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)

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

1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine

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)

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.

NATO's High North:U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024 - Part 1

According to a prefatory Memorandum by U.S. Secretary of Defense General Lloyd F. Austin III,U.S. Army ret.:The United States is an Arctic nation,and the region is critical to the defense of our Homeland,the protection of U.S. national sovereignty,and our defense treaty commitments...Major geopolitical changes are driving the need for this new strategic approach to the Arctic,including Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine,the accession of Finland and Sweden into the NATO Alliance,increasing collaboration between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia,and the accelerating impact of climate change.This increasingly accessible region is becoming a venue for strategic competition,and the United States must stand ready to meet the challenge alongside Allies and Partners.This new DOD strategy directs the Department to enhance its Arctic capabilities,deepen engagement with Allies and Partners,and exercise our forces to build readiness for operations at high latititudes...This strategy represents prudent and measured efforts to protetct U.S. interests in the face of new challenges and an evolving security environment.*In the body of U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024,it notes:The National Defense Strategy (2022) directs that activities in the Arctic will be calibrated to reflect a "monitor-and-respond" approach that is underpinned by robust intelligence collection capabilities,security cooperation with our regional Allies and Partners,and the deterrent value of the DOD'S ability to deploy the Joint Force at the time and place of our choosing...This strategy will strengthen the ability of the United States to build integrated deterrence and effectively manage risk to U.S. interests in the Arctic Region by enhancing our domain awareness and Arctic capabilities;engaging with Allies,Partners and key stakeholders;and exercising tailored presence...The North American Arctic Region comprises the northern approaches to the homeland and includes sovereign U.S. territiory in Alaska-home to significant U.S. defense infrastructure (Eielson Air Force Base;Fort Greely;Fort Wainwright;Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson;Clear Space Force Station),and the sovereign territory of NATO Allies including Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark's autonomous territory of Greenland.Vital for homeland defense,the North American Arctic Region hosts aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning capabilities for the binational U.S.-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).The North American Arctic Region is also integrated to the execution of Indo-Pacific operations,as the Northern Flank for projecting force from the U.S. homeland to that region.*Geographically,the European Arctic Region comprises the Arctic territory of NATO Allies Finland,Iceland,Norway and Sweden,as well as Russia's Kola Penninsula.Collaboration in this region between Unified Combatant Commands (CCMDs-U.S. European Command,U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command) and Arctic Allies is critical to the collective defense of NATO Allies and to U.S. homeland defense.The accession of new NATO Allies and the strengthening of the NATO Alliance opens strategic opportunities and supports critical objectives in the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR 2022).The Arctic serves as an avenue for power projection between North America and Europe.The Arctic includes multiple strategically significant maritime chokepoints.Reduction in sea ice due to climate change means chokepoints such as the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia (you can see Russia from Alaska) and Russia and the Barents Sea north of Norway,are becoming more navigable and more economically and miltarily significant.

Pacific Perspective:Chinese Military Operations from Belarus to the Bering Sea

According to Staright Arrow News,China and Belarus launched military drills along the Polish and Ukraine borders.This is raising concern across Europe.It just points up that China sees itself as a global power.Exercise Eagle Assault was held near Brest,Belarus which is on the Polish border and 30 miles from Ukraine's northern frontier.It was the first time that Chinese troops were on Belarusian soil.The drills are dubbed anti-terrorism exercises and continued through mid-July.The drills began as NATO held the 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington,DC.*Belarus has just joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO),a body praised by China and Russia as a counterbalance to the West.As well,Belarus has provided logistical support to Russia and recently began hosting Russian nuclear weapons,which troubles NATO and the EU.The drills held near Poland are seen as a provocation and power projection.*For its part,Belarus is accused of waging hybrid warfare against Poland by sending hundreds of migrants a day across the Polish border.The migrants,mostly from the Middle East,Asia and Africa,caused the death of a Polish Soldier recently when a migrant stabbed him.Poland is sending 17,000 troops to protect its border,and is on course to create the largest land army in Europe.*Meanwhile,the U.S. Coast Guard issued a press release on 10 June 2024 about encountering four People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships in the Bering Sea.U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756),a Legend-class National Security Cutter,detected three PLAN warships about 124 miles north of Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands.An HC-130J Hercules from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak detected a fourth warship about 84 miles north of the Amrika Pass in the Aleutians.All the PLAN warships were in international waters,but inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone,which extends out 200 nautical miles from the shorline.The PLAN followed international rules and norms,according to RDL Megan Dean,Seventeenth Coast Guard District commander:We must preserve with presence to assure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska.*Responding to U.S. Coast Guard radio transmissions,the PLAN said they were exercising freedom of navigation operations.The Kimball continued to monitor the warships until they transited south of the Aleutian Islands into the North Pacific Ocean.The Coast Guard,in coordination with U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM),was fully aware of and tracked the PLAN presence.In September 2021 and 2022,Coast Guard cutters deployed to the Bering Sea also encountered Chinese surface action groups.The Kimball patrolled under Operation Frontier Sentinal,which is a Coast Guard operation designed to meet presence with presence when strategic competitors operate in and around U.S. waters.The Coast Guard's presence strengthens the international rules-based order and promotes the conduct of operations in a manner that follows international norms.*The Kimball is a 418 ft. Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) homeported in Honolulu,Hawaii.Such National Security Cutters are the largest active patrol class of the USCG,with the size of a frigate.Among the NSC's missions is providing ports,waterways and coastal security;countertterrorism;law enforcement;defence operations and other military operations,including assigned Naval Warfare duties within the U.S. Navy.It has several advanced sensors and processing systems,including radar tactical data links.The NSC has an NBC detection and defence system to repel chemical,biological or radiological attacks.It is armed with 1 x Mk 110 57mm gun;1 x 20mm Block 1B Baseline 2 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System;2 x crew-served M240B 7.62mm machine guns;4 x crew-served Browning M2 machine guns;and has a 50x80 ft. hangar for aircraft.The NSC is optimised for communications with NATO.It is built by Huntington Ingalls Industries.*Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII)

