As the week wraps up, catch up with SOFREP’s Evening Brief, delivering the top defense and global affairs stories for June 13, 2025. Nuclear states spent over $100 billion in 2024, with ICAN warning of secrecy and lobbying. Defense Sec. Hegseth dodged questions on war plans and faced heat over using Signal. A Fort Campbell helicopter crash killed one soldier. Georgia launched its first electronic warfare unit. Sweden and the Netherlands pledged five percent defense spending. Cambodia cut Thai ties after a deadly border clash. North Korea relaunched a failed warship and plans more under Kim Jong Un.
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Nuclear-Armed States Spent Over $100 Billion in 2024, ICAN Warns of Lack of Oversight
Nuclear weapons states spent $91 billion in 2023 and ramped that figure up to more than $100 billion in 2024, according to a new report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).
The group, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, criticized the absence of democratic scrutiny in nuclear spending decisions across the nine nuclear-armed states: the US, Russia, China, Britain, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel.
The US led all nations with $56.8 billion in nuclear expenditures, followed by China at $12.5 billion and Britain at $10.4 billion.
ICAN said that private companies earned $42.5 billion in related contracts and invested $128 million in lobbying efforts in just the US and France. At least $463 billion in nuclear weapons contracts remain active, with some extending for decades.
2/ ICAN’s latest global nuclear weapons spending report revealed that last year: The US spent 56.8 billion dollars, more than all other nuclear-armed states combined. Private companies earned 42.5 billion dollars from nuclear weapons work. #NuclearBan pic.twitter.com/0p6Vr4jywC
As the week wraps up, catch up with SOFREP’s Evening Brief, delivering the top defense and global affairs stories for June 13, 2025. Nuclear states spent over $100 billion in 2024, with ICAN warning of secrecy and lobbying. Defense Sec. Hegseth dodged questions on war plans and faced heat over using Signal. A Fort Campbell helicopter crash killed one soldier. Georgia launched its first electronic warfare unit. Sweden and the Netherlands pledged five percent defense spending. Cambodia cut Thai ties after a deadly border clash. North Korea relaunched a failed warship and plans more under Kim Jong Un.
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Nuclear-Armed States Spent Over $100 Billion in 2024, ICAN Warns of Lack of Oversight
Nuclear weapons states spent $91 billion in 2023 and ramped that figure up to more than $100 billion in 2024, according to a new report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).
The group, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, criticized the absence of democratic scrutiny in nuclear spending decisions across the nine nuclear-armed states: the US, Russia, China, Britain, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel.
The US led all nations with $56.8 billion in nuclear expenditures, followed by China at $12.5 billion and Britain at $10.4 billion.
ICAN said that private companies earned $42.5 billion in related contracts and invested $128 million in lobbying efforts in just the US and France. At least $463 billion in nuclear weapons contracts remain active, with some extending for decades.
2/ ICAN’s latest global nuclear weapons spending report revealed that last year: The US spent 56.8 billion dollars, more than all other nuclear-armed states combined. Private companies earned 42.5 billion dollars from nuclear weapons work. #NuclearBan pic.twitter.com/0p6Vr4jywC
— ICAN (@nuclearban) June 13, 2025
The report also addressed the hidden costs of hosting foreign nuclear weapons, specifically in NATO countries like Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Turkey. It cited secret agreements and the lack of public transparency around hosting expenses, including security and infrastructure for US nuclear assets.
Russia claims to have stationed nuclear arms in Belarus, though analysts remain uncertain. Meanwhile, none of the nuclear-armed nations have joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, despite 98 other countries either signing or ratifying it.
ICAN emphasized that the collective 2024 nuclear weapons budget could fund the entire United Nations nearly 28 times over. The organization criticized entrenched corporate and political interests for perpetuating global reliance on nuclear arsenals, warning that this spending sustains a doctrine built on the catastrophic logic of mutually assured destruction.
Hegseth Dodges Key Questions in Heated Hearing Over Greenland, Panama War Plans and Signal Chat Use
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense bipartisan scrutiny Thursday during a combative House Armed Services Committee hearing, refusing to directly confirm whether the Pentagon has active plans to seize Greenland or Panama by force.
Pressed by Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Hegseth repeatedly deflected, stating only that the Defense Department prepares for “any contingency.” His answers prompted alarm even from GOP lawmakers, with Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) warning, “I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.”
