Israel is reportedly concerned by renewed talks between the United States and Qatar regarding the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets. Jerusalem fears such a deal could erode its qualitative military edge in the Middle East, prompting the formulation of a compensatory arms package for Washington.
A senior Israeli Defense Forces official has warned that Iran has resumed large-scale production of ballistic missiles, approximately six months after its 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025. This acceleration follows significant damage to its missile manufacturing capacity during the recent hostilities, with Tehran reportedly prioritizing the rapid restoration of its missile program.
At the Milken Institute Summit, Prince Turki Al-Faisal asserted that Israel is the primary source of instability in West Asia, citing its military actions. He suggested Saudi Arabia should consider developing nuclear weapons if Iran does, highlighting Israel's undeclared arsenal.
Estonia is significantly enhancing its defense industry by launching a €100 million defense fund, establishing industrial parks for arms manufacturers, and committing to raise its defense spending to an average of 5.4% of GDP by 2029. These strategic moves leverage Estonia's startup ecosystem to foster innovation and strengthen national security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
The United States and Russia have recently issued threats regarding the resumption of nuclear testing, sparking international alarm and jeopardizing a decades-long global moratorium. US President Trump indicated a return to testing 'on an equal basis,' while Russian President Putin ordered analysis for reciprocal measures if the US proceeds.
Led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nihon Hidankyo, Japanese civil society groups submitted a petition with nearly 3.5 million signatures in November 2025, pressing the government to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The move highlights ongoing domestic pressure for Japan, the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, to align with the global nuclear disarmament effort.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow would respond 'in kind' if any nation resumes nuclear tests, directly addressing former US President Donald Trump's recent suggestions for the US to restart such activities. The warning highlights escalating tensions over nuclear arms control and the future of international non-proliferation efforts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Russia's readiness to continue observing the numerical limits of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty for an additional year, provided the United States reciprocates. The offer comes as the last remaining major arms control treaty between the two nuclear powers is set to expire in February 2026, with the US reportedly considering the proposal.
Russia launched a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile on October 22, 2025, as part of a large-scale strategic nuclear forces exercise. The United States followed with a test of its Minuteman III ICBM on November 5, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base. These events unfold amidst escalating rhetoric regarding nuclear testing and the impending expiration of the New START treaty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed officials to assess the feasibility of conducting nuclear tests, a move that comes in response to US President Donald Trump's recent statements suggesting the United States might resume atomic testing. The Kremlin clarified this is a study, not an immediate order for tests.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed on October 29, 2025, that there is no evidence Iran is developing nuclear weapons, explicitly stating 'No, they are not, and they were not.' His remarks, made at UN Headquarters in New York, acknowledge Iran's reduced cooperation with inspectors and concerns over a 60% enriched uranium stockpile, capable of producing material for up to ten nuclear bombs.
President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to restart nuclear weapons testing, marking the first time since 1992. The order, announced on October 30, 2025, follows recent Russian advancements and was made ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded Japan's commitment to accelerate its military buildup and defense spending during a visit to Tokyo. Japan aims to reach 2% of GDP in defense spending by March 2026, two years ahead of schedule, amidst rising regional tensions and a shift in its post-war defense posture.
Germany's Bundeswehr is reportedly close to finalizing a €3 billion order for 40 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. The contract, expected to be awarded to a joint venture between Rheinmetall AG and Finnish firm ICEYE Oy, aims to significantly enhance Germany's defense reconnaissance capabilities with deliveries anticipated within two years.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has stated that Iran possesses the scientific knowledge and determination to rebuild its uranium enrichment capacity and other nuclear activities if it chooses. This assessment follows recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities and comes amidst ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear program and its cooperation with international inspections.
The Republic of Korea Armed Forces are set to deploy the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, a penetrating-type short-range weapon, by late 2025. This 'monster missile' features an 8-ton conventional warhead designed to neutralize deeply buried targets, bolstering South Korea's non-nuclear deterrence strategy against North Korea's escalating threats.
Senior Iranian Army Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari asserted that lasting peace and security for the Islamic Republic are achievable only through robust power, continuous preparedness, and effective deterrence. His remarks were made during an address to military cadets in Tehran.
The Kremlin has expressed optimism following former U.S. President Donald Trump's positive comments regarding Russia's offer to extend the New START nuclear arms treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a one-year extension of the pact, which limits strategic offensive arms, aiming to maintain global stability and facilitate future arms control dialogue.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans for 'additional military measures' and the allocation of 'special assets' to 'key targets of interest' on the Korean Peninsula during the 'Defense Development-2025' exhibition. The event showcased new hypersonic and supersonic missiles, alongside other advanced military technologies, amid heightened regional tensions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while initial nuclear disarmament talks should be bilateral with the U.S., the arsenals of Britain and France must eventually be included, citing their role in global European security. This follows a Russian proposal to extend New START limits.
