
Ternopil, a major city near NATO-member Poland, faced significant damage to its power grid, with 70 percent of the region losing electricity.
Local officials scrambled to restore water and manage power cuts, while buses and generators were deployed to keep essential services running.
Overnight, occupiers launched 188 strike drones, including Shahed UAVs, at Ukraine—it’s a record number of drones since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian air defenders shot down 76 UAVs. Active countermeasures by EW resulted in the loss of 95 russian drones… pic.twitter.com/gdxOz1cXja
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) November 26, 2024
Kyiv also came under attack, though most drones were intercepted. Falling debris damaged homes and buildings in surrounding areas, but no casualties were reported.
The attack highlights Russia’s escalating use of cheap “suicide” drones and decoys to pressure Ukrainian defenses amid intensified fighting in the country’s east.
Israel Strikes Lebanon as Leaders Edge Closer to Ceasefire
Israel carried out major airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and killing at least 31 people, as leaders on both sides appeared close to finalizing a ceasefire deal.
Explosions lit up Beirut’s skyline, hitting residential and commercial areas, while Israeli officials issued evacuation warnings to southern suburbs.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported heavy casualties, including civilians, and noted the widespread displacement of over 1.2 million people since the conflict began.
Despite the violence, both Israel and Hezbollah suggested that a ceasefire could be just days away.
The proposed deal involves an initial two-month truce, with Israeli forces withdrawing from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah pulling back from the Israeli border.
However, sticking points remain, including Israel’s demand for the right to strike if Hezbollah violates the agreement.
Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble after deadly Israeli strike in southern Lebanese city of Tyre. #Israel #Lebanon #Tyre
Read more: https://t.co/pssU6wqKND pic.twitter.com/V0WP93vJrq
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) November 26, 2024
While the talks continue, the conflict has taken a heavy toll, with thousands killed and fears of the violence escalating into a broader regional war.
US and Western diplomats are cautiously optimistic but warn that last-minute complications could derail the fragile negotiations.
Germany Plans Bunker Network for Civilian Safety
Germany is creating a nationwide directory of bunkers and emergency shelters to boost civilian protection as tensions with Russia escalate, its interior ministry said Monday.
The plan includes repurposing underground train stations, car parks, state buildings, and even private properties.
A phone app will help people quickly locate shelters, while residents are encouraged to convert basements and garages into safe spaces.
Currently, Germany has 579 bunkers, many from World War II and the Cold War, with space for 480,000 people—a sharp decline from previous decades.
Officials say expanding the network is a “big project” that will take time, but steps are already underway.
Germany has started work on A nation-wide network of air raid shelters for civilians.
Basements of public buildings, underground car parks and subway stations will be given dual-use functions.
Germany had such a network during the Cold War but it was dismantled in 2007 pic.twitter.com/R00FgEIK0X
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 26, 2024
The initiative follows warnings from German intelligence that Russia could threaten NATO countries by 2030.
Amid growing concerns over Russian espionage and sabotage, officials see the plan as critical for national security, especially after President Putin hinted at broader Western strikes amidst the Ukraine conflict.
China Warns US Plane Over Taiwan Strait Flyby
China sent naval and air forces to monitor a US Navy patrol plane flying through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, accusing the US of trying to “mislead” global perceptions.
These flights, conducted monthly by American military ships or aircraft, routinely spark anger in Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and the strait.
The US, however, maintains the waterway as an international territory, with its 7th Fleet asserting that the flight demonstrated America’s commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s military said on Tuesday it deployed naval and air forces to monitor and warn a U.S. Navy patrol aircraft that flew through the sensitive #Taiwan Strait, denouncing the United States for trying to “mislead” the international community.https://t.co/gel4iaJdrm
— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) November 26, 2024
China called the move “public hype” and claimed its military effectively handled the situation, urging the US to stop stirring tensions.
Taiwan also monitored the flight, noting everything remained normal.
Today’s incident mirrors similar tensions in April when China sent fighter jets to shadow another US patrol aircraft in the strait.
Sweden Investigates Baltic Cable Breaches, Eyes Chinese Vessel
Sweden is asking a Chinese ship, the Yi Peng 3, to return to its waters to assist in investigating recent damage to undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea.
Two cables—one connecting Finland and Germany, and another linking Sweden and Lithuania—were damaged within 24 hours, sparking concerns about possible sabotage.
The breaches occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, prompting an investigation by Swedish prosecutors.
