23 April 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Defense Policy / Programs

Future Vertical Lift: Army Announces Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Prototype Award Army News 23 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. Army awarded five Other Transaction Authority for Prototype Agreements for the aircraft design, build, and test of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, April 23. The FARA shall be capable of achieving and sustaining overmatch against potential competitors and enduring asymmetric threats by closing or mitigating gaps in Army aviation attack and reconnaissance.
Coast Guard awards contract for new Polar Security Cutter USCG HQ 23 Apr 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, through an Integrated Program Office (IPO), awarded VT Halter Marine Inc., of Pascagoula, Mississippi, a fixed price incentive (firm) contract for the Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) of the Coast Guard’s lead Polar Security Cutter (PSC).
2-34 Intel team proves invaluable during Allied Spirit X Army News 23 Apr 2019 -- Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, conduct intel operations during exercise Allied Spirit X from March 30 through April 17, 2019 at the Hohenfels Training Area.
Washington Guard shares experiences with Thai counterparts Army News 23 Apr 2019 -- As part of the State Partnership Program, the 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion regularly conducts major exercises with their counterparts in the Royal Thai Army. But it's the regular contact that shares best practices and lessons learned throughout the year that helps the 898th create strong bonds with their fellow engineers.
Ambassador to Russia, Naval Forces Europe Commander, view dual aircraft carrier strike group operations in the Mediterranean NNS 23 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, observed dual carrier strike group (CSG) operations from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Mediterranean Sea.
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Visits U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet NNS 23 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon M. Huntsman Jr. met with senior U.S. Navy leaders at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, to discuss the maritime environment in Europe.
SECAF underscores space strategy and partnerships with allies US Air Force 23 Apr 2019 -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson spoke at the Policy Exchange, a U.K.-based think tank that launched their Space Policy Unit in London, April 23.
'Cyber Warriors' selected to defend critical infrastructure Army News 23 Apr 2019 -- The National Guard is standing up cyber warriors to protect the vulnerable critical infrastructure in the communities where they serve.

US, South Korea Begin Smaller Annual Air Drills on Korean Peninsula Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- US and South Korean forces are teaming up for a round of joint air force drills designed as a smaller-scale alternative to their previous annual Max Thunder exercise in the Korean Peninsula.

US Pledges to Use Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran's Threat to Close it - State Dept. Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The United States has pledged that its military will fly and sail wherever the international law allows ensuring the safety of commercial and non-commercial traffic in response to Tehran's warning to close the Strait of Hormuz, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Russia Launches New Submarine Believed Capable Of Carrying Nuclear-Armed Drones RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- Russia has launched a special-purpose, nuclear-powered submarine that is believed capable of carrying nuclear-tipped underwater drones that when fully developed could threaten U.S. coastal cities.

If US Refuses to Supply F-35s, Turkey Will Satisfy Need Elsewhere - FM Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has reportedly said that if the US won't supply Turkey with F-35 fighter jets, Ankara would satisfy its need for them in "another place".

China debuts most powerful destroyer in celebrations Global Times 23 Apr 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy celebrated its 70th anniversary Tuesday afternoon in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province by holding a grand maritime parade, which featured China's latest and most powerful destroyer, the Type 055, for the first time.
China Presents Its Top-Notch Nuclear Sub, Destroyer in Navy Day Parade Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The first Type 055 guided missile destroyer, Nanchang, was also presented to the public at the parade for the first time by Chinese military.

Defense Industry

Contracts for April 23, 2019

Other Conflicts

23 April 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Apr 2019
Protect women's rights 'before, during and after conflict' UN chief tells high-level Security Council debate UN News 23 Apr 2019 -- Over the course of the past decade, there has been "a paradigm shift" in understanding the devastating impact of sexual violence in conflict on international peace and security, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council during a high-level debate on Tuesday.

Militants Shell Settlement in Syrian Idlib Over Past 24 Hours - Russian MoD Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Militants attacked one of the settlements in Syria's Idlib province over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defence ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Libyan troops drive back Haftar loyalists south of Tripoli Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Forces supporting Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) have managed to push back militiamen loyal to the renegade commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar, dozens of kilometers south of Tripoli as fighting around the capital continues unabated.
Libyan Gov't Forces Push Back Haftar's Forces South of Tripoli - Reports Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Earlier, Libyan National Army (LNA) head Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced a start of the second stage of the offensive on Tripoli.
Libya: Thousands seek shelter in health clinics from Tripoli fighting, UN warns UN News 23 Apr 2019 -- Nearly three weeks since fighting began near the Libyan capital Tripoli, the UN health agency warned on Tuesday that "large numbers" of people are sheltering in medical clinics, while civilians continue to be killed or injured, and refugees and migrants remain exposed to clashes.
Libya's Haftar Army Announces 2nd Stage of Offensive on Tripoli - Reports Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Libyan National Army (LNA) head Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced a start of the second stage of the offensive on Tripoli, local media reported, citing LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari.
UNICEF Aircraft Delivers 18 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Libya Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The UN International Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement the organization airlifted eighteen tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Libya.

