Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 13, 2015

Brian Bremner, Bloomberg: Japan Gets Ready to Fight

Abe wants to unshackle Japan from its postwar pacifism

Japan’s shock, grief, and anger over the recent beheadings of two of its citizens by Islamic State has drawn into sharp focus the country’s ambivalence about the use of its military to protect its citizens and its interests. For decades, Japan was bound by its 1947 constitution to mobilize troops solely for self-defense. The country didn’t have the legal right to send armed troops abroad to protect its own people or back up allies who come under attack.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 13, 2015

With eye on Japan, China plans big military parades under Xi: sources -- Reuters

China’s army: Lifting the veil, Xi Jinping is bringing a corrupt army to heel. Now he must make it behave responsibly -- The Economist

As the US mission winds down, Afghan insurgency grows more complex -- Stars and Stripes/Washington Post

Russia’s new generation strategic bomber to make first flight in 2019 — Air Force -- ITAR-TASS

Three Combat Ships Join Russia's Mediterranean Task Force -- Sputnik News

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu signs military-technological cooperation agreements in Nicaragua -- RBTH

Elements of European missile defense system to be deployed in Poland by 2018 — ambassador -- ITAR-TASS

Iran Rolls Out ‘Smart Missile’ Drones -- Sputnik

Egyptian army struggles to address terrorism in Sinai -- Al-Monitor

France's Hollande says Egypt to buy Rafale fighters, frigate -- Reuters

France wins deal to sell Rafale combat jet to Egypt -- BBC

Colombian Farc: No recruitment of soldiers under 17 -- BBC

129 U.S. Army battalion, brigade commanders fired since 2003 -- Army Times

Army rejects Beretta's pitch for upgraded M9 -- Army Times

Seeking bigger budget, Pentagon keeps wary eye on risk of cuts -- Reuters

USAF Budget: Hardest Choices Yet to Come -- Defense News

Reform Pentagon Acquisition By Slowing Down the F-35 -- William Hartung, Defense One

U.S. Senate confirms Ashton Carter as new Pentagon chief -- FOX News/EFE

Ash Carter's Team Taking Shape -- Defense news

US Army Developing Missile Defense Dashboard -- Defense News

US Army Tests Soviet-Designed Rocket Launcher -- Military.com

Lawmakers Get Lost in the Math of Reforming Military Benefits -- Defense One

Military says 22 Marines hurt in Southern California training accident; some hospitalized -- FOX News/AP

The Human Cost of the Military’s Toxic Burn Pits -- Matthew Gault, War Is Boring

The U.S. Army Tested a Helicopter Shotgun With 1,200 Barrels: Let’s just say … it didn’t work -- Joseph Trevithick, War Is Boring

DoD, Twitter work to strengthen accounts -- Defense News

Military approves hormone therapy for Chelsea Manning -- USA Today

Commentary: A Balanced US Navy of the Future -- Mark Seip, Defense News

So many scandals in the US military: signs of rot or reform? -- Fabius Maximus

A Military Manual for Nonviolent War -- Tina Rosenberg, NYT

'American Sniper' And The Real Qualities Of The U.S. Military -- Michael Leeden, Forbes

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 12, 2015

Soldiers stand at attention during the training for the military parade of the 60th National Day celebration, Beijing, September 7, 2009. [Xinhua]

Bloomberg: China’s Rising Military Not Ready to Win Wars, U.S. Report Says

China’s military isn’t ready to win wars despite spending heavily to modernize, according to a report commissioned by a U.S. congressional committee.

The People’s Liberation Army suffers from “potentially serious weaknesses” that could limit its ability to conduct the operations required to fight and win future conflicts, the report by Rand Corp. a Santa Monica, California-based research group said.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 12, 2015

Is the Chinese Military Weaker Than We Think? -- Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat

Chinese Military Weaknesses Revealed -- Washington Free Beacon

RAND Spots China’s ‘Potentially Serious’ Weak Spots -- Breaking Defense

China to probe army spending in corruption crackdown: report -- AFP

Russian, Ukrainian armed forces' general staff chiefs to hold talks Friday — Poroshenko -- ITAR-TASS

US sending around 600 paratroopers to Ukraine to train troops -- FOX News

Russian Strategic Missile Forces Begin Wide-Range Drills in 12 Regions -- Sputnik

Russia’s railroad-based missile system to be equipped with Yars missiles — source -- ITAR-TASS

Russia to Take Part in Venezuelan Military Exercises - Defense Minister -- Sputnik

Russia and Nicaragua to sign several bilateral agreements in defense sphere — ministry -- ITAR-TASS

South Korea to Beef Up Its Submarine Force -- Sputnik

India Eyes Cheaper, Reliable Russian Su-30 Jets as Rafale Deal Stalls -- Sputnik

Delay of French-Saudi military aid to Lebanon a mystery -- Al-Monitor

UK Think Tank Says Coalition Airstrikes Cannot Defeat ISIL -- Sputnik

Obama on war powers request: Islamic State is 'going to lose' -- AP

Obama's war request runs into a brick wall -- The Hill

Congress likely to back US war on Islamic State, lawmakers say -- Bloomberg

Cold-weather training ramps up as Afghan combat mission wraps up -- Stars and Stripes

In a blow to al-Qaida fight, CIA pulls back in Yemen-- Stars and Stripes/Washington Post

