• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 09 Nov 2011 [PDF]
• Afghan President, ISAF Chief Condemn Insurgent Attacks AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- A roadside explosion killed at least 10 people in northwestern Afghanistan's Badghis province yesterday, marking the third day in a row during the Eid ul Adha holiday in which suspected Taliban insurgents have injured or killed innocent civilians, military officials reported.
• AFGHANISTAN: Numbers of returnees down IRIN 09 Nov 2011 -- Resettlement challenges in Afghanistan have discouraged refugees living in neighbouring countries from going home, with 60,000 returning in the past 10 months against 100,000 during the same period last year, officials said.
• Taliban commander, accomplice arrested in NW Pakistan IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Pakistani security forces arrested a Taliban commander and his accomplice in northwest of the country on Wednesday, police sources said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Nashiri Reserves Plea in USS Cole Bombing Case AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- The man accused of planning and preparing the USS Cole bombing and other attacks did not enter a plea during arraignment here today.
• Prosecution, Defense Discuss Arraignment in USS Cole Case AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- They waited 11 years, but today a planeload of Americans who traveled here earlier this week saw the arraignment of Abd al Rahim Hussein Muhammed al Nashiri on charges of planning and preparing a complex series of al-Qaida attacks known as the “boat operation.”
• Multi-Service Office to Advance Air-Sea Battle Concept DoD 09 Nov 2011 -- The Department of Defense announced today the creation of a new office to integrate air and naval combat capabilities in support of emerging national security requirements.
• Background Briefing on Air-Sea Battle by Defense Officials from the Pentagon DoD 09 Nov 2011 -- Presenter: Defense Officials
• Eighth Army trains for full-spectrum operations Army News 09 Nov 2011 -- Eighth Army is participating in exercise Warpath III from Oct. 31 to Nov. 11 to hone its ability to command combat operations from its mobile headquarters.
• JS Kurama Joins in Navy's Koa Kai Exercise for First Time NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) will join U.S. Navy ships in exercise Koa Kai 12-1 beginning Nov. 10, marking the first time a JMSDF surface ship will participate in the semi-annual exercise in and around Hawaiian waters.
• Energy Efficient Military Bulldozers Undergo Testing in Southern California NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- PORT HUENEME, CALIF. - Navy and Army engineers are conducting on November 9 tests of a new diesel electric bulldozer at Naval Base Ventura County, California to compare fuel consumption and performance with older, less energy efficient legacy military bulldozers.
• Arleigh Burke Returns to Norfolk Following Joint Warrior 11-2 NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., following its participation in Joint Warrior 11-2 in Scotland and multiple training and preservation evolutions in Mayport, Fla.
• USS Carr Visits GTMO NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Carr (FFG 52) pulled into Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Nov. 7.
• Oklahoma City visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific deployment NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Nov. 9 for a visit as part of its continued operations in the Western Pacific.
• George Washington Carrier Strike Group Returns to Hong Kong NNS 09 Nov 2011 -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group, centered around the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, arrived in Hong Kong for a routine port visit, Nov. 9.
• DOD Monitors Supply System to Prevent Counterfeit Parts AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- The Defense Department is taking added steps to ensure that its equipment and supply chains contain no counterfeit parts, officials said.
• Database Helps Identify Renewable Energy Sites AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- The Defense Department joined the National Resources Defense Council yesterday to roll out a new mapping tool designed to help steer renewable energy development efforts to locations where they won't interfere with military activities or environmentally sensitive areas.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta at the Welcoming Ceremony for Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter DoD 09 Nov 2011 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
• Panetta Officially Welcomes Carter as Deputy Secretary AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta officially welcomed his “alter ego” to the Pentagon today during a ceremony in honor of Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter.
• Humanitarian assistance team returns from Thailand USMC News 09 Nov 2011 -- A humanitarian assistance survey team returned here from Bangkok Nov. 5.
• Simulator enables call-for-fire training USMC News 09 Nov 2011 -- Marine leaders and civilian contractors from around Okinawa joined together to unveil the first supporting arms virtual trainer here Nov. 3.
• Helicopter squadron undergoes gas training USMC News 09 Nov 2011 -- The message comes in and without hesitation a Marine quickly moves to the balcony overlooking the hangar and shouts, 'gas, gas, gas,' signaling the escalation to mission-oriented protective posture level four.
• Marines and Japanese share techniques USMC News 09 Nov 2011 -- Marines with Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participated in both helicopter and tactical rope suspension training here Nov. 2, as part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program.
• Russian Defense Ministry signs submarine construction deal RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- Russia's Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov signed a contract with the United Shipbuilding Corporation on Wednesday for construction of new Yasen and Borey class submarines.
• Indian Army's howitzer procurement plans run into rough weather IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Indian army's plans to procure ultra-light howitzers for deployment along Sino-Indian border have run into rough weather and is expected to further delay its artillery modernisation programmme.
