NATO Secretary General with the Chancellor of Germany 🇩🇪 Olaf Scholz, 26 APR 2024

Note:Arrests of Russian agents have recently been made in Germany (espionage/sabotage) and the UK (hostile activity on behalf of Russia).

NATO Secretary General visits Olaf Scholz - YouTube - 26 APR 2026 - BTB-concept - Federal Chancellery,Berlin,Germany

Working visit by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.The video shows the entry of the guard battalion's post of honour;arrival and greeting of the guest;and marching out of the post of honour.The demonstrators drew attention to the civil war in Tigray,Northenmost Ethiopia,on the border with Eritreia in Northwest Africa.

Military honours for Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - YouTube - BTB-concept - Federal Chancellery,Berlin,Germany - 24 APR 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom.The honours company is provided by the 4th company (marines) of the guards battalion.The honours formation is led by the company commander,Ms.Captain Kruggel.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps played under the direction of Mrs.Captain Holtzschuh.Because of its history as a seafaring nation,the BMVg protocol had decided that Navy uniforms would be worn.The Inspecter General,General Carsten Breuer,was in the delegation.Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were in the street.

Pacific Perspective:White House Document Outlines Deepening US/Japan Strategic Alliance Part 2

As our countries strengthen their bilateral ties,we will continue to build our relationship with like-minded partners in the region.Today,we announce our decision to cooperate on a networked air defence architecture among the United States,Japan,and Australia to counter growing air and missile threats.Recognising Japan's strengths and close bilateral defence partnerships with the AUKUS countries,AUKUS partners-Australia,the United Kingdom and the United States-are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.Continuing the momentum from the Camp David Summit,we welcome progress on establishing an annual multi-domain exercise between the United States,Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).Recognising the commitments made in the Atlantic Declaration and the Hiroshima Accords,and as the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions become ever more interlinked,we wlcome the announcement of regular U.S.-Japan-UK trilateral exercises,begining in 2025,as we enhance our shared enduring security.Building on the announcement at the Australian Official Vist in October to pursue trilateral cooperation with Japan on unmanned aerial systems,we are exploring cooperative opportunities in the rapidly emerging field of collaborative combat aircraft and autonomy...We reaffirm the critical importance to enhance U.S. extended deterrence,bolstered by Japan's defence capabilities,and will further strengthen bilateral cooperation.In this regard,we call on our respective foreign and defence mimisters to hold in-depth discussions on extended deterrence on the occasion of the next 2+2 meeting.(Note:extended deterrence is a commitment to deter,and,if necessary,to respond across the spectrum of potential nuclear and non-nuclear scenarios in defence of Allies and Partners).*We continue to deepen our cooperation on information and cyber security to ensure our Alliance stays ahead of growing cyber threats and builds resilience in the information and communication technology domain.We also plan on enhancing our cooperation on the protetction of critical infrastructure...Reaching New Frontiers in Space:Our global partnership extends to space,where the United States and Japan are leading the way to explore the solar system and return to the Moon.Today,we welcome the signing of a Lunar Surface Exploration Implementing Arrangement,in which Japan plans to provide and sustain operation of a pressurised lunar rover which the United States plans to allocate two flight opportunities to the lunar surface for Japan on future Artemis missions.The leaders announced a shared goal for a Japanese national to be the first non-American astronaut to land on the Moon on a future Artemis mission,assuming independent benchmarks are achieved...We also announce bilateral cooperation on a Low Earth Orbit detection and tracking constellation for missiles such as hypersonic glide vehicles,including potential cooperation with U.S. industry.*We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the Quad (US-Australia-Japan-India) and its shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is stable,prosperous and inclusive which continues to deliver results for the region.We reiterate the Quad's unwavering support and respect for regional institutions,including ASEAN,the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.We also reaffirm our support for ASEAN centrality and unity as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Southeast Asian (countries that) are critical partners in the Indo-Pacific,and the U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral aims to enhance trilateral defence and security cooperation while promising economic security and resilience.

Fmr. Top NATO official pens letter to Biden warning of threats from authoritarian powers - MSNBC - YouTube

with Johnathan Capehart*Note:The Senate approved by a large bipartisan majority the 95 billion dollar foreign aid bill for Ukraine,Israel,Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific on 23 April 2023 and President Biden will sign it on 24 April 2024.

Queen meets Royal Lancers for first time as Colonel-in-Chief - YouTube - The Royal Family Channel - 22 APR 2024

Ukrainian President Zelensky praises House passage of aid - CNN

with Fredericka Whitfield,CNN War Correspondent in Ukraine Fred Pleitkin,and Jill Dougherty,Adjunct Professor Georgetown University and former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief

USAF, NATO. B-1B Lancer bombers in Spain. Engine maintenance and combat missions -YouTube

B-1B Lancer strategic bombers were deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command out of Dyess Air Force Base,Texas.on a Bomber Task Force mission.The missions enable air crews to maintain a high state of readiness,proficiency and validate the USAF's always ready global strike capability.The strategic missions help develop the ability to operate in unfamiliar or austere locations and readily integrate with NATO Allies and Partners.The BTF mission is conducted in multiple combatant command Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and demonstrate the DOD'S ability to command and control its bomber forces for any assigned mission,anywhere in the world at any time,in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy.At the same time,the BTF mission includes achieving deterrence and defence for the NATO Alliance.*Furthermore,a B-1B Lancer has been pulled from the boneyard,an arrid repository of retired aircraft,at Davis-Monthan Air Fore Base in Tucson,Arizona.It is being refurbished to help with the surge in demand for Bomber Task Force missions.