Pentagon acknowledges ISIS spread to Afghanistan amid US troop drawdown -- The Hill

US Commander Wants Troop-Level 'Flexibility' in Afghanistan -- Defense News

Intel officials tight-lipped on American militant fighters back in US, admit tracking is difficult -- FOX News

Export restrictions limit Predator potential -- Flight Global

Bomber contract could push Northrop into Boeing’s arms -- Stars and Stripes/Seattle Times

Lawmakers talk big cuts for Pentagon budget -- Military Times

Senate on Track to Confirm Obama's Pick for Pentagon Chief -- AP

Fewer reported sex assaults at military academies -- Military Times

Report: One in 10 female Air Force Academy cadets victims of sexual assault -- Stars and Stripes/The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (Tribune News Service)

'American Sniper' Chris Kyle said ex-Marine was 'nuts' -- BBC

Fukushima fallout suit: 'Sailors were marinating in radioactive particles' -- KBOI

How the Pentagon Manipulates People Overseas -- Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat

Is Obama purging the US military leadership? -- Fabius Maximus

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 11, 2015

Reuters: Obama seeks some limits on ground troops for Islamic State fight

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama will propose to Congress on Wednesday a new three-year authorization for the use of force against Islamic State with limits on U.S. combat troops' involvement, lawmakers and congressional aides said.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 11, 2015

Obama to Ask Congress for New Anti-Terror Authorization -- VOA

Obama to seek 3yr war authority against ISIS with limited ground troops -- RT

Three Big Questions About Obama’s Military Force Request -- Alex Rogers, Time

Isis war to extend far beyond Iraq and Syria under Obama's proposed plan -- Spencer Ackerman and Dan Roberts, The Guardian

U.S. Stealth Fighters Escorted Jordanian Revenge Strikes -- War Is Boring

Russia's Security Council to analyze US security strategy as to threats to Russia -- ITAR-TASS

Russia claims it's in the early stages of developing an aircraft carrier that can hold 100 planes -- Business Insider

Russian Military to Fire Iskander Missiles During Pacific Ocean Drills -- Sputnik

Russian Su-24 Bomber Crashes Near Volgograd, Fate of Pilots Unknown -- Sputnik

Russia’s last satellites for identifying ballistic missile launchers cease operation -- ITAR-TASS

China bars outside income for military -- Asia Times

Experts: Chinese '4th Fleet' Appears Unlikely -- Defense News

The NSA Acknowledges What We All Feared: Iran Learns From US Cyberattacks -- Threat Level

Iran reveals 'new' fighter type -- IHS Jane's 360

Sweden Proposes Aggressive Nordic Defense -- Defense News

US effort to train Syrian rebels ramps up: Can Pentagon avoid past follies? -- Anna Mulrine, CSM

Pentagon deploys A-10 attack jets, 300 pilots to Germany amid Ukraine turmoil -- RT

US House Proposes $1Bln in Lethal Aid, Military Assistance to Ukraine -- Sputnik

US to Withdraw Most Troops Fighting Ebola -- VOA

US May Slow Down Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan Due to Threats -- Sputnik

Beretta Pushes Back on Army Rejection of M9A3 Pistol -- Military.com

Pentagon defends 2016 budget request that exceeds spending caps -- Reuters

Military Looking To Give Troops Super Sensing Abilities -- Defense One

Cyberwar: CyberCaliphate targets U.S. military spouses; Anonymous hits ISIS -- CNN

Oops-White House Forgot To Tell Intelligence Committee About New Cyber Intelligence Center -- PJ Media

New US Cyber Hub Won't 'Collect Intelligence' -- Defense News

Pentagon Says Guantanamo Interpreter Worked for CIA -- AP

FBI Sued Over "Dirtbox" Airborne Cell Phone Spying -- Sputnik

US Navy Censures 3 Rear Admirals Over Corruption Scandal -- VOA

Chris Kyle’s widow Taya will be among first witnesses in ‘American Sniper’ trial -- Dallas News

The Blackbird Had a Drone Sidekick: Supersonic robot spied on China’s nuclear program -- War Is Boring

Democrats Fear Another Military Quagmire: For many liberals, Obama's plan to fight ISIS brings back bad memories. -- Alex Brown and Rachel Roubein, National Journal

How to Win Covert Wars -- Richard L. Russell, National Interest

Navy SEAL shares 8 secrets to grit and resilience -- Eric Barker, Business Insider/Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 10, 2015

US General John Allen has said that much of the Iraqi army's equipment had been lost [Reuters]

IBTimes: US General Says Iraqi Forces Soon To Launch Ground Offensive Vs ISIS

Iraq is poised to deploy its forces to carry out a massive ground offensive versus the ISIS to retake the large swathes of land the latter captured in the previous months. John Allen, the US coordinator for the anti-IS coalition of Western and Arab countries, told Jordan's official Petra news agency the ground mission is slated to begin “in the weeks ahead.”

