US News: The United States is forming a multinational naval coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect Red Sea commercial traffic from Yemen's Houthi
North Korea conducts consecutive missile launches, firing apparent long-range ballistic missiles towards the sea, escalating tensions amidst condemnation of U.S.-led military displays. South Korea and Japan report the launches, lacking details on range and altitude. Heightened by recent meetings and military displays, including the arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine, North Korea denounces such actions, accusing the U.S. and South Korea of provocation. The U.S. and South Korea intensify joint drills in response to North Korea s missile tests and threats.
The 17th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (Ramstein) has started in an online format with the participation of about 50 countries. Source: European Pravda Details: The meeting was opened by Lloyd Austin, Minister of Defence of the US, who had visited Ukraine at the beginning of this week.
The United States has deployed B-1B bombers for joint drills with South Korea and Japan, as the three allies respond to threats from North Korea. The exercises are part of ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield drills and aim to enhance the allies response to Pyongyang s nuclear and missile threats. The US-led bomber drills come after North Korea s failed satellite launch. North Korea routinely denounces the military drills as a preparation for war, while the allies stress that the exercises are defensive.