NATO Secretary General doorstep at the G7 Foreign Ministers, 18 APR 2024 - YouTube

House Speaker Mike Johnson's 61 billion dollar aid package for Ukraine is scheduled for a vote on 20 April 2024.It has strong bipartisan support.

Pacific Perspective:White House Document Outlines Deepening US/Japan Strategic Alliance

In a document dated 10 April 2024,and called "United States-Japan Joint Leaders' Statement - Global Partners for the Future",the two countries outline a number of decisions that have been made recently:Over the course of the last three years,the U.S.-Japan Alliance has reached unprecedented heights.We arrived at this historic moment because our nations,individually and together,took courageous steps to strengthen our collective capacity in ways that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.Today,we,President Joseph R. Biden,Jr.,and Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio,celebrate this new era of U.S.-Japan strategic cooperation during the Prime Minister's official visit and State Dinner in Washington,D.C.-and pledge that the United States and Japan will continue our tireless work,together with our other partners,to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific and world.In this era of U.S.-Japan cooperation,we recognise that global events affect the security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific,and that developments in our shared region reverberate around the world.We are therefore working together,across all domains,to build a global partnership that is fit to address the complex,interconnected challenges of today and tomorrow for the benefit of our two countries and the world.At the core of our cooperation is a shared commitment to work with like-minded partners and multilateral institutions to address common challenges and to ensure a world that is free,open,connected,resilient,and secure.These joint efforts are based on our shared fundamental respect for international law,including the protection and promotion of human rights and dignity,the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,and the prohibition on acquisition of territory by force.Our purpose as partners is to uphold and bolster the free and open international order based on the rule of law that has allowed so many nations to develop and prosper,and to ensure our Alliance is equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.*To advance our global partnership,today we announce several new strategic initiatives to strengthen our defence and security cooperation;reach new frontiers in space;drive technology innovations;bolster economic security;accelerate climate action;partner on global diplomacy and development;and fortify the ties between our peoples.Through our partnership,we are also synchronising our strategies,and our two nations have never been more united as we work together to address the most pressing challenges and opportuniities of the future.*The core of our global partnership is our bilateral defence and security cooperation under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security,which is stronger than ever.We affirm that our Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace,security,and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.President Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defence of Japan under Article V of the Treaty,using the full range of capabilities,including nuclear capabilities.Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed Japan's unwavering commitment to fundamentally reinforce its own defence capabilities and roles,and to enhance its close coordination with the United States under the Treaty.President Biden also affirmed that Article V also applies to the Senkaku Islands.We reiterated our strong opposition to any attempts by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea,including through actions that seek to undermine Japan's longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Islands.We welcome the progress in optimising Alliance force posture in areas including the Southwestern Islands to stregthen U.S.-Japan deterrence and response capabilities,and we confirm the importance of further advancing this initiative.*The United States welcomes the steps Japan is taking to fundamentally enhance its defence capabilities,its decision to possess counterstrike capabilities,and its plan to stand up the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) Joint Operations Command to enhance command and control of the JSDF.*Today,we announce several new strategic initiatives to further advance our Alliance.Recognising the speed at which regional security challenges evolve and to ensure our bilateral Alliance structures meet these critical changes,we announce our intention to to bilaterally upgrade our respective command and control frameworks to enable seamless integration of operations and capabilities and allow for greater interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces in peace or contingencies...In support of this vision,we also reaffirm our goal to deepen Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance cooperation and Alliance information sharing capabilities,including through the Bilateral Information Analysis Cell.We will also continue to implement efforts to streghen our Alliance force posture,build high-end base capabilities,and increase preparedness that are necessary to deter and defend against threats.We resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation toward the effective development and employment of Japan's counterstrike capabilities,including the provision of U.S. matteriel and technological support to enhance Japan's indigenous stand-off programs.The United States expressed its commitment to start the training pipeline and ship modules for Japan to acquire operational capability of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) system.We also reaffirmed the pursuit of a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) cooperative development programme to counter high-end,regional hypersonic threats.

Military honours for Estonia's president at Bellevue Palace in Berlin - YouTube - 16 APR 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of President Alar Karis of Estonia.He was received by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany at Bellvue Palace,Berlin.The Honours Battalion is led by LTCOL Maik Teichgraber,commander of the Guards Battalion.It includes all three branches of the Bundeswehr:Army,Navy and Luftwaffe.The Staff Music Corps is directed by LTCOL Kiauka.

President Biden Holds a Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Petr Fiala - YouTube - 15 APR 2024

Duke of Kent's final day as Colonel @ Scots Guards Annual Remembrance Day (14th April 2024) - British Army event - London Royal

HRH Edward Duke of Kent,cousin of Queen Elizabeth II,is himself a British Army veteran,serving for 21 years.In 1974,he became Colonel of the Scots Guards,serving for 50 years.He will be succeeded by HRH Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh.The Scots Guards have served in both World Wars,the Falklands War and Afghanistan.They are stationed at Wellington Barracks,London.

Bulletin:US Limits Involvement in Israel vs. Iran Conflict

A Biden administration source has disclosed that the US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran.While US fighter aircraft assisted in the defense of Israel by shooting down Iranian drones and ballistic missiles,President Biden has drawn a red line at offensive operations.He communicated this to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call.