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 10, 2015

Coalition Chief: Iraqi Ground Offensive Against IS 'Within Weeks' -- Radio Free Europe

US to Look for Potential Anti-Islamic-State Coalition Members in East Asia -- Sputnik

White House Seeks Three-Year Military Commitment vs. ISIS (Video) -- WSJ

Obama’s war pitch to Congress bans 'enduring' ground troops -- The Hill

Obama's War Authorization Limits Ground Forces -- Josh Rogin, Bloomberg

US effort to train Syrian rebels ramps up: Can Pentagon avoid past follies? -- Anna Mulrine, CSM

US plans to establish military base in Kurdistan -- Middle East Monitor

US Deploys A-10s to Europe Amid Debate to Arm Ukraine -- Military.com

Pentagon prepping forces to assist Ukraine’s national guard -- Washinhton Times

Russian Black Sea Fleet Starts Massive Drills in Crimea -- Sputnik

Military drills involving 1,500 servicemen take place in Russia's Caucasus, South Ossetia -- ITAR-TASS

Russia Successfully Tests Small-Sized Anti-Submarine System in Baltic Sea -- Sputnik

Russian Defense Minister to Visit Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua This Week -- Sputnik

Top 3 Russian foils of US missile defence system -- RBTH

Contract potential of Russian arms supplies to Egypt tops $2 billion — expert -- ITAR-TASS

Cyprus not to offer military bases to Russia — Foreign Ministry -- ITAR-TASS

Japan OKs aid to foreign troops' non-military operations -- Reuters

Japan won’t share secret submarine technology with anyone -- News.com.au

Smaller US-South Korea exercise unrelated to North’s demands -- Stars and Stripes

As China circles, US-Thai military friendship stumbles -- AFP

U.S. expanding military presence in Djibouti to enhance regional ties -- World Tribune

Oversight wants to know which Afghan spending still classified -- The Hill

U.S. Considering Warship Presence in Australia -- WSJ

Watchdog: Air Force 'doctored the data' to make A-10 look bad -- The Hill

US Navy Spends $302Min on Trident Nuclear Missiles - Pentagon -- Sputnik

US Navy, Air Force and DARPA Tested The Lockheed Martin LRASM Next-Gen Anti-Ship Missile -- Naval Recognition

Analysts: Navy brass view F-35C's stealth as overrated -- Military Times

Thirty year Roadmap for Navy power systems to support railguns and lasers -- Next Big Future

DARPA: Cyberattacks against US military ‘dramatically increasing’ -- The Hill

Obama to create new agency to examine cyberthreats -- AP

Pentagon seeks new war games to combat cyber threats -- USA Today

Darpa Is Developing a Search Engine for the Dark Web -- Threat Level

Pentagon No. 2 sounds alarm over tech erosion -- Washington Times

Pentagon No. 2 official sounds alarm over budget constraints eroding military technology edge -- FOX News

Woodward: Military Upset Susan Rice Telling Generals How To Fight -- Breitbart

Panel approves Carter for Defense secretary -- The Hill

Pentagon spent $504,816 on Viagra last year -- FOX News

ISIS hacker targets military spouses -- The Hill

When good military websites go bad: A sad example from the Navy history center -- Thomas E. Ricks, Foreign Policy

The Massive Work That Goes Into Remodeling an Old Aircraft Carrier -- Katherine Kornei, Autopia

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- Febraury 9, 2015

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, second from left, waves as he arrives with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army General Martin Dempsey, right, to testify before the House Armed Services Committee about the FY2015 Defense Department budget on Capitol Hill in Washington March 6, 2014. Yuri Gripas/Reuters

Christopher A. Preble, Newsweek: U.S. Military Spending: A Lot? Or a Lot More?

In 2015, U.S. defense spending will be about $600 billion, or about 3.24 percent of GDP. The former figure would strike many Americans as sufficient, and a few would find it excessive.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 9, 2015

Iraq anti-ISIL ground offensive to begin 'within weeks' -- Al Jazeera

White House says Obama will ask Congress to authorize military force against ISIS -- FOX News

Obama downplays Islamic State threat; objective now to ‘defeat,’ not ‘destroy’ -- Washington Times

Kerry: US 'on the road' to defeating ISIS -- The Hill

Urban combat will test U.S. strategy in Iraq -- Washington Post

2,000 UK troops, RAF spy plane bound for Jordan to combat ISIS -- RT

Jordan: ISIS lost 20% of its military capabilities -- Al Arabiya

NATO top commander in Europe says 'military option' possible in Ukraine -- RT

Stoltenberg Says Each NATO State Must Decide on Kiev Lethal Aid on Its Own -- Sputnik

Russia is reportedly getting military bases in an EU state -- Business Insider

Russian military delegation arrives in Cairo -- World Bulletin

With weapons modernization, Russia’s military ups its game as West watches closely -- Washington Post

Paris Must Deliver Mistral ‘Commercial Project’ to Russia -- Sputnik

Exclusive Interview With The French Navy On The Barracuda SSN Program -- Navy Recognition

French defence minister confirms Rafale talks with Egypt - TV -- Reuters

India Improving Defence Infra Along China Border in North-East Region -- IBTimes

South Korea, China to Establish Military Hotline -- VOA

North Korea missile launch may signal technical upgrade -- Stars and Stripes

Britain's MoD plans to spend £4.2bn on replacing Trident before parliament gives go-ahead -- Herald Scotland

Pentagon: U.S. Won’t Send Carrier to Mainland China This Year -- USNI News

US 6th Fleet flagship docks in Georgia after entering Black Sea -- RT

Thai-US Military Exercise Launched Amid Tensions Over Coup -- AP

F-35 fighter, P-8A patrol jet, KC-46 tanker are big winners in 2016 DOD budget -- Intelligence Aerospace

