Hypersonic missile that sweats like humans to fly beyond 3,800mph in extreme heat being developed for US Air Force
By Sayan Bose, Foreign News Reporter
IT is believed the world is closer to a full-fledged global war than it ever was since World War Two.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 initially raised questions but ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the Middle East, China and Taiwan, and North Korea have the world holding its breath.
It's been almost two years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine and tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise.
Many fear the crisis in Ukraine could still develop into a wider armed conflict, with officials warning that further escalation could see the bloodiest conflict in Europe since WW2 if resulting in nuclear war.
North Korea is also ready to pounce on the West as Putin's alliance with deranged leader Kim Jong-Un continues to grow.
Putin has already unleashed North Korean rockets in Ukraine, killing hundreds in an unprecedented development.
But Kim has also threatened to start a war of his own after labelling South Korea his "principal enemy" - adding that the nuclear weapons at his disposal are not to be ignored.
This came just days after his sister and prominent ally - Kim Yo-Jong - vowed to unleash an "immediate military strike" on neighbouring South Korea over the "slightest provocation".
Meanwhile, the Middle East has become a tinderbox ready to be sparked at any minute.
What started as an Israeli retaliation against evil Hamas has now spilt to become a major regional conflict.
Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon have all been dragged into the conflict as have the UK and US.
Across the Asian continent, fears continue to mount over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
Beijing has already threatened to spark "uncontrolled escalation" and all-out warfare over one "misunderstanding", as President Xi Jinping looks to stamp his authority.
Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party swept to victory in their elections - meaning there will now be at least four more years of limited to zero dialogue with Beijing.
The result has sparked concerns that there might be conflict with China if the DPP refuses to resume tense peace talks.
Chinese officials described the 2024 election as a choice "between war and peace" in a chilling warning shot to Taiwanese voters.
The nation is feared to be a major flashpoint between the US and Beijing - with a potential invasion forcing the US to abandon the island or face a full-scale war with China, which could have devastating consequences.
Amid the backdrop of China's imperialistic behaviour in the South China Sea, Xi may also leverage India's territorial disputes with Pakistan to strong-arm New Delhi.
And China may use the opportunity to try and capture Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin - a region that the communist regime wrongly claims to be its own - from India.
What would happen if World War 3 started?
With the advancement of technology and modern weaponry, World War 3 could be the deadliest of all wars ever fought in the history of mankind.
We could see unparalleled levels of suffering, the displacement of millions, severe food insecurity, and disruption to essential services.
It is predicted that in the event of a nuclear war between the US and Russia, an estimated 99 per cent of the population in the belligerent countries, as well as Europe and China, would die.
Other attacks across the globe could result in catastrophic events - upending the structure of society completely.