Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• IRAN-IRAN: UNHCR hails tripartite agreement on Afghan refugees IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- The office of the United Nations Office High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has welcomed the signing of a tripartite agreement on the voluntary return of Afghan refugees from Iran.
• UN, Afghanistan, Iran sign new pact on refugee returns UN News Centre 17 Jun 2003 -- The governments of Iran and Afghanistan have signed a joint agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees.
• Faced with insecurity and drugs, Afghanistan needs beefed up help - UN officials UN News Centre 17 Jun 2003 -- With insecurity threatening to derail Afghanistan's entire political process and the country's drug production turning the old Silk Road into a new "opium-paved road," two top United Nations officials called on the international community today to beef up deployment of security forces there and provide other vital assistance.
• Negroponte Says More Resources Needed in Afghanistan Washington File 17 Jun 2003 -- The international community "should do more, and we should do it better" to help Afghanistan end illicit opium production, U.S. Ambassador the United Nations John Negroponte said June 17.

Defense Policy / Programs

• White House Ceremony to Mark 30th Anniversary of All-Volunteer Force AFPS 17 Jun 2003 -- For three decades, America's armed forces have served on a solely volunteer basis. The nation is about to mark the 30th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force.
• 'Full Battle Rattle' Saving Lives in Iraq, Afghanistan AFPS 17 Jun 2003 -- Any TV news report from Iraq or Afghanistan shows American service members wearing "full battle rattle."
• Joint Civilian Orientation Conference Takes First Trip Overseas AFPS 17 Jun 2003 -- Even after six grueling days, 44 influential U.S. citizens remained jovial and vocally prideful of what they'd seen of U.S. military outfits in four countries.
• Bush Nominates Retired General for Army Chief of Staff AFPS 17 Jun 2003 -- President Bush has nominated retired Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker to be the next Army chief of staff.

• EU: Foreign Ministers Find Global Ambitions Difficult To Implement RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- The European Union yesterday unveiled the first few pages of its first-ever global "security strategy." The document was presented by EU security policy chief Javier Solana in Luxembourg at a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers. It brings the EU's security concerns broadly in line with that of the United States. The bloc now sanctions the use of force to fight the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. But it remains to be seen if the EU will be able to translate words into action on issues like Iran's nuclear program.
• Kazakhstan: Astana Puts New Emphasis On Military RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- Kazakhstan is planning not only to reform its armed forces but reshape them entirely and rebuild a Soviet-era military-industrial complex. Faced with growing regional tensions and hoping to become one of the world's biggest oil producers, Kazakhstan may well feel the need to bolster its military capability. But if successful, this process will change the balance of power in Central Asia and may leave neighbors to the south feeling threatened.
• EDS destroys 15 chemical rounds in D.C suburbs Army News Service 17 Jun 2003-- Working through weekends and one holiday over a 30-day period, the Army destroyed June 11 the last of 15 World War I-era chemical rounds found in a northwest Washington, D.C., suburban area known as Spring Valley about two years ago.
• `Land Warrior' takes Army from bayonets to body armor Army News Service 17 Jun 2003-- Visitors to the Army birthday celebration at the Pentagon June 13 had a chance to see some of the latest technology designed for soldiers.
• Seminar develops Joint Operating Environment Army News Service 17 Jun 2003-- The first actions to develop a shared vision of the world's future military environment for the United States armed forces were taken at a first annual Joint Operational Environment seminar in Williamsburg cohosted by the Joint Forces Command and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command June 3-5.
• CNO Says Navy Posturing to Give President Options Navy Newsstand 17 Jun 2003-- The Fleet Response Concept (FRC) will increase the Navy's operational availability by changing the way it deploys, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark told the Defense Writers Group at a recent breakfast meeting.
• NAVAIR clears Seahawks for 12,000 flight hours NAVAIR Release 17 Jun 2003-- In April, NAVAIR's Air Vehicle Engineering Department (AIR-4.3)cleared the in-service U.S. Navy Seahawk fleet of H-60B/F/Hs to continue flying to 12,000 hours. This milestone marks a major achievement for the numerous Seahawks currently supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as a variety of Counter Drug and Homeland Security Operations.
• Marines patrol night, Iraqis sleep safe Marine Corps News 17 Jun 2003-- On the dimly lit streets of northern Karbala, there is little to give the people a sense of safety, except I Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, which is driving back fear by driving back crime.
• Attackers wounded by own grenades in theft attempt Marine Corps News 17 Jun 2003-- Marines responded to calls for help on June 8 after criminals trying to steal cooking gas threw concussion grenades at a city mosque.
• U.S. planes filled with Iraqi fuel AFPN 17 Jun 2003-- For the first time in history, U.S. aircraft were refueled with captured Iraqi aircraft gas here June 14.
• Marine squadron expanding its UAV coverage Marine Corps News 17 Jun 2003-- Buzzing sounds ripple through the morning silence June 13 as Marines hurry back and forth on the dirt airstrip near the Euphrates River.

