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.

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

1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine

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.

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)

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

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.

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 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.

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)

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.

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)

U.S. Marines, NATO. Tanks and armoured vehicles. Military exercises in Sweden - YouTube - MIL 3010

The U.S. Marines and Royal Swedish Amphibious Corps (Marines) during Baltic Operations 24 in Sweden.BALTOPS 24 is the premier annual exercise in the Baltic Sea Region.It provides a unique opportunity to strengthen joint response capabilities critical to maintaining freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea Region.*Text by MIL 3010 and edited by Andrew Taylor Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and M142 HiMARS (LMT),General Dynamics Land Systems Abrams M1A2V3 tank (GD)

U.S. Air Force, NATO. B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers. Arrival in the UK. - YouTube

Members of the 69th Exepeditionary Bomb Squadron out of Minot Air Force Basa,North Dakota are executing Bomber Task Force Mission 24-3 in the European Theatre of Operations under U.S. European Commnand (USEUCOM).Deployed under Air Force Global Strike Command,they will be providing assurance,interoperability training and deterrence,while sowing doubt in the minds of potential adversaries because of the unpredictability of such deployments,the Air Force said.Two Boeing B-52H Stratofortress nuclear-capable strategic bombers arrived at RAF Fairford on 20 May 2024,and a third arrived the following day.*Boeing (BA)

Spring Storm 24/Swift Response 24:British Army is Ready to Defend Estonia Today

British troops are practising warfighting on NATO's Eastern Flank in NATO Exercise Spring Storm 24.The drills are part of NATO's Defender Europe 2024,the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War,with over 90,000 military personnel participating.Spring Storm simulates a Russian attack on Estonia.In Spring Storm,Estonia is hosting an annual military exercise led by an Infantry Division of its Estonian Defence Forces.The goal is to train in defensive joint operations with Allied Units,focusing within a scenario covered by NATO Article V,an attack on one is an attack on all.Participants include military forces from Estonia,the UK,Denmark,France,the US and Finland,with Republic of Georgia and Ukraine participating as observers.The drills run from 12-31 May 2024.According to the UK news outlet The Independent,BG Giles Harris,commander of British forces in the Baltics,said:It's very urgent.I'm not going to second guess what may or may not happen,but as military personnel,our job is to be ready.There is no point in waiting to be ready.We should be ready now.And what's playing out in Ukraine provides us with the lessons that we nee to learn.Our mindset is whether it's today or tomorrow,we must make ourselves ready to defend every inch of Estonian land if necessary.In the minds of the Soldiers,the strategic purpose and context in which we're doing this training has definitely changed.The fact that we are doing this so close to Russia brings it home why it's so important to be here.*Said BG Mark Berry,commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade:I don't consider any of the activities my Soldiers conduct is a show.My role is to make sure that Soldiers have the right training opportunities and feel ready and prepared to work together with Allies or on their own.We do,of course,send messages to whoever will listen.We want to make clear our forces are ready...they're capable of working with each other.In any specific time frame,when we are training we are looking for lessons from conflict zones,anywhere that has a lesson we can take.*Said LTC David Lambert of the Army Air Corps:The training is generally as realistic as it gets.There is no artificiality in this.It's just as good training from the lowest level all the way to the top.We are ready to fight today.*In the overlapping Swift Response 24,the U.S. led Immediate Response Force will carry out joint operations to enhance readiness;foster interoperaability;and contribute to NATO's assurance and deterrence efforts.Aligned with U.S. European Command's (USEUCOM) North/South exercise campaign,it involves both command post exercises and field training drills.Paticipants include the US and France,with USEUCOM leading the initiative.It runs from 14 May-14 June 2024 in Poland,Latvia,Lithuania,Estonia and the Republic of Georgia.

Combat Credible Forces:Rotational Army Units Deploy to Europe for Reasurrance,Deterrence and Defence

A press release by U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAEA) states that U.S. Army rotational units have been deployed to Europe for NATO support: 1.The 1st Cavalry Division HQ will replace 3rd Infantry Division HQ in Europe for the first time in four years,which was before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022;2.the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery will replace the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery in Europe;3.the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT),"Ironhorse",4th Infantry Division,will replace the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team,3rd Infantry Division in Europe;4.the 1st Cavalry Combat Aviation Brigade (AirCav) will replace the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade;5.the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade will replace the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade in Europe.The deployments will occur between April and June.*According to the Task and Purpose news outlet,the U.S. Army's "First Team" is on its way to Europe.Ahead of its deployment,the unit held a casing of the colours ceremony at its home,Fort Cavazos,Texas.It is the first time the unit is deploying to Europe under the leadership of MG Kevin D. Admiral.MG Admiral said the troops were ready for their mission:We are going over to reassure our NATO Allies and work with Partners.*Along with MG Admiral was SGM LeVares J. Jackson,and the two leaders folded and cased the unit's colours.This signifies the deployment of 1st CAV.Said MG Admiral:Now more than ever,it is critical that we reassure our Allies in Europe that America's First Team will provide combat ready formations to deter aggression,and,should deterrence fail,our adversaries will see what it means to be CAV ready.*In addition,according to the Army Times news outlet,the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division,will replace 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,101st Airborne Division in support of NATO Allies.This will occur later this summer,according to LTC Sarah Ray,10th Mountain Division spokesperson.She said:They will continue to assure our NATO Partners and Allies,deterring further Russian aggression and reinforcing the NATO flank in Eastern Europe.*USAEA stated that some 1600 Soldiers already arrived in Norway to begin a nearly 559 mi/899.6 km road march to Finland,where 10th Mountain Division is currently taking part in multinational training between the US,NATO and new member Finland.The drills will occur through 31 May and involve more than 10,400 U.S. service members.*When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022,the Biden administration announced an influx of troops to shore up NATO's Eastern Flank-and spurred two Nordic neighbours to join the Alliance.Sweden joined NATO on 7 March 2024 and Finland joined on 4 April 2024.The 10th Mountain Division deployment to Finland will be an historic one,as the first light Infantry Brigade Combat Team to deploy to a Nordic Country.*The Pentagon had responded to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine by deploying 20,000 additional troops to Europe,bringing the total number of U.S. troops in European operations to more than 100,000.*The 3rd Infantry Division is out of Fort Johnson,Louisiana.*History of 1st CAV:1st Cavalry Division had participated in World War II combat;Korean War combat;Air mobile warfare,Vietnam;Gulf War combat;War on Terror combat in the Iraq War and Afghan War.Activated on 13 September 2021 at Fort Bliss,Texas,initially the troopers rode on horseback in desert regions around Fort Bliss,engaging in rough-riding along the Mexico border.With technological advancement,horse mounted cavalry became obsolete,so the Division transitioned to dismounted cavalry for WW II.In 2023,the Division became subordinate to III Armored Corps at Fort Cavazos,Texas.

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

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

DEFENDER 24:Shaping Combat Credible Forces for Deterrence and Defence

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