I remember an enjoyable evening several years ago in Tel Aviv with former Turkish foreign minister Yasar Yakis and one of the 70 or so founding members of the AKP, President Recep Erdogans ruling party. Yakis, who has had a long and distinguished political career in Turkish diplomacy, described how the AKP was formed, handpicking the founders, only a small percentage of whom were observant Muslims, let alone Islamist extremists. (The AKP become the Muslim Brotherhoods flagship ruling party.) Eight years later, Yakis would openly criticize Erdogans interventions in Syria and Libya which, for all intents and purposes, are shoring up extremist Islamist forces. Earlier this year, Yakis spoke about the Turkish intervention in the Mediterranean. Addressing the European Parliament, he drew parallels between Ankaras intervention in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically gas exploration off the coast of Cyprus, and its military intervention in Libya. Yakis described the Libyan government as being controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood and militias linked to terrorist organizations. Less than four months later, a Libyan asylum-seeker in the UK killed three innocent men in the English town of Reading. It just so happens that all the victims were gay. It also happens as the Washington-based media monitoring think tank MEMRI reported that an Istanbul-based Muslim Brotherhood television channel called for the murder of homosexuals. There is no evidence showing a link between the Turkish TV channel and the Reading terrorist, but this demonstrates what sort of a country Turkey has become under Erdogan. Turkey has moved from being the secular, enlightened NATO member to being the Islamic Republic of Turkey. It is the Sunni equivalent of Iran, with identical expansionist ambitions.Erdogan has learned from both the mistakes of other Islamists in Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran. While founding the AKP, he also learned from the mistakes of its predecessor, the Virtue Party, which was dissolved by Turkeys Constitutional Court due to its violation of the secular constitution of Turkey. ERDOGAN CHOSE non-Islamist founding members like Yakis and others and gradually spread the Islamist tentacles in sectors of the Turkish states. He effectively neutralized the Turkish state and ultimately, via the AKP, made it a vehicle for the global Muslim Brotherhood movement, which has now subsumed the ruling party of Turkey. The expansionist Turkish policies in Libya are an implementation of the global blueprint of the Muslim Brotherhood movement, namely, to establish a pan-national Islamist caliphate. Erdogan used the traditional relations the secular Turkish state had with the West, especially with NATO, to legitimate his expansionist moves in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Europe. While Ruhollah Khomeinis revolutionaries stormed the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, Erdogan very patiently waited, making his interests seem almost aligned with those of NATO. His intervention in Libya is a major step in which his interests and those of the West irreconcilably diverge. France has already spoken out unequivocally against Turkeys moves in Libya, and other key states in the Mediterranean including Greece, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus are uneasy about it. It is now shaping up to be a battle between two forces: an expansionist Islamist movement with cells all over the world, including Europe, and nation-states.The Turkish takeover of Libya will pose a major threat to Europe on long-term economic and security fronts. Turkey is reportedly transporting Syrian fighters to Libya, and Yakis has warned that Turkeys intervention in Libya would create a new Syria. Erdogan previously threatened to flood Europe with refugees. By turning Libya into a new Syria, the Turkish president can carry out his threat not only from Europes eastern borders, but across the Mediterranean into France, Italy and Spain, and onto the United Kingdom and the rest of Western Europe. The gradual Islamization of Turkey now poses a direct threat to the West as a whole, as well as to the moderate states of the Middle East. The West, led by NATO, needs to adopt a united stance against Turkey, which no longer is the secular, pro-Western state that Erdogan inherited. Turkey under Erdogan is the wolf, and most of Europe is still acting like Little Red Riding Hood. The writer chairs Muslims against Antisemitism, and is the founder of Cornerstone Global Associates. Twitter@gnuseibeh.

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An Islamic Republic of Turkey would be a threat to NATO - The Jerusalem Post

NATO Maritime Command has announced that standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) units have entered the Black Sea for the second time this year to conduct further routine operations, and to participate in two regional exercises organised by the Bulgarian and Ukrainian navies.

