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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Austin Orders Review of 2019 Baghuz Airstrikes, Which Killed Syrian Civilians DoD News 29 Nov 2021 -- The Pentagon announced today that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has asked for a review of the March 18, 2019, airstrikes that occurred in Al-Baghuz Fawqani, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of more than 60 civilians there.
• Secret agents infiltrated govt. to help Taliban seize power in Afghanistan: Report Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Taliban's secret operatives, embedded in governmental organizations, played a key role in helping the group lay siege to Kabul after the hasty US withdrawal from the war-torn country in August, reveals a report.
• WSJ: Taliban Had Sleeper Agents in Every Major City, Who Aided Swift Downfall of US-Backed Gov't Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- The agents went as far as to ditch traditional Afghan clothing in favour of more westernised apparel and shaved their beards in violation of the Taliban's* ultra-conservative norms. All this was done to avoid any suspicion of secretly being loyal to the Taliban.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD Concludes 2021 Global Posture Review DoD 29 Nov 2021 -- Following several months of analysis and close coordination across the U.S. government, the Department of Defense released the results of the Global Posture Review (GPR) today.
• Biden Approves Global Posture Review Recommendations DoD News 29 Nov 2021 -- President Joe Biden has accepted the recommendations formed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the global posture review, Mara Karlin, performing the duties of deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, announced today.
• Pentagon Global Posture Review Strengthens Deterrence Against Russia, China Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- The Defense Department's Global Posture Review strengthens deterrence against Russia and China, Mara Karlin, who performs the duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, said.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby and Dr. Mara Karlin, Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Hold a Press Briefing DoD 29 Nov 2021
• Mission Partner Environment Cuts Decision Making, Kill Chain DoD News 29 Nov 2021 -- Earlier this month in Suffolk, Virginia, the Joint Staff's J-6 and members of the Defense Department's cyber community — along with military representatives from the U.K., Australia, Canada, Sweden, Germany and other partner nations — concluded an experiment to demonstrate the effectiveness of the department's mission-partner environment and SABRE software.
• Polish Land Forces attend Idaho National Guard tank training Army News 29 Nov 2021 -- Polish soldiers attended Idaho National Guard M1 Abrams tank training in October and November to observe best practices as Polish Land Forces seek to develop their own training capability.
• HMLA-269 Operates in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado USMC News 29 Nov 2021 -- Late-autumn winds rushed down from the Rocky Mountains, passed steep plateaus, and sifted through deep canyons before settling on the great plains of Colorado.
• Air Force hosts Coalition Virtual Flag, premier coalition virtual air combat exercise US Air Force 29 Nov 2021 -- The 705th Combat Training Squadron, home of Air Combat Command's Distributed Mission Operations Center, recently hosted one of the Defense Department's largest coalition and joint virtual air combat exercises across eight time zones at Kirtland Air Force Base, Oct. 24 through Nov. 5.
• NMCB-5 Completes Cohesive COMMEX with 9th ESB US Navy 29 Nov 2021 -- The U.S. Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 completed a joint Communications Exercise (COMMEX) with Marines assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB) onboard Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan Nov. 23.
• NATO Secretary General in Latvia: "an attack against one Ally is an attack on all Allies" NATO 29 Nov 2021 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with President Egils Levits in Riga on Monday (29 November 2021), ahead of this week's meeting of Foreign Ministers taking place in the Latvian capital.
• NATO's flagship cyber defence exercise kicks off in Estonia NATO 29 Nov 2021 -- Cyber Coalition 21, one of the world's largest annual exercises in cyber defence, starts on Monday (29 November 2021), and will run through Friday. Cyber defenders from all NATO Allies, as well as partners Finland, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland, are taking part, alongside participants from industry and academia.
• NATO Chief Touts Alliance's Forces In Baltics Ahead Of Foreign Ministers Meeting In Riga RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit a combat-ready battle group in Latvia on November 29 ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Riga later this week.