Defense Industry

• UK MOD Gives Operating Clearance For HIDAS Switch On BAE Systems 17 Jun 2003 -- BAE Systems' HIDAS programme has been given initial clearance to enter service with the British Army Training Squadron with the release of the Apache AH1. This follows analysis of data gathered during extensive installed performance and safety trials by DstL and QinetiQ.
• Saab & BAE SYSTEMS Sign Agreement For New Integrated Helmet Mounted Display System For Gripen BAE Systems 17 Jun 2003 -- Saab Aerospace & BAE SYSTEMS today signed an agreement for a new Integrated Helmet
• Boeing-Built Apache Longbows Arrive in South Korea Boeing 17 Jun 2003 -- Arrival of the Boeing [NYSE: BA] AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters this month in South Korea marks completion of U.S. Army efforts to field an Apache Longbow battalion in the region. This newest Apache Longbow unit joins another element, which arrived in South Korea in late 2001 as the first international deployment of U.S. Army Apache Longbows. A third foreign-based U.S. Army Apache Longbow unit is based in Germany.
• Upgraded F/A-18 Flight-Control Software Leads to Mishap Reduction Boeing 17 Jun 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy have developed new flight-control software for the F/A-18 Hornet that builds on the lessons learned during development and flight testing of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The first major upgrade to the Hornet's flight-control software since 1983, version 10.7 improves the aircraft's slow speed handling characteristics, provides increased departure resistance and improves departure recovery.
• EADS and Sukhoi team up EADS 17 Jun 2003 -- EADS, the largest European aerospace company, Sukhoi Corporation, the Russian defence technology sales company Rosoboronexport and the European missile manufacturer MBDA have signed a protocol on Tuesday at the 45th Aerosalon in Le Bourget near Paris.
• Lockheed Martin C-130J: A Business and Battlefield Success with a Bright Future Lockheed Martin 17 Jun 2003 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] officials said today at the Paris Air Show, that the company's C-130J Super Hercules, the world's most advanced airlifter, is delivering outstanding performance for operators around the world.
• Program Manager Stresses F-35's Technical and Global Partnership Innovations Lockheed Martin 17 Jun 2003 -- Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program is extending technological frontiers and establishing new levels of international participation in a fighter aircraft program, the F-35 JSF's general manager told reporters today at the Paris Air Show.
• T-50 Supersonic Trainer Performing Well in Development Program Lockheed Martin 17 Jun 2003 -- Officials from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] said today that the T-50 Golden Eagle development program is on track and the supersonic trainer is performing well in every aspect. Lt. Col. Cho Gwang Je, ROKAF T-50 chief test pilot, gave an overview of the T-50 development program, focusing on the flight-test activities. Cho, a seasoned fighter pilot and test pilot, was the first to fly the T-50 on Aug. 20, 2002, and is the high-time T-50 pilot.
• Lockheed Martin Receives $67 Million Contract for MK 41 Vertical Launching System Lockheed Martin 17 Jun 2003 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has been awarded an initial $67 million contract to continue production, delivery and installation of the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) for the U.S. Navy. The contract includes production of launchers for two Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) Aegis-equipped destroyers, as well as a major upgrade of five other destroyers already equipped with MK 41 VLS.
• Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Celebrates Diamond Anniversary Lockheed Martin 17 Jun 2003 -- Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] renowned Skunk Works officially marks its 60th Anniversary today. Once the informal name for the Lockheed organization led by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson that produced many of America's most technologically advanced aircraft, the Skunk Works has made an indelible mark on aviation history.
• Northrop Grumman Supports Quick Reaction LITENING ER Integration on U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 40 and 50 Aircraft Northrop Grumman 17 Jun 2003 -- The LITENING Extended Range (ER) precision targeting system from Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Defense Systems Division and RAFAEL has been successfully integrated onto the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft in record time. This quick reaction integration gives the Fighting Falcon targeting capabilities not available on other fielded systems.
• Pratt & Whitney Oklahoma City To Provide Maintenance and Repair for Lockheed Martin F-117 Stealth Fighter Components Pratt & Whitney 17 Jun 2003 -- Pratt & Whitney’s (P&W) Military Aftermarket Services (MAS) group received a contract from Lockheed Martin to provide a number of specialized support services for parts on the Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. The contract covers the application of special technology coatings on F-117 exhaust system airframe components, and is active now through early 2004.
• Litening Integration Completed on USAF F-16 Block 40/50 Rafael 17 Jun 2003 -- The LITENING Extended Range (ER) precision targeting system from Northrop Grumman Corporation's Defense Systems Division and RAFAEL has been successfully integrated onto the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft in record time. This quick reaction integration gives the Fighting Falcon targeting capabilities not available on other fielded systems.
• General Dynamics Canada and Indra Join TIPS Northrop Grumman 17 Jun 2003 -- The Transatlantic Industrial Proposed Solution (TIPS) continues to gain industrial momentum as the TIPS group of industries -- comprised of EADS, Galileo Avionica, Northrop Grumman ISS International, Inc., and Thales -- announce the addition of General Dynamics Canada (GDC) and Indra of Spain.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 17 Jun 2003
• PRESS CONFERENCE ON PERU’S TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION United Nations 17 Jun 2003
• UN / PERU VOA 18 Jun 2003 -- The Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission estimates as many as 60-thousand people were killed or disappeared during Peru's 20-year war between leftist guerillas and state security forces.

• Liberia's Cease-Fire Deal Calls for Government Without Taylor VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Liberian government and rebel negotiators have signed a cease-fire agreement calling for a government that would not include President Charles Taylor.
• Liberian Rebels, Government Sign Cease-Fire; Pressure Mounts on Taylor VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Representatives of Liberia's government and two rebel groups have signed a cease-fire deal to end an insurgency that began in 1999. The deal could pave the way for a transitional government without President Charles Taylor, who has been in power since 1997.
• Liberian Government and main rebel groups sign ceasefire accord - UN UN News Centre 17 Jun 2003 -- The Liberian Government and the country's two main rebel factions have signed a ceasefire agreement paving the way for comprehensive peace talks and the proposed formation of a transitional administration in the hopes of ending the West African nation's bloody civil war, according to a top United Nations envoy.
• U-S / LIBERIA VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The United States is welcoming the Liberian cease-fire accord and expressing hope that the deal which calls for the resignation of President Charles Taylor will lead to democracy in the west African state.
• LIBERIA TALKS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Representatives of Liberia's government and two rebel groups have signed a ceasefire deal to end an insurgency that began in 1999. The deal could pave the way for a transitional government without President Charles Taylor, who has been in power since 1997.
• U-N / LIBERIA VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- U-N aid agencies say health and security conditions in Liberia's capital are continuing to deteriorate. Thousands of people have streamed into Monrovia in recent weeks to escape fighting between government and rebel troops. Though both sides signed a peace agreement today, that will do little to ease the humanitarian crisis in the city
• Liberia Cease-Fire Deal Includes Taylor Resignation VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Liberian government and rebel negotiators, meeting in Ghana, have signed a cease-fire agreement that calls, among other things, for the resignation of President Charles Taylor.
• LIBERIA: Government recaptures key port on eve of ceasefire IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- Jubilant Liberians drove round the capital Monrovia in cars and buses waving white flags on Tuesday to celebrate the signing of a ceasefire agreement with two rebel movements.
• LIBERIA: Ceasefire agreement signed in Ghana IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- The government of Liberian President Charles Taylor signed a ceasefire agreement with two rebels movements in Ghana on Tuesday, paving way for talks on a comprehensive peace plan and a transitional government which would exclude Taylor.
• LIBERIA: Government troops seek refuge in Sierra Leone IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- A group of 131 Liberian government soldiers accompanied by over 200 dependents has crossed the border into Sierra Leone and surrendered to the Sierra Leone army, a military spokesman said in Freetown on Tuesday.
• Palestinians Meet with US Envoy on Stopping Terrorism VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Palestinian leaders spent a day of separate talks with a top U.S. diplomat and senior militant leaders, but none of the parties report significant progress on a deal to stop terrorist attacks against Israel.
• EDITORIAL: HAMAS TERRORISM CONTINUES VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has called for more attacks, in its words, "to blow up the Zionist entity and tear it to pieces." The June 12th statement came a day after a Hamas suicide terrorist set off a bomb on a bus in Jerusalem. At least seventeen people were killed and more than one-hundred wounded.
• US Envoy Meets Palestinian PM in Effort to Advance 'Road Map' VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- U.S. President George W. Bush's Middle East envoy, John Wolf, met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday as part of renewed efforts to get the international "road map" peace plan back on track. The meeting follows failed efforts by Egyptian mediators to convince Palestinian militants to agree to a ceasefire.
• ISRAEL PALESTINIANS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- President Bush's Middle East envoy, John Wolf, met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas as part of renewed efforts to get the international "road map" peace plan back on track. The meeting follows failed efforts by Egyptian mediators to convince Palestinian militants to agree to a ceasefire.
• Wolf Meets with Palestinian, Israeli Officials Washington File 17 Jun 2003 -- Ambassador John Wolf, in charge of the U.S. coordination and monitoring mission for the Middle East roadmap, is in the Middle East and has already had a series of meetings with Palestinian and Israeli officials, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters June 17.