The controversy stems in part from President Trump’s long-expressed desire to control Greenland, despite repeated denials from its leaders. Greenland’s US representative reaffirmed Thursday: “Greenland is not for sale.”
Hegseth also came under fire for allegedly using the encrypted messaging app Signal to share strike details—including timing and munitions used—during a US operation targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Lawmakers questioned whether he shared classified information and whether he would accept accountability if an ongoing inspector general investigation finds misconduct. Hegseth declined to say, noting only that he serves “at the pleasure of the president.”
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), a Marine veteran, criticized Hegseth’s contradictions on classification, saying, “You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified.”
Hegseth responded, “What’s not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission.”
Democrats also hammered Hegseth over politicization of the military after uniformed troops were ordered to appear behind Trump during a speech at Fort Bragg, where MAGA merchandise was reportedly sold. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, denied prior knowledge of the incident.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine testify at @hascrepublicans @hascdemocrats – LIVE on C-SPAN2 and online here: https://t.co/An5kH4QiBt #HASC
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 12, 2025
On diversity, Hegseth defended removing what he called “political correctness” from the military. When asked if women and transgender troops were capable of combat, he equivocated, saying effectiveness “depends on the context.” He acknowledged the accomplishments of three transgender service members only after being told they were not cisgender, prompting criticism from Democrats and support from Republicans who decried Pentagon spending on gender transition care.
Throughout the hearing, Hegseth framed himself as a decision-maker willing to take political heat to make tough calls.
Democratic Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) countered sharply: “You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead.” GOP members defended Hegseth, condemning what they called partisan attacks. A watchdog report on Hegseth’s Signal use is expected soon.
Soldier Killed, Another Injured in Helicopter Training Crash at Fort Campbell
One soldier died and another was injured during an aviation training mission Wednesday evening at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 101st Airborne Division confirmed.
The incident occurred at 7 p.m. (local time) involving a helicopter carrying only a pilot and co-pilot. Emergency crews confirmed one fatality at the scene, while the injured soldier was transported to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
The US Army has not released the identities of the personnel involved, pending next-of-kin notification. Details surrounding the cause of the crash and the nature of the training mission remain under investigation.
This marks the second fatal training accident for the division in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, Sgt. Aaron Cox was killed during a vehicle training exercise in Hungary. The latest crash adds to a growing list of serious aviation mishaps within the Army, particularly involving Black Hawk helicopters.
Notable incidents include the January 2025 mid-air collision between a Black Hawk and a commercial jet over Washington, DC, which killed 67 people, and a 2023 crash near Fort Campbell that left nine soldiers dead. A separate Apache collision in Alaska claimed three more lives shortly afterward, prompting a temporary Army-wide aviation safety stand-down.
Fort Campbell remains a key base for US Army aviation, home to elite units including the 101st Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
The crash underscores ongoing concerns over military aviation safety amid repeated fatal accidents.
Georgia Army National Guard Launches Electromagnetic Warfare Unit
The Georgia Army National Guard has recently activated the 111th Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Company in Forest Park to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities.
Operating under the 221st Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (IEW) Battalion, the unit will focus on tracking, identifying, and geolocating signals of interest in coordination with combatant commanders.
The new formation includes 80 soldiers across four EW platoons and will support division-level operations. Its first field exercise is scheduled for August in the Chattahoochee National Forest, featuring EW drills and joint helicopter training with the 78th Aviation Troop Command.
The @GeorgiaGuard made history with the activation of the 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, the first unit of its kind in the @USArmy. This marks a significant step in modernizing the Army’s capabilities within a critical domain. https://t.co/e0OYXdGLKl
— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) June 10, 2025
The 111th EW Company descends from the historic 1st Battalion, 111th Signal Battalion—Georgia’s only Guard unit mobilized during the Berlin Crisis. The parent 221st IEW Battalion has deployed to the Middle East, Kosovo, and Cuba, supporting Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command missions.
Brig. Gen. Theodore Scott III emphasized the unit’s role in adapting to modern battlefield demands and reaffirmed the Georgia Guard’s commitment to leading in cutting-edge military operations.
Sweden, Netherlands Commit to 5% Defense Spending Ahead of NATO Summit Under U.S. Pressure
Sweden and the Netherlands announced Friday they will boost defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP), aligning with US President Donald Trump’s demands ahead of the June 24–25 NATO summit in the Netherlands.