Separatist Irish group claims deadly attack that killed journalist Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- A separatist group seeking disintegration of Northern Ireland from Britain has claimed responsibility for an attack in the region on Thursday that killed a young journalist.
New IRA Admits Responsibility For Killing N.Ireland Journalist - Report Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The New Irish Republican Army (IRA) claimed responsibility for the killing of journalist Lyra McKee and offered "sincere apologies", according to the Guardian citing IRA's statement to The Irish News Tuesday.

Tokyo Reaffirs Position on Kurils Despite New Foreign Policy Rhetoric - Reports Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The dispute over a group of four Kuril islands – Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai – has been souring Moscow-Tokyo relations for decades and serves as the main stumbling block to signing a permanent World War II peace treaty.

Situation Tense After New Incident Near Disputed Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Area RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- A new incident near a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border has increased tension in the volatile area.

Senior Al-Shabab Leader Defects, Surrenders to Somali Government VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Somali officials say a senior al-Shabab official has defected from the group and surrendered to the Somali government in the southwestern Gedo region.

News Reports

Sri Lanka terror attacks: Foreign Secretary's House of Commons statement UK FCO 23 Apr 2019 -- Following the terror attacks in Sri Lanka, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has made a statement in Parliament.
IS Claims Sri Lanka Attack as Revenge Against 'Crusader Coalition' VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- The Islamic State terror group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the deadly Easter terror attack in Sri Lanka, framing it as revenge against the "Crusader coalition" countries which defeated the terror group's self-declared caliphate in Syria last month.
Sri Lanka: Attackers May Have Been Linked to IS, Which Claimed Responsibility VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the suicide bombings that devastated the country on Easter Sunday could have links to Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility.
Sri Lanka officials face scrutiny over potential security failure after bombings Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- As Sri Lankans are mourning the death of 310 people in a string of recent bombings, officials have come under scrutiny over accusations that they failed to prevent the carnage despite security warnings that they had reportedly received several days ahead of the attacks.
Sri Lanka's President to Reshuffle Leadership of Country's Security Services Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena announced that he would carry out changes among the heads of the country's security forces within the next 24 hours following the deadly bombings that left at least 321 people dead and 500 wounded, Ada Derana said Tuesday.
Sri Lanka Arrests Syrian Over Sunday Attacks as Death Toll Rises to 310 - Report Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera has reportedly said that around 500 people were wounded in the blasts, adding that 40 people were now under arrest in connection with the attacks, which Sri Lanka's government has blamed on the local Islamist group National Thowheeth Jamaath.
Death toll jumps to 310 in Sri Lankan multiple bombings People's Daily 23 Apr 2019 -- The death toll from a string of explosions that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday rose to 310 while over 500 were injured, the police said Tuesday.
Sri Lanka Attacks Result of Failure to Deliver Intel to Right People - Minister Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Sunday's deadly terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka were not a failure of the country's intelligence services but a failure to circulate information internally to people capable of taking action, Sri Lankan Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Minister Harsha De Silva said in an interview.

In Post-Bashir Sudan, Calls Grow Louder for Civilian Rule VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Sudanese activists were holding nationwide protests on Tuesday to press the military to hand over power to a civilian authority after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month.
African leaders at emergency Cairo summit urge peaceful Sudan transition Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- African leaders at an emergency summit in Cairo have called on Sudan's military rulers to effectively and peacefully carry out a democratic transition within three months.
Sudan's Military Council Head Expands on Body's Role During Transitional Period Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The Sudanese Transitional Military Council could have a consultative, monitoring, or legislative role within the transitional government, the head of the council, Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, told Sputnik.

Former GE Engineer and Chinese Businessman Charged with Economic Espionage and Theft of GE's Trade Secrets US Dept. of Justice 23 Apr 2019 -- An indictment unsealed today charges Xiaoqing Zheng, 56, of Niskayuna, New York, and Zhaoxi Zhang, 47, of Liaoning Province, China, with economic espionage and conspiring to steal General Electric's (GE's) trade secrets surrounding turbine technologies, knowing and intending that those stolen trade secrets would be used to benefit the People's Republic of China.
US Charges 2 Chinese Engineers with Stealing Trade Secrets VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- The Justice Department on Tuesday announced indictments against two Chinese nationals accused of working together to steal trade secrets from General Electric.

