 |
NATO is more active today than it has been at any time in its 62 year history. Some 40,000 non-U.S. troops, most from NATO member countries, are operating in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
South China Sea:Analysis From Different Sources
Rival countries have squabbled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries - but a recent upsurge in tension has sparked concern that the area is becoming a flashpoint with global consequences.
The view from Afghanistan's bunkers
It is a war that has changed the geo-political realities of several nations -- and left a trail of death, destruction and doubts in its wake.
As the world's sole superpower and other aspiring superpowers discuss the likely fate and way forward for Afghanistan, we bring you some more haunting images of a very, very long war.
US Air Force contracts 20 Brazilian Super Tucano fighters for Afghanistan
The US Air Force has chosen Brazil’s Embraer for a 427 million dollars contract to supply light attack planes to Afghan forces, the company said Thursday, despite competition from an American bid.
U.S.: $60M in new aid to Syrian opposition
The Obama administration said Thursday that it will provide the Syrian opposition with an additional $60 million in assistance and — in a significant policy shift — will for the first time provide nonlethal aid such as food and medical supplies to rebels battling to oust President Bashar Assad.
India-China 2013: India to take tougher stance
New Delhi stopped backpedaling and drew a line in the sand forBeijing in 2012, bolstered by support from Southeast Asia and America's pivot toward the Pacific. Look for more tough talk from India in 2013 — but don't expect much of a result.
“I simply cannot visualize a breakthrough of any sort,” said Indiana University professor Sumit Ganguly.
Imperial Argument: Washington debates ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy
 |
| Source:fas.org (click to enlarge) |
Over the last two years, the Obama administration has executed what the president has termed the “Pivot to Asia” strategy, whereby the US’ global military force posture is being reconfigured to focus on the Asia Pacific region as Washington’s central front.
U.S. Army says it faces "dire" financial situation as cuts loom
(Reuters) - A senior military budget officer said on Wednesday that converging financial pressures could leave the U.S. Army with just $2 billion to spend on operations, maintenance and training this year after it has funded the war in Afghanistan and other security needs.
India plans missile test ranges in Andhra, Andamans
Defence Minister AK Antony told the Rajya Sabha that the DRDO had proposed to set up a missile test range each at Rutland Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Nagayalanka in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
"Both the projects for setting up of the missile test ranges are at the initial planning stages and land acquisition process is on," he said.
"These projects would be sanctioned after the proposals are cleared by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the revenue authorities," he said.
Chinese Navy Receives First “Stealthy” Corvette
U.S. Military May Take Over Part of CIA Drone War
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s administration is looking at easing the secrecy around the drone war against al-Qaida by shifting control for some air strikes from the CIA to the U.S. military, officials say.
But the move would likely not apply to drone attacks in Pakistan, where most of the bombing raids take place. And even if the policy change is carried out, Obama has no intention of abandoning a tactic that his advisers say has decimated the al-Qaida network.
CHINESE STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE TO NORTH KOREAN MILITARY PROGRAM
On 15 April 2012, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), or North Korea, held a large military parade to celebrate the centennial of its founder, Kim Il Sung. Toward the end of the military portion of the parade newly elevated leader Kim Jong Un became excited as six new large ballistic missiles rolled by, identified by the parade announcer as the “KN-08.”1 However, what was quickly noticed by the active community of Chinese military-fan netizens was that the new missile was carried by a unique large 16-wheel transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) of Chinese origin. It was almost immediately identified as a product of the 9th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), or the Sanjiang Space Wanshan Special Vehicle Co in Hubei, which makes the “WS” series of TELs that carry CASIC’s family of ballistic missiles for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
IAF IRON FIST 2013:PICTURES AND VIDEOS
OSA AK-M surface to air missile is launched during the 'Iron Fist 2013' exercise, in Pokharan. Indian Air Force's first day-night exercise showcases more than 30 types of platforms and Weapons Systems amounting to a participation of about 230 aircraft - AP
Frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft of Indian Air Force on Friday displayed their operational and precision fire power capabilities during the force's first day-night exercise in a range in Thar desert in Rajasthan.
The military exercise event was titled as Iron Fist 2013.
Watched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the exercise, one of the biggest conducted by the force, saw air–to-ground weapons firing and precision bombing by IAF aircraft at the range near Jaisalmer.
UK considered allowing Argentina Falklands naval base two weeks before war
The Foreign Office considered the possibility of allowing Argentina a naval base on the Falkland Islands just two weeks before the 1982 invasion, newly declassified documents disclose.
