Mako hypersonic missile inspired by the Mako shark famous for its speed

US announces Mako hypersonic missile: “Shark” changes the game

Mako

Source: Orbital Today

The US has officially introduced the Mako hypersonic missile, a new generation weapon developed by Lockheed Martin in cooperation with CoAspire. With a speed of over Mach 5, a compact aerodynamic design and the ability to penetrate most modern air defense networks, Mako is considered a “game changer” in global military strategy.                                          Impressive parameters

Length: about 4 m

Diameter: 33 cm

Weight: 590 kg

Warhead: 59 kg

Speed: Mach 5+ (5 times faster than the speed of sound)

Outstanding advantages

Mako is designed with an open modular architecture, allowing easy change of warheads, guidance systems and reducing upgrade costs. 3D printing technology is applied in many parts, helping to increase production speed and reduce costs. In particular, Mako has the ability to fire salvos, optimized for mass attacks on many targets. 

Multi-purpose and flexible 

Unlike many bulky supersonic missiles, Mako is compatible with most modern fighter aircraft: F-35, F-22, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, even P-8A patrol aircraft. With its optimal size, it can be carried inside the weapon bay to maintain stealth features, and is capable of being deployed from submarines or surface ships via a vertical launch system (VLS). 

Strategic Context

Mako originated from the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program in 2017. Although the contract was officially awarded to Northrop Grumman, Lockheed continued to develop Mako as a response to China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems.

Global Impact

Lockheed Martin asserts that Mako is not only for the US military but also for the international market, especially within the framework of AUKUS (US-UK-Australia) cooperation. If mass produced, Mako could change the balance of power in the Pacific and beyond.

With the combination of hypersonic speed, flexible design and reasonable production cost, Mako is emerging as a real "shark" in the sky, promising to reshape the hypersonic weapons landscape in the next decade.

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Singapore's Richest Billionaire Goh Cheng Liang Dies at 98

Singapore's Richest Billionaire Goh Cheng Liang Dies at 98

Mr. Goh Cheng Liang, founder of Wuthelam Holdings and once Singapore's richest billionaire, passed away on the morning of August 12, 2025 in Singapore, at the age of 98.

Events

Time of death: morning of August 12, surrounded by family.

Lifespan: 98 years old

Wealth: estimated at US$13 billion (S$16.7–16.8 billion), making him the No. 1 Singaporean billionaire in 2025 according to Forbes.

Journey to rise

Born in 1927, he grew up in a cramped rented room in River Valley, Singapore, earning just a few dollars a month. After World War II, he made a living selling fishing nets in Malaysia and then returned to Singapore to try his hand at many jobs.

In 1949, he bought a used paint can, taught himself how to mix paint from a Chinese chemical dictionary, and founded the Pigeon Brand, laying the foundation for his career. By 1955, he became the official distributor of Nippon Paint in Singapore, and then moved to deeper cooperation in 1962. 

In 1974, he founded Wuthelam Holdings. After many decades, this group became the largest shareholder of Nippon Paint Holdings, currently holding nearly 60% of the shares - making Nippon the 4th largest paint company in the world. 

Investment & charity 

In addition to paint, he also participated in the development of major projects such as Liang Court and Mount Elizabeth Hospital. 

In 1995, he established the Goh Foundation, focusing on medical support - especially cancer research and treatment. The Foundation has funded the construction of the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and the Proton Radiotherapy Centre named after him. He also contributed to the construction of schools, water supply systems and medical infrastructure in his hometown of Chaozhou, Guangdong (China).

Family and colleagues described him as a humble, reserved but compassionate man. His son, Goh Hup Jin, called his father a “beacon of kindness and strength”.

Summary

Details Date of death 12/8/2025 Life expectancy 98 Started business 1949 with Pigeon Brand Wuthelam Holdings Group, major shareholder Nippon Paint Assets ~US$13 billion (S$16.8 billion) Legacy Healthcare, education, infrastructure, charity NCCS & Proton Centre 

Mr. Goh Cheng Liang left a great legacy not only in the business sector but also in social activities. From a rented room for US$3, he rose to become one of Asia’s leading billionaires, while leaving a deep humanitarian mark in the healthcare and community sectors.

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Japan considers transferring used destroyers to the Philippines

Photo image Elvis

According to the Yomiuri newspaper and Reuters news agency, the Japanese government is considering transferring six used Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines. This is considered a new step in efforts to strengthen security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila, in the context of increasing tensions in the East Sea.

