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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Military Will Not Punish Personnel Over Deadly Errant Strike in Kabul VOA 13 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. military will not punish any of the military personnel involved in an errant drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed 10 civilians, after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved recommendations from two top commanders.
• No U.S. Troops To Be Punished Over Kabul Strike That Killed Civilians RFE/RL Gandhara 13 Dec 2021 -- No U.S. military personnel will be held accountable for a Kabul drone strike that killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children, in August, the Pentagon has said.
• Kentucky National Guard assisting with tornado response Army News 13 Dec 2021 -- More than 300 members of the Kentucky National Guard are helping respond in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes that swept through the commonwealth over the weekend, killing dozens of people.
• DOD Assists in Tornado Recovery, Cleanup DoD News 13 Dec 2021 -- The Kentucky National Guard has called up more than 300 personnel to duty - including 81 in law enforcement roles, 80 in recovery support and 44 in debris clearance, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said at a press briefing today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• West Virginia's 111th Engineer Brigade ends Mideast mission Army News 13 Dec 2021 -- The West Virginia National Guard welcomed home 120 Soldiers from the 111th Engineer Brigade deployed to the Middle East since late February.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting with Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Dr. Arvydas Anušauskas DoD 13 Dec 2021
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 13 Dec 2021
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Dr. Arvydas Anušauskas to the Pentagon DoD 13 Dec 2021
• U.S., Lithuania Sign Agreement to Further Military Interoperability DoD News 13 Dec 2013 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas to the Pentagon for meetings and to sign a reciprocal defense procurement agreement that aims to strengthen deterrence in Europe.
• Damaged US submarine limps back to harbor in San Diego Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- The nuclear fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut which got into an accident while operating in the South China Sea in early October appears to have suffered damage to its bow.
• USS Iwo Jima arrives in Norfolk after Homeport Shift US Navy 13 Dec 2021 -- Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), conducted a homeport shift from Mayport, Fla. and arrived at its new homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Dec. 13.
• NPS Researchers Use High-Tech Optics, Artificial Intelligence to Advance Laser Weapons Systems US Navy 13 Dec 2021 -- A high-energy laser beam pointed over the ocean will get distorted by the atmosphere and marine layer, reducing its effectiveness in long-range defensive applications, particularly when the target is at a low elevation.
• NPS Gains Access to Joint Information Operations Range US Navy 13 Dec 2021 -- The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has added a new capability to the university's technological toolbelt with a node connecting NPS to the Joint Information Operations Range (JIOR). This advanced capability provides NPS faculty and students with access to a globally-distributed, closed-loop, live-fire cyber range complex that integrates users and capability providers to enable classified training, testing and experimentation.
• NAVCENT Launches Saildrone in Gulf of Aqaba for Exercise Digital Horizon US Navy 13 Dec 2021 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) began operationally testing a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Gulf of Aqaba, Dec. 12, as part of an initiative to integrate new unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into U.S. 5th Fleet operations.
• PHIBRON 11, JMSDF Discuss Future Integration in Kure, Sasebo Bilateral Talks US Navy 13 Dec 2021 -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 leadership and staff conducted bilateral talks with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) counterparts from Kure Naval Base, Dec. 8-9 at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo.
• NATO Secretary General underlines need for strong deterrence and defence NATO 13 Dec 2021 -- In an age of strategic competition, when the rules-based international order is under pressure, NATO Allies need strong deterrence and defence to maintain our free and open societies, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a seminar on the future of the NATO Alliance on Monday (13 December).
• Russia may be forced to deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe: Ryabkov Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- Russia has raised the possibility of deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe in response to a similar plan by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), against the backdrop of the thorny issue of Ukraine.
• Russia says lack of NATO security guarantees would lead to confrontation Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has reportedly warned of a potential face-off if Washington and the US-led NATO military alliance fail to give Moscow security guarantees regarding its eastern expansion.
• EU Says It's In 'Deterrent Mode' With Russia, Adopts Sanctions On Vagner Group RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- European Union foreign ministers have met in Brussels to coordinate a sanctions response against Moscow if it launches a new military invasion of Ukraine amid a buildup of tens of thousands of Russian troops near the border.