They show how David Joy, of the British Embassy in Buenos Aires, contacted his Chilean counterpart Raul Schmidt to discuss tensions withArgentina before filing a restricted memorandum on March 5 1982.
Insect Sized Drones May Be Next Weapon For US Air Force
A promotional video on Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) by the Air Force Research Laboratory, show simulated images of insect-sized drones performing everything from extended surveillance both indoors and outdoors to targeting of locations to lethal missions.
This is reportedly the first time that a full promotional video has been released publicly showcasing the capabilities of these types of drones.
America's military can handle anything ... except a budget cut
Members of the U.S. military retire its ceremonial flags signifying the end of their presence in Iraq at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Baghdad December 15, 2011
On 1 March, the most dreaded word in Washington will become a fiscal reality – sequestration. Just those four syllables are enough to send chills up the spine. The across-the-board spending cuts will impact a host of federal agencies, but especially the Defense Department. It will become the law of the land, plunging the nation into a bleak, dystopian future in which (possibly) the rivers will boil over, locusts will consume the nation's agricultural bounty, and cats will sleep with dogs. America will almost overnight be reduced to a second-rate power, quickly to be overrun by hordes of foreign insurgents empowered by America's retreat from the global stage.
Navy Tweets How Budget Cuts Will Sink Its Fleet, Ground Its Planes
This is just a simulated bomb exploding at Naval Station Everett in Washington State on Oct. 25, but the Navy’s tweeting that impending budget cuts represent live-fire fiscal bombs. Photo: U.S. Navy
If automatic Pentagon budget cuts go through as scheduled next week, the Navy is going to grind its major operations practically to a halt. Or at least that’s the message it’s sending on social media.
The Navy’s top public-affairs officer, Rear Adm. John Kirby, tweeted out an updated plan Tuesday for how the Navy absorbs billions of dollars in budget cuts scheduled to take effect on March 1. The deployments of 10 destroyers will be cancelled, including seven tasked with missile defense. Four aircraft-carrier air wings will be “shut down.” The Navy will “Reduce Investment in ships, aircraft, weapons, R&D” by $7.75 billion. Should a crisis break out somewhere in the world in 2013, only one aircraft carrier strike group will be available for deployment.
Chinese Army Unit Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S.
This 12-story building on the outskirts of Shanghai is the headquarters of Unit 61398 of the People’s Liberation Army. China’s defense ministry has denied that it is responsible for initiating digital attacks.
On the outskirts of Shanghai, in a run-down neighborhood dominated by a 12-story white office tower, sits a People’s Liberation Army base for China’s growing corps of cyber warriors.
U.S. Navy Paints Even Bleaker Budget Picture
With Congress on a break — and no budget deal in sight — the U.S. Navy expects automatic spending cuts to take effect in March. These cuts would damage the industrial base and “strain” sailors, according to updated Navy budget guidance provided to Navy Times, Defense News’ sister publication, on Tuesday.
US Navy UAV programmes near major milestones
The US Navy's largest unmanned air vehicle programmes are nearing major programme milestones, says Adm Matthias Winter, the executive officer managing the service's UAV and strike programmes.
The Northrop Grumman X-47B is on schedule to fly to the USS George HW Bush, becoming the first conventional UAV to take off and land on an aircraft carrier, Winter told the Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference on 13 February. The first landing is expected in April or May 2013.
"The whole demonstration objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an unmanned air vehicle and unmanned system in the carrier environment. That's not trivial," says Winters. "We have made huge strides of success at digitising the carrier environment. You can bring an X-47, you can bring a UCLASS [unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike aircraft], you can bring a [Northrop MQ-8B] Fire Scout, you can bring a whatever to a carrier."
US Navy
|
The UCLASS programme is becoming better defined, with the imminent completion of a draft capability definitions document (CDD) and joint requirements oversight council memorandum (JROCM), which recommend key requirements for the new aircraft.
"The final JROCM and the draft CDD approval is on track by the end of February," says Winter. A competitive request for proposal is expected later in 2013. Winter also mentions that the aircraft, which will share crucial characteristics of the X-47B, will be armed with bombs and missiles already used by other USN aircraft.
IN FOCUS: Chinese air force not yet a match for Japan's
On 11 January, China's defence ministry confirmed that Chengdu J-10 fighters had been dispatched to keep an eye on two Boeing F-15 aircraft operated by Japan. According to its statement, the F-15s were trailing a Shaanxi Y-8 patrolling near a cluster of islands in the East China Sea that are contested by Beijing and Tokyo.