Kim Jong Un, Putin Set for Talks in Russia Thursday VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is due to travel this week to the far-eastern Russian city of Vladivostok for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
North Korean Leader Kim Departs By Train For Meeting With Putin In Vladivostok RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has left Pyongyang by train to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok.
North Korean leader departs for Russia to meet Putin Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has departed for Russia, aboard his special train, for his first summit with President Vladimir Putin, state media reported.
Putin to host North Korea's Kim in Russia Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un will "soon" travel to Russia on his first ever meeting with President Vladimir Putin, state media say.

Iran puts CENTCOM on terrorist list IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- Majlis (Iranian Parliament) on Tuesday put the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the forces, organizations and institutes under its command on the terrorist list, so any kind of cooperation with that is considered a terror act.
CENTCOM designated as terror organization ISNA 23 Apr 2019 -- Iranian legislators approved an act of parliament which designates United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and its affiliated forces, organizations and entities as terrorist organizations.
Iran parliament designates CENTCOM terrorist in response to US blacklisting of IRGC Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- The Iranian parliament has overwhelmingly passed a law, which designates American forces in West Asia - known as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) - a terrorist organization in a counter-measure against the US blacklisting of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
Iran's Parliament Designates US Military as Terrorists, Adopts Counter-Sanctions Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The Trump administration is expected to slap new sanctions on the Islamic Republic around the time of the first anniversary of the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Oil Prices Spike as US Insists All Countries Stop Iranian Imports VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Oil prices reached a six-month high Tuesday after the Trump administration announced it would no longer exempt countries from U.S. sanctions, if they continue to buy Iranian crude oil, a move aimed at imposing a complete oil embargo on Iran.
France: INSTEX making positive progress IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- The 'INSTEX' mechanism set up by France, Britain and Germany for Iran to skirt US sanctions is making positive progress, said the French foreign ministry on Tuesday, as it responded to the latest moves by the US government to put pressure on Iran, Reuters reports.
Defense Minister urges world to counter Trumpism IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- Defense Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami said upon arriving in Moscow on Tuesday that he is going to talk about the dangers of Trumpism and the necessity to fight it.
Iran, Pakistan stress on complete implementation of JCPOA IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- Iran and Pakistan have stressed the need on swift and complete implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by other states considering the full compliance of the Islamic Republic of Iran to its provisions.
Iran, Pakistan stress in joint statement: The two countries' border should be border of peace, friendship ISNA 23 Apr 2019 -- President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan issued a joint statement, stressing that the border between the two countries should be border of peace and friendship.
Foreign Ministry's reaction to end of US waivers for Iran oil imports ISNA 23 Apr 2019 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has reacted to the White House's latest statement regarding its decision to stop issuing sanctions waivers for the import of Iran's crude oil.
US dream of bringing Iran's oil exports to Zero will never come true: Zangeneh Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh slams the US and its allies for using oil as a political "weapon" to put more economic pressure on the Islamic Republic, emphasizing, however, that Washington will never be able to achieve its "dream" of cutting Tehran's oil exports to "zero."
France: Iran payment system making positive progress Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- France reports progress in efforts towards the implementation of a direct payment mechanism, which the European country has launched alongside Britain and Germany to safeguard trade with Iran in the face of US sanctions.
Escalation of anti-Iran economic terrorism shows US panic, desperation: FM Zarif Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States' decision to intensify its economic pressure campaign against the Iranian people reveals its "panic" and "desperation," a day after Washington moved to stop other countries from buying Iranian oil.
US plan to end Iran oil waivers to intensify Mideast turmoil: China Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Beijing has once again expressed its opposition to Washington's decision to end sanctions waivers it had granted to some importers of Iranian oil, including China, warning that the policy will fuel "turmoil" in the troubled Middle East region and disrupt global energy markets.
Turkey Slams US as Tensions Escalate Over Iranian Sanctions VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to end waivers from sanctions for countries importing Iranian oil threatens to further escalate tensions with Turkey.
Turkey: US going too far in pushing states to buy oil from its allies Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has censured the US for "going too far" in pressing other countries to buy oil from its own Persian Gulf Arab allies after ending waivers for the purchase of Iranian crude, saying such moves pose a risk to regional stability.
China Lashes Out At Washington's Decision On Iran Oil Sanctions RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- Beijing has lashed out at a U.S. decision to impose sanctions on countries that buy Iranian oil, warning that it will intensify turmoil in the Middle East and in the international energy market.
China to continue economic cooperation with Iran: Spox IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- China is opposed to any measures which could help the US advance its unilateral sanctions against Tehran, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson 'Geng Shuang' said on Tuesday, adding that his country will continue with economic cooperation with Iran.
EU still complying with JCPOA IRNA 23 Apr 2019 -- One day after Washington's decision to end sanctions waivers on Iran oil imports, the European Union expressed regret over the US act by saying it will comply with its commitments under the nuclear deal.
EU Regrets US Decision on Iran Sanctions - European Commission Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- On Monday the White House announced the decision not to reissue waivers on Iranian oil after they expire in May. Washington said the decision "is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero", ruining a vital source of revenue for Tehran.

