Part 5/9:

The scale of Steadfast Defender 2024 marks a significant moment in NATO's history. It is the first time in 30 years that the alliance has conducted such large-scale drills, reminiscent of the Reforger exercises of 1988 during the Cold War.

North Korea's Nuclear-Linked Underwater Drone and Regional Escalations

Meanwhile, on the Korean Peninsula, tensions have escalated following North Korea’s purported test of a nuclear-capable underwater drone. Announced on Friday, North Korea's defense ministry claimed to have successfully tested the weapon, dubbed Hail 523 (which translates to "Tsunami"). The device is said to be capable of triggering nuclear waves through underwater explosions, potentially targeting naval vessels and ports in the region.