LIVE: SpaceX to attempt launch of secretive X-37B military spaceplane - national security mission for the US Space Force

The Falcon 9 Heavy is capable of boosting the Boeing X-37B to a higher orbit with heavier payloads than usual.NASA is sending an experiment involving radiation resistant materials along on the X-37B.The X-37B mission is being overseen by Space Systems Command,a space warfighting organisation.In the first official painting of the X-37B,it was depicted as heading to intercept a hostile spacecraft.*Boeing (BA)

NATO Rapid Infiltration Drills in the Baltics as Ukrainian Troops Get Combat Training in Poland

This complex video conveys several live-fire drills by NATO in the Baltic States.There were Rapid Infiltration exercises by NATO Allies demonstrating HiMARS and other capabilities.A Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M transported HiMARS units,showcasing mobility and Rapid Infiltration capabilities,while Ukrainian troops underwent combat training in Poland.

Defence Cooperation:US and Denmark Complete Another Link in Nordic Security Chain

According to the Danish Ministry of Defence,the US and Denmark have agreed on a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that will enable a more permanent presence of American military personnel at specific military installations in Denmark.Said Danish Minister of Defence Troel Lund Poulsen:The Defence Cooperation Agreement is a historic agreement for Denmark.It will strengthen defence and security cooperation with our most important ally.Strong bilateral ties and close cooperation with the United States in NATO are crucial for security in Europe.This will enable the United States to contribute even more to our collective defence and deterrence in Europe-a core responsibility for NATO.Added Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen:In a world characterised by insecurity,mistrust and confrontation,it is important for Denmark to have strong relations with the United States.The Defence Cooperation Agreement will benefit Denmark and Danish citizens.The closer cooperation with the United States will strengthen European security,and it shows that Denmark is willing to take more responsibility.This is good for both Europe and cooperation in NATO.*The DCA entails that American personnel and materiel can be stationed at specific Danish military installations for both short-term and long-term.Specifically,the agreement will allow American personnel access to three Danish air bases.The Faroe Islands and Greenland are not covered by the agreement.Greenland has its own arrangement with the US Space Force.According to the DCA document,United States forces,their dependents and US contractors,may be present on the territory of Denmark and that the purpose of such presence is to further the efforts of the Parties to promote peace and security in the areas of mutual interest and benefit,and to take part in common defence efforts.*Under the DCA,U.S. forces,U.S. contractors,Danish contractors,dependents and others as mutually agreed upon are authorised unimpeded access to and use of Agreed Facilities and Areas for visits;training;exercises;manoeuvres;transit;support and related activities;refueling of aircraft;bunkering of vessels;landing and recovery of aircraft;temporary maintenance of vehicles,vessels and aircraft;accomodation of personnel;communications;staging and deploying of personnel and materiel;pre-postioning of equipment,supplies and materiel;security assistance and cooperation activities;humanitarian and disaster relief activities;contingency operations;construction or support of mutually agreed activities;and such other purposes as the Parties or their Executive Agents may agree,including those undertaken in the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty.*The DCA provides for the Danish Executive Agent to make reasonable efforts to facilitate temporary access to and use of private land and facilities (including roads,ports and airfields) and public facilities (including roads,ports and airfields) that are not part of an Agreed Facility and Area.This Agreement shall have an initial term of ten (10) years.After the initial term,it shall continue in force,but may be terminated by either Party by one (1) year's written notice to the other Party through diplomatic channels.*Annex A,Agreed Facilities and Areas:Karup Air Base,Skrydstrup Air Base,Aalborg Air Base.The DCA was signed on 21 December 2023 in the U.S. Department of State Treaty Room in Washington,DC by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen.A DCA with Norway was signed with Norway in 2021;a DCA with Sweden was signed on 5 December 2023;and a DCA with Finland was signed on 18 December 2023.*Iceland is also a Nordic country,but so far no DCA has been negotiated with it.NATO already provides Air Policing for Iceland.

US Army, NATO. M777 howitzers during airborne operations in Germany.

Lockheed Martin makes the C-130J Super Hercules,the US Army's most commonly used variant of the aircraft.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Artemis II Crew Training Resource Reel - Orion Program Update

The mission is slated for a launch no sooner than November 2024.NASA Astronaut Sunni Williams was getting some flying hours in a NASA T-38 Talon trainer,and is not an Artemis II crew member.She is training for the first crewed flight of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.*Boeing (BA)

La princesa Leonor muestra su destreza como esquiadora durante su entrenamiento militar en Huesca

Princesa Leonor de Asturias,the future regnant Queen of Spain,continued her military training in the Aragon region's Pyrenees Mountains recently with her military academy classmates.

Defence Cooperation:US and Finland Bulk Up NATO's Eastern Flank

According to a Government of Finland Press Release,in its plenary session on 14 December 2023,the Finnish Government decided to propose that the President of the Republic,Sauli Niinisto,authorise Minister of Defence Antii Hakkonen to sign the Defence Cooperation Agreement with the United States.This was carried out on 18 December 2023 in the State Department Treaty Room in Washington,DC,with Secretary of State Antony Blinken signing along with Defence Minister Hakkonen,in the presence of Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.The agreement is subject to ratification by the Finnish Parliament and the US Senate.*The US is one of Finland's most important allies.Negotiations for the DCA were opened in August 2022.It is a binding agreement under international law.The negotiations concluded in October 2023.President Niinisto and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy decided in favour of approving the result of the negotiations on 27 November 2023.Parliament was kept informed on the progress of the negotiations in accordance with sections 47 and 97 of the Constitution.*The DCA will strengthen Finland's defence as it enables the presence and training of US forces on and the prepositioning of defence materiel on the territory of Finland,according to the Press Release.Thus it will also bolster NATO's deterrence and defence policy.According to Foreign Minister Valtonen,the DCA will:strengthen Finland's defence and enable cooperation in all security situations.The DCA also has regional importance,and it will help Finland contribute to NATO's collective defence efforts.*Said Minister of Defence Antii Hakkonen:The signature of the DCA is not an end point,but a new step towards even closer cooperation between Finland and the United States.The agreement reflects the United States' committment to Finland's security and it creates the conditions for cooperation in times of crises.Finland is not alone in defending itself,but does so as a NATO Ally and together with the United States.*The DCA deals with such matters as US access to,and use of,the 15 agreed facilities and areas;prepositioning of defence equipment,supplies and materiel on the territiory of Finland;entry and movement of US aircraft,vessels and vehicles;ensuring the protection,safety and security of US forces and the facilities and areas they use;and devises practical matters related to US forces on the territory of Finland,including the activity of US and Finnish contractors.The 15 agreed facilities and areas are listed in Annex A to the agreement.Finland will authorise the United States unimpeded access to and use of the facilities and areas for activities listed in the DCA.As a rule,the cooperation between Finland and the United States will focus on the agreed facilities and areas.However,the DCA will apply to the entire area of Finland.*The United States will commit to conducting all activities under the DCA with full respect for the sovereignty,laws,and international obligations of Finland.No nuclear weapons are permitted on Finnish territory.Regular provisions of the DCA contain obligations of the parties regarding consultations,respect for shared views,and coordination of measures to ensure the proper implementation of the agreement.*According to Annex A,the facilities and areas include:Ivalos Border Guard Base;Kuopio,Rissala,Konelin Air Command Base;various storage and training areas;Roveniemi (on the Arctic Circle) Lapland Air Command Base and Jaeger Brigade Garrison;Tampere-Pirkkala,Satekune Air Command Base;Jyvaskyla-Tikkakoski Air Force Academy Air Base;and Upinniemi Navy Base and Garrison in Kirkonummi including Russaro Island.*Finalnd's border with Russia runs for 1340 km/830 mi.It mainly crosses taiga forests and sparsely populated rural araeas.The border has been completely closed until at least 14 January 2024 because of an influx of undocumented migrants into Finland at two border crossings-an act of suspected hybrid warfare by Russia to destabilise Finland.

SpaceX sets December 28 launch date for US military’s X-37B space plane | Oneindia News

First there was a weather delay.Then there were technical concerns as it is the first time the Boeing X-37B has launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Heavy.*Boeing (BA)

F-35B Lightning II fighters during flight testing on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales

The HMS Prince of Wales is currently visiting the US,where Marine Corps pilots practised joint operations with the Royal Navy.

US Air Force. X-62A VISTA, F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters in flight - YouTube

The X-62A VISTA is an experimental aircraft that was derived from the F-16D Fighting Falcon by privately held Calspan Corporation,a testing and research company,and General Dynamics.Calspan has recently been acquired by publicly traded TransDigm Group.TransDigm Group is a global leader in the design of high-quality,high-reliability aerospace components for various aircraft and spacecraft. The X-62A VISTA remains on the curriculum of the USAF Test Pilot School.*General Dynamics (GD),TransDigm Group Inc (TDG)

Nightwatch Aircraft:Air Force Moves Ahead to Replace Doomsday Planes

As of this writing,only one defence contractor,the privately held Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC),remains in the running for an 8.3 billion dollar contract to replace the current fleet of four US Air Force E-4B Nightwatch aircraft,often called the Doomsday planes because of their ability to withstand the radiological and electromagnetic effects of a nuclear war or other catostrophic circumstances.The future fleet of Nightwatch aircraft is called the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project.These aircraft also serve as the personal aircraft of the Secretary of Defense and shadow the President of the United States when he travels in an AN-25 Air Force One plane.Boeing withdrew from consideration on the grounds of the expense to the contractor involved in fixed price contracts.Fixed price contracts require the contractor to absorb cost overruns themselves.Boeing is already in the hole for the NASA CST-100 Starliner spacecraft and the replacement of the AN-25 Air Force One planes,to the tune of 1.3 billion dollars.* The E-4B is considered part of the nuclear deterrence force,as it provides Command and Control of all nuclear forces,including low frequency communication with ballistic missile submarines.The main mission of the SAOC is to provide a robust and survivable platform for the President of the United States and other senior leaders,via the National Command Authority mechanism,to initiate nuclear strikes and assure Continuity of Government while directing other major military operations,or respond to significant contingencies such as large-scale natural disasters.* The E-4B must be a large,four-engine airliner derivative,so are expected to be unused or lightly used Boeing 747-8 jumbo jets.They must be powerful enough to fulfill the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) function;the nuclear command role;communications and security;as well as the essential redundancies.For its part,SNC recently held a ribbon cutting for one of a planned four maintenance,repair and overhaul hangers with attached painting facilities at its new Dayton,Ohio complex.The exact requirements for the SAOC are classified.SNC does have specialties in data and communications modifications to existing aircraft.It can perform post-production modifications without access to sensitive proprietary data from the original manufacturers.SNC has already identified appropriate aircraft for the project through X-ray screening.A competitive contract award by the Air Force is expected in early 2024.*The fleet will consist of an initial 8-10 aircraft,although it could be expanded to reinstate the Cold War Operation Looking Glass role in light of the hypersonic weapons threat posed by Russia and China,with an estimated warning time of only fifteen minutes.In Looking Glass,one of the aircraft is aloft 24/7/365 under the command of a general officer.*The Nightwatch aircraft are considered Weapons Systems.SNC has provided the Air Force with an Airlift/Tanker Open Missions Systems kit (ATOMS) kit.It uses existing antennas and cables to provide line-of-sight and beyond data connections to networks such as Link 16,giving aircraft more situational awareness.Such connectivity for a mobile fleet is considered essential by the Air Force.

NATO. US Marines during joint combat training in Latvia.

Raytheon Technologies produces the TOW anti-tank missile.Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

Brave Partner:Joint US/North Macedonia SNAP Drills Underway

Some 180 Soldiers from U.S. Army V Corps' 2nd Cavalry Regiment will host joint country Forces for Exercise Brave Partner in North Macedonia.The drills run from 1-10 December 2023 at the Krivolak Training Area,Republic of North Macedonia,a NATO Ally.Said 2nd Cav Regiment commander Col. Robert McChrystal:Short notice exercises like Brave Partner are a way to train in new environments and enhance interoperability.*About 30 Soldiers from the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia will support the drills,which are to feature a live-fire range with versatile Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicles.The exercise enhances regional partnerships and increases combat readiness in a realistic,multi-national training environment,said U.S. Army Europe - Africa in a news release.*Short notice planning events like Brave Partner help ensure our Forces and NATO Allies are ready to respond to real-world contingincies with little or no advance notice.On 7 December,U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggelar will attend Brave Partner with North Macedonia's Minister of Defence Slavjanka Petrovska.Ambassador Aggelar noted that:The training exercise between North Macedonia's 1st Brigade and the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Stryker Regiment demonstrates interoperability and the invaluable cooperation between our countries' militaries.Once again,we see the crucial importance of joint exercises with our valued NATO Ally,and the benefits they bring to regional stability.*On 1 December 2023,Army of the Republic of North Macedonia Brig. Gen. Sashko Lafchiski,1st Infantry Brigade commander,met with U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron,2nd Cavalry Regiment at Skopje International Airport.The U.S. troops had just arrived for Brave Partner,the Short Notice Action Planning (SNAP) exercise.Brave Partner is designed to demonstrate USAEUR-AF's operational reach;validate U.S. investments in North Macedonia;and increase readiness.The 2nd Cav brought their Stryker eight-wheeled armoured fighting vehicles with them.They were derived from the Canadian Light Armoured Vehicle III by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada,and are manufactured for the U.S. Army by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and General Dynamics Land Systems Division,U.S.Strykers can drive up to 60 mph/96.5 kmh and have a range of 330 mi/531 km,and have a central tire inflation system.They are a family of 10 different variants with a common chassis.With robust armour protection,they carry a squad of nine Infantry Soldiers and two crew mmbers.*The basic Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) has a basic soft mount cradle which can mount with a .50 calibre M2 machine gun;MK 19 40 mm grenade launcher;or MK 240 7.6 mm machine gun.It is also armed with four M6 smoke grenade launchers.The Stryker is produced for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT).*The turret for the Stryker's Mobile Gun System (MGS) is armed with an M68A1E4 105 mm cannon and an M2 O.5 calibre machine gun.The ICV's are equipped with periscopes for protected viewing and digital communications systems.* General Dynamics (GD)

US Army, NATO. Powerful M1A2 Abrams tanks on Parade in Lithuania.

NATO Secretary General with the 🇺🇸 US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken 28 NOV 2023

St Andrew's Day Parade

Pacific Perspective:US,Philippines and Australia Initiate Joint Patrols

On 21 November 2023,the US Navy,the Philippines Navy and Philippines Air Force began joint patrols of the South China Sea both by air and sea.The joint patrols lasted through 23 November and,separately,the Australian Defence Force and the Philippines Navy and Air Force conducted joint patrols a few days later.The US State Department has ascertained in a report that China's claims to most of the South China Sea are not in accord with international law.Hence the patrols were undertaken to assert a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.The US-Philippines patrols began at Movalis Island,the Philippines' northernmost point,100 km/62 mi from Taiwan.They ended in the West Philippine Sea,part of the South China Sea within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).*The Philippine Air Force sent two FA-50 light combat fighter jets and an A29B Super Tucano light attack plane on patrol,while the Philippine Navy sent three unspecified warships.The US Navy sent a Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft,armed with torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles for anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions,respectively;and a littoral combat ship.The littoral combat ships,after being criticised for being lightly armed,are now heavily armed with a number of deck guns,air-to-air and air to surface missiles,including US Army Hellfire missiles and Naval Strike Missiles.Indeed,some LCS's are now also armed with Lockheed Martin laser weapons.*Said Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos,Jr.:Unfortunately,I cannot report that the situation (in the South China Sea) is improved.The situation has become more dire than it was before.Through collaborative efforts,we aim to enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests.*In February 2023,President Marcos added four new US bases to the five extant ones,bringing them into the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.*The Philippines Navy and Air Force later staged patrols with the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force from 25-27 November 2023.Said Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos,Jr.:We endeavor to have bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness;test doctrines,existing protocols;and enhance efficiency;and foster closer cooperation between our countries' armed forces.This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic and defense partnership between our countries.*The Phiippine Navy sent two warships on patrol.BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) is a former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class offshore cutter,currently armed with various deck cannons,including one by BAE Systems.The Devao del Sur (LD-6) is a Dock Landing-class amphibious warfare ship for Philippine Marines based on an Indonesian model.It is currently armed with eight heavy machine guns and carries two helicopters with hangar space for a third.The Philippine Air Force sent five surveillance aircraft.*The Royal Australian Navy sent the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156).Its armament features a 5" deck gun;Sea Sparrow and Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles;Harpoon anti-ship missiles;two triple torpedo tubes;and two heavy machine guns for extreme close-in defence.The Royal Australian Air Force sent a Boeing P-8A Poseidon on patrol.*For its part,China's Foreign Ministry said:Since November 21,the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command Navy Ship Yuenchung has conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea.During this period,the Philippines enlisted foreign forces to patrol the South China Sea,stir up trouble,and hype up regional peace and security,violating the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.* BAE Systems Plc (LSE:BA),Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Marines aboard the French ship BPC Mistral during a Joint Exercise.

NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia 🇲🇰 Dimitar Kovacevski 21 NOV 2023

Battle Management:USAF,NATO Select Boeing E-7A Wedgetail

The US Air Force and NATO have selected as a nextgen Command and Control aircraft the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail.NATO has ordered six of the aircraft,with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected by 2031.A consortium of NATO Allies approved of the massive project this month.Said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:By pooling resources,Allies can buy and operate major assets collectively that would be too expensive for individual countries to purchase.This investment in state-of-the-art technology shows the strength of transatlantic defence cooperation as we continue to adapt to a more unstable world.*The E-7A is an advanced Early Warning and Control aircraft that provides both situational awareness and control functions.Its powerful radar can detect hostile aircraft,missiles and ships at great distances and can direct NATO fighter jets to their targets.Australia,The Republic of Korea,Turkiye,the US and the UK either are flying the Wedgetail now or are planning to operate it.The Wedgetail is based on a militarised Boeing 737 airliner.Each country has a different name for the Wedgetail,so this blog is using the Australian designation for convenience.*The Wedgetail was originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force.*The NATO E-7A is to have its main base at Geilenkirchen Air Base,Germany.It can also operate from several forward locations across Europe.The E-7A uses the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA).This radar is located in a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage,or "top hat".It can simultaneously search air and sea,while also conducting fighter control.The array has a maximum range of 600 km/372.8 mi in look-up mode.It also doubles as an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) array,with a maximum range of 850 km/528.1 mi at 9,000 m/30,000 ft altitude.Radar signal processing and central computer are installed directly beneath the antenna array.Defensive countermeasures are mounted on the nose,wingtips and tail.The cabin has eight operator consoles with space for four more.*On 21 April 2022,the US Air Force announced the E-7A would replace the E-3 Sentry AWACS,saying it was the only platform capable of meeting the Department of Defense requirements for tactical battle management,Command and Control,and moving target indicator capabilties within the time frame needed.Two new US-specific variants of the E-7A are planned,with a final production decision for a total fleet of 26 aircraft planned for 2025.The first USAF E-7A is to enter service in 2027.The E-7A has a cruise speed of 853 kmh/530 mph;a range of 6500 km/4,000 mi/3500 nmi;and a service ceiling of 12,500 m/41,000 ft.* Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC)

US Army, NATO. Powerful M270 MLRS Missile Systems during Combat Exercises in Germany

Northrop completes first flight of Australia's Triton maritime surveillance drone, ahead of 2024 delivery - Avionics International

Northrop completes first flight of Australia's Triton maritime surveillance drone, ahead of 2024 delivery - Avionics International: Northrop Grumman recently completed the first flight of Australia’s multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance aircraft. The aircraft took off just before noon on Nov. 9, at Northrop’s Palmdale, […] Northrop Grumman (NOC)

US Army, NATO. Tanks and self-propelled howitzers during combat exercises in Eastern Europe

X-37B to be Launched on Seventh Mission

On 2 November 2023,it was announced by the Air Force News Service that the Boeing X-37B space plane would be launched on a Space X Falcon Heavy rocket on 7 December 2023 from the NASA Kennedy Space Center.It is the first time the space plane will be launched on a Falcon Heavy,indicating the unprecedented weight of the cargo.The Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office is partnering with the US Space Force on the mission,which has a wide range test and experimentation objectives.These tests include operating the reuseable space plane in new orbital regimes;experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies;and investigating the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA.* Said X37-B Program Director Lt.Col. Joseph Fitscher:We are excited to expand the envelope of the reuseable X-37B's capabilities,using the flight-tested service module and Falcon Heavy rocket to fly multiple cutting-edge experiments for the Department of the Air Force and its partners.*X-37B Mission 7,aka Orbital Test Vehicle-7,will expand the United States Space Force's knowledge of the space environment by experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.These tests are integral to ensuring safe,stable,and secure operations in space for all users of the domain,AFNS said.For his part,Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzmann said:The X-37B continues to equip the United States with the knowledge to enhance current and future space operations.X-37B Mission 7 demonstrates the USSF's commitment to innovation and defining the art of the possible in the space domain.*NASA's experiment will expose plant seeds to the harsh radiation environment of long-duration spaceflight.The Seeds-2 experiment will build upon prior experiment successes to pave the way for future crewed missions to deep space destinations.The previous X-37B Mission 6 introduced a service module that expanded the spacecraft's capabilities and allowed it to host more experiments than any other previous mission.*Director of the DAF RCO,William B. Bradley,said that:The X-37B and Boeing teams have worked together to produce a more responsive,flexible,and adaptive experimentation platform.The work they've done to streamline processes and adapt evolving technologies will help our nation learn a tremendous amount about operating in and returning from a space environment.*So it may be inferred that the OTV-7 will continue to develop space surveillance capabilties.* On 20 October 2023,the Space Operations Command (SpOC) unveiled its first official painting,"High Ground Intercept" during a ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado.SpOC provides orbital warfare and intelligence capabilities to the USSF.The painting depicts a delta-shaped space plane called a "future intercept vehicle" opening its payload bay doors as it moves into position to engage an adversary satellite that is targeting a friendly spacecraft.Artist Rich Hunter was commissioned to create the painting without access to classified materials.It would be fair to assume that OTV-7 will also enhance USSF's orbital warfare capabilities along with space domain awareness.Indeed,the painting,which this blog has studied,depicts a space plane that is a fair approximation of the X-37B itself.* Boeing (BA)

Just in:B-21 Raider & B-2 Spirit Takeoff - Better film of the B-21 Raider launch,plus a B-2 Spirit launch that occurred a few hours later. 1

The B-21 flew to Edwards Air Force Base nearby.It was escorted by an F-16D Fighting Falcon.The B-2 Spirit was perhaps at Plant 42 for an upgrade or maintenance which are also provided at US Air Force Plant 42.

Images of US Air Force's new B-21 Raider stealth bomber on its first flight on 10 November 2023

A brief film of the undisclosed first flight is followed by stills and earlier footage of the unveiling.The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider was escorted by a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.A Reuters journalist was monitoring the activity at the Palmdale,California Plant 42 facility in the Mojave Desert.Plant 42 is owned by the US Air Force and operated as a component of nearby Edwards Air Force Base.It is a Government-Owned,Contractor-Operated facility (GOCO).Besides developing classified aircraft,it also services existing aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber.Lockheed Martin (LMT),Northrop Grumman (NOC)

NATO Responds to Sabotage of Critical Undersea Infrastructure

On 23 October 2023,the Swedish government announced that an undersea telecommunications cable had been damaged through external force or tampering on 7 October.The cable connects to the Baltic State of Estonia.Two hours later on 7 October,the Balticonnector gas pipeline was sabotaged,and another undersea telecom cable as well.Two civilian vessels were present at all three incidents:Russian freighter Sevmorput and Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship Newnew Polar Bear.This is called grayzone aggression,a form of hybrid warfare that attacks undersea infrastructure.This form of hybrid warfare untilises proxy groups;private companies;civilian contractors;and other non-military actors.* For its part,NATO announced it was increasing patrols in the Baltic Sea Region on 19 October 2023.This consists of more surveillance flights by NATO E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft;new patrols by Maritime Patrol Aircraft and surveillance drones.Four NATO minesweepers are also being deployed.These can send Unmanned Undersea Vehicles to inspect for cable and pipeline damage.They also have sonar to detect undersea activity with,plus radar.* Said NATO acting spokesperson Dylan White:We continue to monitor the situation closely,and we remain in close contact with our Allies Estonia and Finland,and our partner Sweden.NATO will continue to adapt its maritime posture in the Baltic Sea and will take all necessary measures to keep its Allies safe.In September 2022,it was noted that the Nord Stream gas pipeline had been sabotaged.Since that time,NATO has enhanced patrols near critical undersea infrastructure and utilised technological innovation to better detect suspicious activity.NATO also created an undersea infrastructure coordination cell to deepen ties between government,military and industry actors.It also established the NATO Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure within Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood,UK.* On 12 October 2023,NATO Defence Ministers and the Swedish Defence Ministry endorsed the Digital Ocean Vision,a new initiative to enhance NATO's maritime situational awareness from seabed to space.The DOV will transform Allied maritime domain awareness by enhancing coordination between Allied and national capabilities utilised for maritime surveillance.The programme includes a broad range of assets from satellites to autonomous systems below,on,or above the sea,the Alliance said.* Minesweepers have sonar,radar and minesweeping gear.The sonar detects and classifies targets and then the minesweepers deploy divers or Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) to inspect and neutralise threats with explosive charges.For self-defence,they are armed with 20mm guns and machine guns.

US Army. Soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division during combat training in Alaska

The missions of the 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) include airborne operations,protecting national defense infrastructure,mountain warfare,and,if ordered,decisively defeating an enemy in the high latitudes through large-scale combat operations.

U.S. Air Force, NATO. B-1B Lancer bombers fly combat missions from the UK.Posted 1 November 2023.

RAF base or bases were not disclosed.Combat mission:a mission to capture or defend something.

Pacific Perspective:US Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Field Training

Resolute Dragon 23 began on 14 October 2023 and runs till 31 October.It is the third iteration of the bilateral exercise hosted by III Marine Exepeditionary Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.The Forces will drill in multiple locations across Japan,rehearsing Command,Control and multi-domain manoeuvre capabilities.Concepts such as expeditionary advanced base operations and support to all-domain fleet and joint operations will be practised,showcasing our partnership's ability to deter and counter threats by deploying and dispersing throughout the first island chain,and be postured to fight from anywhere,according to Brig.Gen. Adam Chalkley,USMC,3rd Marines Logistics Group Commander.III MEF will send about 3300 Marines and Sailors to the drills.*RD23FTX will feature many firsts,such as implementing bilateral live-fire between Marine Corps M142 HiMARS and and JGSDF multiple rocket launcher systems.Marines will rehearse rapid infiltration with HiMARS into the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area via Kenebetsu Airfield.This will enhance the lethality of the partnered Forces and train for rapid response to crises as a singular,unified Force.Some 19 installations and facilties will be utilised,from Hokkaido to Kyusha and the Southwestern Islands.In Kyusha,the JGSDF Western Army and III MEF will rehearse tasks as part of a Joint Force Littoral Component Command,strengthening their combined joint response to threats to a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.*Bilateral training will be conducted at Camp Ishigaki,a new facility,including integration of members of the U.S. Army's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force,radar operations;a medical facility supporting casualty evacuation between JGSDF and III MEF;and a subject matter expert exchange for forward air refueling training.So RD23FTX is intended to strengthen bilateral operational capabilities and interoperability between the USMC and JGSDF with an emphasis on air-ground integration and combined arms live-fire training.This leading effort will ensure that both countries can implement their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.*For example,US Marines with 2nd Battalion,2nd Marine Regiment,executed a simulated counterattack for force-on-force training at JGSDF Kirishima Training Area,Miyazaki,Japan on 21 October 2023.The same day,they prepared to ambush a simulated enemy position.On 22 October,they conducted a road sweep (patrol).2nd Btn.,2nd MR is currently forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment,3rd Marine Division.

USAF, NATO. Powerful B-1B Lancer strategic bombers have arrived in the UK RAF Fairford,England

B-1B strategic bombers arrived at RAF Fairford,England.They are out of Dyess Air Force Base,Texas and are on a Bomber Task Force mission,set to interoperate with NATO Allies and partners throughout the European theatre,enhancing Deterrence and Defence.

B-21 Taxi Tests Underway, As Bomber Prepares for First Flight - Avionics International

B-21 Taxi Tests Underway, As Bomber Prepares for First Flight - Avionics International: Taxi tests of the Northrop Grumman [NOC] B-21 Raider stealth bomber are underway near Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., as the aircraft prepares for first flight. The Air Force issued […] Northrop Grumman (NOC)

US Army, NATO. M1A2 Abrams tanks during a tactical road march in Germany.

NATO Land Forces:Combined Resolve 19 Tests Warfighting Acumen

U.S. Army Europe and Africa is leading the recurring exercise Combined Resolve 19 at the Joint Multi-National Readiness Center near Hohenfels,Bavaria,Germany.The purpose of the drills is to prepare a US Brigade Combat Team in support of NATO Deterrence and Defence initiatives,while also developing NATO Allies and key Partners' interoperability and readiness across specified warfighting functions.In the course of the exercise,the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team,101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell,Kentucky will execute muti-domain operations during combat training drills as the primary audience for the instruction.Said Col.Trevor Voelkel,1st Brigade Combat Team commander:No matter where the U.S. Army finds itself,whether here in Europe or beyond-we,along with our Allies and Partners-need to be ready to respond when our nations call.And this exercise,which will hone our warfighting abilities,will ensure we are ready.*The drills will facilitate implementation of Operation Atlantic Resolve,not only in the context of Russia's first invasion of Ukraine in 2014,but of its further brutal aggression in 2022 as well.Besides 1st BCT,other Army units participating include:10th Mountain Division;10th Air and Missile Defense Command;41st Fires Brigade;3rd Combat Aviation Brigade;and Army Reserve Units permanently stationed in Germany conducting their annual training,the Army noted.*More than 4200 military personnel from 14 nations will take part in the exercise,including:Bosnia and Herzegovina,Finland,Georgia,Greece,Italy,Lithuania,Moldova,North Macedonia,Romania,Slovenia,Spain,Sweden,the UK and the US.The drills run from 10 October 2023 to 11 November.7th Army Training Command is providing training areas and logisitical support for the exercise that ensures operational readiness.*CR19 will evaluate and assess 1st BCT's ability to conduct combat operations in a complex,multi-domain battlespace.It will bolster readiness and test responsiveness and reinforcement capability.*The Joint Multi-National Readiness Center provides world-class operational Forces (1st Battalion,4th Infantry Regiment) to showcase opposing Forces in the drills.This is critical so the troops will be ready to fight what's coming next.There will be a live,thinking enemy to challenge the Brigade,enabling them to master large-scale ground combat operations.The 1-4 will not so much simulate as replicate enemy Forces.By working through CR19,1st BCT will be enabled to respond more effectively to regional crises,while meeting their own security needs.They will be tested and certified to be combat-credible warriors,ready to accomplish objectives for a strong Europe beside the Allies and Partners they will fight alongside if necessary.Having been totally immersed in an operational environment with no pauses,they will make significant progress toward Deterrence and Defence.

Pacific Perspective:USAF. Powerful F-15E Strike Eagle fighters during joint exercises in Japan.

Steadfast Noon:NATO's Annual Nuclear Drills Visit Southern Europe

NATO's nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon began on 16 October 2023 and runs until 26 October.The manoeuvres are being participated in by 13 NATO Allies.The US has sent Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers to Europe directly from a US base.The drills are being supported by conventional aircraft.No live nuclear weapons are included in the annual autumn event.Flights simulating NATO's response to a nuclear attack are taking place in Southern Europe this year,including Italy,Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea.Said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:Our exercise will help to ensure the credibility,effectiveness and security of our nuclear deterrent.* Most of the drills are held at least 1,000 km/621.37 mi from Russian borders and are not linked to current events.According to NATO's Strategic Concept:the fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace,prevent coercion and deter aggression.*NATO'S nuclear deterrent has two layers:1.Strategic National Forces of the US,UK and France and 2.the Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) programme,which identifies fighter aircraft with both nuclear and conventional capability.Under the nuclear sharing programme,the US provides tactical nuclear weapons,the B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs,to the following NATO Allies:Belgium,Germany,Italy,the Netherlands and Turkey.These bombs are kept in hardened storage bunkers.The bombs are under custody and control of US Air Force Munitions Support Squadrons co-located on NATO major operating bases.The MSS's work together with host nation Forces.The current DCA are the Panavia PA-200 Tornado IDS and the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.The nuclear weapon shelters use the US Air Force W53 Weapon Storage and Security System.Germany plans to phase in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter DCA when it retires the Tornados in 2024.*According to NATO,the credibility of the Alliance's Nuclear Forces is central to maintaining deterrence,which is why the safety,security and effectiveness of these Forces are constantly evaluated in light of technological and geo-strategic evolutions.The Nuclear Planning Group remains the forum for consultation on NATO's nuclear deterrence.The Alliance reaffirms the unique and distinctive role of nuclear deterrence and maintains credible deterrence;strengthens strategic communications;and enhances the effectiveness of its drills,while reducing strategic risks.At the extraordinary Summit of March 2022,after Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine,NATO committed to enhancing preparedness and readiness for chemical,biological,radiological and nuclear threats.* Context:According to NATO's Strategic Concept,approved at the 2022 NATO Madrid Summit:The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies' peace and security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic Area.It seeks to establish spheres of influence and direct control through coercion,subversion,aggression and annexation.It uses conventional,cyber and hybrid means against us and our partners.Its coercive military posture,rhetoric and proven willingness to use force to pursue its political goals undermines the rules-based international order.The Russian Federation is modernising its nuclear forces and expanding its novel and destructive dual-capable delivery systems,while employing coercive nuclear signalling...We will individually and collectively deliver the full range of forces,capabilities,plans,resources,assets and infrastructure needed for deterrence and defence,including for high-intensity,multi-domain warfighting against near peer competitors...The circumstances in which NATO might have to use nuclear weapons are extremely remote.Any employment of nuclear weapons against NATO would fundamentally alter the nature of a conflict.The Alliance has the capabilities and resolve to impose costs on an adversary that would far outweigh the benefits that any adversary could hope to achieve.* Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

NATO. E-3A AWACS airborne early warning aircraft in Lithuania.

Staffed with multinational aircrews,the E-3A Sentries were recently deployed to Lithuania to strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank.

WiFi

Dear readers,I am experiencing WiFi trouble,so normal operations are not possible today.Please check back later.

Andrew Taylor,pulisher

Pacific Perspective:Fighter Presence Assured at Kadena Air Base

On 2 October 2023,Boeing F-15C Eagles from 144th Fighter Wing,Fresno Air National Guard Base,California,arrived at Kadena Air Base,Okinawa,Japan to ensure continuous fighter presence as Kadena's fleet of F-15 C/D Eagles make a phased return to the US,18th Wing announced.Kadena is called the Keystone of the Pacific because of its strategic location on Okinawa.The ANG Eagles will work with other heavy,reconnaissance,and 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft assets augmented and stationed to Kadena to ensure steady-state fighter capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region.The diverse array of fighters,alongside joint and Allied Forces,strengthen operational readiness to defend Japan,while ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific through a robust presence of dynamic fighter aircraft.Said Lt.Col. John Vanbragt,144th Operations Group commander:Our squadron is excited to train and integrate with our bilateral Partners.Operating in the Indo-Pacific offers immense opportunities for our Airmen and Allies to strengthen our partnerships and continue to refine tactics.* Thus the reception of the F-15C at Kadena enables the 18th Wing to work dynamically in a fluid airspace and Area of Operations,ensuring U.S. Forces Japan and Allied partners remain postured to deliver lethal and combat-ceredible airpower to ensure the defence of US Allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific,maintaining deterrence capabilities and added flexibility in a dynamic theatre.Posturing with a wide range of capabilities in the Indo-Pacific remains a top priority,18th Wing said.* Team Kadena is a world-class combat team ready to fight and win from the Keystone in the Pacific.Kadena Air Base's mission is to project decisive airpower to ensure regional stability and security as an Agile,Innovative and Ready Force from Pacific Air Forces' premier air base.* The F-15C has a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 (1650 mph/2655 km/h at high altitude) and has a service ceiling of 65,000 ft/20,000 km.It is armed with 1x20mm M61A1 Vulcan 6 barrel rotating cannon and up to 4xAIM-7 Sparrow missiles;4xAIM-9 Sidewinder missiles;and 8-AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.The Air Force plans to retire all F-15C/Ds by 2026.* Boeing (BA)

LEONOR: Sus PRIMERAS FOTOS con UNIFORME de CAMUFLAJE, CASCO y FUSIL | RTVE Noticias - Spanish Public Broadcasting

Spanish Public Broadcasting has provided these photos of Princesa Leonor de Asturias,the future regnant Queen of Spain,while on field training exercises with her fellow cadets of the Academia General Militar de Zaragoza.

US block on additional Ukraine funding "will get sorted out", ambassador tells DW

U.S. Navy Awards Cockpit Modernization Contract to Northrop Grumman - Aviation Today

U.S. Navy Awards Cockpit Modernization Contract to Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman will evolve the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye cockpit and computing architecture with DSSC 6 as part of a new contract awarded by the U.S. Navy. Northrop Grumman (NOC)

U.S. Army, NATO. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division In Moldova. Training mission - Exercise Rapid Trident

NATO Partner Moldova borders Ukraine,which is to the east.Romanian is the majority language (75%),with a Russian-speaking minority (16%).

Allied Reaction:NATO's Newest Force

On 29 September 2023,the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-ITA) was announced as the interim headquarters for the Alliance's new Allied Reaction Force (ARF),NATO announced in a press release.ARF was established at the NATO Vilnius Summit in July 2023.The NRDC-ITA will provide Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher G. Cavoli,U.S. Army,with immediate capability to respond to a crisis,while also providing for the development of permanent ARF structures.The ARF will be a new,muti-domain Force for providing more options to respond swiftly to threats and crises in all directions throughout Alliance territory.Said NRDC-ITA commander Lt.Gen.Lorenzo D'Addario:I am excited and honoured to serve the Alliance in such a crucial role.We will be training hard to provide NATO a ready Force.* For the remainder of 2023 and early 2024,NRDC-ITA will undergo a rigorous series of measures:military exercises;academic studies;staff training;and the exercise Steadfast Deterrence in May 2024.Then NRDC-ITA will receive validation as an interim HQ before officially assuming the role in July 2024.This new role will strengthen the Corps' extant relationships,while allowing it to work with new Allies and Partners,sharing expertise and experience while demonstrating cohesion and legitimacy.The selection of NRDC-ITA as the interim HQ reaffirms Italy's commitment to the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area,NATO said.* For its part,the UK has already pledged forces to the ARF.The ARF is part of the Alliance's New Force Model,which will support modernisation and strengthening of the NATO Force Structure.This in turn will ensure declared capabilities,equipment and forces are available to SACEUR in the right place at the right time.The agile,multi-domain and combat-credible ARF will be able to deploy at very high readiness to respond to a range of crises,the UK Ministry of Defence pointed out,in light of Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.Contribution of fighter aircraft,land forces and maritime vessels to the New Force Model will protect people across the Alliance against future threats,the UK MOD stated.

Su Alteza Real la Princesa de Asturias recibe el sable de oficial - Princess Leonor of Asturias receives her official sword with her classmates,a milestone at the academy

Princess Leonor's way of life is that she lives with other female cadets without special treatment,but does not draw military pay.

NATO. U.S. Marines during joint combat exercises with the French Army.

Joby Aviation Delivers First eVTOL Aircraft for U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing - Avionics International

Joby Aviation Delivers First eVTOL Aircraft for U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing - Avionics International: Joby Aviation, Inc. has delivered its first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for the U.S. Air Force to Edwards AFB, Calif.’s 412th Test Wing Joby Aviation Inc (JOBY)

Army 3rd Infantry Division to Europe for NATO Operation

Some 4500 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division are headed for Europe,or have alredy arrived there,to bolster NATO's Eastern Flank.Members of the 3rd Infantry Division's Headquarters began departing from Hunter Army Airfield,Georgia on 5 September 2023.On 9 September,a change of command ceremony was held as the Army's 4th Infantry Division transferred authority for Poland-Baltic States protection to 3rd Infantry Division,Task Force Marne-referring to the unit's history in the World War I Battle of the Marne.Task Force Marne will serve in support of Operation Assure,Deter and Reinforce,working alongside NATO Allies and regional security Partners to provide combat-credible Forces to U.S. Army V Corps,America's forward deployed corps in Europe,the Army said.Thus Task Force Marne assumes control of infantry,armored,aviation,and logisitics units across Poland and the Baltic Sea Region.Said 3rd Infantry Division commander,Major General Christopher Norrie:Once again,we have the privilege of standing together with our Polish Allies,the Baltic States,and the rest of NATO.We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder against tyranny and oppression,and we pray that this Alliance will continue to be a beacon of hope for all who aspire for freedom and justice around the world.Added Lt.Gen.John Kolasheski,commanding general of V Corps:Your presence here on the Eastern Flank of NATO is essential to gauranteeing a free and open Europe.We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Allies from across the Alliance during this deployment,which is critical.And should deterrence fail,we will be prepared to defend every inch of sovereign NATO territory.*The Army explained that the Marne Division is the hammer of the U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps,able to raidly deploy,fight,and win against near-peer competitors in large-scale combat operations.The 3rd Infantry Division is the most modernised and lethal formation in the U.S. Army and is fully trained and ready for this important mission.About 4500 Soldiers from 3rd Infantry Division HQ,3rd Infantry Division Artillery Brigade,3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team are deploying to various locations across Europe to support NATO Allies;deter further aggression against NATO member states;and train with host-nation Forces to build readiness and interoperability.They join about 2,000 Soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade who deployed to Europe earlier this year,as well as other U.S. Army units currently serving in Europe from Task Force Marne.To prepare for this mission,3rd Infantry Division conducted multiple complex exercises,modernisation,and a culminating training event at Fort Irwin,California.* Should deterrence fail,US Army troops in Poland would be tasked with keeping the Suwalki Gap open,retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian,a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies,told the Task and Purpose newsletter.The Suwalki Gap is a stretch of rural land on the Poland-Lithuania border that is of great strategic significance.It is the only land crossing from Poland to the Baltic States of Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia.The 3rd Infantry Division troops are joining the approximately 85,000 U.S. Forces already in Europe.The deploying Soldiers represent the U.S. commitment to uphold the principles of democracy,territorial integrity,sovereignty,and respect for the international rules-based order.

U.S. Army. AH-64E Apache attack helicopters during combat exercises in the Republic of Korea

US Army, NATO. Soldiers of the 173rd Brigade during combat exercises in Germany

This is the 173rd Airborne Brigade,a US Army Airborne Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) out of Vicenza,Italy.It is the strategic response force of U.S. European Command (EUCOM).

Northern Coasts 23:Defending the Baltics from Enemy Attack

About 30 warships and 3200 military personnel from 14 nations are carrying out an annual exercise intended to enhance defence of the Baltic Sea Region.It will concentrate on high-end warfare and collective deterrence and defence by NATO Allies,NATO said.The drills began on 9 September and last two weeks.Said Dylan White,acting NATO spokesperson:Seven-soon to be eight-NATO Allies border the Baltic Sea,so the area is of critical importance to our Alliance.Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has radically altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea,and NATO has substantially increased its defensive presence in the region at sea,onland and in the air.Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.*The two weeks of drills are currently underway,including amphibious operations;air defence;strikes from sea to land;and securing sea lanes.Participating are Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1,as well as military personnel from Allies Belgium,Canada,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Partner Sweden and the US.Germany is leading the manoeuvres.The drills are also featuring participation of land and air forces from the 14 nations.The scenario of the exercise simulates a Russian attack on the Baltics,according to ERR News (Estonian Public Broadcasting).*Vice-Admiral Jan Chrisitian Raack,commander of the German Navy,told Reuters that warships will practise sea lane defence primarily off the coasts of Estonia and Latvia.Germany is also commanding the operation from its new Maritime Command Headquarters at the city of Rostock on the Baltic Sea.Said VADM Raack:Finland and the Baltic States depend to almost 100% on the maritime supply routes through the Baltic Sea.*For its part,the US Navy is contributing the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19),an amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio-class.*Rostock is on the Bay of Mecklenburg,an arm of the Baltic Sea.The city is in the German state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.The new HQ will reportedly serve as NATO's go-to HQ for Baltic Sea Region defence.* Please excuse any delays as this blog experienced an outage while writing this post.

U.S. Marines at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan.

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Report - NASA

U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines conduct heavy live fire from a amphibious assault ship,USS Boxer (LHD 4) - location undisclosed

Testing 2nd Cav:7th Army Training Command's Saber Junction 23

Saber Junction 23 is a 7th Army Training Command-conducted,U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed annual drill designed to assess the readiness of US Army units to execute unified land operations in a joint,combined environment,and to provide interoperability with participating Allied and Partner nations.This year's iteration of SJ23 runs from 28 August to 23 September 2023.It aims to prepare a US Army Brigade Combat Team for NATO's collective deterrence and defence initiatives.2nd Cavalry Regiment out of Rose Barracks,Germany is leading SJ23.*Over 4,000 Soldiers from NATO Allies and Partners are participating,including:Albania,Armenia,Belgium,Bosnia and Herzegovina,Bulgaria,Croatia,France,Georgia,Italy,Lithuania,North Macedonia,Poland,the UK and the US.*75 Polish troops from the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division out of Zagan,Poland are serving as the command element of 2CR.*More than 3,000 US troops from 2CR,3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and 18th Combat Sustainment and Support Battalion are the training audience of the approximately 900 Soldiers from other countries.250 French troops of the 96th Infantry Regiment out of Clermont-Ferrand,France will serve as part of 2CR.*The drills are being held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre in Hohenfels,Germany.2CR will have its capabilities and readiness to deter aggression and operate in a multidomain battlespace tested.Said Major John Ambelang,JMRC spokesperson:SJ23 is a great opportunity to get units sets and repetitions on situations they may be faced with in reality.We do everything we can to put them in that mindset from day one.*2CR arrived on 7 September to commence the force-on-force drills,solving complex problems with Allies and Partners.

Atlas V rocket launches 'Silent Barker' spysat for the US Space Force and the DOD National Reconnaissance Office

Silentbarker/NROL-107 is a joint mission of the US Space Force and the DOD National Reconnaissance Office.According to the United Launch Alliance,a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin,it will serve the needs of the DOD and the Intelligence Community by:providing the capability to search,detect and track objects from a space-based sensor for timely custody and event detection.Silentbarker/NROL-107 will strengthen the NRO's ability to provide a wide range of timely intelligence information to national decision makers,warfighters and intelligence analysts to protect the nation's vital interests and support humanitarian efforts worldwide.*The mission was launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,Florida.* Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Air Force, NATO. B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers on alert in Iceland

LGM-30 Minuteman III ICBM Test Site Located at Vandenberg

An ICBM test was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base,California at 1:26 am PDT on 6 September 2023,verifying the lethality and credibility of US nuclear forces.

Northrop Grumman Conducts EGI-M Flight Test - Avionics International

Northrop Grumman Conducts EGI-M Flight Test - Avionics International: Northrop Grumman recently conducted a successful flight test of EGI-M, its advanced airborne navigation solution. Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Pacific Perspective:Super Garuda Shield 2023

Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 began on 31 August and runs till 13 September 2023.Nations fully participating include:Australia,France,Indonesia,Japan,Singapore,the UK and the US.Observers from several other countries will also be present for the drills:Bruneij,Brazil,Canada,Germany,India,Malaysia,the Netherlands,New Zealand,Papua New Guinea,Republic of Korea and Timor Leste.The exercise is focused on obtaining a stable,secure and more peaceful,free and open Indo-Pacific,said General Charles Flynn,commanding general,U.S. Army Pacific.About 2100 US and 1900 Indonesian TNI service members,out of a total of 5,000 international troops, across multiple service branches will enhance interoperability through training and cultural exchanges,U.S. Embassy Jakarta said in a news release.* The drills,through professional training and combat exercises,will take place in Surabaya and Banyuwortigi,East Java,Indonesia,strengthening the US-Indonesia defence partnership through cooperative learning and enhanced trust.The training involves expert academic exchanges and professional development workshops;a Command and Control simulation;an amphibious drill;airborne operations practise;an airfield seizure exercise;and a combined joint field training culminating in a live-fire event.* Furthermore,a command post drill will focus on mission planning staff in a combined military setting.Field training will feature battalion strength elements from each nation,exercising warfighting skills to enhance interoperability and combat operational capacity.* Said Royal New Zealand Army Colonel Paul Heyward,deputy commander of U.S. 25th Infantry Division,which is providing most of the US Soldiers:This year we are seeing significant expansion,not only across participating nations,but in the depth and complexity of the training we are conducting across Indonesia,the Stars and Stripes newspaper reported.* Paratroopers from the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division will also participate.The USS Green Bay (LPD 20),a San Antonio-class amphibious dock out of Naval Base Sasebo,Japan will augment the Forces.Designed to transport elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU),it is armed with 2x30 mm Bushmaster cannon and 2 Rolling Airframe Missile launchers,as well as 10 .50 caliber machine guns both fore and aft.The Green Bay carries aircraft such as the MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft;CH53E Super Stallion helicopter;MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft;CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters;and AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom attack helicopters.The Green Bay also carries Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

SpaceX launches 13 satellites for US Space Force, booster lands in California - Classified payloads launched for the Space Development Agency from Vandenberg Space Force Base,California - 2 September 2023

💥IMÁGENES BOMBA Princesa Leonor con uniforme militar en Academia militar...Some more photos along with some we've seen before

She has good reason to be serious,being next in line to the throne,destined to be the future Queen of Spain.She is comparable to Queen Elizabeth II in her stature and is following her father's example of military training.

US Air Force, NATO. Powerful F-16C fighters refuel in the air during an exercise in Finland

U.S. Army, NATO. Airborne troops arrived in Turkey and Georgia.

Agile Sprit 23:Defending the Republic of Georgia

NATO Exercise Agile Spirit 23 is underway in the Republic of Georgia.It began on 21 August and runs through 1 September 2023.Led by U.S. Army V Corps and joined by Georgia Defence Forces,Turkiye and Multinational Division Southeast,it primarily is based in Goergia,with one additional site in Turkiye.The drills are meant to support theatre security cooperation and improve interoperability among NATO Allies and Partners,as well as bolster multinational readiness capabilities by exercising rapid mobility,posturing combat creible forces across the European theatre to the country of Georgia to hone their defence efforts and deter aggression in the Black Sea Region while also exercising the enduring U.S. State Partnership Program with the Georgia Army National Guard.Said Lt.Gen John S. Kolasheski,commanding general of U.S. Army V Corps:We are well-prepared to integrate with exercise participants and greatly look forward to a successful exercise that builds combined lethality and readiness.* Critical training includes a Brigade-level Command Post Exercise with NATO Multinational Division Southeast;a Brigade-level field training exercise;a Combined Battalion-level Joint Forcible Entry into Turkiye;Combined Battalion Live Fire and Field Training drills;combined special forces operations;combined medical and protection training;and other live-fire exercises in multiple locations within the country of Georgia.In a realistic training environment,the drills improve interoperability at the tactical level between joint U.S. Forces,Allies and Partner Forces;planning for GDF Special Operations Forces and conventional forces integration;and exercising with combined multinational units,improving Command and Control capabilities.It ensures that US,Allied and Partner Forces maintain our deterrence capability with a combination of combat-ready multinational forces.Some 3600 military personnel from 21 Allied and Partner Forces include:Azerbaijan,Belgium,Bulgaria,Bosnia and Herzegovina,Canada,France,Germany,Greece,Hungary,Italy,Jordan,Latvia,Lithuania,Moldova,Norway,Poland,Romania,Slovakia,Spain,Turkiye,the UK and the US.The breakdown of Forces is about 1200 US personnel;1900 Georgia Defence Forces personnel;and around 500 from the other participants.The drills will take place in the following Georgia Training Areas:Vaziani,Krtsanisi,Norio,and Senaki.Turkiye will host drills at the Kayseri Airbase Martyr BAK Drop Zone.Neighbours in the Black Sea Region,Turkiye and Georgia share a commen border.* The US and Turkiye have a renewed closeness as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wishes to meet with President Joseph R. Biden in the near future.

ESPAÑA | Primeras imágenes de la princesa Leonor vestida de militar - Princess Leonor after initial training

In addition,this blog viewed a photo of Princess Leonor crawling under barbed wire.

princess Leonor joined the army🎖️she entered the General Military Academy accompanied by her family

Princess Leonor will spend one year at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza (Army),one year at the Naval School of Marin in Pontevedra,and one year at the General Academy of Air and Space in San Javier.

U.S. Marines Seize Airfield During Exercises in Japan.

SDA Awards Over $1.5B to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for Tranche 2 Transport Layer - Via Satellite

SDA Awards Over $1.5B to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for Tranche 2 Transport Layer: The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) on Aug. 21 said that it has awarded two contracts worth more than $1.5 billion to Lockheed Martin’s General Dynamics (GD),Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM),Lockheed Martin (LMT).Northrop Grumman (NOC)

King Charles Receives Official Welcome on Balmoral Castle Arrival - 21 August 2023

Securing the High North:Air Force Global Strike Command Sends B-2 Spirits to Iceland

On 13 August 2023,over 150 Airmen amd three B-2 Spirit strategic bombers out of Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri arrived at Keflavik Air Base,Iceland.They will engage in Bomber Task Force missions,according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe amd Air Forces Africa.Across the globe,U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) routinely orchestrates BTF operations to not only showcase the US commitment to collective defence,but also to seamlessly integrate with operations conducted by our Geographic Combatant Commands.This BTF initiative was designed to bolster U.S. European Command's (EUCOM) overarching security mandate across the European continent,while also affording aircrews the opportunity to acclimate themselves to the intracacies of joint and coalition operations in foreign locations.Said General James Hecker,commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe,U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command:Each BTF mission underscores the prowess of our armed forces in navigating today's intricate and unpredictable global security terrain,with the focus on fostering stability,security,and freedom across Europe.In resolute unity,the US upholds our nation's commitment to foster peace and stability in Europe,unwaveringly collaborating with Allies and Partners to thwart challenges against the sovereignty of nations across the region.* The expeditionary bomb crew is led by Lt.Col. Andrew Kousgaard,commander of 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.Lt.Col. Kousgaard emphasised Dynamic Force Employment,a strategy that combines strategic unpredictability with operational adaptability:The B-2 bomber is arguably the most strategically significant airplane in the world,but that doesn't mean it's inflexible:dynamically deploying the bombers forward is a unique and important capability.*The BTF mission bolsters combat readiness,providing the US and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure,deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance,throughout Europe and across the globe,bolstering our collective response to any global conflict.The current BTF missions will integrate operations with our Icelandic Allies and expert capabilities within the European region.The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron practises Agile Combat Employment (ACE),providing Airmen with the tools necessary to accomplish their mission in austere environments with lilited resources,ensuring the B-2 Spirit's mission of strategic deterrence,anytime and anywhere.Lt.Col. Kousgaard added that being able to:conduct operations out of anywhere and tactically unpredictable is really important to hold adversaries at risk and assure Allies that we're able to share in some national defence:Our host nation has been phenomenal and we're excited to continue our work here.*During their BTF missions,the B-2s will carry out real world surveillance and long range strike missions if necessary.* According to The War Zone blog,one of the B-2 Spirits flew from Iceland to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska on a mock strike mission,utilising its distributed and extremely long-range capabilties for bomber operations over the increasingly strategic Arctic Region.The B-2 flew first into the high north,deep into the Arctic Circle and close to the North Pole,The War Zone indicated.* Air Force Global Strike Command was stood up on 7 August 2009 to provide combatant commanders the forces needed to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.They continue to adapt,innovate and modernise to always be prepared for emerging threats,such as Russia and China's forays into the Arctic Region with joint naval task forces and Russia's recent Arctic buildup on both old and new military bases.

USMC. MV-22B Osprey and Australian Navy helicopter carrier HMAS Adelaide (L01)

US Army, NATO. Armored Forces in Lithuania on the border with Belarus.

Boeing Aims to Use 5G for Aircraft Maintenance Improvements - Avionics International

Boeing Aims to Use 5G for Aircraft Maintenance Improvements - Avionics International: Boeing hopes to leverage 5G technology to improve aircraft maintenance and increase safety for military technicians. Boeing (BA)

Deterrence and Defence:NATO's New Plan for the Eastern Flank

According to NATO,the Alliance has increased its military presence in the Eastern Flank as a direct result of Russia's behaviour,which reflects a pattern of aggressive actions against its neighbours and the wider transatlantic community.Russia is the most significant and direct threat to Allies' security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.* Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,Allies reinforced the existing Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups.It was decided to form four more Battlegroups in Bulgaria,Hungary,Romania and Slovakia.This has brought the total number of multinational Battlegroups to eight,and has effectively doubled the number of troops on the ground and extended NATO's forward presence along the Alliance's Eastern Flank,from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south.* At the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid,the Allies decided to scale up the multinational Battlegroups from Battalion (US Army 100-1,000 troops under a Lieutenant Colonel) up to a Brigade (US Army 2,000-5,000 Soldiers under a Brigadier General or Colonel) where and when required.This scaling up of rapidly available forces would take place during a crisis and is being practised in drills.* Besides this capability,Allies have sent additional ships,planes and troops to NATO territory in Eastern Europe,further reinforcing the Alliance's Forward Defence and Deterrence Forces.The Battlegroups are not identical;their sizes and compositions are tailored to specific geographical sectors and threats.Forces from contributing nations rotate in and out of the Battlegroups at any given time.They may be deployed to Battlegroups or stationed in their home countries with the ability to deploy rapidly if needed.* All eight Battlegroups are integrated into NATO's command structure to ensure necessary readiness and responsiveness.The rapid reinforcement strategy ensures that Forward Defence and Deterrence Forces will be reinforced by NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF),the broader NATO Response Force (NRF),Allies' additional high-readiness forces and NATO's heavier follow on forces as needed.* Also at the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid,Allies agreed a new NATO Force Model that represents a broader expansion of our higher-readiness forces potentially available to NATO when and where required.The NATO Force Model is still being developed for implementation later in 2023.Further measures to boost NATO's ability to reinforce include developing more pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles;more forward-deployed cacpabilities,including air and missile defence systems;strengthened Command and Control;and upgraded regional defence plans,with specific forces pre-assigned in the defence of specific Allies.The pre-assigned forces will work with in-place forces-both national home defence and Allied forward presence forces-and become familiar with local terrain,facilities and pre-positioned stock so that they can reinforce the Allies even faster.* At the 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit,Allies approved a new generation of regional defence plans,which will significantly improve coherence of NATO's collective defence planning with Allies' national defence planning of their forces,posture,capabilities and Command and Control.The Alliance will continue to ensure that its posture remains credible,coherent and resilient,able to act immediately in response to any aggression.

US Army, NATO. Tanks at combined arms exercises with live firing in Poland.

USAF Moving to Field KC-46A Communications "Backbone" - Avionics International

USAF Moving to Field KC-46A Communications "Backbone": The U.S. Air Force intends to field a communications “backbone” for the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus in the next year as part of the service’s ABMS effort. Boeing (BA)

U.S. Army. 25th Infantry Division paratroopers on exercises in Australia.

NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Preparations: Latest News and Updates (Official NASA Briefing) - slated for launch in November 2024

Three of the astronauts are active duty military:Captain Reid Wiseman USN,Captain Victor Glover USN,Colonel Jeremy Hansen RCAF.