• NATO Chief Says Bloc Seeing Biggest Expansion of Defense System Since Cold War Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- NATO has been consistently taking steps toward the largest expansion of its collective defense system since the end of the Cold War, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday.
• PLA's 3rd Type 075 amphibious assault ship has maiden voyage: reports Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's third Type 075 amphibious assault ship recently embarked on what appears to have been its maiden voyage, media reports said on Sunday. Analysts said on Monday that the sea trial indicates smooth progress in the development of the vessel.
• Aerial refueling variant of Y-20 debuts near the Taiwan Straits, 'to amplify PLA's air superiority' Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- The refueling variant of the Y-20 large transport aircraft made its debut near the island of Taiwan in a massive exercise by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday, the same day a Lithuanian parliamentarian delegation arrived in the island, and shortly after a US congressional delegation visited Taipei on Friday.
• Xi stresses strengthening military talent cultivation People's Daily 29 Nov 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed thorough military talent cultivation to support and lead progress in strengthening the armed forces.
• Drones adapted to marine observation PLA Daily 29 Nov 2021 -- China has begun to deploy unmanned aircraft to carry out marine meteorological observation, according to Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation's leading aircraft maker and the program's contractor.
• First indigenous trainer delivered to Air Force at eastern Taiwan base CNA 29 Nov 2021 -- Taiwan's Air Force took delivery Monday of the first indigenous advanced jet trainer (AJT) to roll off the production line, though poor weather caused the cancellation of a water salute ceremony originally scheduled to be held at Taitung Air Base to welcome the jet's arrival.
• Farewell to a 'Classic' era for air combat capability Australia DOD 29 Nov 2021 -- After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Royal Australian Air Force, Australia's fleet of F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets has been farewelled, to make way for the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter.
• Hornets farewelled after more than 35 years of service Australia DOD 29 Nov 2021 -- Air Force has farewelled the F/A-18A/B Hornets after more than 35 years of service, with an end of era event at RAAF Base Williamtown on November 29.
• Griffin Eagle tests key aviation capabilities Australia DOD 29 Nov 2021 -- The 1st Aviation Regiment has spread it wings over the Arizona desert, having deployed a squadron of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tigers to California, USA, in August and September to work alongside their US Marine Corps (USMC) counterparts.
• Exercise planning for disaster relief Australia DOD 29 Nov 2021 -- Australian and Indonesian Forces have conducted a virtual joint combined command post exercise focused on the planning and execution of combined military humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• Minsk, Moscow Announce Joint Military Drills As NATO Prepares To Discuss Russian Troop Buildup RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- Belarus has announced joint military exercises with Russia along its southern border as NATO gathers for a meeting to discuss its concerns about the Russian troop buildup near Ukraine.
• Budgetary Allocation for Defence India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- Gross Defence Budget (BE) as percentage of GDP for the last two years and current year are as under:
• Replacement of Helicopters India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- Replacement of aircraft fleet of the defence forces including Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is reviewed from time to time keeping in view the operational requirements.
• DEFENCE MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN PRIVATE SECTOR India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) comprising six nodes, namely Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Lucknow and Kanpur, was launched in August 2018 to attract and facilitate investments from industries to develop a defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• Splitting of OFB India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- To enhance functional autonomy, efficiency and unleash new growth potential and innovation in Ordnance Factories, the production units of Ordnance Factory Board have been converted into 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings with 41 Units with effect from 1st October 2021 ("Appointed date").
• Increasing Defence Exports India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- Many reforms/steps have been taken up to boost Defence exports in recent times. These are as follows:
• DEVELOPMENT OF KAVERI ENGINE India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned Kaveri Engine project in 1989. The following milestones were achieved:
• Maritime Security India PIB 29 Nov 2021 -- The Government has taken a number of measures to strengthen coastal, offshore and maritime security.
