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☆ Air National Guard leaders say proposal to move units to Space Force poses 'existential threat' to US national security
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Thomas Novelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The US Air National Guard rebuke a proposal to shift space mission units to the Space Force. "Our internal survey indicates about 70% of our personnel would retrain or retire rather than join the Space Force," Air Force Col. Michael Griesbaum, commander of the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Wing, told reporters Friday. Airmen from the Colorado Air National Guard load equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster before departing for temporary duty in Washington, DC. AdvertisementBut Air National Guard leaders have expressed concern, saying it would set a clear precedent for other services to potentially take more resources from the National Guard model. "If LP 480 is successful, it will open the door to a wholesale harvesting of National Guard resources, both from the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard to the regular components."

Persons: —, Michael Griesbaum, Chance Johnson, Military.com, Air Force Frank Kendall, Alex Wong, Frank Kendall, We've, Kendall, Griesbaum, Jason Carr, Robert Brown, Jacob Hancock Kendall, Michael Bruno Organizations: US Air National Guard, Space Force, Guardsmen, Service, Air National Guard, Hawaii Air National Guards, Air Force, Space Force Guardians, " Air Force, Alaska Air National, Airmen, Colorado Air National Guard, Tech, National Governors Association, United States Space Force, Rayburn House, Capitol, Getty Images Air Force, Army Guard, National Guard, Army National Guard, United States Space Command, Space Development, Air National Guardsmen, Air Force Staff, Colorado Air National, 233rd Space Group, Department of, National Guardsmen, Florida Air National Guard, Cape Canaveral Space Force, Guard, Brig, Colorado National Guard Locations: Alaska , Colorado, United States, Washington , DC, Niagara Falls , New York, Alaska , California , Colorado , Florida, Hawaii , New York, Ohio, Florida

☆ B-1B supersonic bombers sent a 'powerful' message to Iran's proxies all the way from Texas
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewIt's a long way to go from Texas to the airspace above Iraq and back to base, but it's a mission the B-1B Lancer can handle. AdvertisementA B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, taxis down the runway before takeoff at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 1, 2024. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon RedfernThe bombers took off from Dyess and flew nonstop to the Middle East. B-1B Lancers from Dyess and Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, sit on the flightline at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 1, 2024. An Airman from the 7th Munitions Conventional Maintenance shop prepares Joint Direct Attack Munitions at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 31, 2024.

Persons: —, 1Bs, I'm, Mark Gunzinger, Leon Redfern, Douglas Sims, There's, Gunzinger, it'll Organizations: Service, US Central Command, Business, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Dyess Air Force Base, US Air Force, Senior, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Armaments, Attack Munitions, Joint, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, 7th Munitions, Munitions, Leon Redfern Targets, Texas Locations: Texas, Iraq, South Dakota, Dyess, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Gen, East, United States

☆ US destroyed or damaged 84 of 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, officials say; no indications of Iranian casualties
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Oren Liebermann | Natasha Bertrand | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US destroyed or damaged 84 out of 85 targets in its sweeping series of airstrikes on Friday in Syria and Iraq, according to two US defense officials, with no indications of Iranian casualties. All but one of the 85 targets were “destroyed or functionally damaged,” the officials said, citing a preliminary battlefield damage assessment. In Iraq, the US targeted al-Qaim and Akashat near the border with Syria. President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes, far larger than previous US operations in Iraq or Syria, were only the start of the US response. The attack consisted of two rockets launched against the site, with no injuries or damage reported.

Persons: Deir, Douglas Sims, ”, Biden, Sims, Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, Jake Sullivan, CNN’s Dana, Sullivan Organizations: CNN, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Joint Staff, Defense, Union, US Locations: Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Iran, Akashat, al, Gen, “ State

☆ US starts retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-linked targets
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In Syria, the strikes killed 23 people who had been guarding the targeted locations, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an organization that reports on war in Syria. The White House said the United States had informed Iraq ahead of strikes. Baghdad later accused the United States of deception, saying a U.S. claim of coordination with the Iraqi authorities was "unfounded". The Syrian foreign ministry said the United States was fueling conflict in the region in a "very dangerous way". Britain called the United States its "steadfast" ally and said it supports Washington's right to respond to attacks.