• Second regiment of BrahMos cruise missiles commissioned IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- In a major boost to its firepower, Indian army Wednesday commissioned the second regiment of the 290-km-range supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles with 16 weapon systems.
• India set to buy additional Russian-Israeli AWACS planes RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- India is close to purchase two additional Russian-Israeli airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, the Times of India newspaper reported.
• Air force drill to be held for first time on Pingtung highway CNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Taiwan's air force will practice aircraft landings and takeoffs on a Pingtung County highway for the first time, during a military drill that begins Nov. 14, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday.
• Navy's new Wildcat makes first landing at sea UK MOD 09 Nov 2011 -- The Royal Navy's next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, has landed on a ship at sea for the first time.
• November 9, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 09 Nov 2011
• November 09, 2011 Press Briefing Previewing the President's Trip to Hawaii, Australia and Indonesia, 11/9/2011 The White House 09 Nov 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 09, 2011
• Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System Aces Helicopter Testing BAE Systems 09 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recently successfully fired the first shots of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) from a UH-1Y helicopter, in preparation for fielding in 2012.
• Boeing Receives $1.7B for 7 More US Navy P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Boeing 09 Nov 2011 -- Boeing on Nov. 3 received a $1.7 billion low-rate initial production (LRIP) award from the U.S. Navy for seven additional P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
• General Dynamics Receives $21 Million Contract for Submarine Planning Services General Dynamics 09 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Navy awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $21.1 million contract to perform reactor-plant planning yard services for nuclear submarines and support yard services for moored training ships. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• U.S. Navy Awards General Dynamics $87 Million for Unmanned Underwater Mine Countermeasure Vehicle General Dynamics 09 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded General Dynamics Advanced Informational Systems a contract to design and build the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (SMCM UUV) system.
• LONGBOW LLC’s Data Link Controls UAS from Apache Block III Attack Helicopter for the First Time Lockheed Martin 09 Nov 2011 -- The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) recently controlled an unmanned vehicle from an AH-64D Apache Block III attack helicopter, while both were in flight.
• Pratt & Whitney F135 Propulsion System Powers Successful Sea Trials for F-35 Program Pratt & Whitney 09 Nov 2011 -- Sea trials have concluded for the F-35B Lightning II’s Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. Flying under the power of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 propulsion system, two STOVL variants conducted 72 short takeoffs and vertical landings, for a total of 260 vertical landings in the program.
• Raytheon Provides First Hybrid Cellular Capability for Soldier Networks Raytheon 09 Nov 2011 -- Raytheon Company's One Force communications solution successfully linked soldiers' smart phones and tablets during the recent U.S. Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) at Fort Benning, Ga.
• Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration Satellites, Built by Northrop Grumman, Complete Mission Objectives Ahead of Schedule Northrop Grumman 09 Nov 2011 -- The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites continue to shine in their role as space sensors validating key functions and capabilities for missile tracking.

Other Conflicts

• 9 November 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Nov 2011
• African Conference Discusses Peace Building VOA 09 Nov 2011 -- Leaders and diplomats from nine African countries, Haiti and several international organizations gathered in Rwanda this week to devise ways to build lasting peace in countries ravaged by war for decades.
• UN must lead way in conflict mediation efforts worldwide, say top officials UN News Centre 09 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations must enhance its capacity to provide mediation support to prevent conflicts worldwide, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, adding that partnerships with regional organizations and civil society would be crucial to achieve this.
• Ban urges accession to pact prohibiting use of indiscriminate weapons UN News Centre 09 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for universal accession to the United Nations convention that prohibits the use of certain indiscriminate weapons that cause unnecessary suffering to combatants or civilians, including landmines, booby-traps and other explosive devices.
• Top UN officials stress need to boost protection of civilians in armed conflict UN News Centre 09 Nov 2011 -- Top United Nations officials today stressed the need to do more to protect civilians who are increasingly bearing the brunt of the various conflicts taking place around the world, as well as enhance accountability to hold perpetrators to account.

News Reports

• Report Seems to Affirm Suspicions of Iran's Nuclear Program AFPS 09 Nov 2011 -- A new report by the United Nation's nuclear watchdog group seems to affirm that Iran's nuclear interests are not just for peaceful purposes, a senior Defense Department official said here today.
• IAEA has turned into tool for materialization of US goals: MP IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- A senior parliamentarian said on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency has turned into a political tool for materialization of US objectives.
• Russia sharply reacts to IAEA report on Iran: statement IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- The Foreign Ministry of Russia in a sharply worded statement criticized the released report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief on Iran's peaceful nuclear activities.
• Envoy: IAEA chief to meet consequences of his historical mistake IRNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Iran's Ambassador and permanent representative in the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA) Ali Asghar Soltanieh said that chief of the watchdog body will see consequences of his historical mistake.
