27 January 2017 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Jan 2017[PDF]

Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Trump at Pentagon, Looking for New Strategy Options to Counter IS VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- President Donald Trump arrived at the Pentagon Friday, where talks with top military leaders were likely to include asking for options on how to defeat the Islamic State (IS) in ways that were previously considered "off the table" during the previous administration, defense officials told VOA.

With 2.2 million Afghans feared to be on the move, UN agency to begin tracking displacements, aid relief UN News 27 Jan 2017 -- Amid concerns of a severe humanitarian crisis induced by sudden return home of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees and undocumented citizens, coupled with conflict-induced displacement, the United Nations migration agency has launched a new displacement tracking system to better understand population movements and needs in the crisis-struck country.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Swears in Mattis, Signs Executive Actions at Pentagon Ceremony AFPS 27 Jan 2017 -- President Donald J. Trump signed two executive actions and watched as Vice President Mike Pence ceremonially swore in Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes here today.
Mattis Confers With Israeli, German, French Defense Ministers AFPS 27 Jan 2017 -- In separate calls yesterday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis spoke with his counterparts from Israel, Germany and France, according to readouts of the calls provided by Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis.
B-52 undergoes HERO testing at Edwards AFB AFNS 27 Jan 2017 -- A B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, is undergoing Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance testing in the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) here.
Army, Marine leaders bring multi-domain concept closer to reality Army News 27 Jan 2017 -- The Army's new multi-domain battle concept gained momentum last week when senior leaders joined Marine Corps leadership to produce a white paper and establish a joint task force to advance new ideas that could dramatically change how Soldiers fight.
1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment tanks begin arriving in Grafenwoehr Army News 27 Jan 2017 -- The first 19 heavy tanks from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment arrived Jan. 27 at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr.
Signal Soldiers from two countries build partnership for stronger Europe Army News 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. Soldiers from 509th Signal Battalion are working hard to create lasting partnerships with Italian Soldiers from 184th Italian Signal Regiment, headquartered in Treviso. Both units perform similar functions for their armies, and the natural bond between Signal Soldiers has blossomed quickly into a true cross-cultural friendship.
Army showcases stealthy hydrogen fuel-cell demonstrator vehicle Army News 27 Jan 2017 -- In a tactical situation, the last thing a Soldier wants to do give away his position to the enemy.
M-ATV: Protecting the warfighter USMC News 27 Jan 2017 -- The newest version of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle is currently being upgraded, refurbished and up-armored for both the Marine Corps and Air Force at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California.
NMCB 4 Conducts Loading Exercise with USS San Diego NNS 27 Jan 2017 -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 participated in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Loading Exercise (LOADEX) aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) at the Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme Harbor, Jan. 26.
Exercise Cutlass Express to Begin NNS 27 Jan 2017 -- Maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, and the United States, as well as several international organizations will begin the sixth iteration of the annual multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 31.
Continuing Promise 2017 Departs for Guatemala NNS 27 Jan 2017 -- The humanitarian mission Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Jan. 26, for its stop in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.
US Army Confirms 9mm Sig Sauer for Handgun System Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- The US Army, scrapping the Beretta M9 in favor of the Sig Sauer pistol, has chosen the foreign-built 9mm handgun as it produces "better terminal effects" and will "cause more damage" to enemy targets.

US defense secretary to Europe: US committed to NATO Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has told his German and French counterparts that Washington under President Donald Trump will remain committed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance, according to the Pentagon.
British PM May: Trump Confirmed '100 Percent' Support for NATO VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- In his first meeting with a foreign leader, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke of the two nations' "special relationship," and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed, mentioning common economic interests and shared values, but pointedly saying the new president had pledged he is "100 percent" behind NATO.

Russia to mass produce multi-role MiG-35 warplane in 2019: Officials Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Russia's military plans to mass-produce a new generation of MiG-35 multi-role fighter jets in 2019, a year after the Russian Aerospace Forces will be equipped with the advanced aircraft, officials say.
Russian Aerospace Forces to Be Armed With MiG-35 Multirole Fighters in 2018 Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Head of the MiG aircraft corporation said that the Russian Aerospace Forces will be equipped with advanced MiG-35 multirole fighters next year.
Russia to Start Churning Out MiG-35 Fighter Jets in 2019 Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Russia will begin churning out advanced MiG-35 multipurpose jets in 2019.
Russia Will Replace Entire Fleet of Light Fighters With Cutting-Edge MiG-35 Jets Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces will upgrade the whole fleet of its light fighters to the new MiG-35 aircraft.
Russian Air Defense Units Train Electronic Missile Launches in Abkhazia Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Press service of the Southern Military District said that Russian Air Defense units carried out electronic missile launches during drills at a military base in Abkhazia.

Royal Air Force playing major role in world's premier air combat exercise UK MOD 27 Jan 2017 -- The world's premier air combat exercise is underway in Nevada, USA, with the Royal Air Force training alongside US and Australian counterparts.

Stay With Us: Australia Calls for Continued US Involvement in Indo-Pacific Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Canberra urged Washington to remain involved in the Indo-Pacific region.

As Pentagon Orders Review of F-35 Costs, Norway Gears Up for New Fleet Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- In an attempt to trim costs of the most expensive weapons program in history, US Defense Secretary James "Mad Dog" Mattis is looking at new ways to meet program requirements.

Armenia Hopes for Military Cooperation With US Under Trump Administration Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said that despite the change of the US administration, the US-Armenian cooperation in the military area will continue.

Romanian Armed Forces Orders Fifth Batch of Piranha Armored Vehicles Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- General Dynamics European Land Systems won a contract to deliver more Piranha armored vehicles to the Romanian Armed Forces.

India Shows the Flag in Indian Ocean Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- The ongoing month-long exercise in the Indian Ocean is the most complex and is the first to be held after news broke about Chinese nuclear submarine visiting Pakistani ports.
Russia to Set Up MiG-29 Fighter Jet After-Sales Service Center in India in 2017 Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Vice-president of the United Aircraft Corporation for innovations said that Russia will open an after-sales service center in India for maintenance of the MiG-29 fighter jets.
Russia Starts Work on Boosting BrahMos Missile's Range for India Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Russian-Indian BrahMos short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missiles, currently produced for India's armed forces, may gain an extended range variant by 2019, the missile's Russian manufacturer said Friday.
Indian Navy Pitches for Three More Multirole Fighter Squadrons Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Global military aviation majors to square off as India sets stiff parameters for the selection of 57 combat jets that are able to operate from aircraft carriers.

Pyongyang's Nuclear, Missile Provocations Pose Threat to Seoul - S.Korea DM Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo stated that Pyongyang's missile threat against the Seoul metropolitan area where key facilities and population are concentrated is directly linked to the South Korea's security.
South Korea Finalizes Deployment of 36 Newest Apache Helicopters Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- South Korea has finished the deployment of 36 US-built Apache attack helicopters of the latest model, local media reported Friday citing a military source.
US Apache Attack Helicopters Enter Service on Korean Peninsula Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- South Korea's Kiowa Warrior helicopters have conducted their final exercises before being replaced by US-built Apaches. On Wednesday the Vietnam War-era warcraft carried out maneuvers at the Rodriguez Live Fire Range military base. In a joint exercise with M1A2 Abrams tanks and AH-64 Apaches, the helicopters attacked stationary targets.

Another Threat: North Korea Warns of Retaliation Over US-Seoul War Drills Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- After South Korea and the US conducted joint military drills in Pyeongchang this week, North Korea threatened retaliation to what it labeled "mad cap mid-winter" exercises. Beginning January 15 and ending February 3, the drills come amid speculation that the North will again defy UN sanctions by conducting another missile test.

Israel Confirms Test of Mid-Range Missile Interceptor Sputnik 28 Jan 2017 -- On Wednesday Israel's Defense Ministry said that it successfully completed testing of the David's Sling missile-interceptor system, a weapons program co-developed with US support.

Argentina Sends Russia Commercial Offer to Buy 15 MiG-29s Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said that Russia is preparing a response to Argentina's commercial offer on the purchase of over 15 MiG-29 fighter jets.

Ukrainian Navy Practices Border Defense in Black Sea Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- The Ukrainian navy has carried out border control exercises as part of ongoing drills in the Black Sea, the navy's press service said Friday.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 17, 2017
Boeing Awarded $2.1B for Third KC-46A Tanker Production Lot Boeing 27 Jan 2017 -- The U.S. Air Force today awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] $2.1 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, spare engines and wing air refueling pod kits.
Raytheon-Leonardo Team Drop Out of T-X Trainer Jet Competition Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Leonardo, parent company of the now-defunct Alenia Aermacchi, has announced that it will no longer "jointly pursue," with US weapons manufacturer Raytheon, a competition on the US Air Force's T-X program to replace the fleet of 50-year-old Northrop T-38s.

Other Conflicts

27 January 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jan 2017
Warning against rising intolerance, UN remembers Holocaust and condemns anti-Semitism UN News 27 Jan 2017 -- Decrying the anti-Semitism that led to the Holocaust, the international community today remembered millions of people who suffered in the genocide and honoured the survivors who continue to educate future generations about the ills that hatred and discrimination can bring.
UN: Extremism, Hatred Could Trigger Another Holocaust VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- As the world honored the memory of the millions of people exterminated in the Nazi Holocaust, the United Nations warned Friday that the rise of extremism and hatred could trigger another monstrous act of genocide.

Yemeni forces seize five military bases of Saudi mercenaries Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Yemeni army forces, backed by Ansarullah fighters, have gained control over five military bases belonging to Saudi mercenaries in Tai'zz Province.
Yemen could face famine if no immediate action taken: UN officials Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- United Nations officials have warned about the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen in the wake of the nearly two-year-old Saudi war in the impoverished Arab country, stating that Yemen could face famine this year.

Pentagon wary of Trump's plan to create 'safe zones' in Syria Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- The Pentagon is skeptical about President Donald Trump's plan to establish "safe zones" inside Syria, a move that could require tens of thousands of US military personnel to execute, according to a report.
Geneva talks on Syrian crisis postponed to February end: Russian FM Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Russia says the next of round peace negotiations, which were planned to be held between the Syrian government and opposition groups early in February, have been postponed to the end of next month.
Syrian Aircraft Deliver Ammunition to Deir ez-Zor Besieged by Daesh Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Syrian cargo aircraft successfully dropped off ammunition to the servicemen at the military airfield at the city of Deir ez-Zor, besieged by Daesh.
Weakened Syrian Rebels Maintain Disapproval of Russian-proposed Constitution VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- Seven months ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reacted indignantly when a Lebanese newspaper reported that Russian diplomats had finished drafting a new constitution for his country – one that included a name change for the Syrian Arab Republic with the removal of the word Arab.
UN Won't Confirm Postponement of Syrian Peace Talks VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations said Friday there was "no confirmation" of a postponement of the Syria talks scheduled for February, clouding a statement from Russia's foreign minister earlier in the day.
Britain's Top Diplomat Hints Assad Could Remain Syria's President Under Peace Deal VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- Britain's foreign minister says Bashar al-Assad should be allowed to seek another term as Syria's president if any agreement is reached to end the country's nearly six-year-long civil war.

Iraqi government troops win back two villages north of Mosul Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi army soldiers have managed to regain control over two villages north of the strategic city of Mosul as government forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, are involved in multi-pronged operations to expel Daesh terrorists from their last urban stronghold in the country.
UN health agency stepping up efforts to provide trauma care to people in Mosul UN News 27 Jan 2017 -- As the conflict in Mosul intensifies and greater numbers of civilians are caught in the crossfire, the United Nations health agency and its partners have increased trauma care services to ensure that patients requiring medical care for injuries have a greater chance of survival.

WFP says people in Boko Haram heartland at risk of starvation Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations World Food Programme has sounded the alarm for millions of people who are at risk of dying from starvation in the militant-infested northeastern region of Nigeria.
UN food relief agency chief welcomes progress on anti-hunger programmes in north-east Nigeria UN News 27 Jan 2017 -- The head of the United Nations food relief agency today welcomed the progress made by the humanitarian community and the Government of Nigeria in fighting hunger and malnutrition in the West African country's north-east.

Shabab militants clash with peacekeepers in Somalia Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Takfiri al-Shabab terrorists have clashed with Kenyan soldiers at a military base in a remote southwestern region of Somalia.
Stage 'gradually being set' for Somalia to move to a new phase in sustaining peace - UN envoy UN News 27 Jan 2017 -- Briefing the Security Council on the situation in Somalia, the United Nations envoy for the country noted today that the recently concluded election was a "mirror" to Somalis, showing them the good and the bad regarding how power is exercised, relations between elders, clan power brokers, politicians, business, ordinary citizens, women and men.
Al-Shabab Captures Military Base in Somalia Before Withdrawing VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- The Mayor of the Somali town of Kulbiyow near the border with Kenya has been killed in a deadly dawn attack by al-Shabab militants, residents and military sources have confirmed.

Kiev Troops Fire Mortars in Lugansk People's Republic – Militia Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- A representative of the LPR people's militia says that Kiev troops have opened fire in the Zhelobok area of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic in Ukraine's southeast.

News Reports

Trump Signs Orders on Defeating IS, Reorganizing NSC, Lobbying VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- President Donald Trump signed three more executive orders Saturday, calling for a plan to defeat the Islamic State group, a reorganization of the National Security Council and a three-year expansion of the lobbying ban on administration officials.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, January 27, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jan 2017
Statement by SASC Cchairman John McCain on President Trump's Phone Call with Vladimir Putin Senator McCain 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Donald Trump's phone call with Vladimir Putin tomorrow
McCain warns Trump against lifting Russian sanctions Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- US Republican Senator John McCain has warned President Donald Trump of speculations that the new administration in Washington will lift sanctions against Moscow, describing the move as "reckless."
Trump Says It's 'Very Early' To Discuss Lifting Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on January 27 said that it is premature to discuss the possibility of lifting sanctions against Russia, though his senior adviser said earlier in the day that such a move was "under consideration."
McCain Vows To Cement Sanctions Against Russia If Trump Tries To Lift Them RFE/RL 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. Senator John McCain says he will pursue legislation that would cement sanctions against Russia into law if President Donald Trump decides to lift them.
British PM: Engage With Putin 'But Beware' RFE/RL 27 Jan 2017 -- The West should engage with Russia but remain wary about Moscow's intentions, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said in the United States.
US House Speaker Says Anti-Russian Sanctions Should Stay in Place Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- House Speaker Paul Ryan claims that Donald Trump should keep the sanctions against Russia imposed by the administration of former President Barack Obama.
US President Popular in Russia - With Caveats VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- As President Donald Trump prepares to speak by telephone Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the newly installed U.S. leader finds himself more popular in Russia than in the United States.

US, Mexican Presidents Try to Mend Fences Over Wall VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- After Mexico's leader canceled a Washington visit over U.S. President Donald Trump's authorization this week to extend a border wall that he said would come at the southern neighbor's expense, the two heads of state are trying to mend fences.
Paying for Trump's border wall not negotiable: Mexican FM Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray has described as "not negotiable" the idea that his country should pay for the border wall between the United States and Mexico despite expressing willingness to maintain good relations with the northern neighbor.

Trump Signs Order Meant to Keep 'Radical Islamic Terrorists' Out of US VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order implementing "new vetting measures" that are said to be aimed at preventing so-called "radical Islamic terrorists" out of the United States.

Poland, Lithuania won't host new secret CIA rendition prisons Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Poland and Lithuania have announced that they would not allow the United States to locate new secret detention facilities on their soil in case President Donald Trump decides to reinstate a deal, under which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) clandestinely detains prisoners as part of the so-called war on terror.

Nikki Haley Takes Up Post as US United Nations Envoy VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley arrived Friday at the United Nations for her first day of work as the new U.S. ambassador, declaring it would not be business as usual.

Morocco Dismantles Daesh-Linked Terrorist Cell, Thwarts Attack Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- A terrorist cell, linked to the Daesh, was dismantled in Morocco, according to Morocco's Interior Ministry.

Four EU States Agree on Joint Train Passengers Database to Fight Terrorism Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement on joint database on passengers traveling by international trains in an effort to counter possible terrorism threats, Belgian RTL radio reported on Friday.

Merkel, Hollande Call for EU Unity Amid New Worries VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- The European Union's two most influential leaders called for unity in championing European values and the European project during a Berlin meeting overshadowed by concerns about the new Trump administration and rising populism at home.

Sunday Deadline Looms for Deal on New DRC Government VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- Political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a deal on New Years' Eve that eased the political crisis after deadly unrest over delayed elections. But now that agreement risks falling apart as the two sides wrangle over its implementation. Observers say they are running out of time if they are to have any hope of holding the polls this year.

Israeli police question Netanyahu over corruption scandal Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Israeli police have questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a third time as part of a series of investigations over corruption suspicions.

Monitoring Group: North Korea Likely Resumed Operations at Plutonium Reactor VOA 27 Jan 2017 -- A U.S. group that monitors North Korean weapons development says the communist country has likely resumed operations at a plutonium reactor at its Yongbyon nuclear facility.

Amano: JCPOA changed the course on Iran from confrontation to cooperation IRNA 27 Jan 2017 -- Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said that agreement on the Iran nuclear deal – known as JCPOA – changed the course on Iran from confrontation to cooperation.
UK premier defends Iran nuclear deal IRNA 27 Jan 2017 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May defended the Iranian nuclear deal that US President Donald Trump had denounced in Philadelphia on Friday.
Iran to be 4th stable isotope producer in world IRNA 27 Jan 2017 -- Iran Atomic Energy Organization spokesman
Behrouz Kamalvandi said given the conclusion of cooperation deals with Russia, Iran will be the fourth stable isotope producer in the world.
Iran to Become 4th Stable Isotope Producer Following Deals With Russia Sputnik 27 Jan 2017 -- Iran Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi stated that a deal was reached between Moscow and Teharan, to convert Iran's Fordo uranium enrichment plant into a production facility for stable, non-radioactive, isotopes.
Iran, Russia sign roadmap on nuclear fuel production Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- Iran and Russia have reached an agreement on a roadmap for joint cooperation in the area of nuclear fuel production, a senior nuclear official says.
All JCPOA parties must fulfill commitments: IAEA's Amano Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- All signatories to the landmark 2015 agreement over Iran's nuclear program must remain committed to their obligations under the deal, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says.

China plans moon-sampling mission for November Press TV 27 Jan 2017 -- China plans to send a robot attached to a rocket to the moon to bring back samples of the lunar surface.

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