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COVERT HORIZON TENSION INDEX
Global tension level today
A live reading of global military and geopolitical tension, updated every 15 minutes from real escalation events in the news. 5 is routine and 1 is maximum.
Sub-gauges
Driving today's reading
- CHINA / UNITED STATES · NUCLEAR USEU.S. Mimics “Decoupled” Nuclear Detonation By Blowing Up A Tunnel Conventionally
- OTHER · DEADLY FIGHTINGGraves of five soldiers killed in Normandy identified
- RUSSIA–UKRAINE WAR · AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWNUkrainian pilot dies after MiG-29 fighter shot down by Russian missile
- IRAN & THE GULF · STRIKESSaudi coalition accuses Houthis of drone attack on Medina
Last 30 days
The history chart appears after a few days of readings.
Flashpoints right now
How it's calculated
Every 15 minutes we look at the last 24 hours of stories from more than 200 sources and pick out real escalation events, such as strikes, invasions, mobilisation, ambassadors expelled, stand-offs at sea and nuclear signalling. Each event is weighted by how serious it is, whether major or nuclear-armed powers are involved, and how many outlets confirm it. The result is compared with the previous week, so ongoing wars at their usual intensity count as the normal level. Exercises, contracts, analysis and opinion don't count. Our editorial standards.
Common questions
Is this the DEFCON level?
No. The U.S. DEFCON level is classified and never published. The Tension Index is Covert Horizon's own measure and isn't related to it.
Why is it usually at 4?
Several wars are ongoing. Level 4 means conflicts are at their usual intensity; it moves to 3 or 2 only when things get clearly worse.
Can it reach level 1?
Level 1 is reserved and is never set automatically.