NATO Secretary General press conference at Foreign Ministers Meeting, Prague,Czechia CZ 31 MAY 2024 -YouTube

Decisions: 1.Greater NATO role in equipment and training; 2.Alliance commits to multiyear financial pledge for Ukraine; 3.We discussed Ukraine's path to NATO membership and Ukraine's future in NATO.

Pacific Perspective - Taiwan: 'China is preparing for war,' says former Taiwanese navy captain - Sky News

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

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

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

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

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 U.S. National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan,O7 FEB 2024

Pacific Perspective:US,Philippines and Australia Initiate Joint Patrols

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

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

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

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

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

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

F-22 Raptor Brings Down China's Spy Balloon

Four Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighters were scrambled at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia Saturday.They were needed to bring down the Chinese military balloon that attempted to gather intelligence over US territory in a blatant violation of US sovereignty and international law.The balloon was loaded with tons of surveillance equipment directed at sensitive military bases with an apparent emphasis on strategic systems such as the Minuteman III ICBM and B-2 Spirit bombers.* The Raptors arrived on scene off the South Carolina coast and loitered while they awaited the balloon's arrival.The balloon had first violated Canada's sovereignty before heading south into Montana and surveilling Malmstrom Air Force Base and its missile fields.It had traveled from China to the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska before violating Canadian air space,all the while tracked by NORAD.Eventually it wandered east over to Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri,home of the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber.NORTHCOM,out of Peterson Air Force Base,Colorado,provides protection for the US mainland and took charge of the hostile incident.Two air refueling tankers flew a pattern off South Carolina,standing by to refuel aircraft as needed.* On Wednesday,US President Joseph R. Biden ordered the Pentagon to shoot down the balloon in the safest way as soon as possible.The Pentagon chose the sea option.* Climbing to an altitude of 58,000 ft.,one of the F-22s fired a Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missile at the balloon at short range.It punctured the balloon with a thud,rendering it limp as it plunged for about five minutes to the coastal waters below within the 12-mile territorial zone of the United States.Whatever lands within the zone is legally under US Government control.The balloon ended up at a depth of merely 47 feet,easily retrievable by even novice divers.The US Navy and Coast Guard secured the scene by establishing a perimeter.A salvage vessel made its way to the wreckage of the ill-fated Chinese contraption.Electronic warfare measures had been applied to its technology by US Forces as it was blown along,ensuring that it couldn't achieve its unlawful mission unhindered.The debris field had been ascertained by NORTHCOM and NASA in advance.* Analysis:So China ended up with its surveillance technology in the hands of the US Intelligence Community,embarrassed by this bizarre mission of the People's Liberation Army.For its part,Canada expressed its appreciation for the US downing of the balloon.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

