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Swedish coast guard seizes suspected false flag tanker in Baltic Sea

The Swedish Coast Guard said on Sunday it had seized a tanker in the Baltic Sea ​believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, the ‌latest in a string of similar actions carried out in recent months by the country's authorities. The Swedish Coast Guard said in a ​statement that it and police had boarded the Syrian-flagged ​Jin Hui in Swedish territorial waters south of ⁠Trelleborg and begun a preliminary investigation into a lack ​of seaworthiness. "The coast guard suspects that the ship is sailing ​under a false flag, given there are a number of irregularities concerning its flag status, and therefore does not meet demands for ​seaworthiness as set out in international regulations and agreements," ​it said. The coast guard said the ship, whose destination was unclear and ‌was ⁠thought to be carrying no cargo, figured on several sanctions lists, including those of the European Union and Britain. Read More: Trump likens US navy to 'pirates' ov...
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Israel approves plan to buy F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from Lockheed, Boeing

Israel gave final approval for a plan to purchase two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars, the defence ministry said on Sunday. The deal, approved by Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement, is a first step in a 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) plan to bolster Israel's military and "strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security," it said. It added that the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone of the military's long-term force development, addressing regional threats and preserving Israel’s strategic air superiority. Read: US bypasses congressional review for military sales of $8.6b to Middle East allies "Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ten years from now and beyond," said ministry Director General Amir Baram, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The recent war with Iran "reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains," he added. Under the deal, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing. In December, Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for Israel including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more. Baram said the next step would be to move forward with finalising the agreements with the US government and military counterparts. The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8. The US Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. Read More: US approves billions in arms sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Iranian conflict demonstrated the air force's power and its decisive role in protecting Israel. "The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come," he said. Israeli aircraft have also attacked Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Katz said the new aircraft would lead to a significant technological leap in integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance in space. "Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time," Katz said. "We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies - to keep Israel secure today and in the future."

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At least 32 miners dead after bridge fails at cobalt site in southeast DR Congo

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Indian devotees splurge on jets, gold idols as Hindu temple opens

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Indian opposition supporters detained ahead of protest at Modi's home

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