• The full text of Soltanieh's message to Amano ISNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Iran's Representative to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh sent a message to the agency's Director General Yukiya Amano, saying the country's nuclear materials are completely under the Safeguards Agreement control.
• Iran says IAEA report prepared based on West's view ISNA 09 Nov 2011 -- The Spokesman of National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran's Parliament Kazem Jalali said Wednesday the IAEA report is prepared based on Western countries' views.
• Iranian nation not to retreat from its path: Ahmadinejad ISNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday the country's enemies would not taste victory.
• Iran general warns over U.S. terrorist actions ISNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Deputy Head of Iran's Joint Chiefs of Staff Masoud Jazayeri said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s reaction to the U.S. terrorist actions would be remorseful.
• Amano's report is repetitious, politically-motivated: Soltanieh ISNA 09 Nov 2011 -- Iran criticized the recent IAEA report on its nuclear activities, saying that Amano's approach is dangerous and goes against the agency's articles of association.
• Iran 'Won't Retreat' From Nuclear Path Amid Threats Of New Sanctions RFE/RL 09 Nov 2011 -- Iran says it 'will not budge an iota' from its nuclear program, rejecting a United Nations report strongly suggesting Tehran is engaged in nuclear weapons development.
• In Iran, Talk Of Military Strikes From Above Raises Fears Below RFE/RL 09 Nov 2011 -- As the international community digests the UN watchdog's assertion of 'possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program' the specter of armed conflict is very much a reality to Iranians, leaving ordinary citizens in fear of dark days to come.
• Explainer: What Does IAEA Report On Iran Reveal? RFE/RL 09 Nov 2011 -- The UN nuclear watchdog's latest report on Iran's activities does not say that Iran has a nuclear weapons program.
• Russia slams IAEA report on Iran as 'biased' RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- Moscow lashed out at the IAEA's latest report on Iran Wednesday, saying it undermines the international effort to defuse tensions around the Islamic republic's nuclear program and holds it guilty without cause.
• Iran 'won't retreat' from its nuclear path, Ahmadinejad says RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- Iranian media quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying on Wednesday that his country would not retreat from its nuclear ambitions.
• UN Report Spurs Israeli Call for Tougher Sanctions Against Iran VOA 09 Nov 2011 -- Israeli leaders are urging the international community to stop Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons after a U.N. agency said Tehran's nuclear program was not just for peaceful forces. There is debate in Israel about a possible military attack against Iran, but many opinion leaders say that should be a last resort.
• Analyst: Few Options on Iran's Nuclear Aims VOA 09 Nov 2011 -- Global reaction to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) newly released report, which offers the strongest evidence yet that Iran is building a nuclear weapon, has been low key.
• Vote Counting Underway in Liberia VOA 09 Nov 2011 -- Vote counting is under way in Liberia's presidential run-off with incumbent Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf poised to win re-election following an opposition boycott over allegations of vote fraud. Three opposition radio stations remain off the air because the government says they threaten public safety.
• Russia launches probe to Mars moon RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- Russia launched early on Wednesday a robotic spacecraft to the Mars moon Phobos in the nation's first attempt to carry out an interplanetary mission in 15 years.
• Russian probe fails to set course to Mars – Roscosmos RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- A robotic spacecraft to the Mars moon Phobos launched early on Wednesday has failed to reach a flying orbit after separation from the launch vehicle, the head of Russia's Federal Space Agency said.
• Russia has two weeks to put Mars probe back on track RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- Engineers have up to two weeks to correct the path of a Russian probe bound for Mars, a top space official said on Wednesday.
• Russia's Mars-Moon Probe Stuck in Earth Orbit VOA 09 Nov 2011 -- Russia's first interplanetary mission since the Soviet era appears to be in trouble.
• NASA's New Upper Stage Engine Passes Major Test NASA 09 Nov 2011 -- NASA conducted a successful 500-second test firing of the J-2X rocket engine on Wednesday, Nov. 9, marking another important step in development of an upper stage for the heavy-lift Space Launch System (SLS).
• Arab league prepares 'harsh' measures against Syria RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2011 -- The Arab League's ministerial meeting in Cairo on Saturday may approve 'fresh harsh measures' against Syria, Egypt's Al Ahram newspaper said on Wednesday.
• Analysis: Fresh challenges for migrants in Yemen IRIN 09 Nov 2011 -- Thousands of Africans continue to seek refuge in Yemen, despite continuing conflict and increasing xenophobia.
• BANGLADESH: Disaster-resilient settlement points way forward IRIN 09 Nov 2011 -- Bangladesh has built its first disaster-resilient settlement, designed to minimize damage during natural disasters.
• Northrop Grumman CERES Instrument Successfully Launched on NPOESS Preparatory Project Northrop Grumman 09 Nov 2011 -- A key Northrop Grumman Corporation-built instrument launched Oct. 28 at 2:48 a.m. (PDT) on the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft.