Georgia's president says she won't step down: What could happen | DW News - YouTube - Deutsche Welle News

with Gregorz Szymonowski DW Correspondent*Russia has been waging hybrid warfare against Georgia,manipulating its internal affairs.Most Georgians want to belong to the EU and NATO.

US conducts First-Ever Ballistic Missile Intercept Test from Guam (Dec 2024) - YouTube - Times Archives

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft dropped a simulated medium-range ballistic missile target over Andersen Air Force Base,Guam.It was struck by a Raytehon Technologies Standard Missile-3 Block IIa interceptor.*Boeing Space and Defense (BA),Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

U.S. Army's BIGGEST Leadership Change in Europe and Africa! - YouTube - 10 DEC 2024

General Darryl A. Williams relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEURAF) to General Christopher T. Donahue.Also speaking were head of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher G. Cavoli,U.S. Army,and General Michael E. Langley,USMC,head of U.S. Africa Command.

NATO Member Canada's Foreign Minister Unveils Arctic Foreign Policy - plus Minister of National Defence Weighs In

According to Global Affairs Canada,the Arctic is experiencing major changes.The shifting geopolitical landscape,evolving security threats and accelerating climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region.That is why the Honourabla Melanie Joly,PC MP,Minister of Foreign Affairs,on O6 DEC 2024 announced the launch of Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP).The AFP is the culmination of months of extensive engagement with territorial and provincial governments and Inuit,First Nations and Metis.The AFP was also informed by consultations with the Kingdom of Denmark;Finland;Iceland;Norway;Sweden;and the United States,Canada's like-minded Arctic Partners.The AFP is also a comprehensive diplomatic strategy for Canada's engagement in and on the Arctic.It provides expanded presence and partnerships to address current needs and the flexibility to adapt to future challenges.This approach complements the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF),and it will allow Canada to continue to safeguard its sovereignty,advance national interests and promote a stable,prosperous and secure Arctic based on a shared vision of the region's future.The AFP is comprised of four foreign policy pillars:asserting Canada's sovereignty;advancing Canada's interests through pragmatic diplomacy;leadership on Arctic governance and multilateral challenges;and adopting a more inclusive approach to Arctic diplomacy.Said Foreign Minsiter Joly:We are in a tough world.Competiton is growing across the globe,and the Arctic is not immune.Many countries,including non-Arctic states,aspire for a greater role in Arctic affairs.The evolving security and evolving security and political realities in the region mean we need a new approach to advance our national interests...Canada will open new consulates in Alaska and Greenland,appoint an Arctic ambassador (an Indigenous person),and continue its boundary negotiations with the United States over the Beaufort Sea.The 37 page document also warns of Russian activity in the Arctic,including modernisation of its Arctic infrastructure and military capabilities.The Canadian Forces station in Alert,Ellesmere Island,is closer to Russia's air force base at Nagurskoye,Russia than Iqaluit (capital of Nunavut Territory) is to Ottawa,or Toronto is to Winnipeg.*Said Foreign Minister Joly:It is clear that Russia has no red lines.The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region.*According to the Honourable William Sterling Blair,PC,COM,MP,Minister of National Defence,in the document Our North,Strong and Free:Here at home,Canadians are depending more on the Canadian Armed Forces-our Regular and Reserved Forces and our Canadian Rangers...We are seeing greater Russian activity in our air approaches,and a growing number of Chinese vessels and surveillance platforms are mapping and collecting data about the region.Meanwhile,states are rapidly building up their military capabilities that impact our security in the Arctic-including submarines,long-range aircraft and hypersonic missiles that move faster and are harder to detect.As the Arctic becomes more accessible to foreign actors,we need to ensure our military has the tools to assert our sovereignty and protect Canada's interests.*At the same time,Canada's interests do not stop at our border.Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the system of international rules and institutions that enable thr security and prosperity of Canada and Canadians;we must remain steadfast in our support of Ukraine.Furthermore,an increasingly assertive China challenges the international order in the Indo-Pacific.Canada must maintain a reliable,persistent military presence to uphold the global rules that underpin our prosperity and sovereignty.*Today we are confronted with a complex,generational challenge.The world is at an inflection point.Democracy,free trade and the rules and values that underpin them are increasingly being challenged by authoritarian states.In parallel,the character of conflict is changing as technonology evolves rapidly.Ultimately,our closest values of democracy,freedom,peace and fairness-which Canadians have fought and died to defend-are being challenged...In 2017,we released Strong,Secure,Engaged-Canada's defence policy,to ensure long-term,predictable,stable funding to National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).Seven years on,Canada's defence strategy remains in an upward trajectory,consistent with our commitment to meet NATO's Defence Investment Pladge.We are aqcuiring new fighter jets (Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs) and Maritime Patrol Aircraft,and new built-in Canada Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels have been delivered to Canadian Sailors.In 2022,we invested 38.6 billion to modernise our contribution to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).*NORAD is the only bi-national military command in the world,ensuring areospace warning and control and maritime warning for the United States and Canada.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Army, NATO. Airborne troops during joint military exercises in Europe. - YouTube - MIL 3010 - 04 DEC 2024

Intensive military exercises took place in Romania and Bulgaria recently,including night manoeuvres by U.S. Army paratroopers and the Italian Army.The purpose was to obtain warfighting practise,including live-fire drills,and enhance deterrence and defence by stengthening interoperability.Equipment used included Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft,Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters and Sikorsky Aircraft,a Lockeed Martin subsidiary,UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters.Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Skunk Works Partnership Demonstrates Airborne Battle Management With AI-Controlled Aircraft - Avionics International

Skunk Works Partnership Demonstrates Airborne Battle Management With AI-Controlled Aircraft - Avionics International: Lockheed Martin this year has been conducting flight-tests of artificial intelligence-controlled aircraft in air-to-air engagements, including a more recent demonstration where a human “battle manager” aboard a fighter jet trainer […] Lockheed Martin (LMT)

NATO Land Forces:U.S. Army Establishes New Garrison on the Eastern Flank

MIHAEL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE,ROMANIA - On O8 AUG 2024,the new United States Army Garrison (USAG) Black Sea marked its official uncasing of colours and change of command ceremony.The Army formally redesignated the Army Support Activity-Black Sea to USAG Black Sea effective 15 JUN 2024.The development establishes USAG Black Sea as the ninth Army garrison in Europe and the 81st globally,further strengthening the Army's presence in the Black Sea Region,according to the U.S. Army.Located at Mihail Kolgiceanu Airbase (MKAB) in Romania and Novo Selo Training Area (NSTA) in Bulgaria,USAG Black Sea is tasked with managing a total of five sites across both countries.These include:Babedag Training Area in Romania as well as Ayto and Chubra Training Areas in Bulgaria.This mover comes after USAG Black Sea realigned to report to USAG Poland as its higher headquarters.This move comes after USAG Black Sea realigned to report to USAG Poland as its higher headquarters,with V Corps serving as the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO).The realignment ensures that the Army's operations on NATO's Eastern Flank are fully integrated and coordinated.Said LTCOL Christopher Kaszniaj,USAG Black Sea commander,highlighting the strategic importance of this move:USAG Black Sea will support V Corps and all Army forces in the region,enhancing our command and control capabilities and ensuring our forces are able to meet any challenges in the European theatre.What's most important for everyone to understand is that,fundamentally,we will continue to deliver these world-class services that we have been over the years.*LTCOL Kaszniaj emphasised the significance of the transition for the garrison at both the command level and for the organisation as it moves into full garrison designation.The redesignation underscores the Army's commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and operational capabilities in Eastern Europe.The garrison's mission is to deliver and integrate flexible base support to enable the resident of permanent,rotational,Allied and expeditionary forces in Romania and Bulgaria.USAG Black Sea aims to serve,support and secure the total force community,thereby enabling power projection for the European Theatre.*Mr.Scott Delay,deputy to the garrison commander,noted the transition will be seamless for Soldiers stationed at these installations:What it means in the long run is that we will be able to improve our infrastructure and deliver more robust services to the U.S. Army warfighter as we receive more resources and grow and mature as a garrison.*USAG Black Sea's vision is to build a trusted team of Army professionals dedicated to supporting mission Partners and communities.Modern,resilient and sustainable installations are the core of this vision,enhancing strategic readiness while providing quality facilities,services and support to Soldiers,their families,Army civilians and Soldiers for life.*Garrison Sgt. Major Gutierrez discussed the balance between mission objectives and building strong partnerships with Host Nation Partners is a critical aspect of mission success.By maintaining open lines of communication between the rotational forces,garrison personnel and host nation representatives,we can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding mission objectives and community engagement efforts.*The establishment of USAG Black Sea aligns with Installation Management Command's lines of effort (LOE),which include people,infrastructure,protection services and operationalising the Black Sea.As USAG Black Sea begins its journey,it does so with a clear mission and vision supported by a robust framework of strategic goals.*The new garrison is poised to play a critical role in the U.S. Army's operations in Eastern Europe,ensuring that the forces stationed there are well-supported and ready to meet any challenges that may arise.*The U.S. Army's coninued investment in the Black Sea Region reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong,ready and resilient presence in NATO's Eastern Flank.With the establishment of USAG Black Sea,the Army is well-positioned to support its mission Partners and enhances the readiness of forces in the region,the U.S. Army concluded.*U.S. Army V Corps is America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe and the senior tactical headquarters in the contact layer.

LIVE: MI6 chief speaks at the British embassy in Paris - YouTube - 3O NOV 2024 - Reuters

Beefed up Canadian-led NATO mission in Latvia preps for the long haul - YouTube - CBC News:The National

The Canada-led Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia has been scaled up to a brigade.300 km is 186.41 mi. with Briar Stewart,CBC News

U.S. Navy. Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796) - YouTube - Mil 3010

USS New Jersey,a Block IV Virginia-class submarine,is the third U.S. Navy vessel named for the State of New Jersey.The USS New Jersey (SSN 796) is the first U.S. Navy attack submarine designed and constructed for a mixed gender crew.The Virginia-class,or SSN 794 class,is the newest class of nuclear powered fast attack submarines in service with the U.S. Navy.*General Dynamics Electric Boat (GD) is the prime contractor and lead boatyard for the Virginia-class submarine,with Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding (HII) in a secondary role.*Text by Mil 3010 and edited and augmented by Andrew Taylor*The Virginia-class attack submarine has been chosen as the platform for the SLCM-N programme.