• Afghan Air Forces Hold First Military Drills Since Taliban Takeover - Reports Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- Afghanistan's air force held its first military exercises since the Taliban* came to power, Afghan news reported on Monday.
• Iran's Navy to Receive New Domestically Produced Anti-Air Missiles, Drones, Warships Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- Over the past decade, the Islamic Republic systematically developed its domestic defence industry largely because, until October 2020, it was banned by the international community from buying weapons abroad.
• UN chief calls for nuclear weapons-free Middle East UN News 29 Nov 2021 -- The UN Secretary-General on Monday called on all Middle East States to transform the vision of a region with no nuclear weapons, or other weapons of mass destruction, into a working reality.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Austrian Foreign Minister Linhart US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, November 29, 2021 The White House 29 Nov 2021
• Department Press Briefing – November 29, 2021 US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 29, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 29 November 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Nov 2021
• Taliban Meets EU Delegation In Qatar Ahead Of Talks With United States RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Nov 2021 -- The European Union says the Taliban has asked for help in keeping Afghanistan's airports running in weekend talks in Qatar with EU officials, as the bloc said it could unlock extra financing for the cash-strapped country if the group met conditions.
• Under China's shadow, Philippines clings to rusting maritime outpost Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2021 -- Recent developments have brought to the world's attention an unlikely symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the South China Sea - a dilapidated naval ship from World War II - as China cranks up pressure and Manila struggles to sustain its foothold there.
• Syrian Kurds Demand End to Child Recruitment VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Dozens of Kurdish parents and activists protested outside the United Nations offices in Qamishli, Syria, on Sunday against the recruitment of children by local military groups.
• Turkey Offers To Mediate Between Ukraine, Russia RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is ready to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, even with strained relations between Ankara and Moscow over the sale of armed drones to Kyiv earlier this year.
• West Struggles to Counter Secessionist Threat in Bosnia VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Western analysts say Bosnia-Herzegovina is facing its greatest crisis since the Dayton Accords ended a war there in 1995, with many suspecting Russian and Chinese hands in what could be the unraveling of the pact that has provided 25 years of uneasy peace.
• Violations of Palestinian rights puts two-State solution at risk UN chief warns UN News 29 Nov 2021 -- The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, continues to pose a significant challenge to international peace and security, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said on Monday.

News Reports

• Officials in Uganda Dismiss Report Country Could 'Lose' Airport to China VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Ugandan officials are rejecting reports that China could take control of the country's only international airport because of a failure to honor a loan agreement. China's embassy in Uganda also dismissed the report. But analysts note the loan deal could become a problem if Uganda ever has trouble paying it back.
• No project in Africa has been 'seized' by China due to inability to repay loans: Chinese Embassy in Uganda Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- The Chinese Embassy in Uganda on Sunday pushed back against foreign media speculations that China would "seize" control of Uganda's main international airport after the country failed to repay loans, saying that no project in Africa has been "seized" by China due to inability to replay loans.
• Russia says US must not pressure anyone over certification of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Russia has denounced the United States for its attempts to impede the implementation of the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, stressing that Washington must not put pressure on anyone over the certification of the project.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2021 PRC MofA 29 Nov 2021
• China to import $300 billion products, promote Chinese investment in Africa Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new major measures on cooperation with Africa on Monday, charting a course for strengthened economic ties between China and the African continent, while also giving a timely, comprehensive response to the continent's most urgent needs in fighting the pandemic and reviving the economy.
• Africa should be stage for intl cooperation, not arena for power games: Chinese FM Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- China has always maintained that Africa should be a stage for international cooperation rather than an arena for power games, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Senegalese President Macky Sall in Dakar on Sunday local time, adding that China will always be the most sincere and reliable partner of Africa's revitalization.
• Hong Kong judge postpones 'subversion' trial of 47 pro-democracy figures Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2021 -- A Hong Kong judge ruled on Monday that the trial of 47 pro-democracy activists and opposition politicians accused of subversion after they organized a democratic primary will be adjourned until March 2022, meaning that many will have been in jail for more than a year by the time the trial begins.