• Divisions among Somali leaders persist as peace talks enter final stage - Annan UN News Centre 17 Jun 2003 -- Divisions among Somali leaders persist, even as the reconciliation process gears up for its third and final phase of negotiating the formation of an all-inclusive government, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report.
• SOMALIA / TALKS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The president of Somalia's Transitional National Government is in Nairobi for talks with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on terrorism and other issues affecting their two countries. They will also be talking about the future of Somalia.
• SOMALIA: Disagreement over number and selection of future parliamentarians IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- After days of bargaining, Somali groups meeting in the Mbagathi suburb of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, have failed to reach agreement over the number and mode of selection of the members of a future interim parliament, a source from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), close to the talks, told IRIN on Tuesday.
• DRC: Azarias Ruberwa named RCD-Goma leader IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- Azarias Ruberwa was on Monday appointed leader of the Rwandan-backed Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) rebel movement, replacing Adolphe Onusumba Yemba, who had held the post since October 2000, RTNC radio reported from Goma on Tuesday.
• DRC: Multinational force shoots dead two militiamen in Bunia IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- Soldiers in the multinational force deployed in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, shot dead two militiamen on Monday after coming under fire, the French news agency AFP reported.
• DRC: Inquiry launched into killing of MONUC observers IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has launched an inquiry into the killing in May of two military observers in Mongbwalu, 17 km north of embattled Bunia, eastern DRC, UN News reported on Monday.
• UN successfully repatriates 2,700 refugees to Central African Republic UN News Centre 17 Jun 2003 -- Some 2,700 refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have returned home to the Central African Republic (CAR) in the last week, paving the way for the United Nations refugee agency to close its camp in the DRC's northeastern Equateur Province.
• COLOMBIA'S VIOLENCE SPREADS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Colombia's four decades of civil conflict have left the country's economy in tatters and forced some one-point-two million Colombians from their homes. In spite of a large out-flux of refugees, the violence remained inside the country's borders. Recently, however, Colombia's battle against the leftist insurgents has spilled across its borders.
• Kosovo: Four Years After NATO Intervention, Albanians And Serbs Ready To Start Talking RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- Kosovar Albanian leaders have not held direct talks with their Serbian counterparts since 1999, when NATO established a de facto protectorate in the province. Now Pristina and Belgrade look set to reopen dialogue -- but talks will focus on practical matters and avoid the contentious issue of Kosovo's final status.
• IVORY COAST/ RECONCILIATION VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The reconciliation government in Ivory Coast has called for all Ivorians, including politicians and journalists, to work for peace and ensure the success of a power-sharing peace deal with rebels.
• UGANDA: Lord's Resistance Army ordered to attack Catholic missions IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- Catholic missions in northern Uganda are on high alert after the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) declared that they would be the next target for its attacks on the civilian population of the north.
• BURUNDI: Rebel group steps up attacks IRIN 17 Jun 2003 -- Attacks by the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Force pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD) rebel faction led by Pierre Nkurunziza have increased in several areas in Burundi, the latest being the abduction on Monday of a local official in Kayanza Province to the north of the country.