Crown Princess Victoria shooting and training with military personnel - Swedish Press Agency

On 20 AUG 2024,HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden,47,heir apparent to the Swedish throne,began more military training at Karlsberg Military Academy Stockholm.She had completed basic training in 2003.She is undertaking more training to enhance her understanding of conflicts and wars,regionally and globally,as the future Head of State.She has the rank of cadet and the initial focus is Naval warfare.It is called Special Officer Training (SOFU) and is part of Victoria's continiuous efforts to expand her knowledge and better represent Sweden and the Swedish Armed Forces in her future role as First of the Swedish Armed Forces.She will reduce her royal duties at this time and participate in classes,exams and tests like other students at the Defence Academy.She is currently training with the Royal Stockholm Amphibious Regiment (Marines) in Berga,Sweden with Sailors.*If crowned,she would be the first regnant queen of the House of Bernadotte,the Swedish Royal Family since 1818.That would make her the first regnant Queen of Sweden since the 1770s.

Military honours for Kyrgyzstan's president in Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - Belleview Palace,Berlin - 26 NOV 2024

Military honours were rendered for the visit of President Sadir Dschapanov of Kyrgyzstan to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The Honour Battalion was led by the commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Maik Teichgraber.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps played under the direction of CAPT Holzschuh.The video shows the posting of the honour guard;the arrival of the delegations;the march in of the honour battalion to Prussia's Gloria march;the arrival of the guest;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the greeting of the delegations;and the march out of the honour battalion.The honour battalion consists of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.

NATO Maritime Forces:U.S. Navy Developing a Sea-Launched Tactical Nuclear Weapon

According to National Defense,a defence industry mouthpiece,Congress signed a letter in March 2024 that chose the Navy's Strategic Systems Program Office as the organisation that will design,develop,build and deploy a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile (SLCM-N).The project was first recommended by the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review.The Undersecretary of Defense,William LaPlante,directed the Navy to establish the SLCM-N programme office and to begin the analysis phase.In April 2024,LaPlante said the Nuclear Weapons Council will lead a review of options to execute the SLCM-N programme:in a manner that balances cost,deterrence value and risk to the nuclear modernisation programme of record and the Joint Force.*VADM Johnny Wolfe,director of Strategic Systems Programs,told reporters at the Naval Submarine League's Annual Symposium and Industry Update that the programme office has been stood up and the next step is:understanding what is the trade space and what does the schedule look like to get the acquisition decisions,to the milestones and all that.*Trade studies for the programme have already started and:we're going to continue the dialogue with Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD),we're going to continue the dialogue with the Hill,as we start to understand what would a program look like?How are we going to move forward?And quite frankly...it's a very aggressive timeline.Congressional language mandates an initial operational capability (IOC) by 2034.*The Navy had deployed sea-launched tactical nuclear weapons in the Cold War era,32 years ago,using the Tomahawk cruise missile for land attack scenarios (TLAM).The new weapon is to be deployed on Virginia-class attack submarines.VADM Wolfe said the programme has about 30 people and is trying to ramp up.In fiscal 2024,the National Defense Authorization Act directed the executive branch to ensure Intial Operational Capability (IOC) for SLCM-N.The SLCM-N is to enhance deterrence and assure Allies.The Navy has submitted a Request For Information (RFI) to prospective contractors.The purpose of an RFI is to get written information about the capabilities of different suppliers and prepare suppliers for an upcoming competition by establishing a strategy and building a database.*The initiative is to provide a non-strategic regional presence and offer a flexible and low-yield option to the president.Only the president can direct the use of nuclear weapons by the U.S. Armed Forces,through plans like OPLAN 8010-12.The president has unilateral authority as commander-in-chief to order that nuclear weapons be used for any reason at any time.*It is U.S. Navy policy not to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons on its vessels.

USAF B-52H bombers deploy to UK to deter Putin - Stunning Pictures - YouTube - RAF Fairford,England

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 20th Bomb Squadron,2nd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana were deployed to RAF Fairford,England by Air Force Global Strike Command for Bomber Task Force 25-1.Bomber Task Force missions are not anounced in advance to give potential adversaries pause.They emphasise the U.S. Air Force's ability to project combat power anytime,anywhere across the globe.They also provide valuable experience integrating with Allies and Partners,enhancing deterrence and defence.Once on station,some actitivities are undisclosed.*General Dynamics produced the F-16AM Fighting Falcon until 1993,when Lockheed Martin took over.*Boeing (BA),General Dynamics (GD).German Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoons and Royal Danish Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcons escorted the B-52 H's to their destination for a high explosives drop in the Cudgel Range in Lithuania.

Solemn pledge Guard Battalion 21.11.2024 Julius-Leber-Kaserne - YouTube - BTB-concept

The video shows the solemn oath of allegiance by recruits who have completed their basic training from the 2nd,3rd,4th and 7th companies of the Guard Battalion,their families in attendance,at the Julius Leber Barracks in Kaserne.Germany.The leader of the parade formation is the deputy commander of the guard battalion LTCOL Sven Ueberschaer.The commander is LTCOL Maik Teichgraber.The Erfurt Luftwaffe Music Company played under the direction of CAPT Thomas Schmidtpeter.The Guard Battalion marches in to Prussia's Gloria march.The video shows the marching in of the troop companies;the march in of the honour guard with the unit's colours;some marches;the beginning of a speech by a recruit;the speech by the commander;the advance of the unit's colours and the recruit delegation;the oath;a hymn is played;the retreat of the recruit delegation and the unit's colours;the battle cry "Semper talis" and the march out of the honour guard.

US Army, NATO. Tanks and bridge systems during military training in Poland. - YouTube - 15 NOV 2024

Abrams M1A2V3 tanks are by General Dynamics Land Systems,Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles are by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GD)

NATO Secretary General doorstep statement at the EU Foreign Affairs Council,19 NOV 2024

1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine

USCENTCOM and SOHR Find ISIL Militants Are Still a Threat in Syria

U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a series of strikes against several camps of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on 28 OCT 2024 in the early evening.This killed up to 35 militants.*The strikes targeted multiple ISIL locations in the Syrian desert,targeting multiple ISIL senior leaders.There are no indications of civilian casualties.*These airstrikes will disrupt the ability of ISIL to plan,organise and conduct attacks against civilians,as well as the U.S. and its Allies and Partners throughout the region and beyond,USCENTCOM said.USCENTCOM,alongside Allies and Partners in the region will continue to agressively degrade ISIL operational capabilities to ensure its lasting defeat under Operation Inherent Resolve.*Meanwhile,the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR),an impartial UK-based monitoring organisation,found the following:SOHR has documented 235 operations carried out by ISIL,including armed attacks,executions and explosions targeting military and security forces in areas under control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria since early 2024.According to SOHR statistics,these operations left 101 fatalities:64 members of U.S. Ally Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF),the official military force of the Autonomous Administration;the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and other military formations operating in areas under control of the Autonomous Administrationl;12 ISIL members;25 civilians,including a child,two women and four guards of civil institutions.*The Autonomous Adminstration of North and East Syria (AANES) is a de facto autonomous region in Northeastern Syria,on the border with Iraq.It consists of self-governing sub-regions in the araeas of Afrin,Jazira,Euphrates,Raqqa,Tabqa,Marbij and Deir Ez-Zor.The AANES has widespread support for its universal democratic,equal and feminist policies in dialogue with other parties and organisations.Northeast Syria is multi-ethnic and home to sizeable Kurdish,Arab and Assyrian populations.It is a secular administration promoting decentralisation,gender equality,religious pluralism and cultural diversity.These values are mirrored in its Constitution,society and politics.The AANES has been described by non-partisan sources as the most democratic system in Syria,with direct,open elections;univerasl equlity;respecting human rights within the region as well as support of minority and religious freedom.Its population was an estimated 2 miilion as of 2018.*About 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria in support of counter-ISIL operations,with 2500 in Northern Iraq transitioning to an advisory role under Operation Inherent Resolve.The U.S. and its Allies have reportedly detained about 5,000 ISIL fighters and 50,000 indoctrinated family members.If they were freed,ISIL could reconstitute and grow,according to The Conversation,a group with funding from The Ohio State University.

Military honours for Romania's president in Berlin - YouTube - Bellevue Palace,Berlin - BTB-concept - 16 N0V 2024

Military honours were rendered for the visit of President Klaus Iohannis of Romania,a key Ally,to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The video shows the arrival of the mounted police;the posting of the guard of honour;the march in of the honour battalion to Prussia's Gloria march;the arrival of the delegations;the arrival of the guest;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the greeting of the delegations;and the march out of the honour battalion,which consists of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.By the guest's car,the unit's colours were cased.The honour battalion is led by the deputy commander of ther guard battalion,LTCOL Sven Ueberschaer.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps was led by LTCOL Klauka.

WATCH: King Charles Visits Royal Marines Training Centre in Devon - YouTube - 15 NOV 2024 - The Royal Family Channel

HM King Charles III,a Royal Navy veteran, as Captain General Royal Marines visited Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone,Devon.His trip came a day after celebrating his 76th birthday.After the ceremony,he mingled with some of the Royal Marines and met some World War II veterans.

General Atomics-BAE Systems Aim to Demonstrate Autonomous EW for CCA - Avionics International

General Atomics-BAE Systems Aim to Demonstrate Autonomous EW for CCA - Avionics International: General Atomics‘ Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) subsidiary and BAE Systems said that they are teaming to demonstrate autonomous electronic warfare (EW) systems that the companies believe could one day go […]*General Atomics (GA),BAE Systems plc (BAESY)

NATO Secretary General with the President of Latvia 🇱🇻 Edgars Rinkēvičs,14 NOV 2024

NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvbia,led by Canada,with other troops from Albania,Czechia,Iceland,Italy,Montenegro,Poland,Slovakia,Slovenia and Spain.The Battle Group is scaling up to a NATO Multinational Brigade with Denmark and Sweden joining in and bringing the level to 3500 troops.