• Exiled former lawmaker calls for probe into London attacks on Hong Kong protesters Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2021 -- A former Hong Kong lawmaker has called for measures to counter foreign infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), after dozens of organizers of a pro-China "anti-racism" rally attacked counter-protesters from Hong Kong in London's Chinatown at the weekend.
• Taiwan confident of Honduras' diplomatic allegiance no matter who wins CNA 29 Nov 2021 -- Taiwan's government is confident that its long-term diplomatic relations with Honduras will remain unchanged, no matter who wins its Nov. 28 presidential election, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Monday.
• 'We are here to express solidarity with you': Lithuanian MP to Tsai CNA 29 Nov 2021 -- The head of the Taiwan friendship group in the Lithuanian Parliament on Monday said he and members of Parliament (MPs) from the Baltic states are visiting Taiwan to show their support for the country amid the Chinese threat it faces.
• Lithuania to 'pay a price' for Taiwan island office Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday warned Lithuania and Taiwan secessionists that China's sovereignty is inviolable and there will be a price for undermining China's sovereignty, after Taiwan's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen met with lawmakers from three Baltic states and announced that Lithuania will set up an office in the island early next year, a further provocation after the Chinese authorities downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania as a warning.
• Taiwan secessionists, US meddlers to suffer 'heavy blow' amid 'massive' turnout in Honduras election Global Times 29 Nov 2021 -- Initial results from the Honduras presidential election showed that Xiomara Castro, the presidential candidate of the opposition is leading by 20 percentage points over the conservative ruling party contender Nasry Asfura.
• China Opposes Visit of Baltic Lawmakers to Taiwan Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- China opposes any formal contacts between Taiwan and countries which maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday, commenting on the visit of members of Baltic parliaments to Taipei.
• Desperate North Koreans sell homes to raise money for food Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2021 -- North Korean residents living near the border with China are selling their homes at rock bottom prices to raise money for food as the country prepares for winter amid the worst shortages since the 1990s famine.
• Iran describes features of 'good agreement' that Vienna talks could yield Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian describes features of a "good agreement" that could come about during fresh talks between Iran and the signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and others.
• Iran's top negotiator: Vienna talks participants agree that negotiations should focus on sanctions removal Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Iran's top negotiator to Vienna talks on the removal of anti-Iran sanctions says all participants in the first meeting of the seventh round of talks have agreed that removing sanctions must be the main focus of negotiations.
• Iran serious about achieving 'good' agreement in Vienna talks: Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister says the country is taking part in the new round of the Vienna talks on the removal of US sanctions with serious determination to achieve a "good and effective" agreement.
• Iran's foreign minister: Removal of sanctions main goal of Vienna talks, no requests beyond JCPOA accepted Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the main goal pursued in the new round of talks between Iran and the remaining members of the 2015 nuclear deal is removal of all sanctions imposed on Tehran, adding that the Islamic Republic will not accept any requests beyond the scope of the deal.
• No reasonable, acceptable alternative to successful conclusion of Vienna talks: Russia's lead negotiator Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Russia's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says despite problems that surround multilateral negotiations in the Austrian capital on removal of anti-Tehran sanctions as per the 2015 nuclear deal, there is no other acceptable alternative but to take negotiations to a successful end.
• US can win ticket to JCPOA if Iran sanctions lifted: Spokesman Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has stressed that the United States must remove its anti-Iran sanctions so as to be able to rejoin the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement.
• Iran to focus on removal of 'tyrannical, illegal' US sanctions in Vienna talks, says top negotiator Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Iran's top negotiator says complete and verifiable removal of "tyrannical and illegal" sanctions imposed by the United States serves as the primary goal of the Islamic Republic's return to the forthcoming round of negotiations with the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna.
• Nuclear Talks Restart In Vienna As U.S., Iran Reaffirm Opposing Stances RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- International negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement have restarted in Vienna after a five-month hiatus, with Washington and Tehran restating their opposite conditions to put the landmark deal back on track.
• Israel Shares Intel With US, Allies on Iran Moving to Enrich Uranium to 90% - Reports Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- Israel has shared with the United States and several European allies of Washington intelligence that Iran is already taking technical steps to enrich uranium to 90%, a level that is only useful for making nuclear weapons, Axios reported on Monday, citing sources.
• Talks on Iran Nuclear Deal Resume in Vienna VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Talks about reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal resumed Monday in Vienna after a five-month break and for the first time since Iran's new hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi took office.
• More Than 200 Iranians Said Arrested, Dozens Wounded In Crackdown On Water Shortage Protests RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- A U.S.-based news outlet that covers news in Iran says at least 214 people, including 13 minors, were arrested last week in a police crackdown on demonstrators protesting crippling water shortages in the central city of Isfahan.
• IOM scales up aid at EU-Belarus border, as migrant hypothermia deaths tick up UN News 29 Nov 2021 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners, are scaling up aid along the border between the European Union and Belarus, amid worsening winter weather, which is leading to rising deaths due to hypothermia among asylum seekers stranded there.
• Cambodian opposition leader accuses his own party of 'abusing' his name Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2021 -- Supporters of Cambodia's opposition party are expressing their disappointment with a message former president Kem Sokha posted on Facebook that forbids the party from using his name and photos for political purposes.
• Lebanese protesters block roads, burns tires over economic hardships Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- People have taken to streets in Lebanese cities to protest against the deteriorating living conditions in the Middle East country located along the Mediterranean Sea.
• Maduro brands EU vote observers as 'spies'; rejects claim of vote irregularities Press TV 29 Nov 2021 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has lashed out at the European Union (EU) election observers as "spies," dismissing their claim that the last week's vote was marred by irregularities.
• Maduro Calls EU Observers at Latest Venezuelan Elections 'Delegation of Spies' Sputnik 29 Nov 2021 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says the EU observer mission at the latest regional and municipal elections "spied" on the social, economic and political life in Venezuela.
• Democratic 'Blackout'? Latest Kyrgyz Parliamentary Elections Can't Escape Controversy RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- Voting in Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary elections had ended and many thousands of people both live and online were carefully watching the Central Election Commission (BShK) monitor that was tabulating the votes -- anxious to see how their parties and candidates had fared.
• Kyrgyz Opposition Protests Against Parliamentary Election Results, Citing Alleged Fraud RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- The Kyrgyz authorities have pledged to "do our best" to prove the validity of the recent parliamentary elections as opposition leaders continue to call for the results of the November 28 contest to be annulled after technical difficulties appeared to have affected the vote count.
• Georgian Ex-President Saakashvili's Trial Adjourned For Three Weeks RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- Mikheil Saakashvili has told a court in Tbilisi he was "tortured" during his pretrial detention before the judge adjourned the proceedings until December 23 amid scuffles outside the court between police and the former president's supporters.
• Turkmenistan To Make It More Difficult For People To Get Subsidized Food RFE/RL 29 Nov 2021 -- A lifeline for many people in Turkmenistan is about to be cut off, as the family members of Turkmen migrant workers and prisoners will lose access to subsidized food amid growing poverty, inflation, and food shortages in the authoritarian Central Asian country.
• Protesters, Angry at Insecurity, Call for Burkina Faso's President to Resign VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Security is getting worse in Burkina Faso, with the deadliest attacks by Islamist militants in the West African country in years on civilians and security forces. People are protesting the failure of Burkinabe and international forces to stop the violence, with some calling for change at the top.
• Europe's Populist Wave Shows Signs of Ebbing VOA 29 Nov 2021 -- Is the populist wave in Europe ebbing?