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☆ After 40 years of safe skies, US special operators have to worry about threats from above, SOCOM commander says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AP Photo/Efrem LukatskyUkraine's military claims to have shot down over 1,000 Russian drones, but unmanned aerial systems continue to proliferate. Ukraine is also using its fair share of unmanned aerial systems. Special operators vs. dronesA member of the Iraqi federal police with a destroyed drone used by ISIS in Mosul in March 2017. "But now with everything from quad-copters that very small up to very large unmanned aerial vehicles, we won't always have that luxury." DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty ImagesGenerally, US special operators can take out unmanned aerial systems in two ways.

☆ North Korea fires ballistic missile toward sea, South says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward its eastern sea on Wednesday as it extended a recent barrage of weapons demonstrations including what it described as simulated attacks on South Korean and U.S. targets last week. Some experts earlier said the results of the U.S. elections were not likely to change the Biden administration’s policies on North Korea. North Korea fired dozens of missiles last week, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that set off evacuation warnings in northern Japan, in an angry reaction to the U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Some experts say it’s possible that North Korea reached into the inventory of some of its older weapons to support the expanded scale of last week’s launches. “It may be in North Korea’s interest to hold some of its modern capabilities in reserve and test them at opportune occasions.

☆ North Korea says missile tests were practice to attack South and U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s military said Monday its recent barrage of missile tests were practice to “mercilessly” strike key South Korean and U.S. targets such as air bases and operation command systems with a variety of missiles that are likely nuclear-capable. Almost all other North Korean missiles launched last week were likely short-range, many of them nuclear-capable weapons. They place key military targets in South Korea, including U.S. military bases there, within striking range. Later Monday, South Korea’s military disputed some of the North’s accounts of its missile tests. On Saturday, the final day of the air force exercises, the United States flew two B-1B supersonic bombers over South Korea in a display of strength against North Korea, the aircraft’s first such flyover since December 2017.

North Korea accused the United States and South Korea of provoking tensions on the peninsula. “I think we should focus on the facts not on what North Korea claims.”North Korea didn't release information about the specific missile models test fired last week. North Korea missile launches, unknown location, North Korea, November 2022. “What if North Korea conducted tests to obtain certain data it wanted to verify during the missile development?” Kim asked. Shin said the multiple launches could be a sign that North Korea is racing to prove its capabilities.

☆ North Korea slams South Korea-U.S. drills, vows 'merciless' moves
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Hyonhee Shin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Recent North Korean missile tests are pictured in this undated combination photo taken at undisclosed locations and released on November 7, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Last week, North Korea test-fired multiple missiles including a possible failed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and hundreds of artillery shells into the sea, as South Korea and the United States carried out six-day air drills until Saturday. The North's military said the "Vigilant Storm" exercises were an "open provocation aimed at intentionally escalating the tension" and "a dangerous war drill of very high aggressive nature." The General Staff of the North's Korean People's Army (KPA) accused Seoul and Washington of eliciting a "more unstable confrontation," and vowed to counter their drills with "sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures." Reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ The Pacific’s Missing F-15 Fighters
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Pentagon is pulling F-15 fighter jets from Okinawa after decades on the Japanese island, and the news has received too little attention. American air power is spread thin across the world, and the U.S. is in a precarious position even as it needs to put more hardware in the Pacific to deter China. “Starting in November, the Department of Defense will commence a phased withdrawal of F-15 C/D aircraft forward-deployed to Kadena Air Base over the next two years,” the Air Force said on Oct. 28 after the news had leaked. The Air Force F-15Cs and Ds are 38 years old on average, and no doubt they’re costly to maintain and keep airborne. Lt. Gen. David Deptula , a retired F-15 pilot, tells us these are the last active duty F-15C/D pilots in the Air Force, another limiting factor.

☆ A first-of-its-kind exercise on a Michigan highway shows the aging A-10 Warthog can still make history
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This summer, the US Air Force conducted a first-of-its-kind test on a Michigan highway. Air Force aircraft landed on a civilian roadway for the first time during a similar exercise in August 2021. 'We own airfield ops'US Air Force combat controllers from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Polk in Louisiana in August 2013. Parker GyokeresThe success of the exercise in Michigan hinged on a little-known career field in the US special-operations community: Combat Controllers. "Setting up an airstrip is one of the most important skill sets" that Combat Controllers have, a former Air Force Combat Controller told Insider.

☆ Russian naval officers discussed nuking Berlin during a training exercise to unnerve Germany and erode support for Ukraine, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Russian naval officers chatted last year about nuking Berlin and two military bases in Germany, per Der Spiegel. The military bases — Ramstein and Buchel — are both used by the US military. The Times of London reported that the chatter may have intended to spook Germany and the West. Reuters reported that deeply-held fears of a nuclear war in Germany, felt strongly during the Cold War, have begun to re-emerge. Towns near US military bases, such as Ramstein, are particularly nervous, Reuters said.