Aleutian Provocation:As Destroyers Dispatched to Signal Russia and China,Navy Orders Several More

Last week,a combined force of 11 Russian and Chinese warships operated together off the coast of Alaska's Aleutian Islands,according to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM).The combined force was larger than one the two US adversaries sent through the Bering Sea last September,which had seven warships,four Russian and three Chinese.These were detected by the US Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutter Kimball (WMSL 756).As capable as the Kimball is,it was deemed to be an inadequate response.Hence four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers were assigned to escort the adversary vessels this time. NORTHCOM told the Wall Street Journal that the 11 vessels did not appear to enter US territory:Air and maritime assets under our command conducted operations to ensure the defense of the United States and Canada.The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.* On Tuesday 1 August 2023,the Navy awarded two five-year procurement contracts to Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for nine Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided-missile destroyers.Huntington will build six destroyers and General Dynamics will build three between 2023 and 2027.The contracts also provide an option for additional destroyers if funded.No cost figures were disclosed.* According to USNI News,Flight III is built around the new AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar.It is to replace the Ticonderoga-class guided-missie cruisers as the primary air defence of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG).Said Bath Iron Works President Chuck Krugh:Flight III destroyers have significantly increased capability,and our skilled shipbuilders are committed to producing ships that meet the quality standards that our Navy Sailors deserve.*Flight III capability is considered critical for the nation,Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) indicated.* Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII),General Dynamics (GD)

NATO. US and UK deployed troops to Lithuania from Poland.

U.S. Army, NATO. Soldier Expert At Forward Operating Site In Poland. - Expert Infantry/Expert Soldier Badge

Qualifying for these badges sharpens skills and increases readiness.

Xona Space Systems Wins $1.2M in AFWERX Funding - Avionics International

Xona Space Systems Wins $1.2M in AFWERX Funding - Avionics International: The Air Force Research Laboratory awarded $1.2 million in funding via AFWERX to Xona Space Systems.

US Space Command to Reach Full Operational Capability In August - Via Satellite

US Space Command to Reach Full Operational Capability In August: U.S. Space Command is set to achieve full operational capability (FOC) this month, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the

Poland reinforces border troops, claims airspace incursion by Belarusian helicopters

Mi-8 and Mi-24 Belarusian military helicopters were ascertained to have crossed into Poland at only 50-60 metres/164-196 feet in altitude,below the radar level.Polish residents and tourists submitted videos and photos proving an incursion had occurred and NATO was notified.Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia,as well as NATO,have gone on alert in consequence of the Belarusian incursion and the insertion of Russian Wagner Group mercenaries into the Belarus border with Poland.

Hybrid Threat:Poland Reacts as Wagner Group Mercenaries Approach NATO Chokepoint

On 29 July 2023,Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said his government had received information that Wagner Group mercenaries were nearing Grodno,Belarus close to the Suwalki Gap,a part of Northeast Poland regarded as a NATO chokepoint,since it connects Belarus with Russia's Kalilingrad Oblast exclave.In a conflict with NATO,Russia and Belarus could seize the sparsely populated area,thus cutting off land access to the three NATO member Baltic States of Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia.Over a hundred Wagner Group mercenaries were reported to be gathering in the area.*Prime Minister Morawiecki feels it is another effort to destabilise the Polish border,after Belarus had sent waves of illegal refugees across the border in summer 2021,causing chaotic scenes.Said Mr.Morawiecki:They (Wagner Group mercenaries) will probably be disguised as Belarusian border guards and will help illegal immigrants to enter Polish territory,destabilising Poland;but they will also probably try to infiltrate Poland,pretending to be illegal immigrants,and this creates additional risks.*Recall that Russia invaded Ukraine for the first time in 2014 with men in unmarked green uniforms,the so-called little green men.So the Wagner Group could wage hybrid warfare against NATO Ally Poland on behalf of Putin and his crony,Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko.Grodno,Belarus is about 10 mi/16.09 km from the Polish border.Speaking at a press conference,Mr.Morawiecki said that:Now the situation is becoming even more dangerous.This is certainly a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory.*Such an attack could activate NATO's Article V,which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.Article V has only been activated once,following the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.The Suwalki Gap is the border between Poland and Lithuania.Lukashenko reportedly remarked to Putin that:The Wagner guys have been starting to stress us.They would like to go West,saying 'Let's go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow.'"Wagner Group has been training Belarusian troops lately.So Poland has reinforced its border with troops and 500 police.Recent drills near the border have been seen by Poland as a provocation.Kaliningrad Oblast is heavily fortified with up to 30,000 Russian troops and heavy artillery.In 2019,there were Russian/Belarus drills near the Polish border.

U.S. Army, NATO. Powerful M109A6 Paladin howitzers during live firing in Lithuania

C-17 Globemaster III Pilot Rushes Emergency to Take Off at Full Speed U.S. Air Force - Andersen AFB,Guam 2023 - Procedure to take off in the event of an imminent enemy attack

Pacific Perspective:Bomber Deployments to Indo-Pacific Highlight Regional Tensions

US Air Force Global Strike Command deployed four nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron out of Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,to Andersen Air Force Base,Guam on 12 and 14 June 2023,along with 150 Airmen.Said Lt.Col. Ryan Loucks,Bomber Task Force commander:Being here in the Indo-Pacific with the BTF allows our forces to showcase our ability to deploy anytime,anywhere in support of the combatant commander's objectives.*Among the current tensions in the region are North Korea's ongoing ballistic missile tests,including ICBMs with nuclear capability that can reach the US;China's militarisation of coral reefs in the South China Sea and its threats to Taiwan;China's expansive territorial claims not recognised by the international community;as well as growing military cooperation and drills by Russia and China.Bomber Task Force missions maintain a high state of readiness and validate an always-ready global strike capability.The strong,credible strategic bomber force enhances security and stability of US Allies and Partners.* U.S. Strategic Command's (STRATCOM) BTF operations ensure the command can provide decisive response against any threat when called upon by national leadership,Minot AFB said.*A further deployment of B-52s occurred when 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron out of Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana contributed an unspecified number of B-52s to the combatant commander on 5 July 2023 at Andersen AFB.Said Lt.Col. Jared Peterson,20th EBS commander:Each mission flown further demonstrates our ability to provide agile combat-ready forces and long-range strike capabilities to combatant commanders around the globe.* Indeed,on 10 July 2023,2 B-1B Lancer strategic bombers out of Dyess AFB,Texas were deployed to Misawa Air Base,Japan on a separate BTF rotation.Once the bombers had arrived,they flew integration drills over the Korean Peninsula and made a first ever BTF landing in Indonesia.A third mission involved deploying to Exercise Northern Edge in the Gulf of Alaska at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Hail Columbia - theme song for the Vice President of the United States - United States Army Band

What does Columbia mean?In this context,it is a poetic term for the Americas derived from the name Christopher Columbus.The Latin motto on the Vice Presidential flag,E Pluribus Unum,means "From many,one."

Columbia The Gem of The Ocean - Federal City Brass Band

When borne by the red,white and blue*When borne by the red,white and blue*Thy banners make tyranny tremble*When borne by the red,white and blue

US Space Command Does Not Provide Blanket Protection for Commercial Satellites, If Attacked - Via Satellite

US Space Command Does Not Provide Blanket Protection for Commercial Satellites, If Attacked: The 133 commercial space companies that provide systems for U.S. military use do not have automatic protection for those systems from U.S. Space Command

US Army, NATO. Special Forces "Green Berets" train with allies in Europe.

Note:Bosnia and Herzegovina received a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) in 2018,but has yet to meet the conditions of it.It remains a NATO Partner.

Bulletin:US Deploys Nuclear-Armed Submarine to South Korea

On 18 July 2023,USS Kentucky (SSBN 737),an Ohio-class nuclear-armed Ballistic Missile Submarine,was deployed to Republic of Korea Busan Naval Base.The submarine was escorted into the port by two ROK Navy destroyers.The deployment,the first by a US Navy Ballistic Missile Submarine to ROK since the early 1980s,was one of the steps agreed to in the Washington Declaration by US President Joseph R. Biden and ROK President Yoon Suk-Yeol on 26 April 2023 at The White House.*The deployment is an expression of the extended deterrence concept.The concept means that the US will defend its Allies by any means necessary,including the use of nuclear weapons.At the same time as the Kentucky's arrival,the first meeting of the US-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) was taking place in the ROK President's Office.Leading the US delegation was Kurt Campbell,Coordinator of Indo-Pacific Affairs for the National Security Council at The White House.Leading the ROK delegation was Kim Tae-hyo,Principal Deputy National Security Adviser.Said Kim:We've gained confidence that South Korea and the United States will be able to sufficiently and decisively strengthen extended deterrence to a degree where the need for an independent nuclear deterrent (by ROK) becomes unecessary.*A joint statement by the NCG issued after the meeting siad that:Both sides affirmed that the NCG will play an integral role in discussing and advancing bilateral approaches,including guidelines,to nuclear and strategic planning and response to DPRK (North Korean) aggression.*Kim concluded by adding that:Additionally both sides have agreed to expand the sharing of information on nuclear and conventional forces and establish a system and procedures that enable bilateral agreements of South Korea and the United States in any nuclear crisis situation.*

President Biden Calls Up Reserves for Eastern Flank Rotations

On 13 July 2023,President Joseph R. Biden called up Selected Reserves and certain Individual Ready Reserves in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.Said Director of Strategic Communications for the National Security Council Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired,in a briefing for reporters at The White House:This basically is a realization of the fact that the President knows that the security environment in Europe has changed.We've got to make sure that we've got the proper force posture to support an Eastern Flank presence for the long-haul.*Since Putin's full scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022,the US has added 20,000 additional troops to Europe,bringing the total to over 100,000.So the President's move is aimed at sustaining that momentum over time.Said President Biden in a Breifing Room notice of Presidential Actions:By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America,including sections 121 and 12304 of title 10,United States Code,I hereby determine that it is necessary to augment the Active Armed Forces of the United States for the effective conduct of Operation Atlantic Resolve in and around the United States European Command's araea of responsibility.*The President went on to stipulate that his execuitve order for the deployment of Reserves may not exceed 3,000 total members at any time,of whom not more than 450 may be members of the Individual Ready Reserves.The President signed his order Joseph R. Biden Jr.,The White House,July 13,2023.*It will be recalled that Operation Atlantic Resolve resulted from Russia's hybrid invasion of Ukraine in 2014,including the illegal annexation of Crimea,Ukraine and the establishment of renegade provinces in the Donbas Region of Ukraine.Operation Atlantic Resolve was intended to reassure our NATO Allies of our intent to help them defend Europe and deter Russian aggression against NATO.According to Lt.Gen. Douglas A. Sims II,US Army,Joint Staff director of operations,Operation Atlantic Resolve has been upgraded to a contingency operation.This new designation benefits troops amd families with increase in authorities,entitlements and access to the reserve component forces and personnel.So the reservists will receive the pay and support of Active Duty personnel.Added Lt.Gen. Sims:This reaffirms the unwavering support and commitment to defend NATO's Eastern Flank in the wake of Russia's illegal and unprovoked war on Ukraine.*Part of the reasoning behind the call-up is the shortfalls in military recruitment across all six Active Duty Armed Services,especially the US Army,that has been experienced recently.The Army is offering a 50,000 dollar bonus for a six-year commitment.

