Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Pentagon Will Leave Large Number of Troops in Afghanistan to Protect US Embassy, Airport VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. will leave a number of troops that is much larger than a typical security detail to guard its embassy in Kabul, along with American forces at the Kabul airport to help protect the vital facility for a time, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday.
• Germany, Italy Complete Troop Exit From Afghanistan VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Germany and Italy have removed their last remaining soldiers from Afghanistan, ending almost two decades of deployment to the war-torn country alongside U.S. and other coalition troops.
• European Troops Return Home From Afghanistan As U.S. 'Days Away' From Completing Pullout RFE/RL Gandhara 30 Jun 2021 -- The last German, Italian, and North Macedonian troops have returned home from Afghanistan, bringing their nearly two-decade deployment to a close as part of an accelerated withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-wracked country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Passing of Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld DoD 30 Jun 2021
• Rumsfeld Was Nation's Youngest, Oldest Defense Secretary DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- Donald H. Rumsfeld, who died today at age 88, was the only defense secretary who served twice in the role of Pentagon leader and principal assistant to the president on defense matters.
• Department of Defense Leaders Update Reporters on COVID-19 Efforts DoD 30 Jun 2021 -- Acting Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Health Affairs Dr. Terry Adirim; Army Lieutenant General Ronald J. Place, Director, Defense Health Agency; Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense on COVID-19 Max Rose
• COVID-19 Pandemic Not Over, Concerns Over Delta Variant Growing DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- Nearly 68% of active duty personnel have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose. But that still leaves many service members vulnerable to the delta variant of the virus, health officials at the Pentagon said.
• DOD Demonstrates Mobile Microgrid Technology DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Department of the Army recently demonstrated a mobile, fast-forming, secure and intelligent vehicle-centric microgrid prototype that will power next-generation warfighting capabilities and joint warfighting concepts.
• House Dems Urge Increased Pentagon Spending for Weapons Procurement in FY 2022 Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- Last month, the US Department of Defense issued Congress a $715 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2022, amounting to a 2% uptick in defense spending from the previous year. The move comes as the Pentagon has shifted its focus to Indo-Pacific operations that seek to counter China's growing influence.
• Nellis AFB to become 5th generation Center of Excellence US Air Force 30 Jun 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force announced plans today to make space for a larger fighter presence at Nellis Air Force Base by realigning the base's close air support and rescue missions to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, starting in fiscal year 2022.
• Air Force to bring new rescue and attack missions to Davis-Monthan AFB, retire oldest A-10s US Air Force 30 Jun 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force announced plans today to move close air support and rescue missions, including A-10 Thunderbolt II and HH-60 Pave Hawk weapons schools and test squadrons, to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base beginning in fiscal year 2022.
• Air Force, Army build on joint contracting operations with JFCE 2021 US Air Force 30 Jun 2021 -- Army and Air Force contracting experts are strengthening joint operations by reviving joint exercises, beginning with the Joint Force Contracting Exercise 2021 at various locations, June 21-25.
• 4th Fleet Conducts Maritime Staff Talks with Ecuadorian Navy US Navy 30 Jun 2021 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, hosted delegates from the Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador) for the annual Maritime Staff Talks (MST) June 25.
• Space Development Agency Successfully Launches First Missions DoD 30 Jun 2021 -- The Space Development Agency today announced the successful launch of its first two satellite missions, Mandrake II and Laser Interconnect Networking Communications System (LINCS) and the Prototype On-orbit Experimental Testbed (POET) payload, on June 30 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
• Wide Range of Global Groups Protest US Drone Use VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- A wide range of human rights, civil liberty, religious and peace groups from the U.S. and across the globe on Wednesday demanded that President Joe Biden end lethal U.S. strikes outside recognized battlegrounds and the use of drone attacks that he authorized in recent days.
• U.S., German Leaders Talk at Pentagon, Visit Carrier in Norfolk DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to the Pentagon and discussed the many ways U.S. and German service members work together to preserve peace and international order.
• U.S., German Leaders Talk at Pentagon, Visit Carrier in Norfolk DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III with German Federal Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer DoD 30 Jun 2021
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With German Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer DoD 30 Jun 2021
• Belgian Security Services Company and Three Former Executives Indicted for Bid Rigging on U.S. Department of Defense Contracts US Dept. of Justice 30 Jun 2021 -- A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Belgium-based Seris Security NV (Seris) and three executives for their roles in a conspiracy to fix prices, rig bids and allocate customers for defense-related security services, including a multimillion-dollar contract issued in 2020 to provide security services to the U.S. Department of Defense for military bases and installations in Belgium.
• NATO Secretary General and the Georgian Defence Minister discuss Summit outcomes and practical cooperation NATO 30 Jun 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Georgian Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (30 June), ahead of a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission. This was the first meeting between Mr. Stoltenberg and Mr. Burchuladze.
• Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq visits NATO Headquarters NATO 30 Jun 2021 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi of Iraq to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (30 June 2021).
• Lavrov Says Russia-U.S. Arms Control Talks To Start 'By Mid-July' RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he expects the United States and Russia to launch new arms control talks by mid-July.
• China, Vietnam navies wrap up 30th joint patrol in Beibu Gulf PLA Daily 30 Jun 2021 -- The 30th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf, conducted by the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command and the Vietnam People's Navy, wrapped up successfully on June 25.
• Air2030: Federal Council decides to procure 36 F-35A fighter aircraft Switzerland 30 Jun 2021 -- The Federal Council is set to propose that Parliament approve the procurement of 36 F-35A fighter aircraft from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin and five Patriot fire units from US manufacturer Raytheon. An evaluation has revealed that these two systems offer the highest overall benefit at the lowest overall cost. The Federal Council is confident that these two systems are the most suitable for protecting the Swiss population from air threats in the future.
• Iranian Army's Navy kicks off "Sustainable Security" drills in Caspian Sea ISNA 30 Jun 2021 -- A naval exercise dubbed "Amaniyat-e Paydar 1400" (Sustainable Security) was started on Wednesday in the Caspian Sea with the participation of the Army Navy's surface and aerial units as well as Navy's ranger units.
• Khan: Pakistan Can Never Again Be US Partner in War VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday denounced as "idiocy" his country's past policy of becoming a "front-line state" in the U.S.-led war against terrorism in Afghanistan, blaming the policy for the persistent security and economic challenges facing Islamabad.
• Navy to take delivery of new Tuo Chiang-class corvette in July CNA 30 Jun 2021 -- Taiwan's latest Tuo Chiang-class corvette, the Ta Chiang (PGG-619), is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in July, and a commissioning ceremony for the ship will be held in August, a military source said Wednesday.
• Taiwan deploys 6 new Black Hawk helicopters for rescue operations CNA 30 Jun 2021 -- Six UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters received last year by the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) will be deployed in July for rescue missions after completing a six-month training program, the NASC said Wednesday.
• Lavrov: Russia Praises Turkey's Stance on S-400 Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- Russia values Turkey's position on the development of military cooperation and Ankara's stance to use the first regiment of the S-400 air defence system to ensure its security, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.
• Foreign Secretary signs landmark Joint Declaration with Germany UK FCDO 30 Jun 2021 -- The UK has signed a Joint Declaration with Germany pledging closer future cooperation on foreign and security policy.
• Australians pivotal to Middle East exercise Australia DOD 30 Jun 2021 -- RAN officers played a small but crucial part in Exercise Artemis Trident in the Middle East recently.
• Tactical capability focus of Exercise Southern Jackaroo Australia DOD 30 Jun 2021 -- With more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously, the culminating activity of Exercise Southern Jackaroo, held from June 15-24, took months to plan, and included forces from the US Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.
