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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Releases 2024 Military Intelligence Program Budget Request DoD 13 Mar 2023 -- On March 13, 2023 the Department of Defense released the Military Intelligence Program (MIP) top line budget request for fiscal year 2024. The total is $29.3 billion and is aligned to strategic priorities of the Secretary of Defense.
• Puerto Rico ANG Serves as SOUTHCOM Ace Strategic Air Bridge US Air Force 11 Mar 2023 -- The 156th Wing operated as an expeditionary air base during Operation Forward Tiger 2023 to support U.S. Southern Command's recent large-scale multinational exercise.
• Pentagon seeks $300 billion to replenish depleted munitions sent to Ukraine: Report Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- The US Department of Defense has planned to seek a huge budget to replenish the arms and munitions the Pentagon sent to Ukraine, where Moscow says it's fighting a proxy war against Russia.
• USS Nitze (DDG 94) Arrives in Valletta, Malta US Navy 11 Mar 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) arrived in Valletta, Malta, for a scheduled port visit, March 11, 2023.
• USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) Arrives in Civitavecchia, Italy US Navy 11 Mar 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) arrived in Civitavecchia, Italy, for a scheduled port visit, March 11, 2023.
• USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) Arrives in Rhodes, Greece US Navy 11 Mar 2023 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), homeported in Norfolk, arrived in Rhodes, Greece, for a scheduled port visit, March 11, 2023.
• New Russian R-37M Missile Shows High Efficiency Against Ukrainian Air Targets - Source Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- The new Russian R-37M air-to-air missile has shown the highest combat effectiveness during its use as part of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, an informed source told Sputnik.
• 'No Body, No Payment': Wagner Mercenary Deaths Being Hidden From Families Back In Russia RFE/RL 11 Mar 2023 -- The first time that Vitaly Votanovsky was contacted to find out the fate of someone fighting in Ukraine for the notorious Wagner mercenary company was in November 2022.
• Ukraine to Receive Leopard 1 Tanks From Denmark, Germany, Netherlands in May: Minister Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- The first batch of Leopard 1 tanks from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands will be handed over to Ukraine in early May, acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Saturday.
• Ukraine seeks to end conflict with Russia this year: defense minister's advisor People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- Yuriy Sak, an advisor to the Ukrainian Defense Minister, said Friday that Kiev and its partners aim to put an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict this year, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.
• Aircraft carrier Shandong ready for far sea drills as Liaoning starts regular maintenance Global Times 11 Mar 2023 -- Having obtained its combat training certificate last year, China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, is expected to hold far sea exercises beyond the first island chain soon, making up for the absence of the country's first carrier, the Liaoning, which started regular maintenance last month, experts said on Friday.
• Zhang Youxia, He Weidong endorsed as vice chairmen of PRC Central Military Commission Global Times 11 Mar 2023 -- Zhang Youxia and He Weidong were endorsed as vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) at the annual session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Saturday.
• Ukraine example helps NGO civil defense programs gain traction CNA 11 Mar 2023 -- Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine officially entered its second year in late February 2023. Far from the expectations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and outside analysts, Ukraine has put up a stronger fight than anyone expected.
• U.S. senator reintroduces bill to allow arms loans or leases to Taiwan CNA 11 Mar 2023 -- A U.S. Senator has re-introduced a bill aimed at authorizing Washington to lend or lease defense items to Taipei to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan.
• Iran unveils homegrown Yasin advanced training jet IRNA 11 Mar 2023 -- The second prototype of the Iranian-developed Yasin training jet and its mass production line were unveiled in the presence of the Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani.
• Iran defense minister launches assembly line of indigenous Yasin training jet Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has launched the production line of homegrown Yasin training jet, which could also be tasked for close air support (CAS).
• Iran Launches Production of New Combined Trainer Aircraft/Close Air Support Jet Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- Iran lost access to spare parts and maintenance for its fleets of US and French-built aircraft after the 1979 Revolution, and was slapped with a Security Council arms embargo from 2007-2020. While the restrictions were meant to weaken Tehran's defense capabilities, they instead led to the creation of an advanced domestic defense-industrial complex.
• Small Defense Budget May Sink UK Defense Minister's Bid to Lead NATO Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- UK defense secretary Ben Wallace wants to replace Jens Stoltenberg as NATO boss in fall but a modest national defense budget will likely dash his hope, The Telegraph quoted alliance sources as saying Saturday.
• UK, France Seek to Build New Cruise Missile by 2030 Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- London and Paris have flagged their intention to build a new jointly-developed cruise anti-ship missile by 2030, according to a statement released following a France-UK summit on Friday.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on First U.S.-Canada Indo-Pacific Dialogue The White House 11 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• Bomb Blast in Northern Afghanistan Kills 1, Wounds 5 Journalists VOA 11 Mar 2023 -- A bomb blast tore through a Shiite cultural center in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province Saturday, killing a security guard and wounding at least eight people.
• The Rise And Fall Of Ruben Vardanian RFE/RL 11 Mar 2023 -- Politician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, a billionaire whose bank was implicated in a mass money-laundering scheme, Ruben Vardanian has worn many hats in the 54 years of his life. His most recent, that of prime minister of the de facto government in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, will likely count as one of the most short-lived.

News Reports

• Exclusive: Expelled Russian Diplomats With Spy Links Resurface In Serbia RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- In the months following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine last year, hundreds of Russian diplomats were expelled or blacklisted by European Union member states, several of which cited alleged espionage by the banished emissaries.