Pacific Perspective:US and Indian Armies Train in the Himalayas

The 18th annual Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2022 provides high altitude training in India's Himalayan Mountains for the US Army and Indian Army.They are taking place in the Auli area of Utterakhand State in North India.Participating are the US Army's 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Airborne),which was recently reactivated to provide forces adept at cold and rugged Arctic terrain,having previously been known as U.S. Army Alaska.Indian Soldiers of the Assam Regiment will drill with their American counterparts.The aim is to exchange best practices,Tactics,Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) between the two armies,the Indian Ministry of Defence said.They will employ an integrated battlegroup under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate on peacekeeping and peace enforcement.They will also practise Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The Field Training Exercise includes validation of individual battlegroups;force multipliers;establishment and functioning of surveillance grids;validation of operational logistics;mountain warfare skills;casualty evacuation and combat medical aid in adverse terrain and climate conditions.There will also be a focus on combat skills such as combat engineering;employment of UAS/counter UAS techniques;and information operations.Thus both armies will share their broad range of experiences and skills,while enhancing techniques through information exchange,IMOD noted on 15 November 2022.The drills will take place near the Line of Actual Control (LAC),where conflict has occurred between the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Indian Army,resulting in casualties including deaths on both sides.So Yudh Abhyas is a signal to China that these two powerful democracies are intent on improving their crisis coordination.* The Indian Army numbers 1,237,000 active duty and 960,000 reserves,plus 136 aircraft.There are also an Indian Navy and Indian Air Force,the third largest air force in the world.Indeed,next year the population of India will surpass that of China.* On 6 June 2022,the 11th Airborne Division's 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team was reactivated at Fort Wainwright,Alaska;and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team was reactivated at Fort Richardson,Alaska (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) in separate ceremonies.The 11th Airborne also includes headquarters,logistics and other support forces.* From 15-16 June 2020,Indian and PLA forces clashed in hand-to-hand combat incidents involving rocks in the Galwan River valley on the Indian side of the LAC,resulting in several deaths.India says it lost 20 troops in the Galwan skirmish (Operation Snow Leopard).According to a member of the US Intelligence Community,20-35 Chinese PLA members were killed in the clashes.This blog examined a handful of photos of the incident.These include a PLA photo of Chinese regimental commander Qi Fabao being carried with a bloodied face and a head bandage.A few other photos show up to several dozen Indian forces crossing the Galwan River with riot shields and walking sticks.An Indian trooper appeared to have a rifle slung over his back in a rather blurry image.On 7 September 2020,gunfire erupted along the LAC,apparently without further casualties.*

OUR KOREAN WAR STORY: Brother survived Chosin Reservoir

OUR KOREAN WAR STORY: Brother survived Chosin Reservoir: Sgt. Nevada ‘Jim’ Williams landed at Inchon, South Korea, with 2,500 soldiers of the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division, 31st Regiment Combat Team on Sept. 15, 1950.

Operation NOBLE DEFENDER:Defending North America's Approaches - intercepting cruise missiles

From 12-14 September 2022,Operation NOBLE DEFENDER (OND) was executed by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in Alaska and the Northwest Territories.Mainly carried out over sparsely populated Arctic and Pacific areas at high altitude,there was little chance of the public noticing the drills.Areas traversed include Inuvik,Yellowknife,St.Lawrence Island,King Salmon,Ketchikan and west of Vancouver.OND was intended to validate NORAD'S ability to defend Canada and the US from every avenue of approach,demonstrating the capability to integrate with defence and security partners for a holistic,360-degree defence of the continent.* OND,a recurring series of drills,tested the ability to rapidly deploy military assets and carry out tactics,techniques and procedures in the designated areas.It demonstrated NORAD'S ability to quickly deter,defend and,if necessary,defeat adversaries of North America such as Russia,China and North Korea.Defensive manoeuvres were practised along the Northern and Western approaches to North America by all three NORAD Regions:Alaska NORAD Region (ANR);Canadian NORAD Region (CANR);and Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR).OND drew on military personnel and equipment support from Portland,Oregon;Cold Lake,Alberta;Colorado Springs,Colorado;Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base,Alaska.* On 14 September,US Air Force F-15C Eagle fighters from the Oregon Air National Guard's 142d Wing took off from Portland ANG Base.There the operation exhibited the ability to launch at short notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions across all domains,displaying resiliance in the face of multiple and complex threats.During the drills,CONR also coordinated and conducted joint operations with the US Navy while concurrently launching jets from various locations across the US Gulf Coast and Puerto Rico.This phase of OND featured manoeuvres for defending the Southern approach to the US from simulated cruise missile threats.F-15C Eagles took off from Muniz ANG Base in Carolina,Puerto Rico.The OND addressed both current and evolving threats to North American defence and security.* An F-15E Strike Eagle can actually launch a cruise missile,the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER),from a center pylon.This type of launch was simulated over the highly strategic Baltic Sea Region in 2021.* To shoot down a cruise missile,you have to know the missile's course and speed so you can intercept and destroy it.A heat-seeking anti-aircraft missile can destroy a cruise missile.So can an aircraft's cannon.As long as an aircraft has look-down-shoot-down capability,it can destroy a cruise missile,but it is very difficult to execute such a mission against the terrain-following,low-IR emission cruise missiles.