Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 21 Jul 2015 [PDF]
• Pentagon Official Confirms Death of Khorasan Group Leader AFPS 21 Jul 2015 -- Muhsin al-Fadhli, a longtime al-Qaida operative, was killed 'in a kinetic strike' July 8 while traveling in a vehicle near Sarmada, Syria, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, the Defense Department's press operations chief, said today.
• Update: air strikes in Iraq UK MOD 21 Jul 2015 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations to assist the Iraqi government in its fight against ISIL.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Carter, Yaalon Discuss Shared Commitment to Regional Security AFPS 21 Jul 2015 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Israel's Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon yesterday discussed steps to strengthen mutual security in the region, from missile defense and cybersecurity to Israel's qualitative military edge and joint contingency plans for regional situations.
• US Defense Chief Meets With Netanyahu VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday to provide reassurances of continued U.S. security support following the agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work's Meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari DoD 21 Jul 2015
• Hill activates their first F-35 fighter squadron AFNS 21 Jul 2015 -- The jets won't arrive for another few months, but Hill Air Force Base activated its first F-35 Lightning II fighter squadron during a ceremony here July 17.
• US Marines, Ghanaian Soldiers refine infantry skills USMC News 21 Jul 2015 -- More than 40 Ghanaian infantrymen traditionally participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations. These operations require the Ghanaian service members to be proficient in infantry skills—something the U.S. Marines know well.
• Future USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) Begins Fabrication NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- A ceremony at the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shipyard celebrated the start of fabrication of the future USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), July 21.
• Comfort Crew Completes CP-15 Mission Stop in Colombia NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- Over the course of 10 days, the Continuing Promise (CP-15) team embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) provided care to over 9,300 Colombian patients from July 8-17, completing the seventh mission stop for CP-15.
• SPS-JHSV 15 Kicks Of in Honduras NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- Joint forces arrive in Honduras, July 12, in support of Southern Partnership Station-Joint High Speed Vessel 2015 (SPS-JHSV 15).
• Department of Defense Issues Final Military Lending Act Rule DoD 21 Jul 2015 -- After nearly three years of study, the Department of Defense today issued the final Military Lending Act (MLA) rule.
• PACFLT Commander Reaffirms US and ROK Navy Alliance NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited South Korea July 19-20, to meet with senior military and government leaders and reaffirm the U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea's enduring alliance as a cornerstone of Indo-Asia-Pacific regional stability.
• US 3rd Fleet Participates in Talisman Sabre 2015 NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet concluded participation in Talisman Sabre 2015, a two-week biennial joint-training exercise let by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), July 18.
• Talisman Sabre 2015 Concludes Aboard USS Blue Ridge NNS 21 Jul 2015 -- The biennial joint U.S.-Australian exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 concluded with a ceremony aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), in Brisbane, Australia, July 20.
• Russian Army Inspectors Check NATO Countries With Choppers, SUVs Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- During the four-day inspection, Russian officers will visit different training camps and shooting ranges in Lithuania. They will also conduct interviews with their Lithuanian counterparts, who will report on personnel, weaponry and equipment in service.
• US Conducts 10 Inspections of Russian Missile Troops - Defense Official Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- US inspectors examined a missile troop division in Russia on July 15-16 in compliance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Eighteen inspections are allowed annually.
• Russian Eastern Military District Forces Receive Iskander Missile Systems Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- The missile command of the Russian Eastern Military District is the fifth unit in the Russian Army to fully switch to operate the newest missile system.
• New Russian ICBMs Sarmat to Begin Trials Within Two Years Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Russia will start testing new ICBMs Sarmat within two years, a military official said.
• Group of Russian Navy ships calls at Equatorial Guinea port TASS 21 Jul 2015 -- The first warships of the Russian Navy came to Malabo port, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday under an agreement on the simplified procedure of Russian warships' entry to the ports of Equatorial Guinea, Russian Navy spokesman Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo told reporters.
• Only Russian companies to develop new railway combat missile complex - official TASS 21 Jul 2015 -- Only Russian enterprises will be involved in the effort to develop a new railway-based combat missile system, Aide to the Strategic Missile Force Commander Igor Denisov said on Tuesday.
• Russian Iskander-M tactical missiles to be live-fired in September TASS 21 Jul 2015 -- A missile formation of Russia's Eastern Military District has received a brigade set of Iskander-M tactical missile systems at the Kapustin Yar testing range in the southern Astrakhan Region and will hold live-firing exercises in September, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
• Scared Scandinavians: Finland to Militarize Entire Border With Russia Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Finland is freaking out. The Finnish Armed Forces plan to deploy rapid reaction force units to secure the entire border with Russia, Defense News reported.
• Czech Republic's Gripen Fighters to Engage Ground Targets - Official Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- The Czech Defense Ministry wants to rearm its fleet of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen jet fighters to better serve the needs of NATO air defense, a ministry official said on Monday.