Military honours for Georgia's Prime Minister in Berlin - 12 APR 2024

This is the inaugural visit of the new Prime Minister of Georgia,Irakli Kobakhidze,to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.The Staff Music Corps is under the direction of Mrs.Captain Holzschuh.

Artemis II Orion Vac Chamber Lift and Load Operations April 2024 - Orion Program Update - no sound

On 4 April 2024,a team lifted the Artemis II Orion spacecraft,including the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the European Service Module,into a vacuum chamber inside the Operations Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center,where it underwent electromagnetic compatability and interference testing.The Artemis II mission will take astronauts around the Moon and farther from Earth than ever before.It is slated for launch no earlier than November 2024.

NATO Secretary General with the President of Finland 🇫🇮 Alexander Stubb,10 APR 2024

Finland is considering accepting a NATO Land Component Command on its territory,which would be under Joint Forces Command Brunssum,the Netherlands.This is because NATO's land border with Russia has doubled since Finland joined NATO,adding nearly 900 mi/1448 km of border.

Germany sends first soldiers for permanent Lithuania force | DW News - 8 APR 2024

German Soldiers have arrived in Lithuania to shore up NATO's Eastern Flank.It opens a massive infrastructure project,including accomodations for families and schools for children,with the end state being about 5,000 troops,a full permanent brigade.It is unprecedented to permanently deploy this many Bendeswehr troops,not seen since World War II.The first 21 Soldiers will interface with the Lithuanian authorities to get the project going.

DEFENDER 24:Shaping Combat Credible Forces for Deterrence and Defence

On 4 April 2024,ships departed the US for Europe carrying U.S. Army equipment for the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2024 (DEFENDER 24),the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe,according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEA).The equipment transport marks the start of drills involving more than 17,000 US and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 Allied and Partner nations.Linked to NATO's Steadfast Defender 24 exercise,DEFENDER 24 is comprised of three sub-exercises:Saber Guardian,Immediate Response and Swift Response,which has already concluded.Said GEN Darryl Williams,commanding general for USAEA and NATO Allied Land Command:DEFENDER 24 complements NATO's Steadfast Defender 24,the Alliance's largest exercise since the Cold War,and demonstrates the United States' ability to rapidly deploy forces to Europe to defend every square inch of NATO territory.*DEFENDER 24 is focused on the strategic deployment of continental,U.S.-based forces;employment of U.S. Army prepositioned stocks;and interoperability with Allies and Partners at exercise locations across 13 European countries.DEFENDER 24 seeks to deter adversaries;transform operational mission command;build readiness;and strengthen the NATO Alliance,USAEA noted.DEFENDER 24 runs from 4 April to 31 May 2024.*In Exercise Swift Response,U.S. Army Europe's ability to rapidly deploy beside European multinational airborne forces with little to no warning across the globe is tested.The purpose of the drills is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and enhance readiness.The latest iteration of the exercise was profiled by this blog last week.Its purpose is to build Military Strategic Readiness (MSR) in support of NATO defence strategy/deterrence objectives.*Exercise Saber Guardian is led by USAEA's V Corps and a Romanian multinational division.It includes Army prepositioned stocks drawdowns;river crossings;a tactical road march;response to simulated chemical,biological,radiological or nuclear threat;and medical evacuation operations throughout Europe.Said LTGEN John S. Kolasecki,commanding general U.S. Army V Corps:This is important as it provides US and NATO leadership options for employing combat credible forces across the conflict continuum.Saber Guardian is the largest Black Sea Region exercise.Those participating include:Albania,Belgium,Bulgaria,France,Greece,Germany.the Netherlands,Romania,Slovenia and the US.*In Exercise Immediate Response,the U.S. Army is tested to increase scale,capability and interoperability of rapidly deployed forces.The National Guard forces involved will join participating nations and individuals to work through the complexities of building combat power arriving from the U.S. and utilising vehicles and equipment from Army prepositioned stocks throughout Europe.Combined arms training and live-fire drills will take place across the Balkans.The operational readiness of US forces across all domains is criitical to building partnerships;responding to crises;providing deterrence;and supporting our Allies and Partners.

Military honours for Latvia's Prime Minister - 27 MAR 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Evika Silina.The 2nd Company (Army) of the Guard Battalion was led by CAPT Burgwinkel,Company Commander.The Bundeswehr Music Corps from Siegburg plays under the direction of LTCOL Christian Weiper.

Construction Begins on New Boeing MQ-28 Production Facility in Queensland - March 26 - Avionics International

Construction Begins on New Boeing MQ-28 Production Facility in Queensland - March 26 - Avionics International: BRISBANE, March 26, 2024 — Construction will begin on Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] new production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, to support the manufacture of Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and […] Boeing (BA)

NATO's 75 Anniversary Celebration at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, 04 APR 2024

The French language is one of two official NATO languages along with English.The ceremony was held in the Agora of NATO HQ in Brussels,Belgium.

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, O3 APR 2024

US Air Force. Powerful fighter jets during Northern Edge military exercise

USAF Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska Exercise Northern Edge is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to provide high-end,realistic warfighting practise and improve joint interoperability,enhancing the combat readiness of partiipating forces.*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Exercise Arctic Shock:US,Norwegian Armies Put to the Test

From 18-22 March 2024,U.S. Army and Royal Norwegian Army Soldiers took part in bilateral Exercise Arctic Shock,a short notice planning (SNAP) exercise,according to a press release by U.S. Army Europe and Africa.Involved was a flight over the North Pole from Alaska to Bardufoss,Northern Norway for a parachute drop by 150 US paratroopers of the 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels),a unit of U.S. Army Pacific,and 100 paratroopers of the Royal Norwegian Army's 2nd Battalion.The scenario was the rapid reinforcement of the Norwegian Armed Forces by Arctic paratroopers from the U.S. Army Pacific.Said MG Brian Effler,11th Arctic Airborne Division's commanding general:This type of exercise shows,once again,Alaska's strategic location in the world and the 11th Arctic Airborne's strategic value to the Army and the nation.We value the chance to work with our Allies in the Norwegian Armed Forces and to learn advanced cold-weather techniques from their vast experience while demonstrating our own growing Arctic professionalism.The Arctic is a critical region for power projection and homeland defence.MG [Lars] Lervik,[chief of the Norwegian Army],and the Norwegian Army are great Allies,and exercises like this are effective in expanding our Arctic cooperation;practising interoperability;and continuing to build our strategic relationships.SNAPs help ensure participants are ready to respond to real-world contingencies with little or no advance notice.*Exercise Arctic Shock is a sub-exercise of Nordic Response,which is part of NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024,the largest NATO drills since the Cold War,featuring approximately 90,000 troops,demonstrating NATO's ability to rapidly deploy forces from North America and other parts of the Alliance to reinforce the defence of Europe.

US Army, NATO. M1A2 Abrams tanks during preparations for defence in Lithuania - YouTube

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division Armored Brigade Combat Team practised warfighting skills with their armoured vehicles at Camp Herkus,Lithuania.Other 3rd ID Soldiers undertook urban warfare training.The Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles are manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)

"F-16s will be in Ukraine by the summer", NATO Admiral Rob Bauer in an in-depth interview YouTube

with Rain TV's Ekaterina Kotrikadze and ADL Rob Bauer,Royal Netherlands Navy,Chairman,NATO Military Committee Rain TV is Russian expatriate broadcast journalism.

Pacific Perspective:Australian Government Chooses BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd to Build New Fleet of Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines

As part of the Australia/UK/US defence pact (AUKUS),contractors had to be chosen to execute Australia's plan for a new fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines.Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps announced the news in Australia.It is the next step by Australia on the path to build and operate its own submarines,according to BAE Systems.Under the complex agreement,Australia and the UK will operate a common submarine in the future,incorporating technology from Australia,the UK and the US,based on the nextgen design led by BAE.BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd,a unit of the Australian Defence Force,will now bring together their complimentary skills,expertise and capabilities under a collaborative arrangement in Australia,leading to the establishment of a long-term,incorporated Joint Venture.Said Charles Woburn,BAE Systems Chief Executive:We're extremely proud of our role in the delivery of this vitally important tri-nation submarine programme.Our selection as a Partner in Australia,along with ASC,recognises our role as the UK's long-term design and build Partner and as a key player in Australia's maritime enterprise and wider defence landscape.We look forward to working with ASC to develop an enduring,sovereign nuclear-powered submarine building capacity for Australia.*SSN-AUKUS will be the largest,most powerful and advanced attack submarines the Royal Navy has ever operated and will start to replace the Astute class,which BAE Systems is building at its site in Barrow-in-Furness in Northwest England from the late 2030s.Australia expects to receive its first SSN-AUKUS submarine in the early 2040s.BAE Systems is also designing and building the UK's next generation nuclear deterrent submarine,incorporating US technology,Dreadnought,with construction underway on the first three of four new boats.*In Australia,BAE Systems has a long and proud heritage over 70 years,providing advanced defence technology from air amd maritime sustainment to shipbuilding,protecting both people and national security,while keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.*For its part,ASC will be the prime contractor for the sustainment of visiting US and UK submarines;Australia's sovereign Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines;and the new SSN-AUKUS submarines administered in Western Australia;but actually built at Naval Shipyard Osborne,South Australia.Under the SSN-AUKUS programme,there will be a rotational presence of US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines,with sustainment services provided at Garden Island,Western Australia.In the early 2030s,Australia will acquire US-built Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines.Finally,in the early 2040s,the first SSN-AUKUS submarines will be delivered.ASC will provide sustainment,including short-term,medium,and deep-cycle maintenance.ASC is a government owned business enterprise involved with Australian naval shipbuilding as a unit of the Australian Defence Force,based at Naval Shipyard Osborne,South Australia.*BAE Systems PLC (OTCM:BAESY),Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)

NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Georgia 🇬🇪 Irakli Kobakhidze,18 MAR 2024

A Turkish Navy frigate visited Batumi as part of military training for the Georgian Coast Guard.

NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Slovenia 🇸🇮 Robert Golob, 21 MAR 2024

Army Is ‘Biggest Participant’ By Quantity In First Round Of Replicator, Bush Says - March 20 - Avionics International

Army Is ‘Biggest Participant’ By Quantity In First Round Of Replicator, Bush Says - March 20 - Avionics International: The Army will be “the biggest participant” for the first round of the Pentagon’s Replicator initiative to field thousands of attritable autonomous systems by August 2025 “in terms of quantity,” […]

US Army, NATO. Allied forces are preparing for defense in Latvia.Steadfast Defender 2024 - 21 March 2024

Princess Leonor participates in military maneuvers in Zaragoza I Felive VI | La Vanguardia - YouTube

His Majesty King Felipe VI visited with his daughter,Princesa Leonor de Asturias,18,heir to the Spanish throne,and her colleagues at the San Gregorio Training Ground of the Academia General Militar de Zaragoza.The cadets are studying navigation and urban warfare skills at the camp.Princesa Leonor is in the first of three years of military training,following her father's example.