SNMG2 arrived to the Black Sea on 9 July, and is composed of three frigates from Spain, Romania and Turkey, led by Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre of the Spanish Navy, with the Spanish frigate lvaro de Bazn (F-101) as the flagship.

SNMCMG2 vessels HS Aliakmon (flagship), ESPS Tambre, TCG Amasra and ITS Gaeta, led by Commander Dimitrios Katsouras of the Hellenic Navy, entered the Black Sea on 7 July, where it was joined by ROS Lupu Dinescu and sailed towards Burgas (BUL) where they arrived on 10 July.

With three Allied nations, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, and two regional partners, Ukraine and Georgia bordering the Black Sea, Standing Naval Group presence in the region is a regular occurrence. Apart from conducting maritime security patrols in international waters, the two exercises will help enhance interoperability between Allies and regional partners.

With visits planned to Bulgaria and Ukraine in the coming days, all activities of the Standing NATO Forces ashore will continue to abide by COVID-19 restrictions, designed to protect their operational capabilities. However, as national regulations are eased, opportunities for key engagements will help reaffirm and build these regional relationships.

SNMG2 and SNMCMG2 are two of our four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF). To respond to contingency situations additional forces can be added to these groups, with the NATO command staff onboard and the ships of the group as the nucleus, capable of providing timely support to NATO operations.

NATO warships also will take part in Sea Breeze is a U.S. and Ukraine co-hosted multinational maritime exercise that held in the Black Sea and is designed to enhance interoperability of participating nations and strengthen maritime security and peace within the region.

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NATO Forces return to Black Sea for the second time this year - defence-blog.com

And territorial disputes from the South China Sea to the Himalayas, not to mention Beijing's ambitions in the Arctic, have all been highlighted as threats to world security. Meanwhile, the UK has been tipped to play a major role after the end of the year in accordance with the "Global Britain" strategy referred to by among others Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The report, which emphasises the importance of all member states paying their fair share of two percent of GDP into the alliance, is published by the Policy Institute think tank, based at Kings College London, and authored by among others George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General, Michael Fallon, former UK Defence Secretary, and former Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell.

With reference to China, the report entitled The future strategic direction of NATO, highlights the fact that China's military spending has increased by 6.6 percent this year, irrespective of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The authors said: "It is clear President Xi Jinping remains committed to the modernisation of the Peoples Liberation Army by 2035 and its transformation into a 'world-class' military by 2049.

Recent events demonstrate the determination China has to bring Hong Kong under its firm grip, raising grave concerns for its future as well as that of Taiwan

Policy Institute report

"Recent events demonstrate the determination China has to bring Hong Kong under its firm grip, raising grave concerns for its future as well as that of Taiwan."

The report adds: "Chinas argument with India, and ongoing disputes with Japan, demonstrate preparedness to press territorial claims from the Himalayas to the South China Seas.

"In addition, China is increasing its activity in the Arctic, creating a 'polar silk road' and a 5+1 group with Nordic nations, similar to the 17+1 group that guides Chinas cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries."

JUST IN:South China Sea crisis: US attacks Beijings claims to region

The onset of coronavirus would inevitably take its toll on the economy, the report acknowledged, with a knock-on impact on defence spending.

The report warns: "Whatever the reason, NATO may see less spent on defence in the next few years.

"This argues for a push on economies of scale, sensible procurement and greater collaboration."

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Nevertheless COVID-19 should not be an excuse for NATO member states to renege on spending commitments made at the Wales Summit in 2014.

The authors said: "All members pledged to move towards two percent by 2024.

"At the time, only three countries met the target; nine now do.

"NATO should continue to push for the pledge to be fulfilled."

As for the role of post-Brexit Britain, the report says: "We want the UK to play a central and leading role in the strategic direction of NATO, in full collaboration with other members.

"Global Britain should have at its core a determination that collective action on defence and security is where the country will make a major contribution.

"We anticipate the UK taking the lead where its expertise and experience can drive ideas, develop new thinking and promote action."