• Department Press Briefing – June 30, 2021 US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 30, 2021
• Germany signs on for Five Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Boeing 30 Jun 2021 -- The German Ministry of Defense today signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing (NYSE:BA) P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. With this order, Germany becomes the eighth customer of the multimission maritime surveillance aircraft, joining the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Norway, Korea and New Zealand.

Other Conflicts

• Three Pakistani Paramilitary Troops Killed in Militant Attack RFE/RL Gandhara 30 Jun 2021 -- At least three members of Pakistan's paramilitary forces have been killed and three others wounded in a clash with militant attackers in the South Waziristan tribal district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province that borders Afghanistan, police said on June 30.
• Putin: HMS Defender Incident in Black Sea is a Complex Provocation Plotted by UK and US Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- During the 23 June incident, a Russian warship and a Su-24M jet fired warning shots near HMS Defender, which proceeded to ignore orders to leave Russian territorial waters immediately.
• Britain, Russia Still At Odds Over Warship Incident In Black Sea RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Britain and Russia have once again clashed over an incident last week in the Black Sea as a British warship passed by Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.
• Hague Tribunal History: Decades Of Atrocities, Anguish, And Justice For Ex-Yugoslavia RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- The UN tribunal process to seek justice for the worst wartime atrocities in Europe since World War II ended on June 30, with verdicts in the retrial of two former Serbian security chiefs accused of running paramilitary death squads in the former Yugoslavia.
• UN Court Sentences Former Milosevic Aides To 12 Years In Prison In War Crimes Retrial RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Two former chiefs of the Serbian state security service have been sentenced to 12 years by a UN court in The Hague on charges of running paramilitary death squads in the 1990s Yugoslav wars.
• U.S. Urges Russia To Stop Violence In Central African Republic After Damning UN Report RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. envoy to the United Nations has called on Russia to immediately stop violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) and pull out "mercenaries" from the poor but resource-rich country.
• UN Report on Russians Killing Civilians in CAR Based on 'Unfounded Accusations', Diplomat Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- The report produced by the UN Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic (CAR) claiming that Russian personnel engaged in the killing of civilians is based on unfounded accusations, Russia Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said in a press conference on Wednesday.
• More Suspected Drone Activities in Jammu Put Indian Security Forces on High Alert Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- Two drones dropped RDX-based explosives on the Indian Air Force (IAF) base located in Pathankot, Jammu on 27 June. An initial probe suggested that Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was targeting the Air Traffic Control (ATC) building and a few Mi-17 helicopters parked in the IAF station. They, however, missed their targets.
• Ethiopia Says It Could Reenter Seized Tigrayan Capital if Needed VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- An Ethiopian government spokesman said Wednesday that the Ethiopian army could reenter Tigray's regional capital of Mekelle within weeks, if necessary.
• Ethiopia's Government Declares Unilateral Cease-fire in Tigray VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Rebels in Ethiopia's embattled Tigray region warned Tuesday their troops would seek to destroy the capabilities of Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, despite the Ethiopian government's declaration of a unilateral cease-fire in the region.
• Ethiopian Army Leaves Regional Capital as Tigray Rebels Reject 'Joke' of Ceasefire Declaration Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- On Monday, the Ethiopian government declared an unconditional ceasefire in the conflict-torn province, following the recapture of the regional capital of Mekelle by rebel forces, causing government forces to retreat.
• As Ethiopian Government Hints of 'Threat' From Sudan, Will Tigrayans Seek Independence? Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- Ethiopia is an ethnic jigsaw puzzle of different tribes - Amhara, Oromo, Tigrayan, Sidama, Gurage, Wolayta and Somali. The government in Addis Ababa declared a unilateral ceasefire earlier this week after waging war on rebels in the northern region of Tigray since November.
• Nigerian Separatist Leader Arrested, Faces Trial VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- A separatist leader wanted by Nigeria is in custody in Abuja, awaiting trial on terrorism and treason charges. Authorities say Nnamdi Kanu, head of the Indigenous People of Biafra or IPOB, was arrested Tuesday.