The move signals growing support for a new alliance-wide spending target as NATO prepares for potential conflict with Russia.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at least 3.5% of the spending will be directed toward core defense needs, including tanks, warplanes, missiles, and troop increases, while the remaining 1.5% will fund infrastructure to improve force mobility and civilian readiness. Sweden currently spends about 2.25% of its GDP on defense.
Great to host @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte for important discussions ahead of NATO’s Summit in The Hague.
New security situation, Russia’s illegal war and threat to their peaceful neighbors, requires Allies to urgently do more on deterrence and defence. We want to see a new defence… pic.twitter.com/zQBCjv7uf4
— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) June 13, 2025
The Dutch caretaker government also committed to raising its defense budget to the same 5% mark, calling the move “historic.” Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the need for other allies to follow suit, though it remains unclear how the Netherlands will fund the estimated €18 billion ($20 billion) increase.
NATO allies previously agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but escalating tensions and NATO’s updated defense plans now push for a higher 3.5% core military investment.
Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have already pledged to reach the 5% benchmark. However, the timeline remains unsettled.
NATO initially floated 2032 as a target, though Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned Russia could be ready for a NATO attack by 2030. The US is pressing for a shorter deadline, while Italy has asked for a decade to meet the goal.
Cambodia Puts Troops on High Alert, Cuts Thai Ties
Cambodia ordered its military on full alert and cut off Thai internet access Friday as tensions with Thailand escalated over a deadly border clash in the Emerald Triangle region.
The move follows a May 28 skirmish that left one Cambodian soldier dead.
Prime Minister Hun Manet and former leader Hun Sen issued sweeping measures, including an indefinite closure of the Daung-Ban Laem border crossing and a ban on Thai television dramas in Cambodia.
Authorities also warned border provinces to prepare for evacuations and urged troops to remain ready for immediate response to any aggression.
Cambodia ‘might have misunderstood’ Thai electricity cut plan, says PM Paetongtarn
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Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Cambodia may have misunderstood Thailand’s position, following Phnom Penh’s announcement that it would stop importing electricity and internet from… pic.twitter.com/rdFdWhdYpP— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) June 13, 2025
Hun Sen called for a boycott of Thai goods and encouraged Thai farmers to protest their own military. Cambodia said the border would remain closed until Thailand lifts its newly imposed checkpoint restrictions.
Cambodian and Thai officials are scheduled to meet Saturday in Phnom Penh to address the dispute. The conflict centers on unresolved demarcation issues along the 800-kilometer (497-mile) border, contested since the French colonial era. Cambodia plans to escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice, despite Thailand’s refusal to recognize the court’s jurisdiction.
While both countries’ militaries agreed Sunday to reposition troops near the clash site, border crossings remain restricted and tensions high. The region has seen intermittent violence since 2008, with at least 28 deaths.
North Korea Refloats Warship After Failed Launch, Kim Jong Un Approves More Naval Expansion
North Korea successfully refloated its 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon after a failed launch last month, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the relaunch ceremony Thursday at the Rajin shipyard, state media reported.
The destroyer, named after a Korean War general, was previously damaged in a botched side-launch attempt that left the vessel listing and its hull crushed.
Kim condemned the initial failure as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness,” leading to the arrest of four officials. Despite earlier claims that the damage was minor, satellite images had shown the ship covered by tarpaulins. The regime claims the vessel has now been fully restored.
VIDEO: Korean Central Television (KCTV) broadcasted footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending a destroyer launch ceremony at Rajin Shipyard alongside his daughter. The warship was reportedly “fully restored” after capsizing last month.https://t.co/CDdOuwQUAs pic.twitter.com/5AVjpUHPtk
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) June 13, 2025
Kim also approved plans to construct two more destroyer-class warships next year, calling it a dramatic enhancement of North Korea’s naval power. He cited “blatant provocations” by the US and its allies as justification for accelerated military expansion.
South Korean officials believe the Kang Kon matches the size and armament of the recently unveiled Choe Hyon destroyer, which Pyongyang claims will be operational by early 2026 and may carry nuclear-capable tactical missiles.
Analysts suggest Russian assistance likely played a role in the ship’s development, possibly in return for North Korean troops and arms sent to aid Russia in Ukraine.
The developments come as South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, signals a more conciliatory approach to Pyongyang. His administration has halted cross-border loudspeaker broadcasts, and North Korea appears to have paused its own propaganda transmissions in response.
Still, tensions remain high as Seoul continues to monitor the operational status of the Kang Kon and other North Korean naval assets.
Sources: AFP, Military.com, News Agencies, The Associated Press
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