• Canada Donates Ukraine Mobile Military Hospital - Defence Ministry Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- The Canadian Government donated the Ukrainian Armed Forces a modern mobile military hospital on Monday, Ukraine's deputy minister of defense said.
• US Renews Funding for Israel's Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems - Carter Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- The United States remains committed to supplying Israel with continuing funding for the Iron Dome. David's Sling and Arrow anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems, as well as the F-35 stealth fighter-bomber in 2016, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in Tel Aviv.
• India says to acquire 36 French fighter jets on Air Force approved configuration People's Daily 21 Jul 2015 -- India said Tuesday that it would acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets from France on Indian Air Force- approved configuration only.
• India Starts Talks With France on Rafale Jets Purchase Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- New Delhi and Paris started negotiations on delivering 36 multirole fighter jets Rafale to India.
• Japan cabinet approves defense white paper 2015 People's Daily 21 Jul 2015 -- The Japanese cabinet on Tuesday approved a defense white paper for 2015, in which it describes the security situation surrounding Japan has become 'increasingly tough.'
• On the Defensive: Japan Pushes for Greater Military Role Over China Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Japan's annual defense report has specifically highlighted China and the alleged threat it poses. As Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continues his attempts to approve controversial military legislation, he is also increasingly pushing for the country to take on a greater military role.
• Tokyo to Consider G7 Stance in Japan's Military Cooperation With Russia Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Japan will consider the stance of the Group of Seven (G7) in its military cooperation with Russia, the country's 2015 defense strategy, approved by the Cabinet Tuesday, said.
• July 21, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 21 Jul 2015
• Press Gaggle en route Pittsburgh, PA, 7/21/15 The White House 21 Jul 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 21, 2015
• Russia Ready to Supply to India as Many Mi-17V-5 Helicopters as Needed Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- 'Rosoboronexport' signed a contract on delivering 151 Mi-17V-5 helicopters to India.
• World's Largest Military Contractor Buys Black Hawk Maker for $9 Billion Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Already the largest military contractor in the world, Lockheed Martin is about to become even larger, purchasing Sikorsky Aircraft for $9 billion, raising concerns about a corporate monopoly.

Other Conflicts

• 21 July 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jul 2015
• 21 July 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jul 2015
• Japan slams China's 'coercive' land reclamation bid Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- Japan has censured China over what it called "coercive" attempts to reclaim land in the South China amid a growing maritime dispute between Tokyo and Beijing.
• Japan Levels New Criticism Against China for Drilling Near Disputed Waters Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- An annual Defense Ministry report said new CHinese offshore platform, allegedly for natural gas extraction, was constructed too close to the median line between the Chinese and Japanese coastlines in the East China Sea and could be used for military purposes.
• S. Korea protests Japan's renewed territorial claim to islets People's Daily 21 Jul 2015 -- South Korea on Tuesday lodged a strong protest against Japan's renewed territorial claim to Dokdo, a pair of rocky outcroppings called Takeshima in Japan, as the cabinet led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved its annual defense white paper.
• First UN aid ship in 4 months docks in Yemen's Aden: Governor Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- The first cargo ship chartered by the United Nations and carrying relief supplies has docked at a port in the southern Yemeni city of Aden since the onset of the Saudi aggression against its impoverished southern neighbor, the governor of the beleaguered city says.
• Yemen: first UN food aid arrives in Aden as intense fighting takes 'serious toll' on civilians UN News 21 Jul 2015 -- In "a major breakthrough," the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced that its first ship since conflict erupted in Yemen in March berthed today in the port of Aden after repeated attempts to reach huge numbers of increasingly desperate people and as intense fighting continues to take a "serious toll" on civilians.
• Syria, Hezbollah seize full control over Zabadani plains Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- Syrian troops and fighters of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah have established full control over some strategic areas on the outskirts of the Syrian border town of Zabadani.
• Turkey Boosts Border Security After Suicide Attack VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- The Turkish government has announced it will step up border security following Monday's suicide bombing in the town of Suruc, on the border with Syria.
• Donetsk Removing Weapons of Less Than 100mm Caliber From Horlivka Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- After the removal of weapons from Horlivka is finished, the process 'could be considered to be completed', a DPR representative said.
• Indian Intelligence Services Warn of Rise in Terror Activities in Kashmir Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- A report by Indian intelligence agencies warned about growing terrorist activity in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The agencies also expressed concern over the online recruiting strategies being used by various militant groups in the area.
• UN relief chief heads to South Sudan to bolster humanitarian response as country's challenges mount UN News 21 Jul 2015 -- The top United Nations humanitarian official is heading to South Sudan where a new cholera outbreak has claimed nearly 40 lives, more than 2.2 million people have been uprooted from their homes by conflict and nearly 8 million others are expected to face food shortages during the rainy reason.