Analysts: China Trying to Use Belt and Road Meeting to Counter US Influence VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- China is getting ready to welcome representatives from 150 nations, including senior leaders of 40 countries, to discuss its international infrastructure program at the second Belt and Road Forum, beginning Thursday and running through Saturday in Beijing.
BRI explainer: What is the Belt and Road People's Daily 23 Apr 2019 -- After its successful debut two years ago, the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, a leading platform for international cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, will be held in Beijing again this month, drawing representatives from over 150 countries, including 37 leaders of foreign governments, under the theme of "Belt and Road Cooperation, shaping a brighter shared future."
Xi proposes building maritime community with shared future Peoples' Daily 23 Apr 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday called for concerted efforts to safeguard maritime peace and build a maritime community with a shared future.
China's Growing Interest in Middle East Sets Off US Alarm Bells VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- China pledged $23 billion in loans and aid to Middle Eastern countries last year and signed another $28 billion in investment for infrastructure and construction projects. As Chinese influence and business spread across the region, however, U.S. officials, suspicious of Chinese geostrategic intentions, are becoming increasingly wary.

Testing complete on core module of new space station Global Times 23 Apr 2019 -- China's manned space program has taken another step forward after authorities revealed on Tuesday that the Tianhe, the core module of the country's upcoming space station, has completed testing, including a vacuum heat test and will soon advance to the flight modeling stage, a day before the country's fourth aerospace day.

Indians Vote in 3rd Phase of Massive General Election VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined millions of his citizens Tuesday in casting a ballot in the third phase of the world's biggest general election.

Ukrainian PM To Contest Upcoming Elections With 'New Political Forces' RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman said he will take part in the October parliamentary elections with a party other than that of incumbent President Petro Poroshenko, who was defeated by comic and political newcomer Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a run-off election on April 21.
Back In Parliament After Abrupt Release From Jail, Savchenko Praises Zelenskiy RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- Ukrainian lawmaker Nadia Savchenko has returned to parliament a week after she was unexpectedly released from jail, where she had been held for more than a year over allegations that she plotted a terrorist attack on parliament.

Vote in Referendum on Constitutional Amendments Finalizes in Egypt Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- The national referendum on amendments to constitution that extend presidential term concluded on Monday in Egypt.

Kazakh Ruling Party Nominates Toqaev For President RFE/RL 23 Apr 2019 -- Kazakhstan's ruling Nur Otan party has nominated interim President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev for the presidency, virtually assuring his victory in a snap election scheduled for June 9.

Analysts: US Initiative First of Many Actions to Drain Hezbollah's Financing VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- A United States initiative toward three key figures within Hezbollah's financial networks would be the first in a series of actions against the Lebanese militant group to drain it of resources, analysts predict.
US intensifies pressure against Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, sets $10 million dollar reward Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- The United States has offered a reward of up to $10 million dollars in return for information about Hezbollah finances, intensifying its pressure campaign against the Lebanese resistance movement.

Voters bribed with food as Egypt goes to polls to extend Sisi's rule to 2030 Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Nearly 90 percent of voters in Egypt have backed constitutional amendments that allow President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to remain in power until 2030, election officials said on Tuesday.
Egypt Referendum Backs Extending Sissi's Rule VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Nearly 90% of Egyptian voters have approved constitutional amendments that could extend President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's rule until 2030.

Uganda Police Arrest Musician-Opposition Lawmaker 'Bobi Wine' VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- Ugandan musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known by his stage name Bobi Wine, has called for peaceful demonstrations after police on Tuesday refused to allow him to leave his home.

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