Military honours for Luxembourg's Defence Minister in Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bendlerblock (Ministry of Defence),Berlin - 13 NOV 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of Minister of Defence for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,a key Ally (NATO member),Yuriko Backes,to her German counterpart,Boris Pistorius.The hnourary company is provided by the 2nd Company (German Army) of the Guard Battalion,led by its company commander MAJ Burgwinkel.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps performed under the direction of CAPT Holzschuh.The video shows the formation of the hnourary post at the Bundeswehr Memorial;the unfurling of the unit's colours;the arrival of Defence Minister Pistorius;the arrival of Defence Minister Backes with motorcycle escort;the entry of the honourary company to Prussia's Glory march;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the passing of the reviewing stand with regimental salute;and the laying of a wreath at the Bundeswehr Memorial.

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deployed to Europe for NEPTUNE STRIKE 24-2

On 23 SEPT 2024 the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) left its homeport of Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia on a deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean and ultimately the North Sea and Scandinavia.The Truman was accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 1;Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and USS Stout (DDG 55);Yorktown-class guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64);and typically an unannounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protetction.This blog met some of the USS Gettysberg Sailors and noted how young they were,just out of high school.*The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is a member of U.S. 2nd Fleet (Atlantic Fleet).It is under the command of RDM Sean Bailey.Said ADM Daryl Caudle,commander,U.S. Fleet Forces Command:This comes on the heels of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group's nine month mission that highlighted the need for continuity in our sustained presence amid escalating international tensions.The operational experience gained through these deployments is invaluable for maintaining a deep bench of skilled warfighters with trust in their system's reliability,adaptability and lethality in a rapidly changing security environment.*NATO Joint Forces Command Brunssum (Netherlands):One of NATO's premier enhanced Vigilance Activities NEPTUNE STRIKE (NEST) 24-2 began on 24 OCT 2024,encompassing multiple joint operational areas across Europe.Running from 24 OCT 2024 TO 31 OCT,NEST 24-2 demonstrated the complex integration of joint high-end multinational maritime strike capabilities.*NATO took operational command of multiple aircraft carriers and expeditionary strike groups in support of deterrence and defence of the Alliance.The main objectives of NEST 24-2 are to maintain freedom of navigation and manoeuvre in NATO's Area of Operations;to secure strategic maritime chokepoints (such as the Greenland-Iceland-UK Gap,or GIUK);to conduct deterrence and vigilance;and to increase the interoperability in operational domains,e.g.,air-land-integration,fostering NATO's capabilities to enable wide-ranging multi-domain operations.*Participating units operated from the Meditarraenean and Adriatic Sea up to the North and Baltic Sea,including air operations across Central Europe to conduct air-to-ground operations in the Baltic Sea Region,also with NATO's new member Sweden.Among others,the activities also included amphibious landings;counter mine operations;explosive ordnance disposal;and defence against drones.*NEST 24-2 was led by Naval Strike and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).It was a long-planned activity conducted in compliance with international laws and standards,and was scheduled independently from any current developments.*In the North Sea,NEST 24-2 activities featured the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group,as well as the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and her escorts.In the Mediterraenean,NEST 24-2 staff elements from STRIKFORNATO were embarked on the Blue-ridge class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 22) to demonstrate the ability to deploy a self-sufficient mobile command element anywhere at any time.The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (CV 7),along with the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) carried an Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 24th Marine Expedtionary Unit (MEU).The Turkish Navy supported with the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadola and her embarked Marine Battalion,as well as her escorts.The Italian Navy provided the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and her escorts for parts of the activity.In total,some 20 surface vessels and submarines,Special Operations Forces and numerous aircraft participated in NEST 24-2 in different compositions,with some 15,000 support personnel.*The Neptune Strike series is part of Project Neptune,conceptualised in 2020.It aims to enhance the pace and flexibility of command and control of naval strike and amphibious forces.It provides a blueprint for contingency and defence operations even over long distances,JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office said.The most recent USNI tracking information on the HSTCSG was on 12 NOV 2024,when it was operating off the West Coast of Norway.

LIVE: Veterans day ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery - YouTube - ABC News

US Marines, NATO. Tanks and armoured vehicles during military exercises in Sweden - YouTube - MIL 3010 - 10 NOV 2024

Abrams tanks by General Dynamics Land Systems (GD),UH-60 Black Hawks by Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin subsidiary) (LMT),M4 carbine by Fabrinet (FN)*Rotational deployment of U.S. Marines to Sweden enhance interoperability and integration with a key Ally,improving deterrence and defence.

USAF: Powerful B-2A Spirit stealth bombers during military exercises in Australia - YouTube

Deployed unannounced by Air Force Global Strike Command to give potential adversaires pause,Bomber Task Force missions emphasise the U.S. Air Force's ability to project combat power anytime,anywhere across the globe.At the same time,they enhance deterrence and defence alongside our Allies and Partners,including extended deterrence,shielding them with the U.S. nuclear umbrella.Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit (NOC),Boeing RAAF F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters (BA) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (BA)*RAAF Base Amberley is located in Queensland,Australia.

NATO Secretary General at the European Political Community, 07 NOV 2024

North Korean troops are fighting in Kursk Oblast against the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"AMERICA'S FURY! US Launches POWERFUL Minuteman III ICBM Missile in Midnight launch - YouTube - Vandenburg Space Force Base,California - 5 NOV 2024

Northrop Grumman is developing the successor to the Minuteman III,the LGM-35A Sentinel.Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Pacific Perspective:U.S.,Australia,Canada and Japan Complete Successful Exercise Keen Sword 25

According to U.S. Forces Japan,the biennial Exercise Keen Sword 25 was brought to a sucessful conclusion after 10 days of integrated training across Japan.Keen Sword 25 was a joint bilateral and mutilateral exercise that enhanced readiness and interoperability,strengthening the partnership of all involved.It included participation from the Australian Defence Force (ADF),the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF),the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), and the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ).The drills ran from 23 OCT to 1 NOV 2024.Throughout the exercise,U.S. Forces Japan worked alongside ADF,CAF and JSDF members to hone skills and sustain warfighting readiness.*Bilateral and mutilateral events of Keen Sword 25 included joint live-fire drills;medical mass casualty exercise;installation security forces training;and simulated airfield repair drills,among others.Participants took advantage of the unique training environment to enhance Tactics,Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) across a wide range of military operations in support of fostering interoperability between the U.S. and its Allies;strengthening deterrence and defence;and regional stability.The drills took place across mainland Japan and its territorial waters.The USS George Washington (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group (CSG 5),under RDM Greg Newkirk,led Task Force 70 surface and air forces into Keen Sword 25,playing a key role.*U.S. Forces participating in Keen Sword 25 included:U.S. Indo-Pacific Command;U.S. Space Command;U.S. Pacific Fleet;U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific;U.S. Army Pacific;Pacific Air Forces;U.S. Forces Japan;U.S. 7th Fleet;III Marine Expeditionary Force;U.S. Army Japan;U.S. Naval Forces Japan 5th Air Force;along with other forces originating from units across the Department of Defense.*In addition to Carrier Air Wing 5 and the strike group staff,CTF 70 is represented by Expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134;the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70);and the Arleigh-Burke-class destroyer USS Preeble (DDG 808),both operating under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.Typically the CSG is accompanied by an unnanounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protection.*Said RDM Greg Newkirk,commander Task Force 70 and the GWCSG:The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is crucial in Keen Sword 25.In Keen Sword,our strike group rehearses complex,high-end warfighting with the joint force and Allies.This type of exercise showcases the range,agility and lethality of our unified force and reestablishes the George Washington in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations (it was previously forward deployed to Japan in 2015-16 and recently relieved the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 70) as the only forward deployed naval force outside the U.S. at Naval Base Yokosuka,Japan).*The CSG team,with DESRON 15,coordinated with USS Lake Erie,which operated with Allies in the Philippine Sea near Okinawa,as well as the USS Preeble,which was in Yokosuka and provided a platform for bilateral Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force specialists.Keen Sword is designed to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.This exercise,and others like it,are an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the will of the U.S. and Allies to defend Japan,as well as the iron-clad nature of the U.S.-Japan partnership which has stood for more than 70 years.*According to the Australian Ministry of Defence,the ADF contribution to Keen Sword 25 included 80 troops and two RAAF P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft,civil-military cooperation personnel and amphibious landing observers.The drills included 12,000 U.S. military personnel and 33,000 Japanese troops,40 vessels and 370 aircraft.Commander of the Australian Contingent,Wing Commander Adam Saber,said:Keen Sword demonstrated an increasing complexity in our relationship with Japan,from higher-end warfighting to homeland defence.The exercise was a great opportunity to hone our own skills across that spectrum,both in mainland Japan and its surrounding islands.

Military honours for NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte - YouTube - BTB-concept - Federal Chancellery,Berlin - 4 NOV 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte,a key Ally,to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps plays under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.The video shows the entry of the guard of honour (German Army);the arrival of the delegations;the arrival of the guest;the anthems (the NATO Hymn and the German national anthem);the reviewing of the troops;and the exit of the guard of honour.

US Army, NATO. AH-64 Apache helicopters during military exercises in Norway - YouTube - 31 OCT 2024

NATO Exercise Trident Juncture is a comprehensive series of drills designed to enhance interoperability,integration,deterrence and defence by NATO Allies and Partners.The Boeing AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters took part,as well as the Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin subsidiary) UH-60 Black Hawk helos.Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Just In:29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, retired Gen. Alfred Gray laid to rest at ANC - YouTube - 29 JUL 2024

Marines from the Marine Corps Band "The President's Own" and Marine Barracks Washington DC rendered military honors with funeral escort for 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps GEN Alfred Gray Jr. USMC ret. in Section 35 of Arlington National Cemetery,Arlington VA.*GEN Gray deployed eight times over his 41-year career,several of them clandestine.In one of his most notable deployments,GEN Gray led Vietnam's first independent Marine ground operations.A pioneer in signals intelligence,he laid the groundwork for the Marine Cryptological Support Battalion (National Security Agency).*Among GEN Gray's Awards and Decorations were the Silver Star Medal,Bronze Star Medal,the Legion of Merit and a Distinguished Service Medal.*At the committal,the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father Strong to Save" was played.*GEN Gray was interred with his wife,Janie Ann Gray.As he and his wife had no surviving family,LTGEN George Flynn USMC ret. received the U.S. Flag from the funeral service.*Text by Arlington National Cemetery and edited by Andrew Taylor

Leonardo’s BriteStorm May Be Future CCA Payload - Avionics International

Leonardo’s BriteStorm May Be Future CCA Payload - Avionics International: The U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program may be a fit for a five and a half pound BriteStorm stand-in jammer that Leonardo said that it is developing to […] Leonardo SpA (XFRA:FMN),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

NATO’s Arctic Marines – Journey through the High North - YouTube

Military honours for the Croatian Defence Minister in Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bendlerblock (Ministry of Defence) 28 OCT 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence for Croatia,a key Ally,Ivan Anusic,to his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.The honourary company is provided by the 3rd Company (German Army) of the Guard Battalion led by 1st LT Ebert.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps plays under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.*The video shows the unfurling of the unit's colours;the march in of the honour guard;the arrival and greeting of the guest;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the passing of the reviewing stand;the laying of the wreath at the Budeswehr memorial;and the posing at the flag wall.