Analysts: Navy brass view F-35C's stealth as overrated -- Defense News

Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Flight Test-2: Launch vehicle support equipment causes test failure -- U.S. Army

Air Force launches a big change in basic training -- Stars and Stripes/San Antonio Express-News

DARPA: Cyberattacks against US military ‘dramatically increasing’ -- The Hill

Former general blasts Obama on national security strategy -- The Hill

Pentagon Needs Resources to Implement US National Security Strategy -- Sputnik

'Fat Leonard' Scandal Jams Up Dozens of US Navy Flag Moves -- Defense News

American Sniper and Our Problem With Military Mistakes -- David Kaiser, Time

Brian Williams' apology draws mixed reviews from mission vets -- Stars and Stripes

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 6, 2015

Daily Mail: It's payback time: Jordan releases slick video of strikes against ISIS - in Operation Martyr Moaz named after murdered pilot

* Video showing Jordanian war planes being prepared for air strike released
* Dozens of jets targeted training centres and weapon storage sites in Syria
* Reportedly hit strategic ISIS sites in Iraq for first time - intensifying attacks
* Pilots later paid tribute to murdered Moaz al-Kasasbeh over hometown
* Came as Abdullah II visited the pilot's grieving family in the village of Aya
* Father Saif al-Kasasbeh called King a 'wise monarch' for opposing ISIS
* King has vowed a 'harsh' revenge for the pilot being burnt alive and has already had two ISIS-linked jihadis executed for terror offences

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 6, 2015

White House 'Very Close' on Islamic State Authorization -- Defense News

White House says Obama will ask Congress to authorize military force against ISIS -- FOX News

US coalition against ISIS is fraying. Gulf Arab partners mull withdrawal over Iran’s involvement -- Debka

Obama rejected Jordanian King Abdullah’s pleas for Predator drones -- Washington Times

US moves pilot rescue aircraft closer to Syria battlefield -- Stars and Stripes

Iraqi Defense Says Russian Su-25 Jets Supply Helps Baghdad to Battle ISIL -- Sputnik

Analysis: DIA head warns al Qaeda in Syria may gain ground in 2015 -- Long War Journal

NATO shifting blame accusing Moscow of increased military flights — Russian diplomat -- ITAR-TASS

With weapons modernization, Russia’s military ups its game as West watches closely -- Washington Post

Commercial production of Russia's new AK-12 and A-545 assault rifles to start in February -- ITAR-TASS

Russia's fifth Yasen-class nuclear sub to be laid down on March 19 — source -- ITAR-TASS

Egypt Seeks Bank Loans for French Arms Buy -- Defense News

Indonesian Air Force Plans to Replace US F-5 Tiger Jets With Russian Su-35S -- Sputnik

Australian PM: Japanese-built subs could cause tensions with China -- Ferret

India's Most-Advanced Warship to Get the Missiles That Were Missing -- NDTV

EU Lawmaker Calls French Defense Technology Overly Dependent on US Drones -- Sputnik

GCHQ mass surveillance ‘unlawful’ & breach of human rights, court rules -- RT

British Army Calling for More Muslim Soldiers to Counter Extremism -- Sputnik

Active US Army below 500,000 soldiers for the first time in 10 years -- Washington Times

Army wants $2M budget for Compact Sniper Rifle program -- Washington Times

McCain to Pentagon: Don’t let your aircraft carriers visit China -- Washington post

F-35Cs Cut Back As U.S. Navy Invests In Standoff Weapons -- Aviation Week

Northrop Developing New Design for T-X -- Defense News

Pentagon Reports US Air Force to Spend $279 Million on New Reaper Drones -- Sputnik

CNO: Next-Generation Navy Fighter Might Not Need Stealth -- Defense Tech

A-10 warplane tops list for friendly fire deaths -- Stars and Stripes/USA Today (Tribune News Service)

Air Force urged to remove officer over A-10 ‘treason’ comments -- The Hill

Air Force Proposes Big Increases for New Aircraft Purchases in 2016 (UPDATED) -- National Defense

US Air Force to Upgrade B-52 Strategic Bombers -- Sputnik

Boeing poised for $15.6 billion in Air Force work on tanker -- Stars and Stripes/Bloomberg

Navy’s UCLASS Competition Delayed Until Next Year -- Defense Tech

America’s New Invisible Air Force -- Daily Beast

White House: Climate change threatens national security -- The Hill

The Pentagon’s Weapon Wish Lists Could Disappear -- Defense One

Why war reporters can’t stand the Brian Williams scandal -- Washington Post

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 5, 2015

RT: 30,000 troops, 6 rapid units: NATO increases military power in Eastern Europe

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 5, 2015

Ukraine crisis: Nato to bolster Eastern Europe against Russia -- BBC

NATO Reports Russian Military Involvement in Ukraine Reduced to Specialist Roles -- Moscow Times/Reuters

UK to Send 1,000 More Troops to Bolster NATO Forces in Eastern Europe -- Sputnik

NATO Pledges Support for Ukraine, No Word on Weapons -- WSJ

NATO Chief to Meet With Ukrainian President Poroshenko in Munich Saturday -- Sputnik