☆ U.S. plans to deploy B-52 bombers to Australia's north, ABC reports
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The United States is planning to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) reported on Monday, amid heightened tensions with Beijing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia engages with the United States on defence alliances "from time to time." Australia's Northern Territory is already host to frequent military collaborations with the United States. Last year, the United States, Britain and Australia created a security deal that will provide Australia with the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, riling China. This year, the U.S. deployed four B-52s to its Andersen Air Force base in Guam.

SYDNEY, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The United States is planning to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday, amid heightened tensions with Beijing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia engages with the United States on defence alliances "from time to time." Australia's Northern Territory is already host to frequent military collaborations with the United States. Last year, the United States, Britain and Australia created a security deal that will provide Australia with the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, riling China. This year, the U.S. deployed four B-52s to its Andersen Air Force base in Guam.

☆ Iran's plans for its drones may be much different than how Russia is using them in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Shahryar Pasandideh | World Politics Review | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Russia's use of Iranian drones in Ukraine has been framed as Iran trying to test out its hardware. But Russia has so far been using those drones in a manner different than Iran would likely use them. For all the attention given to Iran's ballistic missiles, the country has spent more than a decade diversifying its strike capabilities. Iranian drones were notably employed alongside cruise missiles in the attacks on Saudi oil facilities in September 2019. Second, the propeller-driven Iranian drones that Russia is now using are slow and, if detected while in transit, provide ample warning for defenders to activate defenses.

☆ A MAGA House candidate in Ohio was abandoned by the national GOP after questions about his military service. He could make it to Congress anyway.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

GOP House candidate JR Majewski has faced scrutiny for exaggerating his military service. That's despite Majewski's campaign slogan reading: "Conservative Veteran for Congress," with the word "veteran" highlighted in red. In an interview with Insider in Toledo, Majewski brushed off the ad cancellations. "I don't think that's something that's as big of an issue as it maybe appeared to be." "That guy right there just made one call, and made it happen for us," Majewski told attendees, pointing at the chairman.

☆ The US and Canada are updating a Cold War-era system to keep an eye on Russian and Chinese missiles. Experts say they need to add a lot more territory too.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The US and Canada are modernizing NORAD to watch for Russian, Chinese, and North Korean missiles. At the same time, some experts argue that the command should expand beyond North America to include Denmark and its North American territory, Greenland. North American Aerospace Defense Command, as it's now known, is also responsible for detecting and tracking North Korean missile launches. But the North Pole is still a dagger pointed at North America. The defense of North America is still on NORAD's radar.

☆ The Russian pilots who ejected from a military plane moments before it crashed into an apartment building and killed 13 people could face charges, Russia says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Russian Su-34 aircraft crashed into an apartment building in western Russia, killing 13 people. Now, a Russian committee is investigating to see if the pilots could faces charges for the incident. Debris of a warplane crashed into a residential area are seen on the damaged building in Yeysk, Russia, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. AP PhotoA burnt bus and debris of a warplane crashed into a residential area are seen in Yeysk, Russia, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. Yeysk, which is home to around 80,000 people and a Russian military air base, is located along the Sea of Azov and is a short distance from the occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

☆ Videos capture a Russian strike fighter on fire moments before it crashed into an apartment building
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Russian Su-34 warplane crashed into an apartment building in western Russia on Monday. One of the fighter-bomber's engines caught fire, and the two pilots ejected, according to reports. Yeysk is located along the Sea of Azov, a short distance across the water from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian port city Mariupol. Screengrab/Google MapsAccording to an open-source intelligence analysis by Oryx, Russian forces have lost at least 16 Su-34 fighter-bombers throughout the nearly 8-month invasion of Ukraine. Monday's accident marks the 10th non-combat crash of a Russian warplane, CBS News reported.

☆ Analysis: What is Russia's policy on tactical nuclear weapons?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Guy Faulconbridge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Academics and arms control negotiators have spent years arguing about how to define tactical nuclear weapons (TNW). The clue is in the name: they are nuclear weapons used for specific tactical gains on the battlefield, rather than, say, destroying the biggest cities of the United States or Russia. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945 was about 15 kilotons. The president is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to using Russian nuclear weapons, both strategic and non-strategic, according to Russia's nuclear doctrine.

☆ NATO to kick off nuclear drills involving B-52 bombers on Monday
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The nuclear drills - which do not involve live bombs - are taking place amid heightened tensions after Russia repeatedly threatened nuclear strikes in Ukraine following major military setbacks on the battlefield there. "Steadfast Noon" is likely to coincide with Moscow's own annual nuclear drills, dubbed "Grom", which are normally conducted in late October and in which Russia tests its nuclear-capable bombers, submarines and missiles. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterNATO said the Western drills were not prompted by the latest tensions with Russia. "This exercise helps ensure that the alliance's nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective," said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu. On Tuesday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg made clear that the alliance would proceed with its drills despite the tense international situation.