News Reports

• US House Approves Resolution to Create Committee to Probe January 6 Capitol Unrest Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- As Democrats push for a 9/11-style committee to investigate the 6 January Capitol riot, the GOP has largely opposed the initiative. Nevertheless, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier in the week introduced the resolution to create a select committee to probe the violent events.
• CISA and FBI Launch Operation Flashpoint to Raise Awareness about How to Prevent Bomb Making CISA 30 Jun 2021 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a new pilot program today called "Operation Flashpoint" to build awareness in communities across the U.S. about how to prevent bomb attacks.
• Defense Official Testifies About DOD Information Technology, Cybersecurity Efforts DoD News 30 Jun 2021 -- President Joe Biden's interim National Security Strategic Guidance and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's priorities drive key areas on the Defense Department's cloud, software network modernization, cybersecurity work, workforce, command-and-control communications and data, DOD's acting chief information officer said.
• Hackers Had Secret Access to Danish National Bank for Seven Months After SolarWinds Attack – Report Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- While the National Bank claimed to have acted "quickly" and "in a satisfactory way", the exact extent of the hack attack and its consequences remain unknown.
• How New Orleans Defeated Ransomware Attack VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- In the early hours of a Friday in December 2019, the team monitoring the computer network handling governmental operations for New Orleans noticed something suspicious.
• In Annual Call-In, Putin Hopes Russia Will Avoid New Pandemic Lockdown RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, fielding questions from across the country on his annual call-in show, urged citizens to overcome their hesitancy and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the country continues to wrack up daily records for deaths from the coronavirus.
• Direct Line with Vladimir Putin President of Russia 30 Jun 2021 -- The annual special Direct Line with Vladimir Putin was broadcast live by Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, NTV, Public Television of Russia (OTR) and Mir TV channels, and Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations.
• Vladimir Putin: US Understands That World is Changing But Still Wants to Preserve Dominant Position Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- The Russian head of state made the statement during his annual Q&A session during which he answers questions from the public. The coronavirus pandemic, environmental issues, and economic crisis are on the agenda of this year's event.
• Russia Labels Czech Rights NGO As 'Undesirable,' Says It Poses Threat RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- The Russian State Prosecutor's Office has banned a Czech nongovernmental organization after putting it on the "undesirable" list.
• Beijing Braces For Centenary as Ruling Party Hits 95 Million Members Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2021 -- Authorities in Beijing have banned sales of natural gas canisters and knives, as the city began to fill up with military personnel on the eve of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s centenary celebration on July 1.
• Communist Party of China has over 95 million members People's Daily 30 Jun 2021 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has 95.148 million members as of June 5, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced on Wednesday.
• CPC membership exceeds 95 million as its centenary nears PLA Daily 30 Jun 2021 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has 95.148 million members as of June 5, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced on Wednesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2021 PRC MofA 30 Jun 2021
• Pew: US Seen More Favorably Than China Among Advanced Economies VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- A recent Pew Research survey among 17 advanced economies shows the global opinion of the United States has improved, while the view of China continues to be mostly negative.
• Hong Kong returns to right track under national security law: Foreign Ministry Global Times 30 Jun 2021 -- Hong Kong society has been brought back to the right track over the past year since the implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong, with security being safeguarded, the rule of law and justice being upheld, and the lawful rights and freedoms of local residents and foreign citizens better protected in a safer environment, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.
• One year on, national security law for HK brings hope, restores order, recovers businesses Global Times 30 Jun 2021 -- One year since the national security law for Hong Kong took effect, many people said the city is totally different now.
• Patriotic Education, Shifting 'Red Lines' Drive Families Away From Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2021 -- Twenty-four years after the city was handed back to the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Hongkongers are once more lining up in droves to leave, the sounds of farewells echoing through the departures hall at the international airport, in stark contrast with the hushed and empty arrivals floor.
• One Year In, Critics Say China's National Security Law Has Undermined Hong Kong's Core Values VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- It has been one year since China officially implemented a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, right before the anniversary of the island's handover from British to Chinese rule on July 1.
