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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 15 Apr 2009 [PDF]
• April 14 airpower summary: A-10 suppresses hostile fire AFNS 15 Apr 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• Day of the Sniper: 'Million dollar' shot clears road Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- To Sgt. 1st Class Brandon McGuire all his prior experiences had prepared him for the moment.
• Suicide Bomber Kills 10 in Iraq VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Iraqi police said a suicide car bomber has killed 10 people in Kirkuk.
• Citizen Soldiers mobilize for deployment Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- Maryland Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin thanked more than 100 Soldiers as the group bid farewell to friends and family before leaving April 13 for Iraq.
• 2-8 Cav. 'Demon' tankers mentor Iraqi counterparts Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- The M1A1 Abrams tank is one of the newest additions to the Iraqi Army's arsenal.
• Afghan terrorist movements pose threat to Russia - FSB RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- The Taliban and other terrorist movements active in Afghanistan pose a major threat to Russia's security.
• Afghanistan welcomes Iran's readiness to help anti-drugs police IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Kabul welcomed Tehran's readiness to train the Afghan anti-drugs police and cooperate in providing border security.
• Most precise Int'l Iran-Afghanistan Border clarification begins IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Most precise clarification of Iran-Afghanistan Border line began Wednesday in presence of both countries' concerned officials.
• Signing Of Pakistan Shari'a Legislation Prompts Fears Of Taliban Expansion RFE/RL 15 Apr 2009 -- Sher Mohammad Khan's sentiments epitomize the hopes and fears of many Swat Valley residents.
• Pakistan rejects US criticism at Shariah regulations implementation IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan rejected US objections at introduction of Shariah regulations in parts of country's northwest including Swat.
• Suicide Bomber Attacks Police in Northwest Pakistan VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- A suicide bomber drove a car full of explosives into a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 16 people.
• Pakistan's Supreme Court Grants Bail to Red Mosque Cleric VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has granted bail to the hard-line cleric who led Islamabad's Red Mosque.
• North Dakota Guardsmen Continue Statewide Flood Fight AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- The number of National Guardsmen fighting rising water levels in North Dakota has more than doubled from last week.
• Guard Members Provide Clean Water for Storm-stricken Arkansas Town AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- Arkansas Air National Guard from the 188th Civil Engineering Squadron restored clean water to Arkansas community.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. experts propose minimal deterrence nuclear targeting policy RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- A respected U.S. think tank has released a report calling for fundamental changes to Washington's nuclear war planning.
• Gates Seeks to Shift Thinking on Budget, War AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates spelling out his thinking behind shifting $13 billion in warfighter programs.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. DoD 15 Apr 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
• DoD Announces Installation Realignments in the United Kingdom DoD 15 Apr 2009 -- The Department of Defense announced today the United States will return two military housing sites in the United Kingdom
• Partnerships Hold Key to Success in Europe, Beyond, General Says AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- US Army in Europe's Top Officer: Rare will be the occasion when the U.S. military will operate by itself.
• Defense Department Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- The Pentagon has become the “greenest” of federal agencies.
• NSWC Crane Assists in Advanced Laser Technology Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- NSWC Crane will assist in integration design for installation of countermeasures system on the CH-53D helicopter.
• Air Force, industry herald T-38 turning 50 AFNS 15 Apr 2009 -- The test pilot who flew the T-38 Talon on its maiden flight 50 years ago said historic sortie he felt he was on the safest mission of his career.
• Gates aims to speed delivery of helicopter pilots, crews Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates to find out how fast the home of Army aviation could expand training operations.
• UCT 2 Seabees Complete Critical Fleet Mooring Inspection and Repairs Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- Seabee divers from Underwater Construction Team 2 inspected and repaired fleet moorings at Naval Base Guam.
• Dogs help clear a path for Marines overseas USMC News 15 Apr 2009 -- Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion have taken on the challenge of route clearance using specially-trained dogs.
• UAV operators put eyes in the sky USMC News 15 Apr 2009 -- Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment practiced aerial reconnaissance patrols.
• Ford Conducts Torpedo Launch Exercise Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- USS Ford conducted a torpedo recovery exercise April 10 while pierside at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
• WMD task force trains with Koreans in 'Key Resolve' Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- Combined Joint Task Force for the Elimination of WMDs helped reinforce strategic US-Republic of Korea relationship during Key Resolve.
• Seabee Divers Trade Skills and Good Spirits With ROK Divers Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- Seabees from Underwater Construction Team 2 trained with Korean divers in Exercise Foal Eagle 2009.
• Essex Arrives for Balikatan 2009 Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- USS Essex arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, April 15 to take part in exercise Balikatan 2009.
• Africa Partnership Station Nashville Arrives in Gabon Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- USS Nashville anchored off the coast of Libreville April 15 for the first of 2 Gabonese port visits.