Assessing the future of NATO, Mr Robertson said: "Since it was established in 1949, Nato has played a vital role in preserving a way of life based on freedom and liberal values.

"As new threats emerge from an increasingly aggressive China and Russia, the alliance must step up to meet them and demonstrate its enduring importance in a more uncertain world.

"Failure to do so risks imperilling global security and undermining the prosperity and stability that Nato has helped to create for more than 70 years.

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China threat: Beijing plotting massive territorial gains - with warning issued for Taiwan - Express.co.uk

The north-easts new fleet of spy planes have taken part in their first Nato exercise hunting submarines submerged beneath the waves.

Nine P-8A Poseidons will eventually operate from RAF Lossiemouth with two already flying from nearby Kinloss Barracks.

The aircraft have now participated in their first multi-national training drill as crews continue to build their experience.

The Nato exercise Dynamic Mongoose involved six nations honing anti-submarine skills in the challenging North Atlantic.

Crews from RAF Lossiemouths 120 Squadron will be tasked with monitoring the area due to increasing levels of Russian activity detected under the surface with 201 Squadron due to arrive at the base next year.

During the drill personnel were tasked with locating and tracking a simulated submarine across an area of 200 square nautical miles with coordination between ships and aircraft to speed up the time taken to locate, identify and track targets.

On one sortie an RAF Poseidon launched a simulated attack within 10 minutes of taking over contact from a US aircraft also involved in the exercise.

Wing Commander James Hanson, officer commanding 120 Squadron, said: Participation in Dynamic Mongoose offers the trained crews a chance to hone their skills cooperating with ships, submarines and aircraft from a number of Nato partner nations, as well as the Royal Navy.

The exercise offers my crews a great opportunity to be tested against highly professional opposition in the exercise environment, and I know that the crews have relished the chance to show what they can do with our extremely capable aircraft.

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Spy planes in north-east take part in first Nato exercise - Press and Journal

Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, who was part of the NATO Peacekeeping force in Bosnia after the Srebrenica genocide, and student Admir Meskovic talk about their experiences on this years anniversary

The atrocities committed in the Bosnian War were truly frightening and I witnessed first-hand the suffering of the victims as we helped them rebuild their lives.

My time in Bosnia taught me that we must always remain vigilant to the threat of those who incite intolerance, hate and discrimination.

So says Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) at Durham University, reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

In July 1995, over 8,000 people mostly Bosniaks in and around the town of Srebrenica, part of modern day Bosnia and Herzegovina, were killed by units of the Bosnian Serb army under the command of Ratko Mladic.

The graves at Srebrenica Picture: AMRA MUJKANOVIC

The United Nations had declared Srebrenica a safe area under its protection, but failed to prevent the towns capture or the subsequent massacre.

Prior to joining Durham University, Mr Cook served with the British Army and in 1995 he was part of the NATO Peacekeeping force in Bosnia a few months after the Srebrenica genocide.

Last week was the UKs Srebrenica Memorial Week for 2020, with remembrance activities taking place across the region. In Durham, Srebrenica genocide flags were flown from Durham Cathedral; Durham Castle, home to University College, Durham; and County Hall, headquarters of Durham County Council.

Flying the flag in Durham Picture: GAVIN WORT

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, encouraged people to pray for continuing peace. Cllr Angela Surtees, Durham County Councils Cabinet member for social inclusion, said the lesson of Srebrenica was that hatred and intolerance can flourish if left unchallenged.

Admir Meskovic was only a child when the Bosnian War started. Fearful of what was to come, his family relocated to live with relatives. It proved to be a wise choice: not a single bomb exploded in their new home town during the four-year conflict.

Nevertheless, the young Admir was close enough to hear explosions and the movement of hostile tanks. He recalls his family turning out the lights to avoid hostile attention, sleeping in jeans in case you had to move quickly during the night and child refugees from the region around Srebrenica living in his home.

Now studying for an MBA at Durham University Business School, Admir reflects: There are frightening stories of those people who survived that hell. Not many, because few have survived. These kind of stories cannot be paraphrased, you have to hear directly from a person witnessing the horror.