Top NATO general warns of Russian reaction to arming Ukraine -- AP

Hagel concerned about possible split in NATO -- AP

Plans for sending UN peacekeepers to Ukraine being discussed by experts — diplomat -- ITAR-TASS

European defence ministers oppose sending weapons to Ukraine -- Daily Mail/Reuters

Report: Eastern Ukraine Flooded With Russian-Made Weapons -- Washington Free Beacon

Moscow concerned by plans to form joint Ukrainian-Polish-Lithuanian military brigade -- ITAR-TASS

Putin Spending Big On Military Modernization Despite Russia's Economic Woes -- AP

Russia’s Military Doctrine: Facts And Details -- Sputnik

Washington Unveils NATO Weapon-Sharing Plan -- Defense News

Jordanian King Pleads for US Weaponry -- Defense News

US military moving more military assets into Iraq to fight ISIS -- FOX News

Official: U.S. Military moved search and rescue assets to Northern Iraq -- CNN

US, S Korea Begin Joint Naval Drill Despite Tensions on Korean Peninsula -- Sputnik

South Korea not planning to deploy US missile defense system — official -- ITAR-TASS

China Voices Concern About US Missile Defense in South Korea -- Defense News/AFP

Military Ebola mission in Liberia coming to an end -- USA Today

Pentagon Lost Track of Weapons Worth $400 Million in Yemen -- Sputnik

Next Defense Secretary Open to Keeping A-10 in Air Force -- DoD Buzz

Pentagon pick Ashton Carter discusses Iraq and Ukraine at Senate hearing – as it happened -- The Guardian

Carter: Involve Chiefs in Weapons Decisions -- Defense News

New defense secretary airs differences with Obama over Ukraine, Gitmo -- Washington Times

Defense Secretary nominee expected to be confirmed next week -- Stars and Stripes

Defense nominee Carter casts himself as independent voice -- Washington Post

Who is Ashton Carter? -- WSJ

Army Ranger School to Introduce Female ‘Observers’ Who Haven’t Met Standards -- Washington Free Beacon

The Military’s Next Big Recruiting Ground May Be Virtual -- We Are The Mighty

‘American Sniper’ fame could complicate Chris Kyle murder trial -- Stars and Stripes/Los Angeles Times (Tribune News Service)

What Really Drives Obama's Military Strategy? -- Foreign Policy

New White House Strategy Tackles Changed World -- Paul McLeary, Defense News

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 4, 2015

Sailors launch aircraft from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Gulf, in this August 7, 2014 handout image released on August 8. Credit: Reuters/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters

USA Today: Pentagon seeks to reload amid air war

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon wants to re-stock its arsenal of smart-bombs and missiles after five months of airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria have depleted supplies.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 4, 2015

Lawmakers support more military aid to Jordan fight IS -- The Tribune/AP

Analysts: Pilot’s death may give Jordan’s monarch freer hand against Islamic State -- Slobodan Lekic, Stars and Stripes

Pentagon Says Oil No Longer Main Source of Revenue for IS -- Sputnik

Iraq reconciliation would help counter Islamic State - U.S. military -- Reuters

Kremlin Pursues Military Modernization Despite Economic Woes -- AP

New Russian Military Helicopter to Have Top Speed of 400 Kmph -- Sputnik

New Russian Heavy Ballistic Missile Sarmat to Be Test Launched in 2016-2017 -- Sputnik

Surface Forces: Russia Faces A Fleetless Future -- Strategy Page

No, the Russian Navy Isn’t Going to Collapse -- Dmitry Gorenburg, War On The Rocks

DF-21D ballistic missiles deployed to Guangdong: Kanwa -- Want China Times

China to Toughen Military Checks to Fight Internet Spying -- NDTV

Intelligence: China Builds Yet Another Great Wall -- Strategy Page

North Korean pilots vow to use suicide attacks -- Korea Joong Ang Daily

Analysis: The Philippines’ Naval Build Up -- Armando J. Heredia. ISNI News

Pakistan Tests Cruise Missile -- Defense News

Iran unveils indigenized hovercrafts -- Tehran Times

Tehran to Unveil Second Generation of Saeqeh Fighter Jets -- Tasnim News Agency

The Dutch Air Force Doesn’t Have Enough Fighters for Air Shows -- War Is Boring

NATO sees resilience as key issue in AWACS replacement -- Reuters

NATO ministers to meet on Russia, upgrading response force -- AP

Azerbaijan warns U.S. will lose Eurasia influence without clear strategy -- Kellan Howell, The Washington Times

Defense Secretary Nominee Urges US to Supply Lethal Arms to Ukraine -- Sputnik

Defense nominee Carter would reconsider Afghan withdrawal plan -- AP

Large cache of US chemical weapons to be destroyed -- BBC

Proliferating Threats Open Door To F-35 Follow On -- Aviation Week

Navy Pushes UCLASS Fielding Date, Air Segment Request for Proposal -- USNI News

Intelligence Official: No Backup Plan if NSA Phone Program Lapses -- WSJ

As U.S. faces new threats, Pentagon seeks bigger defense budget -- Reuters

U.S. Defense secretary nominee expected to win easy approval -- Washington post

Senate approves bill aimed at stopping military suicides, 99-0 -- The Hill

Forbes: Ukraine and ISIS Put Pacific Re-balance at Risk -- DoD Buzz

The Pentagon Hopes to Contain Russia on the Cheap -- Matthew Gault, War Is Boring