• Southern Partnership Station Begins Training in Jamaica Navy NewsStand 15 Apr 2009 -- High-speed vessel Swift arrived in Jamaica for the last of 2 instruction evolutions and the final port visit.
• Soldiers utilize MOUT site, train on advanced scenario Army News 15 Apr 2009 -- The Hohenfels training area Military Operations on Urban Terrain sites are usually used to train troops on their way to Iraq or Afghanistan.
• AFSO 21 improves cargo process more efficiently AFNS 15 Apr 2009 -- Experts from Vandenberg's Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program here are in middle of a month-long process.
• Four Topol launchers to take part in Moscow Victory Parade RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Four mobile Topol missile launchers are to take part in the Victory Parade in Moscow's Red Square.
• Moscow to spend $6.1 mln on victory parade preparations RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Moscow authorities have allocated 205 million rubles for preparations for the May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square.
• Iran says S-300 missile deal with Russia on track RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- There are no obstacles to the delivery of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Tehran.
• Clinton Announces US Anti-Piracy Measures VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced on Wednesday a multi-pronged U.S. effort to curb Somali-based maritime piracy.
• UN envoy to Somalia calls for boost in international efforts to fight piracy UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- Top UN representative for the Horn of Africa country has called for an increase in efforts to fight what he calls an “international scourge.”
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 15 Apr 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 4/15/09 The White House 15 Apr 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 15, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED ROLE IN $50 BILLION CONTRACT FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BAE Systems 15 Apr 2009 -- BAE Systems received an indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for U.S. federal information technology work including infrastructure, applications, and IT management services under the government's new Alliant program
• Boeing Awarded US Navy Contract to Develop Free Electron Laser Boeing 15 Apr 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract valued at up to $163 million, with an initial task order of $6.9 million, to develop the Free Electron Laser (FEL) weapon system, which will transform naval warfare in the next decade by providing an ultra-precise, speed-of-light capability and unlimited magazine depth to defend ships against new, challenging threats, such as hyper-velocity cruise missiles.
• Airbus integrates MTAD as “Airbus Military” to manage all military activities EADS 15 Apr 2009 -- Today, EADS’s former military transport aircraft division, MTAD becomes fully integrated into Airbus.
• General Dynamics Awarded $28 Million for Production of M2 Heavy Barrel Machine Guns General Dynamics 15 Apr 2009 -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract modification valued at approximately $28 million from U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM), Rock Island, Ill., to produce M2HB machine guns.
• Brazil Awards Lockheed Martin Contract To Support Long-Range Surveillance Radars In The Amazon Lockheed Martin 15 Apr 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] received a $1.6 million contract from the Brazilian Air Force to support six of its TPS-77 – known in Brazil as the TPS-B34 – long range air surveillance radars currently monitoring airspace in the Amazon region.
• Northrop Grumman Supplies Navigation Radars for Brazil Navy Northrop Grumman 15 Apr 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit has won a contract to supply new-generation navigation radar sets for the Brazil navy.
• Rheinmetall and BAE Systems to cooperate in ARED airspace surveillance project Rheinmetall Defence 15 Apr 2009 -- Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf and Britain's BAE Systems have agreed to cooperate on an advanced radar system for Germany's ARED project, specifically designed for extensive airspace coverage.
• Raytheon Lands Army Contract to Improve Networked Communications on the Battlefield Raytheon 15 Apr 2009 -- Raytheon Company was awarded an initial $12.5 million contract to supply the U.S. Army with next-generation radios that enable more efficient communication in congested battlefield environments.
• SAIC Awarded $12 Million Contract From U.S. Air Force Weather Agency SAIC 15 Apr 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a delivery order under the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Systems and Mission Support II (USAMS II) prime contract managed by the 55th Contracting Squadron (55 CONS).

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 15 Apr 2009
• Two-day truce insufficient to alleviate suffering in Sri Lanka - UN official UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- Head UN humanitarian official: Ceasefire was inadequate in easing the plight of more than 100,000 civilians caught up in the conflict.
• 10 rebels killed as Lankan Navy thwarts suicide attack by Sea Tigers IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- The ‘holiday truce’ period has given way to fresh offensive with reports of infiltration bid by the LTTE Sea Tigers.
• Sri Lanka Military Denies it has Resumed Fighting Tamil Rebels VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Tamil rebels say government forces have resumed fighting, but the army denies it has resumed fighting.
• Darfur: relative calm continues as UN-African force begins rotations UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Sudan's Darfur region reported that the security situation remains calm.
• Somalia: 60,000 return to unstable conditions in capital - UN agency UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- UN refugee agency has voiced concern that some 60,000 people uprooted by violence in Somalia have returned to its volatile capital since the beginning of the year.