BAE Systems’ HAPS Vehicle Completes Stratospheric Flight - Via Satellite

BAE Systems’ HAPS Vehicle Completes Stratospheric Flight: BAE Systems completed a stratospheric flight last month of its HAPS vehicle PHASA-35. In a recent 24-hour test, PHASA-35 flew to more than 66,000 feet to

Northrop Unveils DARPA Shipboard Drone Concept for Navy Tactical Missions - Avionics International

Northrop Unveils DARPA Shipboard Drone Concept for Navy Tactical Missions - Avionics International: Northrop Grumman unveiled the design of the new autonomous uncrewed VTOL aircraft it will build under a new contract from DARPA. Northrop Grumman (NOC)

BAE Systems Unveils New Research Facility for Combat Air Capability - Aviation Today

BAE Systems Unveils New Research Facility for Combat Air Capability: BAE Systems recently unveiled a new research facility to accelerate research in cutting-edge combat air capability.

U.S. and Nordic leaders hold talks in Finland - Associated Press

US deploys 'combat ready' units to Poland, thousand troops from Armored Battalion to Ukraine border

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 US President Joe Biden at the NATO Summit,11 JUL 2023

NATO’s new defence plans

NATO is making the most significant overhaul of its force structure since the Cold War.

President Joe Biden meets the King - Sky News - 10 July 2023

Pacific Perspective:AUKUS Defence Alliance Being Phased-In

On 21 September 2021,the AUKUS Defence Alliance was established by President Joseph R. Biden and then Prime Ministers Boris Johnson of the UK and Scott Morrison of Australia.The Alliance was founded to enhance the collective security of the signatories in the Indo-Pacific Region.It provided for the sharing of nuclear propulsion information with Australia by the UK and the US for the purpose of enabling Australia to procure and operate nuclear powered fast attack submarines;the development of hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies;as well as cyber capabilities including Artificial Intelligence;quantum technologies;and additional undersea capabilities.* A major step in the nuclear propulsion sharing activity has been inititiated with the education and graduation of three Royal Australian Navy (RAN) officers from Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and Nuclear Power School in Charleston,South Carolina.They have taken an important step toward becoming qualified to operate naval nuclear reactors on submarines and aircraft carriers.Graduating were RAN officers Lt.Cmdr.James Heydon,Lt.Cmdr.Adam Klyne,and Lt.William Hall.They will continue their education on the Navy's moored training ship,and then in Connecticut more training for qualification as officers aboard Virginia-class nuclear powered fast attack submarines.Australia intends to procure at least three of the Virginia-class submarines,with an option for two more.The Virginia-class submarines will fill the gap left by Australia's retirement of its Collins-class diesel-electric submarines.The US and the UK will also design the SSN(R) nuclear powered fast attack submarine for the RAN.* The Virginia-class submarines are built by a partnership of Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat.* Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII),General Dynamics (GD)

LIVE: President Biden lands at Stansted Airport,UK - Reuters - 9 July 2023

NASA's Artemis II Rocket Flight Software Meets Testing Checkpoint - Orion Program Update

NASA's Artemis II Rocket Flight Software Meets Testing Checkpoint: Software engineers recently finished the first part of the Artemis II SLS flight software's formal qualification testing.

Coast Guard Issues Draft RFP For Maritime UAS - Avionics International

Coast Guard Issues Draft RFP For Maritime UAS - Avionics International: The Coast Guard issued a draft RFP for UAS that would be operated by contractors aboard some of its cutters, moving a step closer toward a new procurement.

NATO High Readiness Armored Forces during an exercise in Poland.

Pacific Perspective:B-52s Send Warning to North Korea

On 30 June 2023,two US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers participated in joint drills with US and Republic of Korea (ROK) fighter aircraft over the Korean Peninsula,the ROK Defense Ministry said.The nuclear-capable B-52s were escorted by USAF F-16 Fighting Faclons and F-15E Strike Eagles,both of which are nuclear-capable;as well as ROK F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and KF-16s.Said U.S. Forces Korea,it was an opportunity for the Alliance to:further strengthen its interoperability by demonstrating a combined defense capability,rapid deployment,and extended deterrence in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.* The B-52s were out of Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana,and not part of the Bomber Task Force deployed to the Indo-Pacific from Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota.* Under the Washington Declaration agreed when ROK President Yoon Suh Yeol visited the White House on 26 April 2023,the US pledged to defend the ROK from attack with the full range of its capabilities,including nuclear weapons.So US nuclear-capable systems are to be deployed to ROK,including Ohio-class ballistic nuclear missile submarines.* President Joseph R. Biden and President Yoon established a new Nuclear Consultation Group to strengthen extended deterrence;discuss nuclear and strategic planning;and manage the threat to the non-proliferation regime posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),according to the Washington Declaration.As well,the Alliance will work to enable joint execution and planning for ROK conventional support to US nuclear operations in a contingency and improve combined exercises and training activities on the application of nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.In keeping with the Presidents' commitments,the Alliance has established a new bilateral,interagency table-top simulation to strengthen our joint approach to planning for nuclear contingencies.President Biden reaffirmed that the United States' commitment to the ROK and the Korean people is enduring and ironclad,and that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift,overwhelming and decisive response.Going forward,the United States will further enhance the regular visibility of strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula,as evidenced by the upcoming visit of a U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine to the ROK,the first to visit since the Cold War.* The ROK has set up the new ROK Strategic Command.Furthermore,the two countries have established the Extended Deterrence and Consultation Group to better prepare the Alliance to defend against potential attacks and nuclear use and conduct simulations to inform joint planning efforts.

Airbus Coordinates Several European Defence Fund Projects - Avionics International

Airbus Coordinates Several European Defence Fund Projects: The European Commission announced plans to fund 41 collaborative defense research and development projects as part of the European Defence Fund.

Space to Ground: Four for 7: June 23, 2023

NASA Astronaut Lt.Col. Jasmin Moghbeli,USMC,is commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-7 mission.She is a combat veteran (Bell AH-1 Super Cobra) and test pilot.

Arkansas National deployed to Lithuania, after MQ-9 Reaper successfully mapped nukes in Belarus

B-1B Bombers Make History in Sweden - plus the Air Force ACE doctrine

On 19 June 2023 two US Air Force B-1B strategic supersonic bombers landed at Lulea Kallax Air Base,Sweden for the first time ever,said U.S. European Command (EUCOM).The bombers are out of the 7th Bomb Wing,Dyess Air Force Base,Texas.The landing fortifies the collective defense of Europe,EUCOM added.Speaking at a key leader event,US Air Force Brigadier General Byron A. Terrell noted that:the US and Sweden have a long history together in exercises and training,cooperation,and operations,of which today is one key example.The more we can integrate forces and equipment to maneuver across Europe,the more ready we are to face security challenges,now and in the future.*Such training with joint Partners and Allied nations forges the enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges,EUCOM stated.* In a similar vein,a USAF RC-135 Rivet Joint Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft flew the first ever mission by an RC-135 over Finland on 23 March 2023.The flight of the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft demonstrated EUCOM's shared committment to enhance readiness and provide training for improved interoperability with Finland.The flight was at the invitation of the Finnish Defence Forces.These types of sorties support Agile Combat Deployment (ACE) concepts and enable participation in regional exercises that ensure interoperability of NATO Allies and Partners in the EUCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR). Such operational readiness of US Forces across all domains is critical to building partnerships;responding to crisis;providing deterrence;and supporting Allies and Partners.ISR is one of the USAF's core missions.The ISR mission is integral to global vigilance and enables the operational agility needed in a dynamic security environment,according to EUCOM.* Agile Combat Employment,according to Air Force Doctrine Note 1-21 issued on 23 August 2022,is defined as:a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability while generating combat power.When applied correctly,ACE complicates the enemy's targeting process;creates political and operational dilemmas for the enemy;and creates flexibilty for friendly forces.ACE is an operational concept that supports Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO).Joint force operations are increasingly interconnected,interdependent,and challenged.Anti-Access and Area Denial threats,reduced freedom of maneuver,and rapid proliferation of advanced technologies,challenge the Air Force's ability to operate.The successful employment of ACE positions the force to observe,orient,decide,and act in concert across all domains.* Key concepts are defined in the document,such as Proactive Maneuver:A scheme of maneuver by which forces and assets are moved between operating locations to assure Allies and Partner nations of US support,alter adversary or enemy understanding of friendly intentions and capabilities,posture to deter aggression,or gain advantage.Reactive Maneuver:A scheme of maneuver employed in response to observed,anticipated,or realized enemy aggression using mobility and dispersion of forces and assets to complicate enemy targeting;redistribute forces from concentrated hubs;increase survivability;and reposition forces for follow-on operations.Threat Timelines:Theater-specific planning factors based on the time required for an adversary to accomplish its find,fix,track,target,engage,and assess cycle.* ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller,dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more opportunities for joint force commanders.Its value is derived from the ability to hold adversary targets at risk from multiple locations that are defensible,sustainable,and relocatable.Airmen should expect to conduct operations at a speed,scope,complexity,and scale exceeding recent campaigns from distributed locations.