NASA Remembers Legendary Astronaut Thomas Stafford

He was 93.He participated in Gemini VI,Gemini IX,Apollo 10,and the Apollo-Soyuz Rendevous in Space with Russian Cosmonauts,which ended the space race.An Air Force General Officer,he had flown more than 100 types of aircraft.

Pacific Perspective:New NORTHCOM Commander Focused on Defending Alaska

GEN Gregory Guillot,USAF,new Commander of U.S. Northern Command/NORAD,wants to secure Alaska's coasts from Russian and Chinese incursions.Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee,GEN Guillot said:The best way for us to counter them is to have presence of our own,so the execution of exercises and patrols is extremely important off all our coasts,primarily focusing right now on the region of Alaska.And the same applies on what we call the "two o'clock approach" of on the Northeast,making sure we have a presence there...strong exercise program,multinantional,a lot of Partners,showing that we have the resolve to defend that most strategic area.*Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee,GEN Guillot noted that:Fortunately,we haven't seen Chinese aircraft near our...Air Defence Indentification Zone (ADIZ) yet,but I think that's coming as early as this year.That shows our overall concern I have about the growing capability of China not only with aircraft;but also with ships and even submarines being able to range further from China and closer to our shores.China is conducting regional activities of a technical or scientific research,but we think it's certainly multimission to include military operations.And then I expect to see air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic as soon as this year potentially.It's a very big concern of mine.Just last week,for the first time in over two years,down along that avenue we call the GIUK Gap-Greenland,Iceland and the UK-approaching the Commander and US ADIZs,we were able to track two TU-142 Russian Bear bombers the entire time thanks to the radar network and the information sharing between countries within EUCOM (U.S. European Command)-Norway is one I'll point out-and Northern Command.We didn't have to intercept them because we had aircraft flying to the point where we would intercept them before they crossed the Identification Zone.So we had aircraft,both Canadian and US fighters,posted along the line,which I think is probably disheartening for the Russians to fly all that way to find out that we're waiting for them...I view hypersonic as perhaps the most destabilising threat that we have out there because of the speed and the unpredictability on where it will impact-as opposed to a ballistic missile,which is fairly predictable...We do appreciate that the Coast Guard is procuring new icebreakers,but even with these we'll be severely outnumbered.And that does limit our freedom of manoeuvre in the region...Upon taking command,I began a 90-day assessment to inform the Department (of the Air Force),the Joint Force and Congress on NORAD and NORTHCOM's ability to execute assigned tasks,and make recommendations on where the Command could or should do more.Once complete,I look forward to sharing my findings and updated vision for how NORAD and NORTHCOM will best execute the noble mission of national defence.*USNORTHCOM conducts homeland defence,civil support,and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.NORAD conducts aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning in the defence of North America.*NORTHCOM leadership:GEN Guillot received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy.He also holds a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the National War College.He has commanded a flying squadron;operations group;two Flying Wings;and a Numbered Air Force,including the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron;380th Expeditionary Operations Group;562nd Air Control Wing;55th Wing;and Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central).He has served on Numbered Air Force,major command,Headquarters Air Force,and command staffs;and was an Air Force Weapons School instructor.As a General Officer,his previous assignments include Director of Strategic Plans,Requirements and Programs;Headquarters Pacific Air Forces;Deputy Commander U.S. Air Forces CENTCOM;Director of Operations,Headquarters U.S. Northern Command;Commander,Ninth Air Force;Combined Force Air Component Commander,USCENTCOM;and Deputy Commander,USCENTCOM.His personal awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal;Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;Defense Superior Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters;Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster;Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters;Meritorius Service Medal with silver and bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.The GEN is a senior air battle manager with more than 1380 flying hours in E-3B/C/G Sentry AWACS and RC-135 V/W/S Rivet Joint aircraft.*GEN Guilldot assumed command of USNORTHCOM/NORAD on 5 February 2024.USNORTHCOM has few permanently assigned forces.The Command is assigned forces whenever necessary to execute missions,as ordered by the President or Secretary of Defense.For example,a U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter was recently sent on patrol to monitor a flotilla of Russian and Chinese warships.Civil Service employees and uniformed service members representing all service branches work at NORTHCOM's Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado.The Deputy Commander of USNORTHCOM and Vice-Commander,U.S. Element NORAD,is LTGEN A.C. Roper,U.S. Army.

NATO Secretary General with the President of Poland 🇵🇱 Andrzej Duda, 14 MAR 2024

NATO. Alliance Armored Forces are preparing for Defense in Poland. - NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 24

Several NATO Allies use the M1A2 Abrams tanks by General Dynamics Land Systems.The US Army Europe uses Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles by General Dynamics Land Systems- Canada.The M1074 Joint Assault Bridge System by Leonardo SpA was used in these drills.Note:I do not have room to mention all participating forces in the official notes.This blog also saw the Bundeswehr and Royal Belgian Army were participating in this Deterrence and Defence exercise.*General Dynamics (GD),LDO:XMIL

UK, Canadian, and French Space Command Officials Push the Importance of Space Security - Via Satellite

UK, Canadian, and French Space Command Officials Push the Importance of Space Security: In a keynote at Space-Comm Expo, the commander of UK Space Command said he is “convinced” that space has a PR problem, as people do not understand the importance and essential nature of space.