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 3, 2015

U.S. Department of Defense: Work: FY 16 Budget Request Targets Modernization Efforts

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 3, 2015

Pentagon Ignores Spending Caps in 2016 Budget -- DoD Buzz

DoD Request Blows By Budget Caps in '16 -- Defense News

USN Budget Includes $10B for New Missile Sub -- Defense News

The Pentagon wants $678 million to refuel a single aircraft carrier -- Business Insider

Proposed US Defense Budget Includes $10.6Bln for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters -- Sputnik

US Navy Budget Request Funds Carrier GW -- Defense News

War chest: US Air Force seeks more cash to boost Iraq & Syria ops, surveillance -- RT

Obama Wants More Money for Military Spy Satellites, Lasers, Space Fence -- Defense One

White House Adds $21B for Modernization -- Defense News

Pentagon Asks for $9.6 Bln to Counter Missile Threat From Iran, North Korea -- Sputnik

USAF Budget Funds Munitions, Keeps U-2 -- Defense News

DoD wants to grow total budget, cut personnel costs -- Military Times

U.S. Military Stretched by Strategic Demands That Outpace Budget -- Bloomberg

US Considers Providing Antitank Missiles To Ukrainian Military To Help Deter Rebels -- IBTimes

Obama weighs lethal military aid to embattled Ukraine -- Washington Times

US, NATO mull sending arms to Ukraine military -- The Australian/AFP

Kiev Using Western Lethal Arms, US War Tactics in Donbas -- Sputnik

Russia bristles over US move to supply lethal military aid to Ukraine -- IBTimes

Russian company to develop air-space electronic warfare system by 2017 -- ITAR-TASS

Russian Air Force, Naval Aviation to Receive Over 200 New Aircrafts in 2015 -- Sputnik

Massive Russian Air Defense Exercises Begin in Siberia, Baltic Sea -- Sputnik

Russia’s new-generation satellite to be launched from Plesetsk Feb 2015 — Defense Ministry -- ITAR-TASS

Russia Plans Joint Military Drills With North Korea and Cuba -- Newsweek

Russia halts cooperation with Ukraine on nukes conversion project -- RT

Greek Defense Minister Invited to Discuss Military Cooperation in Moscow -- Sputnik

South Korea soldier gets death sentence for troop killings -- BBC

China's Navy to Send More Ships to the Indian Ocean -- Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat

Prince Charles unhappy with arms role, new biography claims -- BBC

In reversal, US military to release more details on Afghan aid -- Stars and Stripes

Military Commanders to Obama: Arm U.S. Allies -- Washington Free Beacon

Q&A: Should US send lethal military assistance to Ukraine? -- The Guardian

F-35 Tested in Extreme Weather Conditions -- Defense Tech

US Needs A-10 Attack Planes Fleet to Fight IS -- Sputnik

Pentagon Boosts Next Generation Submarines and Bombers -- Defense Tech

US Navy Funds Laser Anti-Mine System -- Sputnik

Air Force increases combat air patrols for Reaper pilots -- Defense News

The 100 Year Helicopter: Sign Of Army Helo Fleet’s Vulnerability -- Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.< Breaking Defense

Relax, US-China Military Exchanges Are Fine -- Ankit Panda, The Diplomat

Buying a New Air Force One Is Complicated -- Defense One

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 2, 2015

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter drops off a U.S. soldier for a mission near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Dec. 20. Obama’s budget proposal, and the ensuing battles, could be a preview of the national security debate in the 2016 presidential election. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

Greg Jaffe, Washington Post: Obama budget’s boost for military spending points to brewing national security debate

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 2, 2015

Obama to request hike in US military budget -- AFP

US Budget Request Will Change Drastically, Experts Say -- Defense News

E. Ukrainian rebels announce recruiting drive, plan 5 new brigades -- RT

Report: Breedlove, administration officials back defensive weapons for Ukraine -- Stars and Stripes

U.S. Considers Supplying Arms to Ukraine Forces, Officials Say -- New York Times

US mulls providing Kiev forces with ‘defensive’ weapons – report -- RT

Barack Obama rules out military conflict between US, Russia -- Economic Times/PTI

Russia's Lavrov says U.S. backs military solution in Ukraine -- Reuters

Russia Begins WMD Defense Drills in Armenia and Near Ukraine -- Sputnik

Russian troops to be reinforced in strategic areas — defense minister -- ITAR-TASS

Russia Working To Make Military Invincible, Says Rearmament Of Nuclear Forces Top Priority -- IBTimes

Test launch of Russia’s new Yars-based ballistic missile due in March — source -- ITAR-TASS

Russian Military Selects “New” Assault Rifles -- Bearing Arms

Huge Russian fiberglass minesweeper to join Navy in November -- RT

Russian Air Force to receive fifth-generation fighters in 2016 as scheduled — company -- ITAR-TASS

No cooling in relations between post-Soviet security bloc members — CSTO secretary general -- ITAR-TASS

Azerbaijan Launches Military Exercises Amid Tensions With Armenia -- Radio Free Europe