Admir Meskovic

This includes my peer, a then-seven-year-old boy Fahrudin who survived the mass executions of civilians from his village, including his father. Fahrudin was wounded in his arm and leg, and was saved by the Red Cross driver who noticed that something was moving in the mass of dead bodies that was waiting to be transported to the mass grave.

The driver who saved the young boy was not considered a hero, however. He suffered the consequences because of his betrayal during his life, and his funeral later was attended by only the closest relatives.

If we say that it is important to remember the Srebrenica genocide, we talk about something that happened in the past and finished. It is incomparably more tragic to see that the ideology which led to genocide is still live and active.

The annual Memorial Week is co-ordinated by the Remembering Srebrenica charity and this years theme was Every Action Matters. Lucy Adams, chair of the charitys North East board, said she was delighted to see Durhams University, Cathedral and County Council marking the anniversary.

Just some of the names of the people who died

County Durham has long-standing links with Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the 1984-5 Miners Strike, miners from Tuzla sent aid to striking miners in the North-East. Then during the war, Durham miners reciprocated, sending aid to Tuzla.

Durham University also has links with the area through its School of Government and International Affairs and the Durham Global Security Institute. Dr Stefanie Kappler, an Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, has conducted extensive fieldwork in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

With Dr Lydia Cole and the University of Manchester, she is currently working on a project exploring how art can be part of peace processes, with Bosnia-Herzegovina as one of four case studies. She has also researched how the ways past atrocities are remembered can impact the quality of peace in the present.

In April 2018, Dr Kappler organised for the interreligious choir Pontamina, from Sarajevo, to perform at Durham Cathedral. The event featured Nedzad Avdic, a Srebrenica survivor, telling his story and Dave Temple, from the Durham Miners Association, speaking about the historic links between Durham and Tuzla.

Srebrenica graves Picture: Rooful Ali

Speaking about this years Memorial Week, Smajo Beso, a former Bosnian refugee who is now an architect and lecturer at Newcastle University, said: We were warmly welcomed to the North-East more than 25 years ago and supported by the incredible people of this region. I dont think you will find anyone in our community that hasnt lost a loved one or that isnt still suffering with the traumatic effects from the war.

But now to have our pain and suffering acknowledged in such a visible way is incredibly powerful and cathartic. Were a small community but we all proudly call the North-East our home. Thank you to all those that have supported us and continue to do so.

For more information, please visit: srebrenica.org.uk

Originally posted here:

University lecturer who part of the NATO Peacekeeping after the Srebrenica genocide reflects on the 25th anniversary - The Northern Echo

For Russia, the military developments and strategies of the United States recreate those challenges and threats that the USSR associated with President Ronald Reagans Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Adopted in 1984, the SDI programme involved deploying several echelons of space strike weapons that would intercept and destroy ballistic missiles and their re-entry vehicles in all flight segments. The purpose of the SDI was to ensure that the whole of North America was protected by an anti-missile shield.

American developments today are aimed at ensuring the global military dominance and strategic invulnerability of the United States and include strategic non-nuclear weapons, missile defence, high-precision weapons, SM-6 universal anti-air and strike missiles, space strike systems (space interceptors), laser weapons, autonomous air, surface and undersea vehicles and means of conducting cyber warfare.

Essentially, the United States is systematically moving towards re-creating the state of affairs of 1945, when it was the only country that had nuclear weapons, could impose its will on the entire world, and remained beyond the reach of the armed forces of other countries. The processes that are taking place today, which could be termed a revolution in warfare, give the U.S. administration grounds to believe that cutting-edge weapons can neutralize or devalue Russias nuclear weapons.

The structure of U.S. military spending shows that the country is stepping up its investment in military R&D. Military spending increased by 3 per cent in 2020 to USD 750 billion. Meanwhile, the military R&D budget grew by nearly 10 per cent to USD 104.3 billion.