Deterrence and Defence:F-35As Fully Certified to Carry Out Nuclear Mission

According to Air Force Magazine,the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is now fully certified to carry out nuclear strike missions with the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb.The B61-12 has a variable yield ranging from tactical nuclear strike at 0.3 kilotonnes to strategic nuclear strike at 50 kilotonnes,which is several times more powerful than the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs.Included on the B61-12 are a satellite and inertial navigation module,as well as a tail section enabling flight precision.Certification is a two-step process:nuclear design certification and operational certification.The nuclear design certification was completed on 4 October 2021,after completing the first full weapon certification and nuclear design certification.The aim is to ascertain whether the weapon can be credibly delivered.To find that out,two F-35As dropped Joint Test Assemblies (JTAs),or mockups of the B61-12,at the Tonopah Test Range,Nevada.The first operational certification was completed on 12 October 2023.Said Air Combat Command Deputy Director for Strategic Deterrence LTCOL Douglas A. Kabel:It makes our potential adversaries think more about their game plan before enacting it.It can get closer to (referring to the F-35A stealth fighter),further inside,a combat area that may otherwise be impossible for non-stealth assets.*The F-35A is the first stealth fighter to be certified for the nuclear mission.*The operational certification involves training and certification of maintenance and air crews at Wing locations where the F-35A nuclear mission is based.Approval means that the US or NATO Allies have a fighter that can strike targets with tactical nuclear weapons inside hostile territory without being detected.*The B61-12 can also be carried by B-2 Spirit strategic bombers;F-15E Strike Eagle fighters;F-16 C/D Fighting Falcon fighters;and Pannavia Tornado multirole fighters of Germany and Italy.Both Germany and Italy are transitioning to F-35As.F-35As have two special switches to enable the nuclear mission:a nuclear consent switch in the cockpit;and a mission select switch in the F-35A internal weapon bay,which can carry two B61-12s.Now that the F-35A has been fully certified,the aircraft is a Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) eligible for both NATO conventional and nuclear strike missions.The nuclear strike capability is overseen by the NATO Nuclear Committee as part of the nuclear sharing programme,which is a dual key arrangement regarding the B61-12 agreed by the US and NATO Allies Belgium,Germany,the Netherlands,Turkey,which have nuclear bomb storage on their air bases,and soon to be the UK once again at RAF Lakenheath,England,once the operational certification is obtained-operational certification is an air base by air base process.The bombs were removed from RAF Lakenheath in 2008 as the Cold War was deemed over.Ironically,Russia invaded the Republic of Georgia that same year,seizing the regions of Ingushetia and South Ossetia by force.Reportedly projects are underway to create a surety dormitory,or B61-12 storage facility,and a ballistic-sheathed facility for Air Force Security Forces.The surety dormitory is slated for completion by February 2026,according to public records.Two US Air Force F-35A squadrons are forward deployed to RAF Lakenheath and would be eligible to carry out the nuclear mission,pending operational certification.*As a matter of policy,air bases will neither confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons.Only the F-35A varient of the Lightning II has been certified for the nuclear mission at this point.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)

USAF Lays Out Details of Possible HH-60W Upgrades - Avionics International

USAF Lays Out Details of Possible HH-60W Upgrades - Avionics International: The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio has laid out some details of possible upgrades to the HH-60W Jolly Green II personnel recovery/combat search […] Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky subsidiary manufactures the HH-60W.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Army, NATO. Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers. Combat exercises in Poland

The Soldiers are with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division.The Stryker Armored Combat Vehicles are by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)

La emocionante ceremonia militar en la que ha participado la Princesa Leonor - posted 20 February 2024

Princesa Leonor de Asturias,heir to the Spanish throne,took part in an emotional ceremony to mark the 142nd anniversary of the Academia Militar de Zaragoza,where she is a cadet.She will be only the second regnant queen in the history of unified Spain,the first one being Queen Isabella II,who reigned from 1833-68.

Steadfast Defender 24:HMS Prince of Wales and Carrier Strike Group Deployed to Frigid North Atlantic

Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) has assumed command of the UK Carrier Strike Group headed by HMS Prince of Wales (R09) as it participates in NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024,the largest warfighting drills since the Cold War.Said STRIKFORNATO:This transfer of authority to STRIKFORNATO demonstrates the Alliance's ability to integrate the high-end capabilities of a British Carrier,its strike group escorts,and embarked air wing during a series of meticulously planned maritime security activities perfectly allied with the Deterrence and Defence family of Allied collective plans.For the first time ever,the 65,000 tonne ship hosts the UK Carrier Strike Group battle staff as she takes center stage in Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.The aircraft carrier,crewed by up to 1600 personnel,is leading a multinational group of warships towards Northern Europe.International by design,the group is comprised by its flagship and namesake,the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales;HMS Somerset;Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge;RFA Tidespring;USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117),an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight IIa,bristling with guns,missiles,cruise missiles and torpedoes);HMCS Charlottetown;HDMS Niels Juel;HDMS Hvidbjornen;and ESPE Cristobal Colon.Through harsh weather and freezing conditions,HMS POW has officially commenced her paricipation in Steadfast Defender 2024.For this,she has embarked more jets than ever before (the embarked F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters are out of RAF Marham,England,being members of 617 Squadron "Dambusters"),presenting an unparalleled display of air and firepower capability.This deployment optimises the capacity STRIKFORNATO holds to seemlessly integrate the most powerful maritime forces on the planet into NATO operations.*STRIKFORNATO's command of the UK Carrier Strike Group during an exercise spanning air,land,and maritime activity from the United States to the Eastern European Flank speaks to the organisation's steadfast committment to regional security and readiness to defend tonight if needed.Routinely transferring authority of deployed Carrier Strike Groups to NATO enhances interoperability and improves defensive Allied capbilities.This practise nurtures the vital skills of each crew and ship-based commander,facilitating smooth operations within the NATO structure.Every serial strengthens the transatlantic bond and the collective power of nations working in lock step with one another in mutual supprt.*STRIKFORNATO,headquartered in Oeirus,Portugal,is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's premier,rapidly deployable and flexible maritime power projection Headquarters,capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint Allied operations.*According to Royal Navy Captain Colin McGannity,Carrier Air Wing and Strike Warfare Commander:It is always an exciting moment when F-35B Lightning join the Carrier Strike Group at sea.These fifth-generation aircraft are the main strike element within the group.Once again,we will be integrating them and the rest of the Carrier Air Wing (helicopters) with our NATO Allies and Partners.There's plenty of work ahead but I have every confidence that our talented and dedicated team will succeed.It's winter in the North Atlantic and we will face harsh weather and freezing conditions,but we are well prepared and look forward to demonstrating our readiness to fight,whenever and wherever we get the call.*The scenario of Steadfast Defender 2024 simulates a Russian attack on NATO.

USMC. F-35B Lightning II fighter jets during winter exercises in Norway,NATO - YouTube

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VFMA-542) Tigers deployed to Norway from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point,North Carolina with their F-35B Lightning IIB Joint Strike Fighters to participate in NATO Exercise Arctic Response.The drills are held every two years to provide military competency in challenging Arctic conditions.They foster interoperability between the USMC and Allied nations.F/A-18 Hornet legacy aircraft were also deployed.

US Marines on snowmobiles during winter exercises in Norway, NATO.

The US Marines have been in Norway for NATO Exercise Arctic Response.It is held every two years to promote military competence in harsh Arctic conditions.It also fosters interoperability with Allied nations.

Exercise Brilliant Jump is underway

Estonian PM warns West 'all options must be on the table' in Ukraine - Sky News

Hungary clears way for Swedish bid to join NATO - CBC News

Pacific Perspective:B-52H Strategic Bombers Deployed from Minot Air Force Base

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 23rd Bomb Wing out of Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,have been deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command to Andersen Air Base,Guam on a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.The mission will accomplish goals of the National Defense Strategy of the United States,projecting power for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to this strategy of upholding a rules-based,free and open Indo-Pacific Region that protects the sovereignty of every nation and preserves freedom of navigation.Together with our Allies and Partners,the command says,the US is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.* BTF missions keep aircrews in a high state of readiness,proficiency,and validate our always-ready global strike capability.The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defence and deterrence of any malign actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests.BTF missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific Region by demonstrating the United States Air Force 's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.Moreover,BTF missions provide opportunities to train and operate with Allies and Partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.BTF enhances readiness,to include joint and multilateral,to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific Region.*BTF supports national security objectives through the speed,flexibility,and readiness of our strategic bombers.BTF also demonstrates cutting-edge capabilities;forward presence;and committment to our Allies and Partners.It augments the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) under the command of GEN Kenneth Wilsbach,USAF.He is also Air Component Commander,U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,and Executive Director Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff.PACAF is responsible in USAF activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports over 46,000 Airmen serving primarily in Japan,Korea,Hawaii,Alaska and Guam.GEN Wilsbach is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's ROTC program and earned his pilot's wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate of Laughlin Air Force Base,Texas.He has commanded a fighter squadron;operations group;two wings;two Numbered Air Forces;and held numerous staff assignments.Prior to his current assignment,GEN Wilsbach was Deputy Commander U.S. Forces Korea.He also served as Commander Seventh Air Force,Pacific Air Forces,Osan Air Base,South Korea.*GEN Wilsbach is a command pilot with more thn five thousand hours in multiple aircraft,primarily in the F-15C,F-16C,MC-12W and F-22A.He has flown 71 combat missions in Operations Northern and Southern Watch (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).*GEN Wilsbach was promoted to General on 8 July 2020.*GEN Wilsbach's Awards and Decorations include:Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters;the Bronze Star Medal;the Meritorius Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Air and Space Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.*In one BTF mission,two Boeing B-52H Stratofortress nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted a flyover at Changi Airbase East on 22 February 2024 at the Singapore Air Show 2024.The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the event with aerial demonstrations and static displays to build on already strong ties with Singapore;demonstrate flexible aircraft capbility;enable engagement with foreign Partners;and expand power projection capabilities.*Boeing (BA)

Royal Navy. HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) aircraft carrier and F-35B Lightning II Fighters

The HMS Queen Eliabeth II (R08) is reportedly in the North Sea taking part in NATO Exercise Neptune Strike.Embarked is a squadron of US Marine Corps aviators and their F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters,which are short-takeoff vertical landing aircraft.