The Chinese ship was reportedly in the area at the time of the damage and is now idling in Denmark’s exclusive economic zone.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized on Tuesday’s morning press conference that no accusations are being made but stressed the need for clarity. This incident follows similar cable damage last year, which Finnish authorities linked to another Chinese vessel, although it’s unclear whether the damage was intentional.
#UPDATE Sweden’s prime minister said Tuesday Stockholm wanted a Chinese ship, anchored off Denmark after two Baltic Sea cables were cut, to move to Swedish waters to aid an investigation.
“We have been in contact with the ship and with China and have stated that we want the ship… pic.twitter.com/Zs1fPbLgHH
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 26, 2024
Sweden is awaiting a response from China and hopes for cooperation.
Drones Buzz US Air Bases in the UK, Raise Security Concerns
This week, small drones were reportedly spotted hovering near three US Air Force bases in the United Kingdom—Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell.
The drones, ranging in size and design, appeared to operate in a coordinated manner, with five to six reported in total.
US Air Forces in Europe emphasized that the incidents did not affect residents, facilities, or assets, but installations remain on high alert.
The UK Ministry of Defense confirmed its robust counter-drone measures while retired Gen. Victor Renuart warned about the increasing frequency of drone activity near sensitive sites, whether from hobbyists or foreign adversaries.
“The drones were spotted between Wednesday & Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell. They were actively monitored after they were seen in the vicinity of and over the three bases, USAF Europe said in a statement.” Read more at https://t.co/DUI81mrlrV pic.twitter.com/bTSYsWhffb
— Stars and Stripes Europe (@StripesEurope) November 25, 2024
This comes amid broader concerns about surveillance, such as the Chinese spy balloon incident earlier this year.
Drone activity near military bases is becoming a growing issue, with officials balancing safety, security, and operational concerns as these incidents become more common.
UN Calls Out Taliban for Journalist Detentions
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported on Tuesday that the Taliban has detained journalists 256 times since taking over three years ago, calling for better protection for media workers.
Journalists face unclear rules and “challenging conditions,” risking detention for perceived criticism, according to UN officials, who also emphasized the need for women in media to work without fear.
UNAMA has published a 26-page report on the situation of media freedom in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. Here is a summary: pic.twitter.com/C8kxlCH73i
— Amu TV (@AmuTelevision) November 26, 2024
The Taliban denied the numbers, claiming those detained had broken laws by actions like defaming the government or cooperating with its enemies.
They argued women still work in media but under religious restrictions like face coverings and gender segregation.
The Taliban, in power since 2021, remains unrecognized internationally, partly due to its treatment of women and media.
Pakistan Tensions Spike: Protests Turn Deadly Near Parliament
Tensions erupted in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces near parliament, demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The demonstrations, which turned violent, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of four paramilitary troops.
Protesters armed with steel rods and slingshots broke through barriers, set fires, and even attacked journalists while calling for the government’s resignation and the rollback of controversial constitutional amendments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protests, labeling them “extremism,” and deployed the army to secure Islamabad’s diplomatic zone.
Khan’s party, PTI, remains defiant, accusing the government of using these incidents to suppress their leader’s movement.
As tensions mount, Khan describes the protest march as the “final call” to challenge his imprisonment and the government’s legitimacy.
Intel Gets $7.86 Billion Boost for US Chip Manufacturing
The US Commerce Department finalized on Tuesday a $7.86 billion subsidy for Intel to support its massive semiconductor manufacturing projects across Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon.
This funding, slightly reduced from the $8.5 billion announced earlier, is part of the $52.7 billion CHIPS Act aimed at boosting domestic chip production.
Intel is also receiving a separate $3 billion Pentagon contract from the same funding pool.
Intel has already met some early milestones and will get $1 billion of the award by year-end.
The grant comes with restrictions on stock buybacks and profit-sharing requirements to safeguard taxpayer dollars. Despite financial struggles this year, including layoffs and tighter margins, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger expressed optimism, citing bipartisan support for rebuilding US tech leadership.
Today’s announcement that Intel-Ohio is receiving CHIPS Act funding is a much-needed step forward in the important objective of making the most advanced computer chips in America. The DeWine-Husted Administration has never wavered in its pledge to bring these chip manufacturing…
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 26, 2024
Additionally, Intel opted out of an $11 billion government loan, citing unfavorable terms, but plans to take advantage of a 25 percent tax credit for investments over $100 billion.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of American-designed chips being produced by American workers, with more awards expected soon.
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