• $1 billion defence contract, sovereign defence manufacturing facility in Geelong announced Australia PM 13 Dec 2021 -- The Morrison Government has announced a $1 billion defence contract for new Self-Propelled Howitzers for the Australian Army has been awarded to Hanwha Defense Australia. The contract signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea today.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh DoD 13 Dec 2021
• Supersonic missile assisted torpedo system gets successfully launched from Wheeler Island in Odisha India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed supersonic missile assisted torpedo system was successfully launched from Wheeler Island in Odisha on December 13, 201
• Commitment Towards Freedom of Navigation India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- Government of India is committed to safeguarding maritime interests and strengthening security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to ensure a favorable and positive maritime environment
• Technology Development Fund India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- 37 projects costing Rs191,19,28,932/- have been awarded to various industries specially MSMEs and start-ups under Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme since its implementation
• Formation of Defence Corridors India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed supersonic missile assisted torpedo system was successfully launched from Wheeler Island in Odisha on December 13, 201.
• Manufacturing of Indigenous Defence Equipments India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- The Government has taken several policy initiatives and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby reducing dependence on imports in the coming years
• Defence Equipments and Make In India Scheme India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- Many significant projects including 155mm Artillery Gun system 'Dhanush', Bridge Laying Tank, Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', 'Akash' Surface to Air Missile system, Submarine 'INS Kalvari', Inshore Patrol Vessel, Offshore Surveillance Ship, 'INS Chennai', Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC), Arjun Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle, Landing Craft Utility, Bridge Laying Tank, Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS) for 155mm Ammunition, Thermal Imaging Sight Mark-II for T-72 tank, 25 T Tugs, Water Jet Fast Attack Craft, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Interceptor Boat, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle (MBPV), Lakshya Parachute for Pilotless Target Aircraft, etc
• Status of Defence Exports India PIB 13 Dec 2021 -- The value of exports of defence items including major items in FY 2014-15 and 2020-21 was Rs 1,940
• G7, ASEAN declare 'shared interest' in free and open Indo-Pacific Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- The Group of Seven industrialized nations has voiced concern over tensions in the South China and declared "shared interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region" after an inaugural meeting of G7 foreign ministers with their counterparts from ASEAN.
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö The White House 13 Dec 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, December 13, 2021 The White House 13 Dec 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2021
• Department Press Briefing – December 13, 2021 US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 13, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 13 December 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Dec 2021
• North and South Korea, China, US agree 'in principle' to end Korean War Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- The United States, China, and North and South Korea have agreed to declare a formal end to the Korean War "in principle," nearly 70 years after hostilities ended in a stalemate, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in told reporters Monday.
• Libya's interim govt. declares readiness for elections despite uncertainties Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- The Libyan government has declared its readiness to hold the country's presidential election as scheduled on December 24 despite uncertainty that the vote will go ahead on time.
• Myanmar government troops torch 100 homes in Sagaing region village Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- Troops loyal to Myanmar's military regime destroyed nearly 100 houses in a village in Sagaing division's Ayeyarwaddy township on Monday morning, claiming members of a local anti-junta militia had sheltered there, according to residents.
• Remember the Rohingya 'forced to run for their lives' UN News 13 Dec 2021 -- The world must not forget the roughly one million Rohingya from Myanmar "forced to run for their lives from the military's genocidal attack against them", an independent UN human rights expert said on Monday, beginning his first mission to Bangladesh.
• Nord Stream pipeline to be suspended if Russia escalates in Ukraine, warns Germany Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- Berlin has warned Moscow that any new "escalation" of tensions in Ukraine can directly impact the much-anticipated Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
• British PM Warns Kremlin Invading Ukraine Would Be 'Strategic Mistake' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that any "destabilizing action" by Moscow against Ukraine would be a "strategic mistake" with "significant consequences," a spokesman said.
• Putin Laments Soviet Breakup As Demise Of 'Historical Russia,' Amid Ukraine Fears RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 as the demise of "historical Russia," a comment that could fuel speculation about his foreign policy intentions amid a buildup of tens of thousands of Russian troops in regions bordering Ukraine.
• Chief UN prosecutor looks forward to achieving justice for victims of 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda UN News 13 Dec 2021 -- Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals - the judicial body that assumed the remaining work of the two UN war crimes tribunals in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia - updated the Security Council on Monday, highlighting the progress of trials and appeals.
• UN steps up action on sexual misconduct in wake of CAR allegations UN News 13 Dec 2021 -- The UN continues to take steps to address allegations of sexual misconduct by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the wake of the repatriation of Gabonese troops three months ago.