Bulletin:Mysterious balloon intercepted over Utah - ABC News - NORAD fighters scrambled to intercept it.

with David Muir

US Army. Soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division during winter combat exercises in Alaska - YouTube

The 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) is a United States Army fornation based in Alaska.They parachute into theatre out of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III jets amd transported by Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters.The drills help Soldiers and their leaders develop and refine Tactics,Techniques and Procedures(TTPs) needed to operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions.They are capable of warfighting and,if necessary,prevailing over any adversary in the challenging wintry conditions of the High North.*Boeing (BA)

Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service:Russia Prepares for Prolonged Conflict with Ukraine and Confrontation with the West

Kaupo Rosin is Director General,Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service.The most incisive chapter of the report "International Security and Estonia 2024" by the EFIS is entitled "Adapting Russia's Armed Forces For Prolonged Conflict":The objectives of Russia's military reform reflect the leadership's vision of the resources required for the conflict with Ukraine and prolonged confrontation with the West.Russia's goal is to achieve military dominance in the Baltic Sea Region.For Estonia,Russia's military reform entails a significant increase in Russia's forces near the Estonian border in coming years.Increasing the personnel and adding new units to the armed forces is the primary purpose of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's military reform.Russia aims to increase its military personnel from 1.15 million to 1.5 million Soldiers by 2026;restructure 12 land and naval brigades into divisions;and create dozens of new divisions in the land,air and naval forces,as well as in the airborne troops.The formation of many of these units has already begun,but the main challenge is their shortfall of contracted service members and officers,which develop the unit formation process.*Although Russia plans to develop all strategic directions,the highest priority is in the Western strategic direction and Ukraine.The Kremlin is preparing for a prolonged conflict with Ukraine,necessitating additional armies and army corps (3rd and 40th Army Corps,18th Army and 25th Army,for which dozens of new manoeuvre,combat support and combat service units are being formed).*The second priority region is the Finnish direction,where Russia's military posture was minimal until Finland's recent accession to NATO.Russia plans to create the 4th Army Corps,likely based in Petrozavordsk,to address this.This formation will probably be built around at least two or three manoeuvre units,with around a dozen fire support and combat support units.*The growth of Russian military capabilities in the Estonian vacinity,in Leningrad and Pskov districts,primarily results from the potential transformation of existing units into divisions.According to one possible scenario,the personnel strength of Russian land forces and airborne troops in the Estonian direction may nearly double from approximately 19,000 forces from before 24 February 2022 (anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine).The extent to which these units attain combat strength depends on Russia's ability to recruit,train,and retain contracted service members.The success and timeline of Russia's military reform will be largely determined by the course of the war in Ukraine.If Russia manages to implement the reform,NATO could face a Soviet-style mass army in the next decade.This army is likely to be technologically inferior to the NATO Allies' defence forces in most areas,except for electronic warfare and long-range strike capabilities.However,its military potential would be significant,owing to its size,fire-power (including artillery power and inexpensive attack drones),combat experience and reserves.Defending against a possible conventional attack from such an army would require Allied defence forces and defence industries to be significantly more prepared,capable,and better stocked with ammunition than they currently are.*In summary,Russia's plan to increase its military forces is ambitious,especially considering the short timelines and Russia's economic and demographic situation.However,it is also a threat to Europe and NATO,contributing to Russia's aggressive posture,military potential,and growing militarisation reinforcing Russia's apparent path of a long-term confrontation with the West.*Russia is attempting to tilt Moldova back into its orbit by influencing the electoral process of 2024-2025.For its part,Moldova has banned major Russian propaganda channels;shut down numerous local Internet portals disseminating Russia's war propaganda;and decisively resisted political parties directly controlled and funded by Russia.Indeed,in the summer of 2023,Moldovan authorities expelled most Russian Embassy diplomats,after identifying some of them as intelligence operatives.*According to the Financial Times news outlet,the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command in Ulm,South Germany is devising plans for how NATO forces will deploy across Europe and be sustained and reinforced in the event of a war with Russia.In this process,lessons learned from the ongoing Steadfast Defender 24 exercise,which simulates a large-scale conflcit with an adversary from the East,will be utilised.The scenario for the drills is a Russian attack on Alliance territory.*Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna said NATO may only have three-four years before the Kremlin mounts a test for NATO:But we must understand the Russian war machine has started in the full scale,the capabilities for the production and the mentality as well,because Putin is controlling everything now.*For his part,German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warns the test could come in the next decade,in five-eight years.

US Army, NATO. Soldiers from 2CR during field and urban training in Germany

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2nd Dragoons) is an active Stryker Infantry and Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army,with its garrison at Rose Barracks,Vilseck,Germany.Its Stryker Armored Combat Vehicle family is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)

Propellant Tanks for Artemis III on the Move at Michoud - Orion Program Update

Artemis III will return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972 for Lunar Science studies.It is slated for a September 2026 launch.The SLS Core Stage primarily conists of the cryogenic liquid Oxygen and liquid Hydrogen fuel tanks,and is manufactured by Boeing.These were recently welded together at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility,New Orleans,Louisiana.*Boeing (BA)

Blastoff! SpaceX launches classified USSF-124 Space Force mission, nails landing. - Cape Canaveral Space Force Station - 14 February 2024

This mission is a collaboration between the Missile Defence Agency,and the Space Force's Space Systems Command and Space Development Agency,delivering two prototype hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor programme;as well as the SDA's final four Tranche 0 tracking layer satellites.

NATO Secretary General pre-ministerial press conference at Defence Ministers Meeting,14 FEB 2024

'Treasonous': Former NATO supreme allied commander blasts Trump's NATO remarks