NATO Exercise Dynamic Front:Massive Artillery Drills Commence Soon in Finland

U.S. Army 56th Artillery Command will exercise the largest NATO and Partner-focused integration exercise on the European continent.Dynamic Front will be hosted by Finland in the city of Rovaniemi near the Arctic Circle from 4-24 November 2024.It is the first time Finland has hosted a military exercise of this calibre since joining NATO in 2023.Additional training and live-fire locations include Estonia,Germany,Poland and Romania.DF will include more than 5,000 U.S. and multinational service members from 21 Allied and Partner nations:Brazil,Bulgaria,Canada,Croatia,Czechia,Estonia,Finland,France,Georgia,Germany,Greece,Hungary,Italy,Kosovo,Latvia,Lithuania,North Macedonia,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Slovakia,Spain,Sweden,Switzerland,Turkey,the UK and the US.*Said MG John Rafferty,commanding general of U.S. Army 56th Artillery Command:The 56th Artillery Command is proud to lead Dynamic Front with 28 NATO and Partner nations.Dynamic Front is an artillery,interoperabilty and multidomain exercise focused on warfighting and informed by NATO regional plans.The exercise will stretch from Finland in the North to Romania in the South and will include artillery,air and naval gunfire across 130 different weapon systems.We are particularly excited to announce that Finland is hosting Dynamic Front,their first time hosting an exercise of this magnitude since joining the NATO Alliance.*DF continues the development and integration of the Artillery Systems Cooperation Association network (ASCA)-enabling any sensor to provide fires data to any shooter.Major participating organisations include:U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEUR-AF);U.S. Army 56th Artillery Command;U.S. Army V Corps;U.S. Army 21st Theater Sustainment Command;U.S. Army 41st Artillery Brigade;U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division;U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division;U.S. Army 4th Security Assistance Forces Brigade;U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division;the Finnish Army;NATO Multinational Division Northeast;and NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.*The city of Rovaniemi (pronounced Roh-vahn-yea-mi) has a population of 65,000 and 69,000 in the metropolitan area.It is the capital of Finland's Lapland Province and markets itself as the home of Santa Claus.

Nature Study:Bobcat City, Studying Urban Cats - YouTube - Texas Parks and Wildlife

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is native to North America,ranging from Southern Canada,through most of the contiguous US to Oaxaca State,Mexico.

Military Honours - Slovak President - Honour Battalion - YouTube - BTB-concept - 24 OCT 2024 - Bellevue Palace,Berlin

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The honourary battalion is led by the deputy commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Sven Ueberschaer.The Bundeswehr Music Corps Siegburg is under the command of LTCOL Weiper.By popular request,the video was filmed from a unique perspective,including the experience of the Berlin tourist.It begins with the unfurling of the unit colours at the guard post of the Federal President's Office.We then accompany the entire march out from the guard post to Bellevue Palace.The video continues with the arrival of the delegations;the arrival of the guest;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;and the entire march out of the honourary formation.The video conveys unique details,including the grandeur of Bellevue Palace;the mounted police;and the role of the drum major.The honourary battalion is comprised of all three Bundeswehr branches:the German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.German language.Some different marches are played.

Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee (NATO) - YouTube - Arctic Circle

US Marines, NATO. Armored vehicles and artillery during military exercises in Norway - YouTube - MIL 3010

US Marines practised in austere cold weather,montane and Arctic conditions with live-fire drills in Norway.Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles are manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada.General Dynamics (GD)

Military Honours for King Frederik X of Denmark - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bellevue Palace,Berlin - 21 OCT 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen consort Mary (Australian) of Denmark,a key Ally,to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.Queen consort Mary has undertaken training with the Danish Armed Forces.The video shows the formation of the guard of honour;the posting of the guard of honour;the arrival of the delegations;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the marching out of the guard of honour;and the greeting of the delegations.The honour battalion is led by the deputy commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Sven Ueberschaer.The Bundeswehr Music Corps Siegburg played under the direction of LTCOL Weiper.Some different marches were played.The honour battalion is comprised of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.

NATO Secretary General at Tapa Army Base, Estonia 🇪🇪, 23 OCT 2024

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited President Alex Karis of Estonia at Tapa Army Base,headquarters of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Estonia,which is UK-led,with additional troops from France and the US.Estonia has a land border with Russia,so the NATO efp Battlegroup Estonia bolsters deterrence and defence on NATO's Eastern Flank.

Military honours for Iceland's President at Bellevue Palace,Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - 21 OCT 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of President Halla Tomasdottir of Iceland,a key Ally,to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The video shows the formation of the guard of honour;the march in of the guard of honour;the arrival of the delegations;the arrival of the guest;the national anthems;the reviewing of the troops;the marching out of the guard of honour;the greeting of the delegations.The honour battalion was led by the commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Maik Teichgraber.The hoour battalion is comprised of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.The Bundeswehr Music Corps Siegburg played under the direction of LTCOL Weiper.Some different marches were played.

NATO Maritime Forces:Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Transits the Strait of Dover to the North Sea

14 OCT 2024 The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group transited through the Strait of Dover,UK,for the North Sea this day,according to the U.S. Navy.The HSTCSG will conduct operations in the North Sea with Allies and Partners from several countries in the region,demonstrating the warfighting interoperability and strategic relationships built over the past 80 years.The HSTCSG is homeported at Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia and a unit of U.S. 2nd Fleet (Atlantic Fleet).Said RADM Sean Bailey,commander of the HSTCSG:Storied in world history,our transit through the Strait of Dover to operate with our Allies and Partners underscores our commitment to maritime security and the NATO Alliance.We will operate with our NATO Allies and Partners to strengthen our collective readiness,defence and deterrence.No nation can confront today's challenges alone,and we look forward to showcasing our interoperability.The Strait of Dover,historically known as the Dover Narrows,is the narrowest point of the English Channel and separates Great Britain from mainland Europe.The channel also separates the Atlantic Ocean from the North Sea,a strategically important area where the HSTCSG will conduct various bilateral operations with Allies and Partners.The HSTCSG last operated in the North Sea during a deployment in 2018,including time spent operating above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea for NATO Exercise Trident Juncture.*Said CAPT Dave Snowden,commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman and former executive officer during the 2018 deployment:With its unique geographical and environmental characteristics,every time operating in this region we increase our proficiency and showcases our inherent flexibility to operate anywhere in the world.THE HSTCSG will support U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa's maritime operations and theatre security cooperation missions alongside Allies and Partners to maintain safety,security and stability.*Before entering the North Sea,the HSTCSG operated off the Azores and Northern Africa for a series of warfighting training scenarios between the strike group's ships and Air Wing before heading North for the English Channel.Said LT Adam Boithman,a reactor department officer aboard Harry S. Truman:I love the felxibility of our strike group,and it's great to know we'll be operating and learning from our Allies in the North Sea.*The HSTCSG consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75);Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with embarked aviation squadrons;staff from CSG-8,CVW 1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28;the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64);two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers,USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 104);and,customarily,an unannounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protection.This blog got to meet some of the USS Gettysburg crew and was struck by how young they are,right out of high school.*HSTCSG's mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and remain the cornerstone of the Navy's forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities,the Navy said.

The Sun:NATO jets and bombers take to skies for nuclear drills sending clear message to Russia and Iran - YouTube

Panavia Tornado,Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter,Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)*Panavia GmBH is a mutinational company formed by Great Britain,Germany and Italy for the production of the Panavia Tornado Multi-role Combat Aircraft.

Military Honours - US President Joseph R. Biden - Bellevue Palace,Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - 18 OCT 2024

Military honours were rendered for the working visit of US President Joesph R. Biden,a key Ally,to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.Security was especially tight for the visit,with the ceremony taking place in the garden behind the Palace.The honour guard is led by the commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Maik Teichgraber.The Bendeswehr Staff Music Corps is led by LTCOL Reinhard Klauka.The video shows the posting of the honour guard;the arrival of President Joesph R. Biden;the national anthems with the raising of the US flag;the reviewing of the troops;and the greeting of the delegations.The honour guard consists of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.

NATO Secretary General press conference at Defence Ministers Meeting, 18 OCT 2024 - YouTube

Takeaways:NATO Exercise Steadfast Noon has about another week to go.The NATO Ukraine Command Centre Germany is to be activated this month.It will have about 700 personnel and is located in the Headquarters of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAE-AF) in Wiesbaden,Germany.The Ukraine Victory Plan was politely listened to without comment.It is possible that Ukraine will be invited to join NATO.Moldova is experiencing hybird warfare waged by Russia to derail its sovereignty,and NATO is doing all it can to build up Moldova's defence capability.

NATO Secretary General - Doorstep statement at Defence Ministers Meeting,17 OCT 2024

Takeaways:NATO will not relent in its support for Ukraine.Perhaps Ukraine will be invited to join NATO.Work continues to implement the decisions made in Washington.For the first time,NATO has invited the Indo-Pacific defence ministers to attend.NATO doesn't have a direct role in the Middle East.

NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Latvia 🇱🇻 Evika Siliņa,16 OCT 2024

Canada leads eFP Battlegroup Latvia to protect the Eastern Flank.Latvia participates in the KFOR peackeeping force in Kosovo and in NATO's training mission in Iraq.

Military Honours - Bosnian Minister of Defence - Honour Company - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bendlerblock (Ministry of Defence),Berlin

15 OCT 2024: Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of the Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina,Zukan Helez,to his German counterpart,Oscar Pistorious.The honourary company was provided by the 6th company (German Army) of the Guard Battalion.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps played under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.The video shows the setting up of the honourary post in front of the Bendeswehr Memorial;the unfurling of the unit colours;the marching in of the honourary formation;the arrival and greeting of the guest;the national anthems;the review of the troops;the passing of the honourary formation before the viewing stand;the marching out of the honourary formation;the laying of the wreath before the Bundeswehr Memorial;and the handshake before the photo wall.*Bosnia and Herzegovina aspires to NATO membership and has been granted a Membership Action Plan (MAP).