The SDI programme was scrapped in 1993. There were several reasons for this, including political and financial motivations. However, the programme was mostly abandoned because the projects were not technically feasible. Back in 1987, the American Physical Society published a paper concluding it would take at least 10 years to understand which of the technologies being developed could have a future [1]. Even though the SDI was officially closed, some projects were continued as part of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, which was renamed the Missile Defense Agency in 2002, and led to the creation of anti-missile systems such as Patriot PAC-3, Aegis BMD, THAAD and the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system.

Work continues on a number of projects that use active weapons based on new physical principles such as beam, electromagnetic, kinetic and super-high-frequency weapons, chemical lasers, railguns and neutral particle beams, and traditional missile weapons such as new-generation surface-to-space and air-to-space missiles, kinetic energy missiles and kinetic energy interceptors.

Current U.S. views of the prospects of the national defence rest on several fundamental doctrines that are being adjusted or detailed in new concepts as new technologies emerge.

The concept of a weapons system of systems was first put forward in an article written by Admiral William Owens and published by the Institute for National Security Studies in 1996. In 1998, the idea was transformed into a separate concept of network-centric warfare in a paper by Vice Admiral Arthur K. Cebrowski and John J. Garstka. The concept envisaged integrating intelligence systems, command and control systems, and high-precision weapons systems in order to ensure rapid situational awareness, identify targets and assign combat missions. The concept was intended to free military leaders of the famous fog of war problem, when commanding officers have to make decisions based on incomplete or unreliable data.

The development of information technologies and computer networks in the 1990s provided the tools for increasing combat capabilities by achieving information and communication superiority, combining combatants into a single network. In addition to information systems, the network-centric warfare concept also came to rely on developing cutting-edge reconnaissance systems, military command and control systems and high-precision weapons. By effectively connecting units and detachments in a battlespace, the system translated information superiority into combat power. In 2019, the United States Army held war games demonstrating that the combat power of an infantry platoon enhanced with artificial intelligence capabilities increases tenfold. That is, AI renders the old formula that claims the attacking side can only achieve victory if it outguns the opponent by at least three times obsolete.

It would appear that the network-centric warfare strategy performed poorly in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, where the military methods failed to produce the expected results. However, we should keep in mind that this strategy is not intended to fight guerrilla units but was rather conceived as a way to achieve a quick victory over a relatively equal military opponent. Additionally, some important components of the newly created architecture such as the military internet of things and military cloud storage are only now being created.

The internet of things is closely tied to 5G data transmission technology. The American version of 5G is currently being tested on four military bases. 5G technology has been the subject of a major dispute between the United States and its NATO allies, who decided to use available technology from Chinas Huawei.

New technologies allow frontline units to track and identify a far larger number of targets on a larger territory within shorter periods of time and to strike these targets with previously impossible precision.

A number of military operations in the 1990s the 1991 Gulf War, Operation Desert Strike in Iraq in 1996, Operation Infinite Reach in 1998 that delivered strikes against targets in Sudan and Afghanistan, and NATOs 1999 operation in Yugoslavia demonstrated that the United States and its allies were right to turn their attention to the development of remote (non-contact) warfare tactics.

Non-contact warfare is a trend that will last for decades. It is the path that all the resource-rich militaries around the world are following. However, the United States is virtually the only country that has the necessary funds, research base and scientific potential (including that of private companies) to pull it off.

In 1996, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff used the idea of network-centric warfare to develop and publish the Joint Vision 2010 concept, which introduced the military Full-Spectrum Dominance strategy. Once again, the strategy envisaged achieving combat superiority in everything from peace-making operations to the direct use of military force through information superiority.

The same objectives are reflected in the Joint Vision 2020 concept published in 2000, which subsequently formed the basis of the U.S. military doctrine: full-range dominance; information superiority; innovations; interoperability; multinational operations; interagency operations; dominant manoeuvre; precision engagement; focused logistics; full dimensional protection; information operations; joint command and control.

For a decade, U.S. experts debated the future military information architecture. One key issue was where to store and process the information obtained: on-board a combat platform, in a command centre, or in cloud storage. In recent years, the architecture has begun to take a definite shape. In October 2019, Microsoft signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop cloud technologies worth USD 10 billion.

