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North Korea announced that it had successfully tested two hypersonic missiles.The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missiles were launched from the Ryokpho district of Pyongyang, heading northeast, and struck a target on Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province.KCNA described the tests, which took place yesterday, as part of a “significant new weapon system,” noting that the two advanced missiles enhance North Korea’s strategic deterrence.This marks the fifth ballistic missile launch by North Korea this year, with the previous launch taking place in May.

NATO's annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise kicked off today in the Netherlands, with the participation of 71 aircrafts from 14 NATO member states. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercises send a clear message to any potential adversary that NATO will protect and defend all allies against all threats. Rutte added that NATO needs to do these exercises to help ensure that its nuclear deterrence remains as reliable, secure, and effective as possible. NATO announced that bases at Kleine Brogel in Belgium, Lakenheath in the UK, and Skrydstrup in Denmark will also participate. NATO explained that the exercises do not use nuclear weapons but simulate scenarios in which they could be used. Steadfast Noon is NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercise, in which aircraft and personnel are trained without the use of actual nuclear weapons.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki called on NATO to strengthen deterrence following an incursion of Russian drones into Poland's airspace. In an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper, Nawrocki said: "We must do everything to be ready for war, because only that ensures peace." He added he expected "such attacks on NATO territory" would not happen again and that the alliance would be even better prepared.Only three or four drones were shot down, but the president expressed satisfaction that no Polish soldiers or civilians were killed.Nawrocki said he was confident the attack was "directly controlled from Moscow" and a demonstration of Russian President Vladimir Putin's capabilities.