Persons: Joe Biden, Andrew Caballero, Reynolds, Joe Biden's, Nasser Kanaani, Rami Abdulrahman, Douglas, Sims, Chip Somodevilla, General Douglas Sims, Biden, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Ebrahim Raisi, Radek Sikorski Organizations: Air Force, Joint Base Andrews, AFP, Getty, United, Revolutionary Guard, U.S, Syrian, Human Rights, Chiefs, Capitol Visitors Center, Joint Staff, Pentagon, U.S . Defense Locations: Maryland, United States, Iraq, Syria, U.S, Iran, Israel, Gen, Washington ,, Tehran, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraqi, Baghdad, Washington, Britain, Polish, Brussels

☆ U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes in Iraq, Syria; Nearly 40 Reported Killed
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

The White House said the United States had informed Iraq ahead of strikes. Baghdad later accused the United States of deception, saying a U.S. claim of coordination with the Iraqi authorities was "unfounded". The Syrian foreign ministry said the United States was fuelling conflict in the region in a "very dangerous way". The United States has assessed that the drone that killed the three soldiers and wounded more than 40 other people in Jordan was made by Iran, U.S. officials have told Reuters. Iranian advisers assist armed groups in both Iraq, where the United States has around 2,500 troops, and Syria, where it has 900.

Persons: Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Timour Azhari, Joe Biden's, Nasser Kanaani, Rami Abdulrahman, General Douglas Sims, Biden, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Ebrahim Raisi, Radek Sikorski, Jordan, Roger Wicker, Enas Alashray, Adam Makary, Andrew Gray, Sabine Siebold, Tom Perry, Frances Kerry Organizations: United, Revolutionary Guard, U.S, Syrian, Human Rights, Joint Staff, Pentagon, U.S . Defense, Reuters, Republican, Senate Armed Services Committee Locations: Timour Azhari WASHINGTON, BAGHDAD, United States, Iraq, Syria, U.S, Iran, Israel, Gaza, Tehran, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraqi, Baghdad, Washington, Britain, Polish, Brussels, Al, Jordan

Attacks The map shows five of the seven sites that the U.S. hit with military strikes in Syria and Iraq. The strikes hit more than 85 targets at different locations using more than 125 precision-guided munitions, according to a statement by U.S. Central Command. Two American officials said the United States also conducted cyberoperations against Iranian targets on Friday but declined to provide details. It is clear from statements from the White House, and from Tehran, that neither the United States nor Iran wants a wider war. Striking sites in the Mideast with aircraft launched from the United States and refueled midair is a muscular show of global reach and capability, the official said.

Persons: Biden, Biden’s, Mr, “, ”, John F, Kirby, Douglas, Sims, Yahya Rasool, That’s, Iran’s, Jordan, Roger Wicker of, William Jerome Rivers, Kennedy Ladon Sanders, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, Moffett, Sanders, Sergeant Rivers Organizations: Iranian, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force, U.S . Central Command, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, ”, Jordan . Middle, Revolutionary Guards, National Security Council, White House, Central Command, White, Pentagon, Dyess Air Force Base, U.S, military’s Joint Staff, Air Force, Iraq’s Armed Forces, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, Revolutionary Guards Corps, Administration, Capitol, Biden, Republican, Armed Services Committee, Dover Air Force Base, Army Reserve Locations: United States, Syria, Iraq, East, Jordan, Iran, U.S, Jordan ., Tehran, Texas, Yemen, Israel, Gen, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Delaware

That was apparent Monday, when a Houthi missile hit a US-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea, marking what appears to be the first time the militants have successfully struck a US-owned or operated ship. Senior Biden administration officials insist Friday’s operation against the Houthis was successful at its objective: degrading the group’s military capabilities. Houthi fighters and tribesmen stage a rally against the U.S. and the U.K. strikes on Houthi-run military sites near Sanaa, Yemen, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. US officials fear one side will miscalculate, even if none of the major parties – Iran, Israel and the United States – want a wider war. The Suez Canal accounts for 10% to 15% of world trade, which includes oil exports, and for 30% of global container shipping volumes.