Various U.S. military branches are testing pilot projects that connect platforms into a single command and control network. For instance, in October 2018, the U.S. Navy established the Information Warfare Research Project to develop technologies for cyber warfare, cloud computing and reconnaissance.

In 2019, the U.S. Navy experimented with transferring the Navys Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which had previously been stored in governmental data processing centres, to cloud storage. The flexible command and information architecture produced three positive effects: it ensured reliable command, increased battlespace awareness, and allowed various units to conduct integrated fire. Sixty-four per cent of U.S. Navy ships are equipped with this tool. The Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) is being installed on ships to protect the system from cyber threats.

The U.S. Air Force is developing similar software called Kessel Run to provide information exchange and data analysis. In particular, software for refuelling aerial tankers was developed as part of the project. The software is being constantly improved and features new platforms and functions.

The U.S. Air Force actively uses Link 16 terminals to provide communication between U.S. fighter jets and a number of of allied countries as part of the MIDS programme that is being jointly developed by the United States, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. By using Link 16, military aircraft, ships, and ground forces can exchange tactical images almost in real time.

As part of Project Missouri, the U.S. Air Force has set up an information link between fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 fighters. The additional Project Iguana, made it possible to input data from U2 reconnaissance aircraft and space satellites into the system. In 2019, the Air Force experimented with connecting military transport aircraft and maritime and ground military equipment to the project. Currently, the Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle is being integrated in the network.

Another NATO states are implementing similar information integration projects for their militaries; Germany, in particular, finances the Glass Battlefield (glsernes Gefechtsfeld) project.

Network-centric warfare rests on several basic principles: distribution, connectedness, separation of functions, remote command, use of artificial intelligence and use of high-precision weapons.

The information component of the network-centric warfare includes the following tools:

The network-centric warfare concept pays particular attention to reconnaissance and collecting and analysing information by using autonomous systems. To deliver high-precision long-distance strikes, the Pentagon considers it necessary to have reconnaissance capabilities for a range of up to 1000 miles.

For that purpose, the United States is currently developing three sets of reconnaissance systems that make it possible to discover, identify and locate the adversarys radars and communication systems. These systems can be installed on the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. Optical and radio intelligence data is supported by cyber space reconnaissance capabilities.

In April 2017, Lieutenant General John N.T. Jack Shanahan, Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, developed the algorithmic warfare strategy that envisaged using artificial intelligence to analyse the information collected. Google was involved in implementing the project, codenamed MAVEN. As part of the project, AI-based algorithms process gigantic arrays of photographic and video information collected by drones in Iraq and Afghanistan. The projects impressive results led to dozens of new projects being established. In 2018, under public pressure, Google withdrew from Project MAVEN, but the Pentagon contracted Booz Allen for the job, after which the projects budget grew almost tenfold.

For 50 years, American military strategists have been searching for a solution to the A2/AD (anti-access/area-denial) problem. By area, the Pentagon means the territory where the U.S. military is within reach of the adversarys weapons and cannot operate in full force. The A2/AD problem forced the Pentagon to conduct remote warfare from areas beyond the reach of the adversarys air defence systems, tactical ballistic missile systems and anti-ship ballistic missile systems. For decades, high-precision weapons were used to handle the A2/AD problem.

In 2014, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel approved the Defense Innovation Initiative (also called the Third Offset Strategy) developed by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). The strategy included creating a new long-term R&D planning programme that emphasized robotics, autonomous systems, miniaturization, big data and cutting-edge manufacturing, including 3D printing. The programme focused on drone operations, which entailed the development low-observable forward-looking long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (including sea-based UAVs), and a family of various unmanned combat aerial systems.

The current U.S. military strategy envisages increasing the significance of operations involving strike drones and surface and undersea drones.

