Myanmar KIA Advance, North Korea ICBM Test

Tech spotlight: the AH-64 Apache

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — NOV 1 2024

Good morning. Today’s email brings you news from Myanmar and North Korea.

1 - MYANMAR

1 thing to know

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has captured the final Border Guard Force (BGF) headquarters in Chipwi Township along the Chinese border, despite recent pressure from China to stop fighting the military regime.

The context 

This seizure marks a significant victory for anti-junta forces, as it was the last of three BGF battalion headquarters under the control of Zahkung Tin Ying's New Democratic Army, a junta-allied border force. The area is strategically important as it includes rare earth mining hubs with heavy Chinese investment.

China had attempted to intervene by blocking border gates with Kachin State and requesting the KIA to cease military operations, but KIA leadership has stated they will continue fighting until the military dictatorship is defeated.

More from the region

The broader conflict continues to intensify across Myanmar. The KIA and its allies have recently seized approximately 10 towns in Kachin State and six more in northern Sagaing Region and Shan State.

Junta forces continue their violence against civilians, with recent reports of troops torching two villages and abducting 31 civilians in Kantbalu Township, Sagaing Region.

An emerging pattern shows junta soldiers increasingly requesting deployment to conflict zones, motivated by opportunities for looting civilian properties in resistance-held areas.

In the news

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: AH-64 APACHE

Source: Wikipedia

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American attack helicopter, armed with a 30mm chain gun and pylons on the wings that can support rockets and missiles. The Apache was the result of an army program seeking a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra, and was designed by Hughes Helicopters, and now produced by Boeing. 

The helicopter is crewed by two, the pilot and the co-pilot who also serves as the gunner. Both crew members are able to fly the helicopter as well as operate the weapon systems. The aircraft supports advanced targeting mechanisms, with its Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System, allowing the 30mm automatic chain gun to point wherever the gunner looks.

What it’s used for

The AH-64 is used chiefly by the US, but is also the primary attack helicopter of several other countries, including Israel and the Netherlands. It first saw combat in 1989, in Panama, where it was used mainly for night operations. 

The first major deployment of Apaches was in 1990, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, and during Operation Desert Storm. Apaches also saw action in Afghanistan during the 2000s, and were supplied to Israel as well, where they used in attacks against the Hezbollah and Hamas terrorist organizations.

2 - NORTH KOREA

1 thing to know

North Korea tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time in almost a year.

The context 

Shortly after sending troops to Russia and into Ukraine, North Korea launched a new long range missile, the first of such tests in almost year. The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the launch, justifying it by saying it was "an appropriate military action", and was also present at the launch site.

South Korea and Japan, as well as the US, all detected the launch and identified it as an ICBM. The test flight lasted 86 minutes, and the increased flight time compared to the last test suggest improved engines and thrust. Experts believe the new missile has the ability to carry North Korea's largest warhead yet.

More from the region

Concerns about the cooperation between Russia and North Korea are sparking concerns of a long-time partnership between the two countries, one that could have implications on the stability of both the Korean Peninsula, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region.

It is believed that North Korea is using the opportunities presented by joining the Russia-Ukraine war to train its soldiers and test their equipment, since neither has experienced large-scale combat since 1953. There has also been speculation that in return for the troops being deployed into Ukraine, Russia may be helping improve North Korea's nuclear program.

In the news

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