Iran Successfully Launches Satellite Into Space, First Since 2012 -- Sputnik

Egypt seeking military equipment from France: report -- Al Arabiya

Egypt creates new military command to combat Sinai militants -- Asahrq Al-Awsat

Hostages Drive Abe’s Push to Boost Japan Military Action Overseas -- WSJ

Japan Launches New Spy Satellite -- Defense News/AFP

Navy Takes Lead in Taiwan Military Reshuffle -- Defense News

Greece Warned Against Further Defense Cuts -- Defense News

British hero who fought off 200 enemy soldiers sells bravery medal -- Express

Hit Brit: Royal Marine tagged as world’s deadliest sniper -- RT

Sources: U-2 in USAF Budget Request -- Defense News

Kendall Unveils U.S. 6th Gen Fighter Strategy -- Defense News

Navy Builds a New Class of Sea-Basing Ships -- DoD Buzz

Bidding for New US Oiler, Amphibs to be Bundled -- Defense News

Reform Military Benefits, Buy an Aircraft Carrier a Year -- DoD Buzz

Defense secretary pick Ashton Carter is primed for confirmation -- Stars and Stripes/USA Today (Tribune News Service)

What the battle for Kobane says about U.S. overseas military bases -- Amy Austin Holmes, Washington Post

A Fresh Take on the US Military Pay and Benefits Debate -- Miriam Krieger and Kevin Kenney, War On The Rocks

Watch Out America: North Korea's Military Practices Sinking US Aircraft Carriers -- Zachary Keck, National Interest

How a 120-Year-Old War Is Driving China's Military Modernization -- David M. Liebenberg, The Diplomat

4 U.S. Intelligence Assumptions That Need to Go -- Peter Mattis, National Interest

Obama’s Trillion Dollar Nuclear Weapons Gamble -- Stephen Young, Defense One

World News Briefs -- January 30, 2015

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gestures as he addresses a news conference at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels January 30, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Francois Lenoir

Reuters: Air strikes alone not enough to defeat Islamic State: NATO chief

MIDDLE EAST

Heavy fighting near Kirkuk, twin blasts hit Baghdad market.

Senior Kurdish military commander killed in Iraq fighting Islamic militants.

Islamic State attacks Kurdish outposts across Iraq.

Kurdish PM says U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State faces long war.

Syria battle between al Qaeda and Western-backed group spreads.

Next round of Syria talks in Moscow in a month: delegate.

Hezbollah: we don't want war with Israel but do not fear it. Nasrallah: Hezbollah to respond to Israeli attacks.

Islamic State hostages: Jordan seeks proof pilot is alive.

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi flogging postponed second time.

ASIA

Pakistanis fleeing military offensive find new dangers in restive eastern Afghanistan.

Pakistan Shia mosque blast in Shikarpur kills dozens. Bomb blast at Shiite Muslim mosque in Pakistan kills 56.

Philippines mourns 44 slain officers.

Three U.S. contractors killed in 'insider attack' in Afghanistan.

U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea.

China expels top police official from Communist Party.

Australia wants clear U.N. rules on extended searches after MH370.

AFRICA

Egypt raises death toll from coordinated Sinai attack to 32. Egypt's Sisi pulls out of AU summit after Sinai attacks.

Boko Haram crisis: African Union backs regional force of 7,500 troops.

Boko Haram: Nigeria regains border town after Chadian military assault. Chad air force bombs Boko Haram out of Nigerian border town.

Election violence feared in Nigerian President's stronghold.

South Sudan’s Machar nixes peace deal amid sanctions threat.

Libya peace talks gain in urgency after Isis attack on Tripoli hotel.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe, 90, becomes African Union chairman.

South Africa apartheid assassin de Kock given parole.

EUROPE

Ukraine battle rages for key town of Debaltseve. Multiple deaths after shelling of humanitarian aid center, bus stop in Donetsk. Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed in fighting with rebels: Kiev military.

Ukraine peace talks aborted as civilians die in east. Donetsk self-defense forces ready for truce talks with Kiev.

Russian central bank makes surprise interest rate cut.

Russia might bailout Greece – finance minister.

Eurogroup chief warns Greece against 'ignoring' bailout deals.

New Greek nationalist defence minister resurrects old tensions with Turkey.

Eurozone deflation gathers pace in January.

AMERICAS

Romney opts out of a 2016 run for president.

US seeks to break up drug ring.

Mexico City gas truck explodes near maternity hospital.

Argentina's Fernandez dents credibility by playing victim.

Rio de Janeiro unnerved by wave of stray-bullet cases.

Plane crashes near Aruba after pursuit by military jets.

Canada to criminalize public terror threats.

Canada lottery 'winner' missed jackpot by seven seconds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. drone strategy in trouble as Yemeni al Qaeda gathers support.

US reportedly reaches out to Yemen's Houthi rebels to promote anti-Al Qaeda campaign.

CIA interrogated suspects on Diego Garcia, says Colin Powell aide.

Jihadists secretly join exodus to Europe amid Syrian humanitarian crisis.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google agrees privacy policy changes with data watchdog. Google profits up but revenue misses expectations.

China passes US to become world's top foreign investment destination.

Russia continues to see gold as good bet amid currency turbulence.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 30, 2015

A Predator B unmanned aircraft at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, Nov. 8, 2011.