The Abukuma ships are about 109 meters long, have a displacement of nearly 2,000 tons, and are equipped with anti-ship missiles, naval guns and anti-submarine systems. It is expected that Philippine naval experts will visit Japan to inspect the condition of the ships in the summer of 2025 before deciding to accept them.

Japan's arms export policy is changing

Since World War II, Japan has applied a policy of strictly controlling arms exports. However, in recent years, Tokyo has loosened the policy, allowing the export of military equipment in the form of "joint development" or co-production.  Japan also reached a major deal with Australia in 2025 to supply 11 Mogami-class stealth destroyers worth $6.5 billion.

Possibility of expanding to other Southeast Asian countries

In addition to the Philippines, some Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia have been mentioned in discussions related to receiving Japanese warships. However, so far no specific contracts have been signed. Experts say any similar agreement would have to follow the direction of “development cooperation” to comply with Japan’s strict legal framework.

Prospects

If the deal with the Philippines is successful, this will be the first time Japan has exported used destroyers to Southeast Asia, opening up the possibility that Tokyo will continue to expand defense cooperation in the region.

Source: Reuters, Business Insider

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Signal of detente or strategic move between the US and Russia

US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska 

meeting between president trump and pulitzer Photo image Рокотов Евгений

Today, in Anchorage, Alaska, a rare diplomatic event took place when the United States officially rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is the Russian leader's first visit to US territory since bilateral tensions escalated over the past decade.

The atmosphere at Ted Stevens International Airport became lively as the motorcade, the flags of both countries and the honorary ceremony were carefully prepared. The US side sent the Vice President and the Secretary of State to the plane's stairs to welcome him.

According to the White House, this visit to Alaska is to discuss cooperation on Arctic security, maritime trade and strategic arms control. Alaska - with its strategic location just across the Bering Strait from Russia - is considered a neutral and symbolic location in the context of the two countries seeking to cool down tensions.

Photo image Bhs Ahlan

The international media paid special attention to the image of Mr. Putin stepping off the plane in the snow, shaking hands with American officials while the national anthems of both countries were played. Some experts said that this could be the “beginning of a new chapter” in Washington-Moscow relations, although there are still many profound differences.

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US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska

US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska – Signal of détente or strategic move? 

US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska – A cold but dramatic morning made global headlines as Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at Ted Stevens International Airport, walked on the red carpet laid out by the US, and was greeted with formality by the US Vice President and Secretary of State.

This is the first time in more than a decade that a Russian leader has been welcomed on US soil with full presidential protocol. Observers say that choosing Alaska – a land only 85 km from Russia across the Bering Strait – is not only historically symbolic, but also a geopolitical “chessboard” where both Washington and Moscow have strategic interests.

The tense context and the reason for choosing Alaska

The US-Russia relationship in recent years has been overshadowed by a series of sanctions, confrontations in Ukraine, competition for influence in the Middle East and a military race in the Arctic. However, Alaska has a special position – it is close to Russia, it is part of the US territory, and it is located on the Arctic shipping route that is expanding due to the melting ice. 

Holding the meeting here helps both sides avoid domestic political pressure and sends a flexible message: this is a pragmatic contact, not exactly “making friends”, but also not wanting to escalate tensions. 

Agenda: Security, trade, and strategic weapons 

A source from the White House said that the two sides will discuss: 

Long-range nuclear arms control, including extending or renegotiating the New START treaties. 

Maritime trade cooperation through the Arctic route to reduce dependence on traditional shipping channels. 

Reducing the risk of military conflict in the area bordering Alaska - the Russian Far East. 

An unnamed US official revealed: "Although there are many disagreements, both sides understand that the Arctic is becoming a new front, and cooperation can bring mutual benefits." 

Political commentary: The red carpet is more than just a formality

According to many experts, the image of the red carpet stretching out in Alaska is not simply a diplomatic gesture. It could be a “diplomatic wind” of the US – both creating goodwill and testing Russia’s response to more flexible proposals.

On the other hand, for Mr. Putin, this visit is an opportunity to mark his international presence in the context of the West trying to isolate Russia. The solemn reception in the US can be exploited by the Kremlin as a diplomatic victory, sending a message to the domestic public that Russia is still a global power that cannot be ignored.

Open ending – Handshake or new fight?

No one is sure whether the red carpet will be followed by a historic handshake or a new round of diplomacy. However, Alaska today has shown the world one thing: even in the midst of ice, the international political chessboard is always hot.

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