News Reports

• SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 17 Jun 2003 -- Troops from 19 nations begin joint exercises as part of NATO program / EU boosts Balkans aid to smooth road to membership / Britain sends UN Ambassador Greenstock to Iraq / U.S. forces detain hundreds in Iraqi raids / U.S. joint chief of staff arrives in Romania
• SHAPE News Summary & Analysis SHAPE 17 Jun 2003 -- Gen. Jones-EUCOM-(continued) / Ivanov: NATO grateful for Russian offer of peacekeeping help in Afghanistan / Local authorities reportedly opposed to ISAF's deployment in Herat province / EU calls on Iran to open nuclear sites / Paris police target Iranian group / Peacekeepers kill two in Congo

• Somalia, Kenya Presidents Hold Talks on Terrorism, Refugees VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The president of Somalia's Transitional National Government is in Nairobi for talks with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on terrorism and other issues affecting their two countries. And they will also be talking about the future of Somalia.

• REFUGEES: FRANCE / CULTURE VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- France is the third most popular European destination for refugees, with Algerians and Turks accounting for two of the largest groups of refugee applicants. But many Muslims and Arabs head to France for economic, not political, reasons.

• Powell to Discuss North Korea, Burma at ASEAN Regional Forum Washington File 17 Jun 2003 -- North Korea, Burma, Aceh, and HIV/AIDS are the topics Secretary of State Colin Powell plans to highlight in his upcoming discussions with his counterparts at the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Regional Forum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• JORDAN/ELECTION VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Election officials in Jordan are tallying results of Tuesday's parliamentary election. Observers are watching closely to see how many seats the main Islamist party will win. And an unprecedented number of female candidates are waiting to see who will win the seats that, for the first time, are reserved for them.
• Central Asia: Leaders Converge In Tehran RFE/L 17 Jun 2003 -- The presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan's Transitional Authority are in Tehran for talks that are expected to culminate in the signing of an agreement on a transport corridor from Uzbekistan to the Persian Gulf.
• Japan Ties Relations with Burma to Release of Pro-Democracy Leader VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Japan says it will reconsider its relations with Burma if it does not release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• POWELL / BANGLADESH TRIP VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Bangladesh on Thursday (June 19), for meetings expected to focus on stability in the South Asia region. Mr. Powell will be accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca
• Jordanians Hold Parliamentary Election VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Voters in Jordan are going to the polls to elect a new lower house of parliament. Turnout is expected to be relatively low, but election officials say they are pleased by the way things have gone.
• Kenyan Anti-Corruption Officials Investigating Moi VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Kenyan anti-corruption authorities want to question former President Daniel arap Moi about a scandal involving the disappearance of millions of dollars in public funds.
• TAIWAN SARS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The World Health Organization has removed its SARS-related travel advisory on Taiwan, but the advice to avoid visiting Beijing remains in place.
• JORDAN / ELECTION VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Voters in Jordan are going to the polls to elect a new lower house of parliament. Turnout is expected to be relatively low, but election officials say they are pleased by the way things have gone.
• ASEAN SUMMIT VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- Southeast Asian foreign ministers have ended a two-day meeting in Cambodia, formally asking the military government of Burma to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition politicians. The decision to press Burma breaks with the policy of non-interference long held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN.
• TAIWAN SARS VOA 17 Jun 2003 -- The World Health Organization has removed its SARS-related travel advisory on Taiwan, but the advice to avoid visiting Beijing remains in place.
• High-thrust electric propulsion reaching lofty milestones Pratt & Whitney 17 Jun 2003 -- To meet the performance and financial needs of satellite manufacturers and better support emerging deep-space missions, Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Space Propulsion is aggressively developing its latest electric propulsion (EP) offering, the large, high-thrust Hall Effect Thruster (HET), known as the T-220HT.