Irrespective of the merits of either party's claim to these islands, neither side appears willing to back down. Although the prospect of an all-out war over what Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing the Diaoyu islands is remote, any conflict that may develop would involve air combat - possibly on a large scale. This would lead to Japan's historically strong air force being challenged by an ambitious newcomer.
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Rex Features
|
USAF refuses to reopen F-22 accident investigation despite damning Inspector General’s report
The US Air Force will not reopen the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) that examined the 16 November, 2010, crash of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor despite the US Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General's (IG) findings that the board's conclusions were flawed.
The crash took the life of Capt Jeff Haney, a pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
"The convening authority, Gen Herbert Carlisle, PACAF [Pacific Air Forces] commander, directed that the AIB be reconvened (not reopened) in order to re-write the AIB report for clarity (to address the issues identified by DoD IG)," the US Air Force says in a written statement. "AFI [Air Force Instruction] 51-503 (paragraph 10.4) explains what it takes to re-open an investigation, specifically that there need to be new evidence. The convening authority is the only person who can re-open or reconvene an AIB."
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NORTH KOREAN MISSILE PROGRAM:BRIEF TIMELINE
North Korea conducted its third nuclear test Tuesday, the latest step in a years-long effort to develop nuclear weapons. Experts believe the country remains far from having a nuclear-armed missile that could threaten the United States, which would require an accurate long-range rocket and a nuclear warhead that could be mounted on it. Here is a look at North Korea's progress so far:
North Korea conducts third nuclear test
North Korea on Tuesday said it had conducted a “successful” third underground nuclear test, in a move that brought quick condemnation from the United Nations and the North’s neighbours and is set to heighten regional tensions.
The State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said a “miniaturised” nuclear device had been detonated successfully at the test site.
LIST OF AIRCRAFT CARRIERS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:2013
8)INS VIKRAMADITYA
 |
| INS vikramaditya during sea trails |
The aircraft carrier was first launched by the USSR in the early 1980s. However, on account of the dissolution of the Soviet Socialist Republic, the vessel’s utility in the East European bloc did not extend beyond the early 90s. In the year 2004 consequentially, a very important naval accord was struck between long time military allies India and Russia.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
END OF NATO?
|
NATO is more active today than it has been at any time in its 62 year history. Some 40,000 non-U.S. troops, most from NATO member countries, are operating in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
South China Sea:Analysis From Different Sources
Rival countries have squabbled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries - but a recent upsurge in tension has sparked concern that the area is becoming a flashpoint with global consequences.
The view from Afghanistan's bunkers
It is a war that has changed the geo-political realities of several nations -- and left a trail of death, destruction and doubts in its wake.
As the world's sole superpower and other aspiring superpowers discuss the likely fate and way forward for Afghanistan, we bring you some more haunting images of a very, very long war.
US Air Force contracts 20 Brazilian Super Tucano fighters for Afghanistan
The US Air Force has chosen Brazil’s Embraer for a 427 million dollars contract to supply light attack planes to Afghan forces, the company said Thursday, despite competition from an American bid.
U.S.: $60M in new aid to Syrian opposition
The Obama administration said Thursday that it will provide the Syrian opposition with an additional $60 million in assistance and — in a significant policy shift — will for the first time provide nonlethal aid such as food and medical supplies to rebels battling to oust President Bashar Assad.
India-China 2013: India to take tougher stance
New Delhi stopped backpedaling and drew a line in the sand forBeijing in 2012, bolstered by support from Southeast Asia and America's pivot toward the Pacific. Look for more tough talk from India in 2013 — but don't expect much of a result.
“I simply cannot visualize a breakthrough of any sort,” said Indiana University professor Sumit Ganguly.
Imperial Argument: Washington debates ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy
|
| Source:fas.org (click to enlarge) |
Over the last two years, the Obama administration has executed what the president has termed the “Pivot to Asia” strategy, whereby the US’ global military force posture is being reconfigured to focus on the Asia Pacific region as Washington’s central front.
U.S. Army says it faces "dire" financial situation as cuts loom
(Reuters) - A senior military budget officer said on Wednesday that converging financial pressures could leave the U.S. Army with just $2 billion to spend on operations, maintenance and training this year after it has funded the war in Afghanistan and other security needs.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
India plans missile test ranges in Andhra, Andamans
Defence Minister AK Antony told the Rajya Sabha that the DRDO had proposed to set up a missile test range each at Rutland Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Nagayalanka in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
"Both the projects for setting up of the missile test ranges are at the initial planning stages and land acquisition process is on," he said.