News Reports

• Leaders of the Lorenzana Drug Trafficking Organization Extradited on International Narcotics Trafficking Charges US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2021 -- Two Guatemalan nationals were extradited to the United States from Guatemala on Friday to face international narcotics trafficking charges.
• Swiss Court Approves Kremlin-Linked Russian Businessman's Extradition To U.S. RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- A Swiss court has published its decision to allow the extradition of a Kremlin-linked Russian businessman to the United States.
• Statement by Vladimir Yermakov, Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation, Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the Sixth Review Conference of States Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons on Agenda Item 11 "General Exchange of Views", Geneva, 13 December 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2021
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 13, 2021 PRC MofA 13 Dec 2021
• Hong Kong residents urged to vote actively in LegCo election a week away People's Daily 13 Dec 2021 -- Officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Sunday appealed t
• 8 HK activists including Jimmy Lai sentenced to 4.5 to 14 months in an unauthorized assembly case Global Times 13 Dec 2021 -- Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned owner of Next Digital Media, was sentenced on Monday to another 13 months in prison over an unauthorized assembly in 2020.
o registered electors to actively vote in the seventh-term Legislative Council (LegCo) election a week away.
• Hong Kong activists jailed for up to 14 months over banned massacre vigil Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- A court in Hong Kong on Monday handed down a 13-month jail term to pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai for "inciting" others to take part in a banned candlelight vigil for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.
• Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai Given 13-Month Jail Term VOA 13 Dec 2021 -- Media tycoon and prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was sentenced Monday to 13 months in jail for taking part in an unauthorized candlelight vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
• China refutes G7 foreign ministers' statement on China's internal affairs Global Times 13 Dec 2021 -- Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK expressed grave concern and strong opposition to the Chair's Statement issued by the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' Meeting on Sunday. The statement said the G7 foreign ministers "discussed a range of issues and challenges, such as the situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.'' And they also expressed concern about "coercive economic policies."
• People's Daily article lauds Deng's economic reforms; doesn't mention Xi Jinping Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- A recent article in Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mouthpiece the People's Daily praising former leaders but not Xi Jinping hints at a potential power struggle in the corridors of Zhongnanhai, analysts said on Monday.
• North Koreans forced to mourn on 10th anniversary of former leader's death Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2021 -- North Korea is forcing residents to observe an 11-day period of mourning for the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il's death on Dec. 17, sources in the country told RFA.
• Iran receives no constructive initiative or proposal from opposite side so far: Bagheri ISNA 13 Dec 2021 -- The head of the Iranian negotiating team Ali Bagheri stressed, "Iranian team has not yet received any constructive initiative or proposal from the opposite side during the ongoing negotiations in Vienna".
• Iran, Russia reaffirm determination to restore nuclear deal in its original version Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- The foreign ministers of Iran and Russia have reaffirmed their respective countries' commitment to the restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in its original version.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2021
• Saudi Diplomat Accuses Iran Of Playing 'Games' As Sides Hold Talks To Repair Ties RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- Saudi Arabia and Iran have held a new round of talks aimed at mending badly strained ties, the Jordanian state news agency reported on December 13, as the Saudi envoy to the United Nations accused Tehran of playing "games" in its dialogue with Riyadh.
• 'Last Chance': UK Foreign Secretary Warns Time is Running Out for Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Talks Sputnik 13 Dec 2021 -- The United Kingdom, United States, and Germany have expressed fear that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will fail to garner a serious resolution from Iran. The three western allies believe time is running out to come to an agreement, even as the rhetoric on both sides gets turned up.
• Iraq says still needs to import gas from Iran as debt piles up Press TV 13 Dec 2021 -- Iraq's electricity ministry says the Arab country still needs to import natural gas from Iran because its plan to locally provide fuel for its power plants has not been completed yet.
• Israeli PM 'Very Optimistic' After Historic UAE Visit VOA 13 Dec 2021 -- Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Monday he is "very optimistic" following a historic two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates during which he met with Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• Bulgarian Lawmakers Confirm New Government After Months Of Deadlock RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- Bulgaria's parliament has confirmed a government led by Kiril Petkov after his new anti-corruption We Continue the Change party (PP) sealed a governing coalition deal with three other factions.
• Benin: Trial and Sentencing of Political Opponents US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2021 -- The recent trial and sentencing of political opponents Reckya Madougou and Joel Aivo raise grave concerns about political interference in Benin's criminal justice system.
• Joint Statement between the United States and Uzbekistan Following the Inaugural Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Dialogue US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Uzbekistan.