• UK to Continue Developing Capabilities of Intelligence Agencies, Deploy More Personnel Abroad Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The United Kingdom will continue to develop the capabilities of its intelligence agencies and deploy more personnel abroad to strengthen cooperation with partners, according to the country's updated defense strategy document Integrated Review Refresh 2023.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on internal political oppression and human rights violations European External Action Service (EEAS) 11 Mar 2023 -- Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is accompanied by ever increasing oppression at home. The expansion of oppressive legislation, the absence of the rule of law, political misuse of judiciary, state-sponsored wartime propaganda and disproportionate use of force by Russian authorities against any sign of opposing views leave no space for pluralistic debates and public protest.
• New central government leaders appointed, set for new journey toward modernization Global Times 11 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order appointing Li Qiang as premier on Saturday morning at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature.
• 23 vice chairpersons elected for 14th CPPCC National Committee People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- A total of 23 people were elected vice chairpersons of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, on Friday.
• Brief introduction of Han Zheng -- Chinese vice president People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- The following is a brief introduction of Han Zheng:
• Brief introduction of Zhao Leji -- chairman of 14th NPC Standing Committee People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- The following is a brief introduction of Zhao Leji:
• Brief introduction of Wang Huning -- chairman of 14th CPPCC National Committee People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- The following is a brief introduction of Wang Huning:
• Brief introduction of vice chairpersons, secretary-general of 14th NPC Standing Committee People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- A total of 14 people were elected vice chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, on Friday.
• China's top political advisory body concludes annual session People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- The first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, concluded Saturday.
• China's NPC Appoints New Premier, Vice Chairmen of Military Commission Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- Deputies of China's National People's Congress (NPC) have approved the appointment of a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Li Qiang, to the post of Premier.
• Hong Kong Jails Members of Tiananmen Vigil Group VOA 11 Mar 2023 -- Three former members of a Hong Kong group that used to organize annual vigils in remembrance of the victims of China's 1989 crackdown in Tiananmen Square were jailed Saturday for 4½ months for failing to hand over information on the group, in accordance with Hong Kong's national security law. The offense carries a maximum sentence of six months.
• China's 'Digital Silk Road' in Africa Raises Questions VOA 11 Mar 2023 -- A group of U.S. lawmakers recently drafted a resolution criticizing South Africa's government for its close relations with Beijing, including its use of Chinese technology, and called on President Joe Biden to review American's relationship with Pretoria.
• Brief introduction of vice chairpersons of 14th CPPCC National Committee People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- A total of 23 people were elected vice chairpersons of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, on Friday.
• Xi signs presidential order to appoint Li Qiang as premier People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to appoint Li Qiang as premier Saturday at the ongoing session of China's national legislature.
• Li Qiang endorsed as Chinese premier People's Daily 11 Mar 2023 -- Li Qiang was endorsed as Chinese premier Saturday morning at the ongoing first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's national legislature.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 11, 2023 ROC MND 11 Mar 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Saudi Arabia-Iran Talks in Beijing PRC MofA 11 Mar 2023
• Iran: Restoring Saudi ties sign of determination to protect regional interests IRNA 11 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement on restoring ties with Saudi Arabia, saying that the move shows the Islamic Republic's determination in protecting the interests of the Iranian nation, as well as friendly countries in the region.
• China says Iran-Saudi pact key to stamping out 'external interference' in region Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- China has praised an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations after seven years of hostility, saying the pact will help regional countries to get rid of foreign interference and take the future into their own hands.
• Iran says reserve discovered in Sea of Oman has 200 tcf of gas Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- A senior official from Iran's state oil company the NIOC says the gas field discovered n the Sea of Oman has an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet (5.66 trillion cubic meters) of natural gas.
• Why Iran's Growing Influence in Venezuela Challenges the West VOA 11 Mar 2023 -- Iran is striving to expand its influence in fellow U.S. adversary Venezuela, which is hosting an Iranian cultural fair this week and seeking Iranian assistance to revive the ailing Venezuelan energy industry.
• Iran/Saudi Arabia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the announced resumption of diplomatic relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 11 Mar 2023 -- The European Union welcomes the announced agreement on resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and looks forward to its implementation.
• Chinese Senior Diplomat: Resumption of Relations Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Is 'Victory' for Peace SPA 11 Mar 2023 -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi said the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran is a "victory" for dialogue and peace.
• Saudi Arabia, Iran Agree to Normalize Diplomatic Ties VOA 11 Mar 2023 -- The decision by Saudi Arabia and Iran to normalize ties after two years of lengthy discussions and at least five sessions of talks comes at a time of economic and political instability in the Middle East.
• Russia likens Georgia protests to foreign-sourced 'coup attempt' Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- The Russian foreign minister has likened ongoing protests in neighboring Georgia to a "coup attempt" that is being orchestrated from abroad to create an "irritant" on Russia's borders.
• Tunisian president to restore diplomatic ties with Syria Press TV 11 Mar 2023 -- Tunisian President Kais Saied says he has decided to restore diplomatic ties with Syria which were cut off almost a decade ago.
• Turkey-Bound Citizens Of Turkmenistan Must Find 'Guarantors' And Pledge 'No Activism' RFE/RL 11 Mar 2023 -- Turkmen citizens going to Turkey are being asked to sign statements that they will not engage in anti-government activities and must find "guarantors" liable for their trip, according to a rights organization focused on Turkmenistan.