• Violence in Nigeria drives refugees deeper into neighbouring Cameroon, UN agency warns UN News 21 Jul 2015 -- Weeks after elections in Nigeria, violence and attacks continue to drive population movements within and outside the country, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) warned today, reporting a "steady flow" of Nigerian refugees now seeking safety some 100 kilometres inside the Cameroon border.
• Three concerns ahead of Côte d'Ivoire poll IRIN 21 Jul 2015 -- Five years after Côte d'Ivoire's disputed presidential election threw the country into turmoil and left more than 3,000 dead, its people are set to go to the polls again. Could we see similar unrest this October or will the West African nation turn the page and move forward?

News Reports

• Nkurunziza Set to Win Third Term as Burundi's President VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- Polls have closed in Burundi's presidential election, which incumbent Pierre Nkurunziza is certain to win after running unopposed.
• Ban urges parties in Burundi to refrain from violence during elections UN News 21 Jul 2015 -- In a "worrisome context," and following the decision of the government of Burundi to hold the presidential election on 21 July, the United Nations chief called yesterday on the authorities to do all in their power to ensure security and a peaceful atmosphere during the polls.
• Unrest in Burundi As President Seeks Third Term VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- Burundians voted in a presidential election Tuesday after a night of unrest sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to win a third term.
• Early adoption of sanctions removal resolution positive: Araqchi IRNA 21 Jul 2015 -- Iran's chief nuclear negotiator termed the early adoption of Resolution 2231 positive and said the action taken by the UN Security Council on Monday was mong provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached on July 14 in Vienna.
• Velayati: Iran never overlooks its defense strategy IRNA 21 Jul 2015 -- Supreme Leader's Advisor for International Affairs Ali Akbar Velayati said on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran never overlooks its defense strategy.
• Iran: UNSC Resolution shows peaceful nature of N. program ISNA 21 Jul 2015 -- Iranian envoy to the UN Gholam-Ali Khoshroo said the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 reiterates peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.
• Iran will not back down over defensive capacities: Aide to Leader Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- A senior Iranian official says the Islamic Republic will never compromise on its defensive capabilities irrespective of the breakthrough in nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of world countries.
• Reversibility also an option for Iran: Zarif Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the issue of reversibility to the conditions before a recent agreement between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 is not just an option for Iran's international partners but also for Tehran.
• Kerry Says Iran Sanctions Relief Could Be Felt Within Six Months RFE/RL 21 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says international sanctions on Iran could start to be lifted in as soon as six months.
• Iran Can Use Ballistic Missiles Without Violating Nuclear Deal - FM Zarif Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- The nuclear agreement does not forbid Iran from using ballistic missiles, Mohammad Javad Zarif said.
• Iran Hopes for Better Air Defense Systems After Nuclear Deal - Source Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- Iran could gain access to more advanced air defense systems than the Russian S-300, due to the recent agreeement signed between the country and the P5+1 group.
• VOA Interview: Kerry Says Iran Deal Will Make World Safer VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says implementing the international nuclear deal with Iran will make the world safer, improve the standard of living for Iranians and potentially open up other opportunities between the United States and Iran.
• Will Iran's Revolutionary Guard Support the Nuclear Deal? VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- The Iran nuclear deal may be done, but the fight to make it happen – or not happen – is just beginning.
• N. Korea Not Interested in Iran-style Nuclear Deal VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- North Korea says it has no interest in negotiations, similar to those between Iran and world powers, that would result in Pyongyang giving up its nuclear capabilities.
• Kerry Meets with Nigerian President VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hosts Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the State Department Tuesday, as the African leader continues a four day U.S. visit.
• Russia Wants UN Supervision Of MH17 Investigation RFE/RL 21 Jul 2015 -- Russia wants the United Nations to play a greater role in supervising an investigation into what caused the downing of the MH17 passenger plane in eastern Ukraine.
• Top aide to former Chinese president detained over corruption Press TV 21 Jul 2015 -- Chinese authorities have arrested a senior aide to retired President Hu Jintao on charges of corruption, expelling him from the governing Communist Party of China (CPC) and removing him from all state positions.
• Berlin to Ask US to Clarify New WikiLeaks Revelations on NSA Spying Sputnik 21 Jul 2015 -- If the new WikiLeaks information about US spying on German officials is confirmed, Berlin will consider it 'an espionage unacceptable for partners'.
• Thailand Rights Body to Oversee Talks on Future Uighur Policy VOA 21 Jul 2015 -- The U.N.'s High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is pressing Thailand to allow more than 50 ethnic Uighurs to travel to Turkey despite pressure from Beijing to have them returned to China. Thai authorities are already under severe criticism for forcibly returning a group of Uighurs to China earlier this month.
• Former Uzbek Security Official Involved In Karimova Investigations Arrested RFE/RL 21 Jul 2015 -- A former top Uzbek security official, who in his position oversaw corruption investigations into the activities of presidential daughter Gulnara Karimova, has been arrested.