NATO Exercise Steadfast Noon Begins in the Face of Russian Nuclear Sabre-Rattling

According to AP,NATO will launch its annual nuclear drills on 14 OCT 2024 and they will last about two weeks.The exercise has been held in October or November each year for the last ten years.Boeing nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress Strategic Bombers along with other Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) are participating this year:Panavia Tornado;Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;and F-15E Strike Eagle.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the drills,saying:In an uncertain world,it is vital that we test our defence so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and is able to respond to any threat.*France will not participate as it is not a part of the NATO Nuclear Planning Group.*NATO members belonging to the U.S. nuclear-sharing programme are:Belgium,Germany,Italy,Netherlands and Turkey.These have facilities for storing the Boeing B61-12 tactical nuclear weapon in underground vaults inside an aircraft shelter.According to commercial documents,Great Britain is looking to rejoin the nuclear-sharing programme with the development of the needed facilities at RAF Lakenheath,England in light of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.The U.S. Air Force 701st Nuclear Support Squadron looks after the B61-12 tactical nuclear weapons.*The Neatherlands stores approximately 15 B61-12 tactical nuclear weapons in underground vaults inside an aircraft shelter at Vokel Air Base;while Belgium stores 22 B61-12 tactical nuclear weapons in underground vaults inside an aircraft shelter at Kleine Brogel Air Base.U.S. Air Force Security Forces provide security for the nuclear sites.*Despite Russian threats,NATO has seen no change in Russia's nuclear posture.Rutte said that giving into any threat:would set a precedant that using military force allows a country to get what it wants,and we cannot do that.*Angus Lapley,NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy said the drills are aimed at proving the Alliance has the ability to counter any threat against its 32 member nations,is credible and that:any adversary would need to take extremely seriously indeed.*Lapley said that:Moscow is introducing lots of novel systems and putting more emphasis on investment in short and intermediate range weapons systems.It has recently been talking an awful lot about nuclear doctrine and how that may or may not be evolving...a pretty clear attempt to influence us.*The major manoeuvres will take place over the UK;the North Sea off the Scottish coast;Belgium and the Netherlands.*The nuclear-sharing programme is a dual key arrangement,meaning nothing can be done without the consent of both the U.S. and the host nation.*The drills will involve every step in the U.S. nuclear-sharing prgramme:retrieving a simulated weapon from the underground storage vault;transporting it to the surface on an elevator;and mounting it on or in a Dual Capable Aircraft.*Daniel Bunch,Chief of Nuclear Operations at NATO Headquarters in Brussels,said while the drills will involve several types of military aircraft,a lot of it goes on behind the scenes:Under Staedfast Noon,we seek to stress the overall system,put people in tough positions,high operations tempos.The challenge of coordinating things:literally down to the minute when we would put a weapon onto the target is a very complex activity.*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

What support does it need most from its allies now? | DW News - YouTube

with Yuriy Sak,advisor to Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries

NATO Secretary General with the President of Finland 🇫🇮 Alexander Stubb,08 OCT 2024 - YouTube

Finland is to establish a new Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup to reinforce the Eastern Flank and Sweden will establish a regional headquarters.

Military honours for Armenia's president - YouTube - BTB-concept - 9 OCT 2024 - Bellevue Palace,Berlin - new remark

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of President Vahagn Khachaturian of Armenia to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The video shows the march in of the honour guard;the arrival of the guest;the national anthems;the review of the troops;the march out ot he honour guard;the greeting of the delegation and the march out of the honour guard.The honour guard consists of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.The honour battalion is under the commander of the guard battalion,LTCOL Maik Teichgraber.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps plays under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.Before the ceremony,President Steinmeier greeted two members of the German Navy on their birthday.*Armenia has broken with its previous neutrality toward the Ukraine War and is no longer siding with Moscow.

11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels):History,Mission,Vision and Leadership

The 11th Airborne Division was first activated on 25 FEB 1943 during World War II,where it was held in reserve until June 1944,when it was transferred to the Pacific Theatre and saw combat in the Philippines.One parachute infantry regiment was detached for service in the Korean War,but on 30 JUN 1958,the Division was deactivated.The Division's most famous veteran was Rod Serling,creator of The Twilight Zone TV series.*In summer 2022,the U.S. Army Alaska Headquarters at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was redesignated as the 11th Airborne Division.The two Brigade Combat Teams were redesignated as the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.The Division's personnel were apportioned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright,Alaska.The Stryker Armoured Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is to be replaced by a U.S. Army Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CWATV),an un-armoured tracked vehicle capable of Arctic Region operations.BAE Systems has offered its Beowulf vehicle as a candidate for the programme.*Mission:The 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) executes expeditonary operations worldwide;conducts Multi-Domain Operations in the Indo-Pacific Theatre and the Arctic;and on order decisively defeats any adversary in extreme cold weather;mountainous and high-latitude environments through large-scale combat operations.*Vision:Levraging the strength of our people,America's Arctic Angels are ready to deploy,fight and win decisively against any adversary,anytime and anywhere in a joint,multi-domain environment across the spectrum of conflict and operations.Our units are lead by agile and adaptive leaders who master the fundamentals;seek continuous growth;and execute the commander's intent through disciplined initiative as part of a cohesive team of committed professionals.*Commander:MG Joseph "Joe" Hilbert assumed command of the 11th Airborne Division on 27 JUN 2024.Commissioned into the Field Artillery in 1993,MG Hilbert has served in a wide variety of positions throughout the United States and Europe.His staff experience includes Chief of Current Operations at XVIII Airborne Corps;Deputy Chief of Staff for the 7th Infantry Division;Chief of Operational Forces at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC);Operations Officer for the 18th Field Artillery Brigade (Airborne) and 3rd Battalion Field Artillary Regiment (HiMARS);and Aide de Camp for the Commanding General,U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC).*MG Hilbert's operational deployments include Operation Uphold Democracy,a military intervention designed to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coups de'tat that overthrew elected president Jean Bertrand Aristide.The operation by the U.S.-led Coaltion was a success.Other deployments include Operation Joint Guardian and the Kosovo Force (KFOR);and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghan War).*MG Hilbert holds a Master's in Security Studies from the Army War College and is an Olmstead Scholar having received a Master's in European Studies (Magister Artium Europastudiem) from the Universitat Leipzig in Germany.He speaks fluent German.A man with a ready smile,he holds a Bachelor's degree in International Ministries from the Moody Bible Institute.*MG Hilbert's Awards and Decorations include the Master Parachutist Badge;the Army Distinguised Service Medal;the Legion of Merit;and the Bronze Star Medal.*There are 10,000-25,000 troops in a U.S. Army Division.*Information provided by the U.S. Army and edited by Andrew Taylor*BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA) (OTC:BAESY)

USAF, Highway landing. F-35A fighters during military exercises in Finland,NATO - YouTube - MIL 3010

This is practise for operating in austere conditions.It simulates high intensity warfighting.Not only can the U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter land on highways-it can also take off from them and be refueled on them.For its part,the Finnish Air Force operates the Boeing F/A-18 C-D Hornet fighter until the F-35A can be phased in.Such drills build confidence between NATO Allies,improving interoperability in the Arctic Region.These f-35As are from RAF Lakenheath,England,where Great Britain is reconstituting its Boeing B61-12 tactical nuclear weapon deterrent facilities in light of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,commercial documents indicate.These drills seem to have taken place in the summer.*Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA)

The Stein Valley Traverse - YouTube - Stormy Mountain - nature study

The Stein River Valley is preserved in Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park,British Columbia,Canada.Along the way,an American pika (Ochotona princeps),alpine vegitation and indigenous art are seen.*Music:Vida la Vida by Coldplay and Hey Ma Durga by Inya

Guard Battalion is placed under the command of the Military Police - YouTube - BTB-concept - 1 OCT 2024

On 1 OCT 2024 the Guard Battalion was placed under Military Police Command as part of a Bundeswehr restructuring.Command was transferred from MG Andreas Henne to BG Sandro Wiesner.The Guard Battalion consists of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.MG Henne reviewed the Guard Battalion and handed the flag over to BG Wiesner.The Bundeswehr Staff Music Corps played under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.

L3Harris and Northrop Grumman Moving Ahead on F-16 Electronic Warfare Suites - Sept. 19 - Avionics International

L3Harris and Northrop Grumman Moving Ahead on F-16 Electronic Warfare Suites - Sept. 19 - Avionics International: NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—L3Harris Technologies said that its site in Clifton, N.J., several weeks ago began the build of 166 AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare (EW) suites for F-16 fighters […]*L3 Harris Technologies Inc (LHX),Northrop Grumman (NOC),Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon (LMT)

NATO Secretary General with the President of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelensky O3 OCT 2024 - YouTube

Mark Rutte:The real red line is Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.It is up to individual Allies whether they shoot down Russian weapons violating their airspace or allow deep strikes into Russia with their weapons.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's first press conference, 01 OCT 2024

Al Jazeera:U.S. Armed Forces Conducted Airstrikes Against ISIL and al-Qaida Affiliate in Syria

According to the Al Jazeera news outlet,U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) said that a large-scale airstrike on a remote Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) camp in Central Syria on 16 SEPT 2024 killed nine militants of the Hurras al-Din al-Qaida affiliate,including:'Marwan Bassam' Abd-al-Ra uf,a senior Hurras-al-Din leader responsible for overseeing military operations in Syria.*It was the second such attack in as many months.In August,USCENTCOM announced the death of Aba-Abd al-Rahman al-Makki in an attack in Northwestern Syria.Hurras al-Din emerged in Syria in 2018.At present,there are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria,plus an undisclosed number of military contractors.The U.S. Armed Forces are on a mission to advise and assist local Allies and Partners to prevent the resurgance of ISIL under Operation Inherent Resolve.In 2014,ISIL terrorised parts of Syria and Iraq.The Assad regime in Syria objects to the presence of U.S. Armed Forces.The ground element in Syria is U.S. Army Soldiers.

Nato's new Northern Europe land command base to open in Finland - YouTube - BFBS Forces News

The new NATO Northern Europe Land Command will be located at Mikeli,Finland.It will be under Joint Force Command-Norfolk (JFC-N).A second new base will be on the Arctic Circle,Rovaniemi,or above the Arctic Circle at Sovankyla.It will host a multinational Foward Land Force (FLF) in Finnish Lapland.

Military honours for Italian President Mattarella in Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bellevue Palace,Berlin - 27 SEPT 2024

Military honours were rendered for the state visit of President Sergio Matterella of Italy,a key Ally, and his daughter,Laura Matterella,from 26-29 SEPT 2024.The video shows the formation of the guard post;the entry of the guard battalion's honour guard,which consisted of all three Bundeswehr branches:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe;the arrival of the guest and his daughter and their greeting by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife,Elke Budenbender;the national anthems;the review of the guard post;and the march out of the guard post and honour guard.The guard post was led by LTCOL Maik Teichgraber,commander of the guard battalion.The staff music corps played under the direction of LTCOL Klauka.Before the ceremony,President Steinmeier delivered birthday greetings to a Luftwaffe member.

Department of Defense Video begins at 43:27 - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks following an AUKUS defence ministerial meeting - YouTube - 26 SEPT 2024

For the first time,AUKUS consultations were held in London.Participating were U.S. Secretary of Defense GEN Lloyd J. Austin III,U.S. Army ret.;Secretary of State for Defence John Healy;and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.Key takeaways of the consultations:1.Submarine Rotational Force West (visits by U.S. Navy Virginia-class attack submarines) in the state of Western Australia will commence in 2027.2.Pillar II of AUKUS focuses on getting new advanced capabilities to our warfighters,including hypersonic weapons.3.The UK and Australia will operate the SSN-AUKUS in tandem from the state of South Australia.4.Royal Australian Navy Sailors are already being trained in nuclear engineering in the U.S.

Ukraine President Zelenskiy Snubbed by Trump, Will Meet Biden and Harris - YouTube

with Rosalind Mathieson of Bloomberg News*Commentary:Trump is traitorously aligned with Vladimir Putin.

Pacific Perspective:Soldiers of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division Deployed to Remote Island for Force Protetcion

By 13 September 2024,Soldiers of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) along with two other units of U.S. Army Pacific from Hawaii and Washington State,were in place for a Force Protection Operation in light of stepped up Russian and Chinese military operations over the past year in the Arctic Region.At least 130 troops were deployed with a HIMARS rocket system and radar capability to the remote Shemya Island,one of the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific Ocean.Shemya Island is about 280 mi/450.6 km from Russia.Task Force Geronimo consisted of 11th Airborne Division troops out of Joint Base Elmedorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright,Alaska along with the other U.S. Army Pacific troops.The crew of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752),a Legend-class National Security Cutter,spotted four Russian Navy vessels in a Surface Action Group consistng of a Sverodvinsk-class submarine;a Dologuriky-class submarine;a Stereguschkiy class frigate;and a Seliva-class tug.The deployment of U.S. Army Pacific Task Force Geronimo was part of previously scheduled drills in response to Russian and Chinese military posturing in the Arctic Region.In addition,a U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer,the USS Sterett (DDG 104) pulled into the rarely used port of Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands.According to U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM),it was:deployed to support U.S. Northern Command's Maritime Homeland Defense mission in response to the known Russian exercise in that region.*Said the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) in a tweet:The Indo-Pacific represents more than 50% of the world's population,and some of the most diverse environments on Earth...the Soldiers of Task Force Geronimo made up of units from across U.S. Army Pacific landed there last week with long range fires and radar capability.Success there requires deploying ready,lethal forces who can survive,fight and win everywhere.*Said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska):These escalating incidents demonstrate the critical role the Arctic plays in great power competition between the U.S.,China and Russia.Authoritarian regimes are testing the United States.Dictators like Vladimir Putin see through the lense of either strength or weakness,which is why I've long encouraged our senior military leaders to respond with strength.*

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg farewell speech and conversation,19 SEPT 2024 - YouTube

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg steps down on 1 OCT 2024.He will be succeeded by Former Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte.Among Mr.Stoltenberg's takeaways was that the Afghan War went on too long.It should have ended when the Al Qaeda threat was eliminated,and not been transformed into nation building.

US Air Force, NATO. Powerful F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle on exercises in Spain - YouTube

2 OCT 2022-Los Llanos Air Force Base,Spain*Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles,both of which are nuclear capable,on drills in Spain.Tactical Leadership Exercise (TLP) is to improve the performance of Allied air forces by developing the leadership;mission planning;tactical flying;and debriefing skills of participating NATO air crews.*Text by MIL3010 and edited by Andrew Taylor*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Bulletin:Ukraine's 'spectacular' drone strike seen from SPACE as huge Russian depot blasts spark earthquake - YouTube - The Sun - 18 SEPT 2024

with Jerome Starkey,The Sun Defence Editor and Dr.Stephen Hall,Ukraine-Russia expert at the University of Bath*The strike took place in the village of Toropets,Tver Oblast and was a humiliating blow to President Vladimir Putin and a brilliant success for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

First Commander of NATO Ukraine Command Centre Germany Appointed

According to the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington DC Communique (July 2024),NATO decided to establish the NATO Security and Assistance Training for Ukraine (NSATU) to coordinate its provision of military equipment and training for Ukraine by Allies and Partners.Its aim is to place security assistance to Ukraine on an enduring footing,ensuring enhanced,predictable and enduring support.NSATU,which will operate in Allied states,will support Ukraine's self-defence in line with the UN Charter (international law).NSATU will not,under international law,make NATO a party to the conflict.It will support the transformation of Ukraine's defence and security forces,enabling its further integration into NATO.*The NATO Ukraine Command Centre Germany in Wiesbaden is located within the headquarters of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEURAF) and reports directly to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR),currently GEN Christopher Cavoli,U.S. Army.*The new NATO Ukraine Command Centre Germany's first commander is LTGEN Curtis Buzzard,U.S. Army.The Centre is devoted to providing Ukraine the military equipment and training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces it needs to prevail against Russian aggression.Having recieved U.S. Senate approval,LTGEN Buzzard leads about 700 personnel at the Centre.According to NATO:By using military structures,our support will be on firmer footing;will provide more predictability for Kyiv;and will address both immediate and longer-term needs.*LTGEN Buzzard,a man with a broad smile,is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point,New York).He most recently served as commander,Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore,Georgia,from July 2022-July 2024.Prior to that,he served as Deputy Chief Of Staff for Operations,Plans and Training of the United States Army Forces Command from January to June 2022,and as the 78th Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy (West Point,New York) from June 2019 to May 2021.Buzzard received a B.S. in Economics from West Point.He later received a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Master of Military Science from the Marine Corps University.He then served as the U.S. Army Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington,DC.LTGEN Buzzard served as the 82d Airborne Division G3 and commanded its 3rd Brigade Combat Team.LTGEN Buzzard also served as the Army military aide to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.LTGEN Buzzard served tours in both the Iraq and Afghan Wars.In March 2021,LTGEN Buzzard became Deputy Chief of Operations in NATO's Operation Resolute Support,which trained and assisted Afghan Security Forces;Deputy Commanding General for Operations for U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A);and Commander U.S. National Support Element Command for Operation Freedom's Sentinel.LTGEN Buzzard is married and the father of three daughters.*LTGEN Buzzard's Awards and Decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal;Legion of Merit (3);Bronze Star Medal (3);Meritorious Service Medal (6);Army Commendation Medal (3);Air Assualt Badge;Army Staff Badge;Combat Infantryman's Badge;Expert Infantryman's Badge;Master Parachutist's Badge;Presidential Service Badge;Ranger Tab;and numerous foreign jump wings.

Watch: NATO Military Committee chief holds news conference as Putin issues war threat to West - YouTube - The Independent - 14 SEPT 2024

with Admiral Rob Bauer (Royal Netherlands Navy),Chairman of the NATO Military Committee,and General Karel Rekha,Chairman of the Czech Republic General Staff

NATO Secretary General address to the International Crimea Platform, 11 SEPT 2024

At the Washington Summit,NATO approved a new NATO Command to lead the provision of security assistance and training.Allies also plan to provide 40 billion euros within the next year and pledge to ensure sustainable funding for the long-term.Crimea is Ukraine,and Ukraine is on an irreversible course to NATO mambership.

Pacific Perspective:US Air Force. B-2 Spirit bombers. Joint military exercises in Australia.

The drills are takking place at RAAF Amberley near Ipswich,Queensland.The RAAF operates the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet primarily out of RAAF Amberley.Bomber Task Force missions such as this one are not announced in advance to give potential adversaries pause.Deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command,they emphasise the U.S. Air Force's ability to deter aggression,and,if necessary,defend our Allies and Partners,anytime and anywhere across the globe.The Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit strategic bombers are a frequent participant in Bomber Task Force missions in both the European and Pacific theatres.*Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC)

NATO Land Forces:Exercise Avenger Triad 24 Begins in Europe

Per U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEURAF),the command post exercise Avenger Triad 24 begins with forces from the U.S. Army and 10 participating NATO Allies:Estonia,France,Germany,Great Britain,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Netherlands,Poland and Spain.It runs from 9-10 SEPT 2024 in multiple locations across Europe.The drills will incorporate lessons learned by implementing new operational concepts.doctrines and procedures learned from previous exercises to increase readiness;enahnce interoperability between the U.S. Army and Allies;and inform regional planning.Said COL Michael A. Wasserman,USAEURAF spokesperson:Avenger Triad capitalises on lessons learned during STEADFAST DEFENDER 24,the largest NATO Exercise in Europe in decades,and DEFENDER 24,the largest U.S. Army exercise in decades,to strengthen interoperability and build confidence.*As part of the exercise,USAEURAF will command U.S. and multinational forces,including one U.S. (V Corps) and five NATO Corps headquarters,in a constructed,computer-controlled environment.Major participants include:USAEURAF;U.S. Army 21st Theater Sustainment Command;U.S. Army V Corps;U.S. Army 56th Artillery Command;U.S. Army 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force;U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division;NATO Allied Joint Forces Command Brunssum;NATO Multi-National Corps North-East;NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps;1st German-Netherlands Corps;and 2nd Polish Army Corps.The drills aim to experimant and assess Army's continuous transformation,including the theatre strike effects group;theatre information advantage element;long-range fires battalion and armoured division.As threats evolve world-wide,so must the tactics and standards of our forces.Computer-assisted exercises like Avenger Triad are a perfect venue for testing new cutting-edge technology,concepts and formations in a simulated environment.*The role of U.S. Army V Corps,based at Fort Knox,Kentucky and forward-deployed to Camp Kosciusko,Poland,is to provide training;increase readiness;and retain operational control of assigned and allocated units in Europe.V Corps works with Allies and Partners to enhance collective readiness and deter potential adversaries,the Corps said.*The primary mission of the new forward-deployed headquarters in Poland will be to conduct operational planning,mission command and oversight of the rotational forces in Europe.It will also provide additional support to Allies and Partners in the region and help improve interoperability.The motto of V Corps is "It will be done."*As the senior tactical headquarters in the contact layer,i.e.,the Eastern Flank,the role of V Corps is to deter adversaries in a crisis,and,should conflict occur,fight and win multi-domain and large scale combat operations.*Victory Soldiers will maintain a high state of physical,mental,spiritual,personal and professional readiness.Through our humility,respect,teamwork and strong leadership,we will build long lasting relationships critical to the success of our mission,V Corps said.

Military honours for Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov - YouTube - BTB-concept - 6 SEPT 2024 - Bendlerblock (Ministry of Defence),Berlin

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov,a key Ally,to his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.The Bundeswehr Music Corps played under the direction of LTCOL Kiauka.The honour guard is comprised of German Army Soldiers.The national anthems were played and a review of the troops was held.A wreath was laid at the Bundeswehr memorial.

Princess Leonor’s baptism of the sea, wins medal on her first Day at Navy School - YouTube - Newzee

HRH Leonor Princesa de Asturias,heir to the Spanish throne,reported to basic training at the Naval School Marin in Pontevedra,Spain.She won an award for her accomplishments at the Academia General Militar de Zaragoza (Spanish Army) the previous year.Next year she will finish her military service with a year at the Spanish Air and Space Force School.Her training is aimed at preparing her for her future role as sovereign,the head of the Spanish Armed Forces.She will be only the second regnant queen in Spanish history,the first being Queen Isabella II in the nineteenth century.Her surname is de Borbon y Ortiz.She has a coat of arms and a beautiful blue flag.In her regnancy and military service,she resembles the late Queen Elizabeth II.On the first day of naval basic training,her brigade won the athletic competition.Later she will prepare for life at sea aboard the antique naval vessel Juan Sebastian de Alcano.

Lockheed Martin Awarded $5.1 Billion in F-35 Contracts - Avionics International

Lockheed Martin Awarded $5.1 Billion in F-35 Contracts - Avionics International: Lockheed Martin is receiving $5.1 billion in three contracts for the F-35 Lightning II fighter, including Block 4 related upgrades, DoD said on Aug. 28. The largest contract–$3.9 billion through […] Lockheed Martin (LMT)

USAF:Air Force to Upgrade F-22 Raptor with a view to containing China

According to the U.S. Air Force,the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F22 Raptor fifth generation fighter is to be upgraded even as the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominence (NGAD) fighter programme is being paused.The Air Force has awarded Raytheon Technologies Corporation a contract worth potentially over a billion dollars to carry out sensor and other upgrades to keep the Raptor relevant in a quickly evolving battlespace.This was announced on 29 AUG 2024.The older 32 Block F-22s will be retired.The upgrades will take place at McKinney.Texas and are expected to be completed by 8 MAY 2029,per a DoD contracts announcement.*The programme involves upgrading the remaining 154 F-22s with new cryptography;an expanded open archtecture;new weapons;an infrared search and track sensor;and a Project Keystone effort to install an advanced threat warning receiver.The total cost will be more than 4.3 billion dollars between fiscal 2023 and 2029.*According to USAF BGEN Jason Vorheis,the programme executive officer for fighters and adavnced aircraft:The F-22 Raptor team is working really hard on executing a modernisation roadmap to field advanced sensors;connectivity;weapons;and other capabilities that are relevant to the INDOPACOM theatre.The Raptor team recently conducted six flight test efforts to demo and assess advanced sensors on the F-22 required to complete an ongoing rapid prototyping for the programme.*The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a twin engine,all weather,supersonic stealth fighter.It is a product of the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter programme (ATF).It was designed as an air superiority fighter,but also incorporates ground attack,electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.The prime contractor,Lockheed Martin,built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons;while partner Boeing provided the wings;aft fuselage;avionics integration;and training systems.The F-22 has provided close air support and electronic surveillance in combat against Islamic State and Assad-aligned forces in Syria,and also to deter Russian fighter aircraft there.It has three internal weapons bays,but hardpoints for underwing mounting of weapons as well.To protect its sensitive technology,the F-22 Raptor is banned for export by the U.S. Congress.*Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA),Raytheon Technologies Corp (RTX)

Ukraine to target Belgorod next after tanks were spotted in region | Operator Starsky - YouTube - Times Radio

with James and Operator Starsky,Ukrainian veteran*According to Operator Starsky,Ukrainian forces with tanks and heavy armoured vehicles have been sighted in both Belgorod and Bryansk Oblasts.We know that Belgorad Oblast has declared a state of emergency.This is in addition to the invasion of Kursk Oblast.

Inside Ukraine's largest captured Russian town as key signs show invasion caught Putin unprepared - YouTube - The Sun

with Jerome Starkey,The Sun Defence Editor*Ukraine's invasion of Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts has left Putin embarrassed and humiliated.Ukrainian forces are digging in to defend their positions.Suzhda was left largely undamaged by the Ukrainian forces.Misinformed by Kremlin propaganda,the residents feel powerless to control what is happening in the Kremlin.

How Russia's Baltic neighbors are trying to strengthen their defence capabilities | DW News

Military honours for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer - YouTube - BTB-concept - 28 AUG 2O24 - Federal Chancellery,Berlin

Military honours were rendered for the inugural visit of the Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom,a key Ally,to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.The Company of Honour is provided by the 7th Company (Army) of the Guard Battalion,led by MAJ Kolasa.The Bundeswehr Music Corps plays under the direction of LTCOL Christian Weiper.Chancellor Scholz gave birthday greetings to a member of the Guard Battalion.

Pacific Perspective:AUSMIN 24 Focused on Containing China,Part 2

In the AUSMIN 24 statement,the Parties briefly mentioned some upgrades to facilities in Australia's Northern Territory that the U.S. and Australia were making.An article in The Washington Post went into this in more detail.The article pointed out that Australia was offering the U.S. a vast launching pad in the event of conflict with China.Across Australia,it says,many old bases were being cleaned up or upgraded,some of them dating back to the World War II era,to prepare for another global conflict.Said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:This is about deterrence.We're working together to deter future conflict and to provide for the collective security of the region in which we live.*Australia joined AUKUS,the Australia/UK/U.S. defence Alliance,under which Australia,the U.S. and UK will provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines with sensitive technology.Of the cleaning and upgrades,Representative Michael McCaul,R-Texas,chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Commitee:This provides a central base of operations from which to project power.*A comprehensive upgrade of RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory is underway with Australia spending nearly a billion dollars so far on the project.Part of the project is a new parking apron for four of Australia's largest military aircraft,the KC-30 refueling tanker that will facilitate refueling fighter aircraft such as the RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter for distant missions.The RAAF Lightning IIs are based at RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory and RAAF Williamstown in New South Wales.The U.S. also intends to build a parking apron at the base for six Boeing B-52 H/J Stratofortress strategic bombers that can reach mainland China.These would be deployed to Australia much more frequently,according to U.S. Secretary of Defense GEN Lloyd F. Austin III U.S. Army ret.Noted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:increasing U.S. force posture in Australia.We see that as very much in Australia's national interest.People understand that we are living through challenging times,when the global rules-based order is under pressure.*At RAAF Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory,the U.S. Marines have built a new fuel depot for their Bell Boeing MV-22 Ospreys,an aircraft that can vertically take off and land like a helicopter,but fly straight ahead like an airplane.Refueling the Ospreys could extend their range into the South China Sea;the Philippine Sea and to the Solomon Islands.Said Rep. McCaul:As Chairman Xi (Xinping) is looking out at all of this,he's feeling more deterrence.Our capabilities to respond are getting stronger.*According to BGEN Michael Say,head of Australia's Force Posture Initiative,even more upgrades are being contemplated for three skeleton facilities in remote Western Australia state and Quennsland state to accomodate heavier U.S. and Australian aircraft.In the Cocos Islands,Canberra will soon be upgrading the airstrip to accomodate heavier aircraft such as the Boeing P-8A Maritime Surveillance Aircraft,which also has anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.*Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA), Bell Helicopter (TXT)

What the incursion into Russia means for the war in Ukraine - YouTube - Guardian News

Ukraine has seized Russian territory in both Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts in Blitzkrieg fashion.The Russian military has thus far failed to adequately respond.

Military honours for Malawi’s President in Berlin - YouTube - BTB-concept - Bellevue Palace - 23 AUG 2024

Military honours were rendered for the inaugural visit of President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.The honours battalion was led by the deputy chief of the guard battalion,LTCOL Sven Ueberschaer.The honours battalion consisted of all three branches of the Bundeswehr:German Army,German Navy and Luftwaffe.The Bundeswehr Music Corps Siegburg played under the direcrtion of LTCOL Christian Welper.

Gen. Ben Hodges on Ukraine's Kursk incursion in Russia - YouTube - Kyiv Independent

with Natalia Yermak,reporter of the Kyiv Independent,and LTGEN Ben Hodges,U.S. Army ret.,former commander U.S. Army Europe*There are currently two Ukrainian counteroffensives underway,as LTGEN Hodges describes it,in Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts.He questions the sustainability of the West's support for Ukraine and does not believe it is adequate for a Ukrainian victory at this time.He believes that Ukraine must do more to recruit and train Ukrainian men and women into their military.

U.S. Coast Guard. USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) Legend-class National Security Cutter

The MH-65 Helicopter is by Airbus Defence and Space:Airbus SE (OTCM:EADSY).Some of them are armoured and carry guns.The National Security Cutter is built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).It features shielding from chemical,biological and radiological attack and is optimised for NATO communicationa.These drills were held in an undisclosed location.Note:I'm back,people!My absence was due to my old HP laptop burning out.It was 8-10 years old.

Pacific Perspective:Exercise RIMPAC | P-8A Poseidon Harpoon Load - YouTube - Royal Australian Air Force

Both the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the AGM-84J Harpoon anti-ship missile are manufactured by Boeing Defense,Space and Security (BA)*Here Royal Australian Air Force personnel attach Harpoon missiles to their Poseidon aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay,Hawaii in the course of Exercise RIMPAC 2024.

Pacific Perspective:AUSMIN Focused on Containing China,Part 1

Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2024:Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Richard Marles on 06 AUG 2024 in Annapolis,Maryland to strengthen further the U.S.-Australian Alliance and the two countries' cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and globally.The Secretaries and Ministers (principals) reaffirmed the U.S.-Australia Alliance is essential to promoting a prosperous and peaceful region.The principals expressed the importance of history and values shared by the United States and Australia and renewed their commitment to support a stable and open international system that protects each nation's ability to make sovereign decisions free from coercion or threats of force.* The principals welcomed action by both governments that build upon the commitments made during the visit of Prime Minister Albanese in the United States and his meeting with President Biden in October 2023 across the full spectrum of the bilateral relationship,to build an "Innovation Alliance."These include 1.Australia's endorsement of the United States' Framework to Counter Foreign State Misinformation Manipulation through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)...2.Continued progress by the Australia-U.S. Crtical Minerals Task Force (CMTF) to persue secure and diverse critical mineral supply chains,increase investment in mining and processing projects in our respective countries and enhance market transparency.*Delivering for the Indo-Pacific:The principals committed to strengthen cooperation further,bilaterally and with regional Partners and institutions;to ensure an Indo-Pacific that is open,stable,peaceful and prosperous;that promotes and protects human rights and that is respectful of sovereignty and international law...The principals stressed the need for all countries to manage strategic competition responsibly and to work to reduce risks of conflict.They emphasised the importance of maintaining open channels with China to avoid miscommunication or miscalculation that could lead to unintended escalation or conflict.The principals ecouraged China to engage constructively and take steps to promote stability and transparency...The principles underscored the importance of all states being free to exercise rights and freedom consistent with international law as consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea.They reiterated their strong oppositon to destabilising or coercive unilateral actions in the maritime domain,including in the South China Sea and the East China Sea,that increase tensions and undermine peace and stability.*The principals expressed concern about China's excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with international law and unilateral actions to change the status quo by force or coercion.They noted grave concern about China's dangerous and escalating behaviour toward Philippines vessels lawfully operating in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).The principals reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on all parties and reconfirmed their resolve to work with Partners to support regional maritime security and uphold international law.*

Russia evacuates 75,000 people on border as Ukraine continues to advance in Kursk region - YouTube - Sky News

with Defence and Security Editor Deborah Haynes and Mikhailo Samas,Director of New Geopolitics Research Network.There are unconfirmed reports that Ukrainian forces have also invaded Belgorod Oblast.Analysis:The longer this continues,the less tenable Putin's grip on power becomes.*22 Mechanised Brigade

Russia in 'counter-terror' mode over Ukraine attack | BBC News - YouTube

According to Forbes magazine,Kremlin propaganda is grossly understating the number of Ukrainian troops involved in the invasion.Indeed,it may be up to 10,000 troops.*with James Waterhouse,BBC Kyiv correspondent

Fighting with Ukraine in Kursk region enters third day, Russia says | BBC News - YouTube

with Vitaly Shevchenko,Russia Editor,BBC Monitoring*The seizure is a major embarrasment for Russia,showing the weakness of Russia's border protection.One Ukrainian MP said on CBC News:The National that the seizure covers 30,000 sq.km/11,583 sq.mi.What's good for the goose is what's good for the gander.

Russia alleges 'large scale' Ukrainian incursion in Kursk region | DW News - YouTube

with Frank Ledwidge,military expert and Senior Lecturer at Portsmouth University

Kerch bridge strike could follow hit on Putin's submarine as attacks on Crimea grow | Admiral Chris Parry - YouTube

with James Hanson and RDL Chris Parry,Royal Navy ret.,military consultant*The Kerch Bridge is illegal under international law.*Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon (LMT)

A NATO First:Bomber Task Force Mission in Romania

Air Force Global Strike Command News Release:U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa 23 JUL 2024,Two U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers arrived at Mihail Kogaliceanu Air Base,Romania out of Barksdale Air Force Base,Louisiana for Bomber Task Force 24-4 on 21 JUL 2024.*While flying in international airspace and in accordance with international law,the U.S. B-52 aircraft were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea,Arctic Region,at approximately 8 a.m. Central European Time.They did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident,the Air Force said.The B-52s performed their pre-planned mission of integrating with NATO fighter aircraft before landing in Romania.While deployed,the B-52s will operate as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron across the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).Said GEN James B. Hecker,USAFE-AFAFRICA commander:In today's global environment,it is vital that we be postured to deliver a range of sustainable capability from great distances.This iteration of Bomber Task Force offers an excellent opportunity to refine our Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics,techniques and procedures (TTPs).Through collaborative efforts with our Allies,the U.S. enables our forces to combat current and future threats.*Bomber Task Force missions are not announced in advance to give potential adversaries pause.They emphasise Air Force Global Strike Command's ability to deploy forces anytime,anywhere throughout the globe.Through these missions,USAFE-AFAFRICA enables Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) to the European theatre,providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and Partners,while contributing to deterrence and defence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.*Continued GEN Hecker:The U.S. is dedicated to work alongside our Allies and Partners along the Eastern Flank to ensure we have the combined skills and coordination capabilities to maintain regional safety,security and stability.*Regular routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers demonstrate how the U.S. and NATO are ready,postured and well-prepared to deter threats,and,if necessary,defend the Alliance.*Boeing (BA)

Ukraine claims attacks on Russian submarine, air base | DW News

with Christopher Morris,security expert at the University of Portsmouth and Frank Ledwidge,military analyst at Oxford University

Will F-16 fighter jets tip the balance in Ukraine's favour in its war against Russia?DW News - YouTube

with Frank Leftwidge,Military Analyst with Oxford University*Lockheed Martin F-16D Fighting Falcon (LMT)*The aircraft may be stored in an air base in Western Ukraine that has underground bunkers.

Blastoff! Atlas V rocket launches classified USSF-51 Space Force mission - YouTube - 30 JUL 2024 - Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Pacific Perspective:Exercise Pitch Black 24 | Hot Shots Week Three 🔥🎥 - YouTube

Exercise Pitch Black 24,led by the Royal Australian Air Force,runs from 12 July-2 August 2024.It features the Eurofighter Typhoon;Italian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI Flanker fighter;Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle;Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor;and the Dassault Aviation French Mirage fighter.*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT),Dassault Aviation SA (OTCM:DUAVF)

NATO's High North:U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024,Part 2

The Arctic Strategy makes chilling reading:Strategic Environment - 1.The PRC includes the Arctic in its long-term planning and seeks to increase its influence and activities in the region.Though not an Arctic nation,the PRC is attempting to leverage changing dynamics in the Arctic to persue greater influence and access,take advantage of Arctic resources,and play a larger role in regional governance.The PRC seeks to bolster its operational expertise in the Arctic,where its presence,while limited,is increasing.The PRC operates three icebreakers:the Xue Long;Xue Long 2;and Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di-which enable the PRC's dual civilian/military research efforts in the Arctic.Over the course of the PRC's 13 Arctic research expeditions to date,the vessels have tested unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and polar-capable fixed-wing aircraft,among other activities.People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have also demonstrated the capability and intent to operate in and around the Arctic through exercises with the Russian Navy over the past several years.*Although the vast majority of the Arctic is under the jurisdiction of sovereign states,the PRC seeks to promote the Arctic Region as a "global commons" in order to shift Arctic governance in its favour.The PRC's 2018 Arctic Policy claims non-Arctic states should contribute to the region's "shared future for mankind" due to the Arctic's global significance.Its "Polar Silk Road" has been used to gain a footing in the Arctic,pursuing investments in infrastructure and natural resources,including in the territory of NATO Allies.2.Russian activities in the Arctic:The Arctic plays a significant role in Russia's security and economic calculations.The importance is revealed in Russian strategic documents,including Russia's 2023 Foreign Policy Concept,which raises the Arctic to Russia's second priority region after Russia's "near abroad."Russia boasts the largest Arctic territory and the most developed military presence of all the Arctic nations.Of concern,Russia's Arctic capabilities have the potential to hold the U.S. homeland,as well as Allied Partner territory,at risk.*The Kola Peninsula is home to Russia's Northern Fleet and important strategic nuclear forces,specifically its submarine-launched ballistic missile forces.Russia continues to invest heavily in new military infrastructure and refurbishing Soviet-era installations in the Arctic.Despite some attrition of Russia's conventional land forces due to losses in Ukraine,its strategic,air and maritime forces remain intact.Further,Russia has demonstrated the ability to reconstitute and reorganise its conventional ground forces,which illuminates the potential for future improved readiness and combat expertise in the Arctic.*In addition to nuclear,conventional and special operations threats,Russia seeks to carry out lower-level destabilisation activities against the United States and our Allies,including through Global Positioning System jamming and military flights that are conducted in an unprofessional manner inconsistent with international law and custom.Russia also has a clear avenue of approach to the U.S. homeland through the Arctic,and could use its Arctic-based capabilities to threaten the ability of the United States to project power both to Europe and the Indo-Pacific Region,constraining our ability to respond to crises.Furthermore,Russia's maritime infrastructure could allow it to enforce illegal and excessive claims along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) between the Bering Strait and the Kara Strait.Russia claims the right to regulate Arctic waters along the NSR in excess of the authority permitted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),placing excessive requirements on foreign vessels out of compliance with Russian regulations.3.PRC-Russian Collaboration:Increasingly,the PRC and Russia are collaborating in the Arctic across multiple instruments of national power.While significant areas of disagreement between the PRC and Russia remain,their growing alignment in the region is of concern,and the DOD coninues to monitor this cooperation...PRC-Russia military cooperation,including joint military exercises in the Arctic,continues to increase.In 2022 and 2023,PLAN and Russian Navy ships operated together in international waters off the coast of Alaska;and the Chinese Coast Guard and Russian Federal Security Service signed a memorandum of understanding on maritime law enforcement.These activities could open the door to future PRC presence in the Arctic and the NSR.