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Defense Policy / Programs

• Mountain Home AFB leans forward on MEDIC-X training for future fight US Air Force 21 May 2023 -- MEDIC-X training will be offered across the Air Force July 1, but several bases like Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, have already started training their medical personnel to deliver care in the future fight.
• Ships Supporting Two Multinational Anti-Piracy Task Forces Train Together in Gulf of Aden US Navy 21 May 2023 -- Ships from the South Korean and Italian navies sailed together and conducted combined training in the Gulf of Aden, May 17, while operating under two multinational maritime partnerships, Combined Maritime Forces and European Union Naval Forces.
• US Navy establishes rapid response cell to support Ukraine, Taiwan Press TV 21 May 2023 -- The US Navy is establishing a new organization aimed at ensuring a swift response to ongoing crises around the world, with an initial focus on the war in Ukraine and a potential future conflict with China over Chinese Taipei.
• Ships Supporting Two Multinational Anti-Piracy Task Forces Train Together in Gulf of Aden CENTCOM 21 May 2023 -- Ships from the South Korean and Italian navies sailed together and conducted combined training in the Gulf of Aden, May 17, while operating under two multinational maritime partnerships, Combined Maritime Forces and European Union Naval Forces.
• Western Balkans Phase of NATO Defender Europe 2023 Drills Starts in Kosovo Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- NATO's largest international military exercise Defender Europe 2023 ongoing since April is arriving in Kosovo on Sunday to later expand to the broader Western Balkans region until June 2.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 21 May 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 21 May 2023 -- Following President Biden's meeting with President Zelenskyy in Japan, the Department of Defense (DoD) today announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 21 May 2023 -- President Biden and President Zelenskyy met today at the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, Japan to reaffirm that that the United States will continue to stand with our Ukrainian partners as they defend themselves from Russia's war of aggression.
• Biden unveils new $375 mln military aid package for Ukraine Press TV 21 May 2023 -- US President Joe Biden has announced a new $375 million package of military aid to Ukraine on Sunday despite warnings from Russia, saying that the United States was making every effort to "bolster Ukraine's defense" in its war against Russia.
• Biden Unveils New Military Package for Ukraine - Reports Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine, which includes ammunition artillery and armored vehicles, media reported.
• The decision to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 is the first step towards even more powerful defense of our skies - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 21 May 2023
• Germany Will Not Participate in F-16 Supplies to Ukraine Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- Germany's participation in the possible international supply of F16 fighter jets to Ukraine is out of the question, as Berlin does not have those aircraft in the first place, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday.
• UK to Start Training Ukrainian Pilots This Summer Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on Sunday that the United Kingdom would start training Ukrainian pilots this summer as Ukraine's donors appear close to a consensus to equip it with Western fighter jets.
• Russian Deputy FM Warns of 'Enormous Risks' of F-16 'Escalation' in Ukraine Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- A senior Russian diplomat said his country is analyzing the potential delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kiev and cautioned Western regimes against further escalation in their efforts to defeat Moscow via Ukrainian proxies.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command replaces legacy aircraft with more J-16 fighter jets Global Times 21 May 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command recently replaced a batch of legacy aircraft with additional J-16 heavy fighter jets, a type of advanced warplane frequently spotted in routine drills and patrols around the island of Taiwan.
• PM applauds INS Vikrant successfully berthing for the first time at the newly constructed Aircraft Carrier pier, at Karwar India PIB 21 May 2023 -- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised INS Vikrant successfully berthing for the first time at the newly constructed Aircraft Carrier pier, at Karwar.
• 'Global tour by 86th flotilla a turning point for Iranian military' IRNA 21 May 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has said that an unprecedented and historic circumnavigation mission carried out by the Iranian Navy was a turning point in the history of the country's armed forces.
• Iranian Chief of Staff: Iran's unprecedented mission considered as beginning point for Armed Forces ISNA 21 May 2023 -- The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri said at the welcoming ceremony of the 86th Navy's flotilla of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, "The unprecedented action of Iranian Army in this difficult mission became a historic case and was the beginning point of a new history for Iranian Navy and Armed Forces".
• Iran Navy flotilla accomplished round-the-world mission despite sanctions: Top general Press TV 21 May 2023 -- The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says the country's 86th naval flotilla concluded its historic voyage on the high seas to mark an outstanding achievement despite Western-led sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
• Chemical Weapons: Statement by the Spokesperson on the outcome of the Chemical Weapons Convention Review Conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 May 2023 -- The European Union deeply regrets that the Chemical Weapons Convention's 5th Review Conference in The Hague ended on 19 May without a substantial outcome. Chemical weapons have been used on multiple occasions in recent years, making this review conference even more important.
• Estonia and Latvia to begin medium-range air defence procurement negotiations with German manufacturer Estonia MoD 21 May 2023 -- In joint procurement for medium range air defence, Estonia and Latvia will start negotiations with the German weapons manufacturer Diehl Defence for acquiring the Iris-T SLM air defence system, announced defence ministers Hanno Pevkur and Ināra Mūrniece on Sunday in Riga.