• Amnesty International Says China Has Created 'Human Rights Emergency' in Hong Kong VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Amnesty International says China has created a "human rights emergency" in Hong Kong since imposing a strict national security law last year.
• Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist Arrested Again VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and human rights lawyer was arrested for the second time in less than a month Wednesday, marking the city's first year under the national security law.
• China's Use of Expat Uyghurs in CCP Centenary Propaganda Sparks Backlash Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2021 -- A Chinese government campaign using Uyghur expatriates to make pro-China videos and comments on social media platforms to mark the July 1 centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been met with contempt by activists and netizens from the Uyghur diaspora.
• Rights Group Details China's Interference in Academic Freedom Overseas Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2021 -- The long arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is affecting freedom of speech at overseas universities, according to a report published on Tuesday by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
• Chinese Students in Australia Call Out Intimidation from Officials at Home VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Human Rights Watch says Chinese students enrolled in Australian universities have been so intimidated by authorities back home they are self-censoring their actions and behaviors.
• US' resuming talks with the island of Taiwan severely disturbs cross-Straits stability: experts Global Times 30 Jun 2021 -- After a five-year hiatus, the island of Taiwan had the video meeting with the US for the Trade Investment Framework Talks (TIFA) on Wednesday, which have been criticized by experts and residents of the island as a platform to bow to the US' endless demands at the cost of the people in Taiwan and may further disturb the cross-Straits stability.
• Why China's PLA Keeps Putting up Posters to Threaten War Against Taiwan VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- The Chinese military's use of colorful, strongly worded posters hinting at war with old political rival Taiwan are aimed more at keeping its own troops on edge and making the Communist Party look strong than at riling the Taiwanese, some experts say.
• China urges Japan to clarify ties with Taiwan island, condemns politician's statement aimed at 'military deregulation' Global Times 30 Jun 2021 -- China has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese government and urged it to clarify on the matter and make ensure it will not happen again, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, after Japan's deputy defense minister vowed to protect the island of Taiwan "as a democratic country."
• Why Iran-IAEA agreement did not extend for the 3rd time IRNA 30 Jun 2021 -- Agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was not extended for the third time despite expectations from the West.
• UN Chief Calls On U.S. To Lift Iran Sanctions As Agreed In 2015 RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to the U.S. administration to "lift or waive" all sanctions on Iran as agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
• UN Chief Urges US to Lift Sanctions on Iran VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- The U.N. secretary-general has called on the United States to lift its sanctions on Iran and for both countries to return to the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Political Prisoners Among Thousands Released in Myanmar Junta Amnesty Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2021 -- Myanmar's junta released some 2,300 detainees—mostly political prisoners charged with defamation—as part of a nationwide amnesty on Wednesday, but the move was greeted with skepticism by critics who called it a stunt to gain international recognition following its February power grab.
• Report on Enlarged Meeting of 2nd Political Bureau of 8th C.C., WPK KCNA 30 Jun 2021 -- The current situation in which a fierce campaign is being conducted under the fighting programme set forth at the historic 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) to win a fresh victory in socialist construction despite all the manifold challenges calls for revolutionizing cadres, the backbone of the country, and strengthening their ranks with select ones by more clearly preserving the militant nature of our Party advancing in struggle.
• Activists In Bishkek Protest Controversial Bill They Say Will Stifle Free Speech RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Dozens of civil rights activists and public figures have rallied in Bishkek, protesting a controversial bill on the "prevention of the proliferation of false and unconfirmed information," legislation they say will stifle freedom of speech.
• Belarus Orders Two German Educational Institutions To Halt Work RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Germany has deplored Belarus's decision to demand an end to all activities of two prominent German educational institutions after the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Belarus.
• More Activists Jailed In Kazakhstan Ahead Of Nazarbaev's Birthday Celebrations RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- More activists have been jailed in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, as police keep on rounding up activists amid preparations to mark the 81st birthday of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev in the tightly controlled Central Asian country.