"These projects would be sanctioned after the proposals are cleared by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the revenue authorities," he said.
Chinese Navy Receives First “Stealthy” Corvette
U.S. Military May Take Over Part of CIA Drone War
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s administration is looking at easing the secrecy around the drone war against al-Qaida by shifting control for some air strikes from the CIA to the U.S. military, officials say.
But the move would likely not apply to drone attacks in Pakistan, where most of the bombing raids take place. And even if the policy change is carried out, Obama has no intention of abandoning a tactic that his advisers say has decimated the al-Qaida network.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
CHINESE STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE TO NORTH KOREAN MILITARY PROGRAM
On 15 April 2012, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), or North Korea, held a large military parade to celebrate the centennial of its founder, Kim Il Sung. Toward the end of the military portion of the parade newly elevated leader Kim Jong Un became excited as six new large ballistic missiles rolled by, identified by the parade announcer as the “KN-08.”1 However, what was quickly noticed by the active community of Chinese military-fan netizens was that the new missile was carried by a unique large 16-wheel transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) of Chinese origin. It was almost immediately identified as a product of the 9th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), or the Sanjiang Space Wanshan Special Vehicle Co in Hubei, which makes the “WS” series of TELs that carry CASIC’s family of ballistic missiles for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Friday, February 22, 2013
IAF IRON FIST 2013:PICTURES AND VIDEOS
OSA AK-M surface to air missile is launched during the 'Iron Fist 2013' exercise, in Pokharan. Indian Air Force's first day-night exercise showcases more than 30 types of platforms and Weapons Systems amounting to a participation of about 230 aircraft - AP
Frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft of Indian Air Force on Friday displayed their operational and precision fire power capabilities during the force's first day-night exercise in a range in Thar desert in Rajasthan.
The military exercise event was titled as Iron Fist 2013.
Watched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the exercise, one of the biggest conducted by the force, saw air–to-ground weapons firing and precision bombing by IAF aircraft at the range near Jaisalmer.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
UK considered allowing Argentina Falklands naval base two weeks before war
The Foreign Office considered the possibility of allowing Argentina a naval base on the Falkland Islands just two weeks before the 1982 invasion, newly declassified documents disclose.
They show how David Joy, of the British Embassy in Buenos Aires, contacted his Chilean counterpart Raul Schmidt to discuss tensions withArgentina before filing a restricted memorandum on March 5 1982.
Insect Sized Drones May Be Next Weapon For US Air Force
A promotional video on Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) by the Air Force Research Laboratory, show simulated images of insect-sized drones performing everything from extended surveillance both indoors and outdoors to targeting of locations to lethal missions.
This is reportedly the first time that a full promotional video has been released publicly showcasing the capabilities of these types of drones.
America's military can handle anything ... except a budget cut
Members of the U.S. military retire its ceremonial flags signifying the end of their presence in Iraq at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Baghdad December 15, 2011
On 1 March, the most dreaded word in Washington will become a fiscal reality – sequestration. Just those four syllables are enough to send chills up the spine. The across-the-board spending cuts will impact a host of federal agencies, but especially the Defense Department. It will become the law of the land, plunging the nation into a bleak, dystopian future in which (possibly) the rivers will boil over, locusts will consume the nation's agricultural bounty, and cats will sleep with dogs. America will almost overnight be reduced to a second-rate power, quickly to be overrun by hordes of foreign insurgents empowered by America's retreat from the global stage.
Navy Tweets How Budget Cuts Will Sink Its Fleet, Ground Its Planes
This is just a simulated bomb exploding at Naval Station Everett in Washington State on Oct. 25, but the Navy’s tweeting that impending budget cuts represent live-fire fiscal bombs. Photo: U.S. Navy
If automatic Pentagon budget cuts go through as scheduled next week, the Navy is going to grind its major operations practically to a halt. Or at least that’s the message it’s sending on social media.
The Navy’s top public-affairs officer, Rear Adm. John Kirby, tweeted out an updated plan Tuesday for how the Navy absorbs billions of dollars in budget cuts scheduled to take effect on March 1. The deployments of 10 destroyers will be cancelled, including seven tasked with missile defense. Four aircraft-carrier air wings will be “shut down.” The Navy will “Reduce Investment in ships, aircraft, weapons, R&D” by $7.75 billion. Should a crisis break out somewhere in the world in 2013, only one aircraft carrier strike group will be available for deployment.