☆ Once a dystopian fantasy, manipulating sunlight to cool the earth is now on the White House research agenda
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Catherine Clifford | In Catclifford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

"The stratosphere is calm, and things stay up there for a long time," Parson told CNBC. That sulfur dioxide goes through other chemical reactions and eventually falls to the earth as sulfuric acid in rain. Known risks to people and the environmentThere are significant and well-known risks to some of these techniques — sulfur dioxide aerosol injection in particular. And spraying sulfur in the stratosphere would contribute in the bad direction to all of those effects," Parson told CNBC. His goal is "simply that we learn more and develop better mechanism[s] for governance," he told CNBC.

☆ South Korea's F-35A fighter jets had to be grounded 172 times over 18 months because of malfunctions
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( David Cenciotti | The Aviationist | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A South Korean lawmaker is concerned about the issues affecting the country's F-35A fighter jets. The jets were "operationally unready" 234 times in an 18-month period ending in June 2022, the lawmaker said, citing air force data. A South Korean Air Force F-35A. A South Korean F-35A. In total, South Korea ordered 40 F-35A, the last of those was delivered in January this year.

☆ North Korea's Kim touts new large greenhouse farm built on ex-missile test site
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( Hyonhee Shin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

General view during the opening ceremony of the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm to mark the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, in North Korea, in this undated photo released on October 11, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERSSEOUL, Oct 11 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has attended the opening ceremony of a new massive greenhouse farm built on a former air base where the country had test-fired missiles until last year, state media said on Tuesday. The launch on Monday of the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm, located in the eastern county of Hamju, was to mark the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, a major holiday in North Korea. The party plans to "more dynamically and confidently push forward the overall rural development of the country with the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm as a model," Kim was quoted as saying at the ceremony. North Korea first introduced the similar but slightly smaller Jungphyong Greenhouse Farm in the northeast county of Kyongsong in late 2019 as it pushed for self-reliance amid tightening international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

☆ N.Korea's Kim touts new large greenhouse farm built on ex-missile test site
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( Hyonhee Shin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

KCNA via REUTERSSEOUL, Oct 11 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has attended the opening ceremony of a new massive greenhouse farm built on a former air base where the country had test-fired missiles until last year, state media said on Tuesday. The launch on Monday of the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm, located in the eastern county of Hamju, was to mark the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, a major holiday in North Korea. The party plans to "more dynamically and confidently push forward the overall rural development of the country with the Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm as a model," Kim was quoted as saying at the ceremony. North Korea first introduced the similar but slightly smaller Jungphyong Greenhouse Farm in the northeast county of Kyongsong in late 2019 as it pushed for self-reliance amid tightening international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Ohio GOP candidate J.R. Majewski was demoted from military rank for drunk driving on a US airbase in Japan
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( Azmi Haroun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ohio GOP candidate J.R. Majewski's military record is again coming into question. According to The AP, Majewski was demoted because he drove under the influence in Japan. His campaign told the AP last week that he had been demoted for a brawl with a fellow servicemember. and I'm sure our parents and grandparents share these sentiments," Majewski told the AP on Wednesday. "The orders and military records that I have been able to obtain from my personal files shows that all of my deployments are listed as classified," Majewski told his supporters.

☆ U.S. VP Harris to slam North Korea missile test, visit DMZ
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Harris landed in the South Korean capital early on Thursday and will condemn North Korea's latest missile launch during planned talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, a White House official said. But South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told CNN in an interview aired on Sunday that in a conflict over Taiwan, North Korea would be more likely to stage a provocation and that the alliance should focus on that concern first. The missile test is the second since Sunday and comes two days after South Korea and U.S. forces conducted a military drill in waters off South Korea's east coast involving an aircraft carrier. North Korea's Kim Jong Un has said it is developing nuclear weapons and missiles to defend against U.S. threats. Harris' visit to the DMZ is the first by a senior Biden administration official and is expected to follow a meeting with Yoon.

☆ Home to 28,000 U.S. troops, S.Korea unlikely to avoid a Taiwan conflict
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( Josh Smith | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

China is South Korea's largest economic partner, and Seoul could find itself on the literal front lines of any regional military conflict. But when asked whether South Korea will help the United States if China attacks Taiwan, Yoon did not directly answer. South Korean troops fought alongside Americans in Vietnam and supported the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but questions of future involvement are up to South Korea alone, LaCamera said. In response, South Korean Vice Defence Minister Shin Beom-chul told broadcaster MBC that there had been no such discussions between Washington and Seoul. Cho said North Korea could support China in a Taiwan conflict by launching an attack on South Korea, or simply use the conflict as a chance to push forward with its nuclear or missile development.

☆ U.S. VP Harris, Japan PM Kishida to discuss Taiwan security issue -US administration official
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterU.S. Vice President Kamala Harris disembarks a plane at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo, Japan September 26, 2022.REUTERS/Leah Millis/PoolABOARD AIR FORCE TWO, Sept 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will discuss a partnership on Taiwan security issues, a senior U.S. administration official said on Monday aboard Air Force Two. The official also told reporters that Washington welcomes Japan's increased military strength and security role. Harris is set to attend former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's funeral on Tuesday after holding talks with Kishida on Monday. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Himani SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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