• During reconstruction at Estonian base in 2024 allied air policing will move temporarily to Latvia Estonia MoD 21 May 2023 -- The Ämari Air Base in Estonia will undergo reconstruction in 2024, during which the Baltic airspace will be secured from Latvia and Lithuania. After the reconstruction is completed, the allied fighter jets will return to Estonia.
• Zelenskyy Addresses G7 as Leaders Increase Pressure on Russia VOA 21 May 2023 -- In Hiroshima, Japan, the Group of Seven industrial powers Sunday convened the summit's working session on the war in Ukraine, guest starring Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Deepening U.S. Partnership with Papua New Guinea US Dept. of State 21 May 2023 -- As the largest Pacific Island country, a likeminded democracy, APEC member, and regional energy provider, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a key partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.
• US Inking Cooperation Deals with Papua New Guinea VOA 21 May 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to Papua New Guinea to sign defense cooperation and maritime agreements with the Pacific island nation and meet with regional leaders. The trip comes as China exerts its influence in the region.
• Remarks by President Biden in a Press Conference The White House 21 May 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea The White House 21 May 2023
• Biden Meets Yoon, Kishida to Counter North Korea, China VOA 21 May 2023 -- In a sign of warming relations between America's two closest allies in Asia, U.S. President Joe Biden met Sunday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven advanced democracies' summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• Taliban says committed to more cooperation with Iran IRNA 21 May 2023 -- The Defense Ministry of Afghanistan's ruling Taliban group has issued a statement stressing that Kabul always seeks good ties with Iran and is committed to boost cooperation in different fields with the neighboring country.
• Amid water dispute, Afghan govt. says committed to further cooperation with Iran Press TV 21 May 2023 -- The ruling Taliban government in Afghanistan has expressed its commitment to further cooperation with Tehran in different fields amid a dispute over Afghanistan's violation of Iran's water rights from the Hirmand River.
• Sudanese Paramilitary Forces Pledge Adherence to New Cease-Fire with Army VOA 21 May 2023 -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) pledged Sunday to adhere to a newly agreed, short-term cease-fire with the Sudanese army.
• Sudan's army, paramilitary RSF sign seven-day ceasefire agreement Press TV 21 May 2023 -- Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have signed a seven-day ceasefire agreement, following six weeks of relatively incessant fighting that has claimed hundreds of lives.
• Sudan Affirms Commitment to Jeddah Ceasefire Agreement SPA 21 May 2023 -- Sudan welcomed the short-term ceasefire agreement and humanitarian arrangements signed in Jeddah yesterday evening, with mediation by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
• Political Process Spokesman in Sudan Calls Jeddah Ceasefire Agreement a Step towards Ending War in Sudan SPA 21 May 2023 -- The spokesman for the political process in Sudan, Engineer Khaled Omar Youssef, stated that the Jeddah agreement for a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements is essential to ending the Sudan crisis.
• Sudan's army, paramilitary RSF sign seven-day ceasefire agreement Press TV 21 May 2023 -- Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have signed a seven-day ceasefire agreement, following six weeks of relatively incessant fighting that has claimed hundreds of lives.
• Saudi Arabia, the US Announce that Representatives of Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces Sign Agreement on Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements SPA 21 May 2023 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America announce that on May 20, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed an Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements.
• Terrorists Attack Pakistani Military Post in Balochistan, Three Soldiers Dead - Reports Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- A group of terrorists has attacked a military post in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, killing three soldiers, the Dawn newspaper reports.
• Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2023 -- Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in the Sarawan County of Iran on 20 May 2023, resulting in the loss of lives of six Iranian security personnel.
• Iran Urges Pakistan to Boost Border Security After Deadly Attack VOA 21 May 2023 -- Iran said Sunday that a "terrorist" attack had killed at least six security guards near the border with Pakistan, claiming the assailants were trying to infiltrate Iran.
• Iran condemns terrorist attack on southeast border, urges Pakistan to act IRNA 21 May 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has strongly condemned a Saturday terrorist attack in southeastern Iranian county of Saravan which led to killing of five Iranian border guards.
• Five Iranian border guards martyred near border with Pakistan IRNA 21 May 2023 -- Six Iranian border guards have been martyred in Saravan County in Sistan-Baluchestan province, in southeast of Iran, in an armed clash with terrorists.
• Iran condemns deadly terror attack in southeastern border region ISNA 21 May 2023 -- Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned a terror and savage attack in the Marzeh-Sar border in the Saravan region, which led to the martyrdom of six brave border guards.
• In wake of terrorist attack, Iran urges Pakistan to enhance border security Press TV 21 May 2023 -- Iran has vehemently condemned a recent fatal attack on its border guards in a southeastern region neighboring Pakistan.
• Five Iranian border guards killed, one resuscitated after clashes with terrorists in southeast Press TV 21 May 2023 -- Five Iranian border guards have been killed in clashes with armed terrorists and anti-Islamic Revolution groups in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
• Settlements in the West Bank US Dept. of State 21 May 2023
• Hezbollah conducts military drills in South Lebanon to showcase its strength Press TV 21 May 2023 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has launched large-scale military exercises in Southern Lebanon, showcasing its strength ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the country's liberation from the Israeli occupation.