Chinese Army Unit Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S.
This 12-story building on the outskirts of Shanghai is the headquarters of Unit 61398 of the People’s Liberation Army. China’s defense ministry has denied that it is responsible for initiating digital attacks.
On the outskirts of Shanghai, in a run-down neighborhood dominated by a 12-story white office tower, sits a People’s Liberation Army base for China’s growing corps of cyber warriors.
U.S. Navy Paints Even Bleaker Budget Picture
With Congress on a break — and no budget deal in sight — the U.S. Navy expects automatic spending cuts to take effect in March. These cuts would damage the industrial base and “strain” sailors, according to updated Navy budget guidance provided to Navy Times, Defense News’ sister publication, on Tuesday.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
US Navy UAV programmes near major milestones
The US Navy's largest unmanned air vehicle programmes are nearing major programme milestones, says Adm Matthias Winter, the executive officer managing the service's UAV and strike programmes.
The Northrop Grumman X-47B is on schedule to fly to the USS George HW Bush, becoming the first conventional UAV to take off and land on an aircraft carrier, Winter told the Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference on 13 February. The first landing is expected in April or May 2013.
"The whole demonstration objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an unmanned air vehicle and unmanned system in the carrier environment. That's not trivial," says Winters. "We have made huge strides of success at digitising the carrier environment. You can bring an X-47, you can bring a UCLASS [unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike aircraft], you can bring a [Northrop MQ-8B] Fire Scout, you can bring a whatever to a carrier."
US Navy
|
The UCLASS programme is becoming better defined, with the imminent completion of a draft capability definitions document (CDD) and joint requirements oversight council memorandum (JROCM), which recommend key requirements for the new aircraft.
"The final JROCM and the draft CDD approval is on track by the end of February," says Winter. A competitive request for proposal is expected later in 2013. Winter also mentions that the aircraft, which will share crucial characteristics of the X-47B, will be armed with bombs and missiles already used by other USN aircraft.
IN FOCUS: Chinese air force not yet a match for Japan's
On 11 January, China's defence ministry confirmed that Chengdu J-10 fighters had been dispatched to keep an eye on two Boeing F-15 aircraft operated by Japan. According to its statement, the F-15s were trailing a Shaanxi Y-8 patrolling near a cluster of islands in the East China Sea that are contested by Beijing and Tokyo.
Irrespective of the merits of either party's claim to these islands, neither side appears willing to back down. Although the prospect of an all-out war over what Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing the Diaoyu islands is remote, any conflict that may develop would involve air combat - possibly on a large scale. This would lead to Japan's historically strong air force being challenged by an ambitious newcomer.
| |
|---|
Rex Features
|
USAF refuses to reopen F-22 accident investigation despite damning Inspector General’s report
The US Air Force will not reopen the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) that examined the 16 November, 2010, crash of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor despite the US Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General's (IG) findings that the board's conclusions were flawed.
The crash took the life of Capt Jeff Haney, a pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
"The convening authority, Gen Herbert Carlisle, PACAF [Pacific Air Forces] commander, directed that the AIB be reconvened (not reopened) in order to re-write the AIB report for clarity (to address the issues identified by DoD IG)," the US Air Force says in a written statement. "AFI [Air Force Instruction] 51-503 (paragraph 10.4) explains what it takes to re-open an investigation, specifically that there need to be new evidence. The convening authority is the only person who can re-open or reconvene an AIB."
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013
NORTH KOREAN MISSILE PROGRAM:BRIEF TIMELINE
North Korea conducted its third nuclear test Tuesday, the latest step in a years-long effort to develop nuclear weapons. Experts believe the country remains far from having a nuclear-armed missile that could threaten the United States, which would require an accurate long-range rocket and a nuclear warhead that could be mounted on it. Here is a look at North Korea's progress so far:
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
North Korea conducts third nuclear test
North Korea on Tuesday said it had conducted a “successful” third underground nuclear test, in a move that brought quick condemnation from the United Nations and the North’s neighbours and is set to heighten regional tensions.
The State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said a “miniaturised” nuclear device had been detonated successfully at the test site.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
LIST OF AIRCRAFT CARRIERS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:2013
8)INS VIKRAMADITYA
|
| INS vikramaditya during sea trails |