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. armed drone program in Yemen facing intelligence gaps

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 30, 2015

U.S. drone strategy in trouble as Yemeni al Qaeda gathers support -- Reuters

Boko Haram crisis: African Union backs regional force of 7,500 troops -- BBC

Russia boasts it will maintain military superiority over the West until 2020 at least as it continues to add to its nuclear arsenal despite recession -- Daily Mail

Russian Next-Gen 100-Ton Nuclear Missile Could Be Test-Fired By 2017, Says Russian News Wire -- IBTimes

Defense chief says Russia to maintain military superiority: Interfax -- Reuters

Russian Military to Get 50 Intercontinental Missiles -- AP

Drone footage reveals ghost Soviet military base hidden in German forest -- RT

Russia says patrols near UK airspace were 'routine' -- BBC

Poland to launch civilian military training in response to Ukrainian crisis -- RT

China stresses more anti-corruption efforts in military -- Xinhua

China to deploy range of naval ships in Indian Ocean -- Economic Times

North Korea expands mandatory military service to include women -- UPI

France Considers Leases for A400M, Frigates -- Defense News

Airbus Shakes Up Its Military Aircraft Unit -- NYT

US Military Classifies Information About Afghanistan's Troops -- ABC News

General: US Army Programs Hinge on Helo Swap -- Defense News

Pentagon Seeks 13% Weapons Increase as Obama Urges End to Cuts -- Bloomberg

$561bn Pentagon budget planned, advocates say real budget is $1trn -- RT

Military Chiefs Warn Anew About Sequester Cuts -- Defense News

Pentagon Tells Congress to Stop Buying Equipment it Doesn't Need -- Military.com

AFSOC Wants to Research Adding Laser Weapons to AC-130 -- Defense Tech

US Navy wants robots to train Marines -- RT

US Navy Launches Video Game for Training Sailors -- Sputnik

CIA Picks Undercover Veteran ‘Spider’ as Spy Chief -- WSJ

Congressional commission releases new plan to overhaul military pay and retirement -- Washington Post

Drone Threat to Nuclear Plants -- Melissa Hersh, Defense News

Special Forces face increased cyber risks, challenges -- Army Times

US Special Forces Are Operating in More Countries Than You Can Imagine -- Nick Turse, The Nation

What Downturn? Top Pentagon Contractors Turn In Strong Results Despite Soft Demand -- Loren Thompson, Forbes

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 29, 2015

General Raymond Odierno (Army), Admiral Jonathan Greenert (Navy), General Mark Welsh (Air Force), and General Joseph Dunford (Marines) warned a Senate panel Wednesday of the dangers they see if their services' budgets are cut. Gary Cameron / Reuters

Mark Thompson, Time: Military Chiefs ‘Prep the Battlefield’ for Biggest Pentagon Budget Request Ever

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 29, 2015

Military chiefs push to end sequestration, warn of combat danger -- Washington Times

Service chiefs: Defense spending caps will undercut troop morale -- Stars and Stripes

Iran Targets Netanyahu Children for Assassination -- Washington Free Beacon

Jerusalem Post: New details emerge: At least 5 Kornet missiles fired in Hezbollah ambush of IDF soldiers

Hezbollah Brigades convoy video shows American M1 Abrams tank -- Washington Times

UK fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian bombers -- RT

Russia Says Air Force Flight Near UK Complies With International Law -- Sputnik

The Russian Air Force's future: fifth generation stealth fighter -- ITAR-TASS

Russia’s Sarmat 100-ton ballistic missile may be test launched in 2016-2017 — source -- ITAR-TASS

Moscow Calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina Not to Deliver Weaponry to Kiev -- Sputnik

Poroshenko Promises More Money to Kiev Soldiers Amid Draft Evasion -- Sputnik

India to buy 22 attack, 15 heavy-lift copters -- The Hindu

Airbus Helicopters says military deals to boost 2015 orders -- Reuters

No bulls-eye: Playful shark halts China military exercise -- RT

President Xi stresses diplomacy by military exchanges -- Xinhuanet

Pentagon Pauses New Exchanges With China -- WSJ

Pentagon: US may lose high-tech military superiority to China, Russia -- RT

U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea -- The Star/Reuters

The US Military Had One Hell of a Time Getting Gear Out of Afghanistan -- Gizmodo

No longer needed, Navy frigates being sold or dismantled -- Stars and Stripes/Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, Wash.

Spy panel shakeup will add focus on cyber, CIA -- The Hill

'Iron Man' Suit Opens Doors to New Tech -- Defense News

Fighter pilot who flew jet over Berkeley was giving nod to brother at Cal; Navy is investigating -- Berkley Side

Pentagon: Jordan ISIS swap not the same as Bergdahl -- The Hill

The U.S. Coast Guard Needs Lots More Ships: Nearly twice as many—but extra money is unlikely -- Matt Keane, War Is Boring

Ash Carter tells senators he’s unlikely to keep Obama promise to close Gitmo -- Washington Times

Obama bids farewell to Hagel -- The Hill

Obama: Hagel is 'A True American Patriot' -- Defense News

Security contractor David Berry, killed in Libya, leaves a legacy of U.S. military service -- Washington Post

The Irrelevance of Traditional Warfare? -- David Barno and Nora Bensahel, War On The Rocks

State of Disunion: America’s Lack of Strategy is its Own Greatest Threat -- Chris Miller, Cicero Magazine

Drones: Military game changer? -- NBC

Military says Washington state marijuana shops 'off-limits' to troops -- Reuters