News Reports

• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter at G7 Summit UN Secretary-General 21 May 2023
• Press release on G7 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2023
• Moscow Says G7 'Irreversibly Degraded,' Summit's Decisions Politicized Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- The politicized decisions made at the G7 summit in Japan have shown that the group has "irreversibly degraded," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
• Russian Investigative Committee Brings Charges Against ICC Prosecutor, Judge in Absentia Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- The Russian Investigative Committee said on Sunday that it filed charges in absentia against a prosecutor and a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and put them on the wanted list.
• German Police Investigating Mysterious Illnesses Of Russian Activist, Journalist In Berlin RFE/RL 21 May 2023 -- German police said they were investigating sudden, unexplained illnesses suffered by a Russian opposition activist and a Russian journalist who attended a conference in Berlin in April.
• China boycotts G20 meeting in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 21 May 2023 -- China has said it opposed the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled to take place next week in the disputed Himalayan territory of Indian-controlled Kashmir and stressed that it will not attend the event.
• West vs. China Conflict Avoidable, Says Biden as G7 Summit Wraps VOA 21 May 2023 -- Wrapping up a three-day summit with allies of the Group of Seven leading democracies, U.S. President Joe Biden sought to reassure China that conflict with the West is avoidable, even as the G7 ramps up pressure to push back against Beijing's rising military and economic security threats.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 May 2023
• Iran bans parliament membership for dual nationals, residency holders IRNA 21 May 2023 -- Iranian legislators have approved a measure banning individuals with permanent residency or citizenship of another country from running for parliament.
• Iran starts 2nd phase of works to develop South Pars oil layer IRNA 21 May 2023 -- Executive operations for a second phase works to develop South Pars crude oil reserve has officially started in Iran's southern waters in the Persian Gulf.
• Oil output at NISOC subsidiary at 0.561 mln bpd: Official IRNA 21 May 2023 -- Gachsaran Oil and Gas company, a subsidiary of the National Iranian South Oil Company, is producing 0.561 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil, according to the company's CEO.
• Iran says U.S., EU criticism of convicts' execution "meddlesome," "ridiculous" People's Daily 21 May 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Saturday dismissed the U.S. and EU criticism against Iran's execution of three convicts who killed security officers in an armed attack as "meddlesome" and "ridiculous."
• Belarus: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 May 2023 -- Today we mark the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, in memory of political prisoner Vitold Ashurak who died in the Škloŭ penal colony No. 17 on 21 May 2021. The cause and circumstances of his death have still not been investigated.
• Deadly Storm Compounds Need for Aid in Myanmar VOA 21 May 2023 -- One week after deadly Cyclone Mocha, Rohingya survivors are desperate for help. Residents at a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) told VOA that the storm made hundreds of Rohingya refugees "disappear."
• Turkish Interior Minister Accuses Sweden of Electoral Meddling Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has accused Sweden of meddling in his country's elections as the vote for a new president heads into a runoff next Sunday.
• Top Turkish Diplomat Slams Kilicdaroglu Over Russia Meddling Claims Sputnik 21 May 2023 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has criticized opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu for falsely accusing Russia of meddling in the presidential race, which will be decided next Sunday.
• Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom India MEA 21 May 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with President of Brazil India MEA 21 May 2023
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to Hiroshima, Japan (May 20, 2023) India MEA 21 May 2023
• Press conference - Hiroshima, Japan Prime Minister of Australia 21 May 2023
• Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan Prime Minister of Australia 21 May 2023
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Prime Minister of Canada 21 May 2023
• Kingdom's Scientific Mission Travels to the International Space Station SPA 21 May 2023 -- The AX2 space mission launches on 21st May: set to make history as the first ever Arab woman flies to space, and facilitating globally important scientific research
• Guatemala: Statement by the Spokesperson on the suspension of electoral candidates European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 May 2023 -- In the run-up to the general elections, scheduled to take place in Guatemala on 25 June, the European Union notes with concern repeated decisions on exclusion of electoral candidacies.
• In New Crackdown, Turkmenistan Orders Young Men To Shave Their Beards, Prevents Bearded Men From Flying RFE/RL 21 May 2023 -- Police in tightly controlled Turkmenistan have launched a nationwide crackdown on men's facial hair, forcibly shaving young men's beards and barring bearded men from boarding planes or trains, witnesses said.
• Tens Of Thousands Rally In Moldovan Capital In Pro-EU Demonstration RFE/RL 21 May 2023 -- CHISINAU -- Tens of thousands of people rallied in the Moldovan capital in support of closer ties to the European Union, as Moldova's pro-European government continues struggles with political crosscurrents from Russia.
• G7 nations, 'central to climate action' says Guterres, calling for global reset UN News 21 May 2023 -- The world is counting on the G7 bloc of industrialized democracies to demonstrate global leadership and solidarity, said the UN chief on Sunday, speaking to journalists in Hiroshima, Japan, which he described as a "global symbol of the tragic consequences when nations fail to work together", and abandon multilateralism.