Persons: Biden, Israel simmers, John Kirby, Douglas Sims, ”, Mick Mulroy, Trump, Joe Biden, “ Organizations: CNN, US, Houthis, Biden, National Security, Pentagon, Joint Staff, New York Times, U.S, AP, United, Analysts, ABC News Locations: Yemen, Red, Sea, Gulf of Aden, Israel, Washington, Iran, Gaza, Africa, Suez, Red Sea, Gen, Sanaa, United States, Aden

☆ The Houthi rebels likely hid their missiles and drones before the US-led air attacks and retain about 75% of their firepower, report says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Nathan Rennolds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Despite US attacks, the Houthi rebel group retains around 75% of its offensive strike power. The Houthi targeting of ships was a response to Israel's war in Gaza after Hamas' October 7 attacks. AdvertisementBut two unnamed US officials told The Times on Saturday that the operation had only destroyed or damaged about 20-30% of the group's offensive capabilities. "Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea," the statement added. The Houthi attacks began in response to Israel's major offensive against Gaza following Hamas' October 7 attacks.

Persons: —, Douglas Sims II, Sims, Nicholas Brumfield Organizations: Service, New York Times, Army, Joint Staff, Times, Red, US, Gaza, Foreign Policy Research Institute Locations: Iran, Gaza, Yemen, Gen, Red, Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, Australia, East

☆ Much of Houthis’ Offensive Capability Remains Intact After U.S.-led Airstrikes
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Eric Schmitt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The United States-led airstrikes on Thursday and Friday against sites in Yemen controlled by the Houthi militia damaged or destroyed about 90 percent of the targets struck, but the group retained about three-quarters of its ability to fire missiles and drones at ships transiting the Red Sea, two U.S. officials said on Saturday. The damage estimates are the first detailed assessments of the strikes by American and British attack planes and warships against nearly 30 locations in Yemen, and they reveal the serious challenges facing the Biden administration and its allies as they seek to deter the Iran-backed Houthis from retaliating, secure critical shipping routes between Europe and Asia, and contain the spread of regional conflict. A top U.S. military officer, Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the director of the military’s Joint Staff, said on Friday that the strikes had achieved their objective of damaging the Houthis’ ability to launch the kind of complex drone and missile attack they had conducted on Tuesday. But the two U.S. officials cautioned on Saturday that even after hitting more than 60 missile and drone targets with more than 150 precision-guided munitions, the strikes had damaged or destroyed only about 20 to 30 percent of the Houthis’ offensive capability, much of which is mounted on mobile platforms and can be readily moved or hidden.

Persons: Biden, Douglas Sims Organizations: American, military’s Joint Staff Locations: States, Yemen, British, Iran, retaliating, Europe, Asia, Gen

☆ Japanese troops drill on island seen as vulnerable to China
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Tim Kelly | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TOKUNOSHIMA, Japan, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Japanese marines in amphibious assault vehicles stormed an island beach at the edge of the East China Sea on Sunday in a simulated attack to dislodge invaders from territory that Tokyo worries is vulnerable to attack from China. Other troops arrived in semi-inflatable rubber boats, with heavy equipment carried to shore on military hovercraft. [1/5]A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) soldier takes part in a marine landing drill as a part of the country's nationwide 05JX military exercises at Tokunoshima island, Kagoshima prefecture, southwestern Japan, November 19, 2023. Kishida has warned that East Asia could be the next Ukraine, if China, emboldened by Russia's assault on its neighbour, attacks Taiwan. But the yen's sharp decline this year has forced Japan to cut back on some planned purchases, including new models of the U.S.-made Chinook helicopters that Japan's military used in the Tokunoshima drill.

Persons: Yoshihide Yoshida, Issei Kato, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Tim Kelly, William Mallard Organizations: Self - Defence Forces, Joint Staff, Defence Force, Defense Force, Defense, Rapid Deployment Brigade, REUTERS, U.S, Thomson Locations: TOKUNOSHIMA, Japan, East, Tokyo, China, Russia, North Korea, Tokunoshima, Kagoshima prefecture, Taiwan, Asia, Ukraine, U.S, Beijing

☆ Japanese Troops Drill on Island Seen as Vulnerable to China
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Tim KellyTOKUNOSHIMA, Japan (Reuters) - Japanese marines in amphibious assault vehicles stormed an island beach at the edge of the East China Sea on Sunday in a simulated attack to dislodge invaders from territory that Tokyo worries is vulnerable to attack from China. Other troops arrived in semi-inflatable rubber boats, with heavy equipment carried to shore on military hovercraft. Unlike many of the beaches along Japan's southwest island chain stretching toward Taiwan, the one on Tokunoshima does not have a coral reef that would make military operations more difficult. Kishida has warned that East Asia could be the next Ukraine, if China, emboldened by Russia's assault on its neighbour, attacks Taiwan. But the yen's sharp decline this year has forced Japan to cut back on some planned purchases, including new models of the U.S.-made Chinook helicopters that Japan's military used in the Tokunoshima drill.

Persons: Tim Kelly TOKUNOSHIMA, Yoshihide Yoshida, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Tim Kelly, William Mallard Organizations: Self - Defence Forces, Joint Staff, Defence Force, Defense Force, U.S Locations: Japan, East, Tokyo, China, Russia, North Korea, Tokunoshima, Taiwan, Asia, Ukraine, U.S

☆ US, China, Southeast Asia defence officials meet amid crises
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Ministers and members of the delegates attend the opening session of the 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting - Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 16, 2023. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan/Pool Acquire Licensing RightsJAKARTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Defence ministers and officials from the United States, China, Russia and Southeast Asia gathered in Indonesia on Thursday for a meeting where they are expected to discuss geopolitical crises in and outside the region. Defence ministers in Southeast Asia's regional bloc ASEAN called on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza and a durable solution in Myanmar, as conflicts are deepening there. "Indonesia is of the view that the region's multiple security issues, ranging from traditional and non-traditional threats, can only be solved by extensive open and inclusive global collaboration," Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's defence minister said in an opening speech on Thursday. Visiting Washington this week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo pressed Biden to do more to end Israel's war with Hamas.

Persons: Willy Kurniawan, Prabowo, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Fomin, Jing Jianfeng, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Joko Widodo, Biden, Stanley Widianto, Lincoln Organizations: 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Defense, REUTERS, Rights, Defence, U.S . Defense, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, Rights JAKARTA, United States, China, Russia, Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia's, Gaza, Myanmar, Korean, Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco, Malaysia, Washington

☆ Indonesia hosts regional defence chiefs amid multiple global crises
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Nov 15 (Reuters) - Defence ministers in ASEAN called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a durable solution to the crisis in Myanmar during the opening of a regional meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. Defence ministers from the Asian bloc are attending the 2-day meeting alongside key players in the Indo-Pacific as major powers jostle for regional influence, and as conflicts deepen from Myanmar to the Middle East. All ASEAN defence ministers, with the exception of Myanmar's, attended Wednesday's forum, with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet counterparts later in the day. The talks will expand on Thursday to include Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia. The country removed its defence minister in October, raising questions about the stability of the leadership around President Xi Jinping.

Persons: Prabowo Subianto, Joko Widodo, Joe Biden, Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Prabowo, Myanmar's, Lloyd Austin, Jing Jianfeng, Xi Jinping, Austin, Aaron Connelly, Thomas Shoal, Connelly, Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, Kate Lamb, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Defence, ASEAN, Wednesday, Indonesian Defence, Hamas, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan, U.S . Defence, Air, Joint Staff Department, China's, Military Commission, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Myanmar, Jakarta, Washington, Malaysian, Malaysia, East, Ukraine, South China, China, Philippines, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Australia, Beijing, Indonesia, North Korea, Pyongyang, Singapore, U.S, Israel

☆ US, China, Southeast Asia Defence Officials Meet Amid Crises
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Defence ministers and officials from the United States, China, Russia and Southeast Asia gathered in Indonesia on Thursday for a meeting where they are expected to discuss geopolitical crises in and outside the region. Defence ministers in Southeast Asia's regional bloc ASEAN called on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza and a durable solution in Myanmar, as conflicts are deepening there. Among those attending are U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Russia's Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin and Jing Jianfeng, China's deputy chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission. Other countries participating on Thursday are Australia, New Zealand and others, while Myanmar is absent. Visiting Washington this week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo pressed Biden to do more to end Israel's war with Hamas.

Persons: Prabowo, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Fomin, Jing Jianfeng, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Joko Widodo, Biden, Stanley Widianto, Lincoln Organizations: Defence, ASEAN, U.S . Defense, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, Hamas Locations: JAKARTA, United States, China, Russia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia's, Gaza, Myanmar, Korean, Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco, Malaysia, Washington

TOKYO, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. military's top general expressed optimism on Friday for a potential improvement in military-to-military ties with China and sent an introductory letter to his Chinese counterpart saying he was open to meeting. Air Force General Charles Q. But China's General Liu Zhenli is the Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the military body responsible for China's combat operations and planning. Brown said he sent a standard introductory letter that explained, "I'm in the position and willing to open a line of communication." "I also believe that taking Taiwan by force and doing a major amphibious operation is not an easy feat."

Persons: Charles Q, Brown, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Xi, Liu Zhenli, William Burns, People's, Liu, General Li Shangfu, Li, Nancy Pelosi, Phil Stewart, Gerry Doyle, Jon Boyle Organizations: Air Force, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Pentagon, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, Beijing, U.S, CIA, U.S . Air Force, People's Liberation Army, PLA, People's Liberation Army Air, Reuters, Russia, ., CMC, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, China, Taiwan, Japan, U.S, Beijing, Tokyo, TAIWAN Washington, South China, Asia, Pacific, Seoul, Taipei

☆ A marine general collapsed after complaining of unsustainable work, as Tommy Tuberville blocks new military appointments
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A top marine general collapsed on Sunday after complaining of unsustainable work. Senator Tommy Tuberville has blocked votes on other appointments over the Pentagon's abortion policy. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This comes after Tommy Tuberville began his monthslong blockade on military appointments, per The Washington Post . Tuberville's hold on nominations is affecting key military positions in the US command responsible for the Middle East, Politico reported .

Persons: Eric Smith, Tommy Tuberville, —, Smith, Noah Gray, Gray, Roe, Wade, Tuberville Organizations: Service, The New York Times, US Marine Corps, Times, USMC, DC, Senate, Washington, CNN, Staff, Marine Corps Times, Politico, Hamas Locations: Washington ,, Alabama, Israel

☆ Pentagon warns about China’s growing long-range missile arsenal in major report
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The 2023 China Military Power report, released annually by the Defense Department, said that Beijing has also completed the construction of three new fields of long-range ballistic missiles silos as it builds out its options for delivering a nuclear warhead from different platforms. China uses its military might to assert its claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea and beyond, including Taiwan. In 2022, the Chinese military increased its aggressive actions towards the independent island territory, including ballistic missile overflights, military aircraft flying into Taiwan’s aerial identification zone and major exercises near Taiwan. The growing aggression isn’t only pointed at Taiwan or China’s neighbors. Chinese military pilots have ramped up their “coercive and risky” behavior against US aircraft flying over the East and South China in the last two years.

Persons: ”, Xi Jinping, ” Ely Ratner, “, Aquilino Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, Defense Department, National Defense Strategy, America, East, Defense, Pacific Security Affairs, PLA, PLA’s Joint Staff Department Locations: China, United States, Beijing, South, Taiwan, South China, Fiji

☆ Exclusive: Combat veteran is likely replacement for China's missing defence minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

China's defence ministry and State Council information office did not respond to requests for comment. If his departure is confirmed, Li will be the second senior minister to lose his job in recent months. Qin Gang was removed as foreign minister in July, one month after he was last seen in public. U.S. defence officials have long wanted to reestablish routine communications with counterparts directly involved in command decisions. Qin was made foreign minister in Dec. 2022 and Li became defence minister in March.

Persons: Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Liu Zhenli, Liu, Li Shangfu, Li, Qin Gang, Qin, Nancy Pelosi, Xi Jinping, Xi, James Char, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Neill, Willy Lam, Chang Dingqiu, Katerina Ang, Daniel Flynn Organizations: Political Consultative, REUTERS, Rights, Defence, Reuters, Russia, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, State, U.S . Department of Defense, ., CMC, Xiangshan, National, Committee, Communist Party's, U.S, Pentagon, People's, Army, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Washington, PUBLIC, National Defence, Joint Staff Department, Pacific Forum, Jamestown Foundation, Xinhua, Air Force, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, United States, U.S, Taipei, ., Singapore, Honolulu, Vietnam

Washington CNN —Concern is growing within the Pentagon over the potential need to stretch its increasingly scarce ammunition stockpiles to support Ukraine and Israel in two separate wars, according to multiple US defense officials. At the moment Ukraine and Israel require different weapons: Ukraine wants massive amounts of artillery ammunition while Israel has requested precision guided aerial munitions and Iron Dome interceptors. Israel has its own capable industrial base and produces many of its own advanced weapons, but a prolonged ground campaign could drain the country’s stockpiles, officials said. The request was immediately approved by former President Barack Obama, and the equipment was pulled from US reserve stockpiles in Israel. Defense officials are also anxious about the dysfunction in Congress and whether lawmakers will approve additional funding for US support to Israel and Ukraine.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ”, Austin, “ We’re, CQ Brown, Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, Russia –, Netanyahu, Christine Wormuth, John Kirby, “, ” Kirby, we’ve, that’s, we’re Organizations: Washington CNN, Pentagon, Joint Staff, Transportation Command, Hamas, Defense, US, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Defense Department, Gaza, ”, Israel, National Security Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Brussels, Austin, Belgium, Russia

☆ Chinese blockade of Taiwan would likely fail, Pentagon official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - A Chinese blockade of Taiwan would likely fail and a direct military invasion of the self-ruled island would be extremely difficult for Beijing to carry out successfully, senior Pentagon officials told Congress on Tuesday. China's military in recent years has stepped up activity around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. However, whether Xi would order taking Taiwan by force, either through military options like a blockade or an invasion is unclear. "I think it is an option but probably not a highly likely option, when you start looking at the military options - much easier to talk about a blockade than actually do a blockade," McGee told lawmakers. He added flatly: "There is absolutely nothing easy about a PLA invasion of Taiwan."

Persons: Dado Ruvic, William Burns, Xi Jinping, Xi, Ely Ratner, Ratner, General Joseph McGee, McGee, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Michael Martina, Patricia Zengerle, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Pentagon, CIA, Affairs, House Armed Services, People's Republic of China . Army, Pentagon's Joint Staff, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Thomson Locations: Taiwan, Beijing, U.S, People's Republic of China, China

☆ Taiwan says Chinese carrier group in Western Pacific for training
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A helicopter takes off from China's Shandong aircraft carrier, over Pacific Ocean waters, south of Okinawa prefecture, Japan, in this handout photo taken April 15, 2023 and released by the Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan April 17, 2023. Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/HANDOUT via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTAIPEI, Sept 11 (Reuters) - A Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong passed 60 nautical miles (111km) to Taiwan's southeast on Monday and entered the western Pacific for training, the island's defence ministry said. The ministry said that beginning at 5:40 a.m., it also spotted 11 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, in Taiwan's air defence identification zone and that its forces had made an "appropriate response". The Shandong, commissioned in 2019, participated in Chinese military drills around Taiwan in April, operating in the western Pacific. Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Gerry DoyleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ben Blanchard, Muralikumar Anantharaman, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Shandong, Joint Staff Office, Defense Ministry, Staff Office, Defense Ministry of Japan, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Okinawa prefecture, Japan, Rights TAIPEI, Shandong, Pacific, Taiwan, Taiwan Strait, U.S, Canadian, India, China, United States

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the island's government. "This is a serious warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces colluding with external forces to provoke," it said. China has a particular dislike of Lai for his previous comments that he was a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". The United States, like most countries, has no formal ties with Taiwan but is its strongest international backer, bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China has over the past three years ramped up military pressure on Taiwan, including sending military aircraft and warships near the island.

Persons: William Lai, Nancy Pelosi, Tsai Ing, Kevin McCarthy, Lai, Deb Haaland, King Felipe VI, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Casey Hall, Ben Blanchard, Greg Torode, William Mallard Organizations: Joint Staff Office, Defense Ministry of Japan, Reuters, Eastern Theatre Command, U.S . House, U.S, Beijing, Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Okinawa, Miyako, SHANGHAI, TAIPEI, Taiwan, United States, Taipei . Lai, Paraguay, China, Taipei, California, South, Asuncion

☆ Ukrainian soldiers knocked out a crash course on the M1 Abrams tank, but Kyiv doesn't want to stop there
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Ukrainian soldiers have reached the end of their planned training on American M1 Abrams tanks in Germany. US M1A1 Abrams tanks needed for training the Armed Forces of Ukraine arrive by rail at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 14, 2023. While US officials have routinely asserted that the Abrams tanks would make their way to the battlefield this fall, an exact timeline remains unclear. US soldiers and an M1 Abrams tank in a wooded area during a multinational exercise at the Hohenfels training area in Germany. American officials, meanwhile, have suggested that the Abrams tanks are expected to give Kyiv a significant firepower boost on the battlefield.

Persons: Martin O'Donnell, O'Donnell, Biden, Abrams, Pat Ryder, Nicolas Armer, Douglas Sims, they'll, Sims Organizations: Abrams, Service, US Army, Training, Grafenwoehr, NATO, US, Armed Forces, US Air National Guard, Tylon Chapman, Russia, Stripes, Pentagon, Formidable, US military's Joint Staff, Kyiv, Western Locations: Germany, Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Kyiv, US Army Europe, Africa, Grafenwoehr, Washington, Formidable Russian, Gen, Russia

☆ China, Russia to start joint air and sea drill in Sea of Japan
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Yew Lun Tian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Codenamed "Northern/Interaction-2023", the drill marks enhanced military cooperation between China and Russia since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and is taking place as Beijing continues to rebuff U.S. calls to resume military communication. On Saturday, the ministry said Russian naval and air forces would participate in the drill taking place in the Sea of Japan. This would be the first time both Russian forces take part in the drill, state newspaper Global Times cited military observers as saying. Gromkiy and Sovershenniy, two Russian warships taking part in the Sea of Japan drill, had earlier this month conducted separate training with the Chinese navy in Shanghai on formation movements, communication and sea rescues. Chinese military Chief of Joint Staff Liu Zhenli and Russia's top soldier, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov made the same pledge during a video call in June.

Persons: Gromkiy, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Li Shangfu, Nikolai Yevmenov, Liu Zhenli, Staff Valery Gerasimov, Yew Lun, Jamie Freed Organizations: Russian, Global Times, China's, Staff, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Russian, Japan, China, Russia, Ukraine, Beijing, U.S, Qingdao, Shanghai, Taiwan, Taipei, Tokyo, United States

☆ Battlefield conditions in Ukraine aren't 'ideal' for F-16 fighter jets, but Abrams tanks will 'certainly make a difference,' US general says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Jake Epstein | Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Kyiv hopes to one day field F-16 fighter jets, and it is expecting to receive Abrams tanks soon. F-16s aren't ideal for the fight now, a US general said, but Abrams tanks will make a difference. While there are still questions about Ukraine's F-16s, Abrams tanks are definitely going to be delivered and are expected to have a significant effect on the battlefield, Sims said Thursday. US M1A1 Abrams tanks needed for training the Armed Forces of Ukraine arrive by rail at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 14, 2023. The Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine are part of more than $41.3 billion in security assistance that the US has provided Kyiv since Russia attacked in February 2022.

Persons: Abrams, Russia's, they're, Douglas Sims, Biden, Tylon Chapman, Sims, Kyiv's, Tylon, they'll Organizations: Service, Ukraine, NATO, Abrams, Russian, US military's Joint Staff, U.S . Air Force, Falcons, Ohio Air National, 180th Fighter Wing, U.S . Air Force KC, Iowa Air National, Air Refueling Wing, US Air National Guard, Tylon, Attack Munitions, Pentagon, US, Armed Forces, Tylon Chapman Locations: Kyiv, Wall, Silicon, Ukraine, Gen, Iowa, Tylon Chapman Russia, Moscow, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Russia

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