• SUDAN: Oxfam appeals against expulsion IRIN 15 Apr 2009 -- Oxfam GB, expelled from Sudan alongside several other NGOs in early March, has appealed against the decision, warning the humanitarian situation in Darfur had deteriorated since then.
• JKLF leader urges US to ensure time-bound Kashmir talks IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Top separatist leader urged Obama administration to ensure a time-bound framework and demanded a more active US involvement.
• NEPAL: Government inaction exacerbates insecurity IRIN 15 Apr 2009 -- Failure by Nepal’s government to address security issues has exacerbated lawlessness and growing disenchantment.
• Nigerians Fear More Delta Violence Before Elections VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Nigeria has lost a quarter of its daily oil production due to attacks on pipelines and terminals and the kidnapping of key staff.
• Liberia: rule of law key to UN efforts to support security, envoy says UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- The top United Nations envoy to Liberia today pledged continued support to rule-of-law institutions as the linchpin of efforts to boost security in the country, which is recovering from a brutal 14-year civil war.

News Reports

• Somali Pirates Fire on U.S. Merchant Vessel AFPS 15 Apr 2009 -- Somali pirates fired on a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel south of the Gulf of Aden today, military officials reported.
• Somali Pirates Attack Another US Ship VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Details are emerging about a failed hijacking of an American cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, Tuesday.
• French Forces Capture 11 Pirates Off Kenyan Coast VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- A French military ship intercepted a pirate vessel Wednesday off the coast of Kenya and captured 11 pirates.
• France Questions 3 Somali Pirates VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Three Somali pirates seized in a rescue operation in the Indian Ocean are being questioned after the French government said they would face trial.
• Obama Heads to Hemispheric Summit Friday VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama travels Friday to Trinidad and Tobago to attend the fifth Summit of the Americas, a gathering of all hemispheric leaders minus Cuba.
• US Charter Firms Expect Rise in Cuba Travel Traffic VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- US charter companies readying for a surge in the numbers of Cuban-Americans seeking to travel to the Cuba.
• Castro welcomes new U.S. travel rules for Cuba RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has given a cautious welcome to the new travel rules for US citizens.
• Safari: No change in Iran's Caspian policies IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Iran's Special Representative for Caspian Sea Affairs Safari: Tehran's stance vis-à-vis Caspian Sea is stable and have not changed whatsoever.
• Iranian, Russian deputy FMs confer on Caspian Sea status IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- Iran's Deputy FM for European Affairs Safari held talks with his Russian counterpart Alexei Borodavkin on the Caspian Sea legal regime.
• India all set for first phase of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday: report IRNA 15 Apr 2009 -- India is all set for the first phase of the 5 phases of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday, April 16.
• India to Vote in 5-Stage Election VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- India's month-long staggered general election begins Thursday, pitting the ruling Congress Party-led coalition against opposition alliance.
• Thai Government Cancels Ex-Prime Minister's Passport VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Thailand has revoked the passport of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in connection with protests that have plunged the country deeper into a political crisis.
• Georgia's opposition halts protests until after Orthodox Easter RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Georgia's opposition is preparing to launch the "final stage of the battle" after the Orthodox Easter holidays.
• Georgian opposition begins govt. office picket in Tbilisi RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Georgia's opposition announced plans to begin round-the-clock protests at the State Chancellery building, where the offices of the prime minister and other state ministers are located.
• Moldovan president blasts Romanian comments on riots RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin on Wednesday called statements made by Romania during recent anti-communist riots in Chisinau "extremely biased and untimely."
• Moldovan President Urges Amnesty for Detained Protestors VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin has urged authorities to declare an amnesty for those detained during post-election protests earlier this month.
• Moldovan election commission to end vote recount Thursday RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Moldova's Central Election Commission (CEC) will end a recount of votes from the April 5 parliamentary election contested by the opposition on Thursday, the CEC head said Wednesday.
• Moldova Begins Election Recount VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Election officials in Moldova are recounting votes Wednesday from the country's April 5 parliamentary elections.
• Ukraine to extradite Chisinau riot suspects to Moldova RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2009 -- Ukraine is to extradite two Moldovan nationals suspected of organizing last week's disturbances in Chisinau, a Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office spokesman said Wednesday.
• Fiji: top UN official calls for restoration of rule of law UN News Centre 15 Apr 2009 -- In the wake of the nullification of Fiji’s constitution last week, the United Nations human rights chief today expressed deep concern over media censorship and the sacking of judges in the Pacific archipelago nation.
• New Zealand says Fiji Economy Near Collapse as Military Strengthens Grip VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- Fiji's military ruler accuses judges of trying to force him to call elections.
• Togolese President's Brother Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot VOA 15 Apr 2009 -- The brother of Togo's president has been detained in connection with an alleged plot to take power in a military coup.