Autonomous refuelling aircraft make it possible to double the safe distance for U.S. aircraft carriers to deliver strikes against enemy territory. According to the U.S. Naval Air Forces MQ-25 Stingray programme, by the mid-2020s, unmanned refuelling aircraft will have assumed the functions of aerial refuelling for the aircraft carriers air wing.

Another area for developing unmanned aerial vehicles is wingman drones. As part of the Low Cost Attritable Aviation Technologies (LCAAT) project, a U.S. Air Force laboratory is developing the XQ-58 Valkyrie drone as a wingman for F-22 or F-35 fighter jets. In combat, the drone will carry the surveillance, electronic warfare (EW) and communications systems, as well as weapons. Partner drones are intended to become the expendables in warfare, taking on some of the functions of the pilots and, if necessary, bearing the brunt of an attack.

Another projected, called Gremlins, developed under the auspices of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), focuses on developing the technology for using a transport aircraft to deliver a drone swarm to an area where they will perform a series of strike, reconnaissance or other missions. Upon completion of the mission in question, the drones will be brought back aboard the aircraft and prepared for another mission within 24 hours. A fighter, bomber or even an unmanned mother aircraft can be used to deliver Gremlins to the combat area. Like many other unmanned aerial vehicles, Gremlins will be deployed as part of a unit or swarm and will independently distribute functions for optimal mission performance.

However, the most significant reforms have been saved for the U.S. Navy. In 2017, the Ghost Fleet concept, a continuation of the network-centric warfare concept, was adopted. Under this concept, ground, aerial and underwater unmanned vehicles will interact simultaneously and perform a wide range of combat missions without risking the lives of ship crews and marines. To further develop the concept, the U.S. Navy has ordered a group of experts to submit the Concept for the organization, manning, training, equipping, sustaining, and the introduction and operational integration of the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle and Large Unmanned Surface Vessel with individual afloat units as well as with Carrier Strike Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Surface Action Groups to Congress by September 2020.

The adoption of this concept will signify major changes in the plans for building the fleet and in its operational strategies, where autonomous underwater and surface vehicles will be integrated with carrier and expeditionary strike groups.

According to preliminary reports, the U.S. Navy will receive robotic surface ships of four different classes: large unmanned surface vehicles that can distribute large sensors and fires; medium-sized unmanned surface vehicles with smaller sensors and electronic warfare equipment; small unmanned surface vehicles that can tow mine-hunting equipment and work to relay communications; and even smaller unmanned surface vehicles.

Over the next decade or two, the U.S. Navy may change its architecture in favour of unmanned vessels spread over a larger area and combined into a global network operated from remote and mobile control centres. According to the report on the Navys large unmanned surface and underwater vehicles that has been submitted to Congress, the wartime tactic of using large unmanned vehicles may include spreading the fleet, letting the unmanned vehicles bear the brunt of the attack, and then delivering rapid retaliatory strikes.

The first component of the system is the Sea Hunter, an autonomous unmanned surface vessel that has already entered service. The ship was built as part of the DARPA Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel programme. The unmanned vessel is designed to operate as part of a swarm searching for and hunting submarines. Testing has showed the vessels high efficiency: travelling at a speed of 12 knots, the ship can cover 19,000 kilometres in 70 days of autonomous sailing.

The Navy is also developing another project for secret undersea operations, called CLAWS. According to the U.S. Navys recently adopted R&D budget, the Orca XLUUV, a 50-tonne, 25-metre-long undersea vehicle developed by the Boeing Corporation, will carry 12 torpedoes and have both strike and anti-surface warfare capabilities. The autonomous submarine with AI and weapons is designed to operate partially without human control. The Orca XLUUV will enter service in 2023 and, together with the Sea Hunter, will pose a threat to the naval component of Russias nuclear triad since it puts a question mark over its principal advantage: stealth.

To communicate with unmanned vessels and command autonomous missions, the U.S. Navy created the CARACaS (Control Architecture for Robotic Agent Command and Sensing) command architecture that allows drones to analyse dynamic operational situations when on a search mission, or when protecting harbours, carrying out surveillance, conducting EW or landing missions, and even when attacking as a swarm.

The most significant manifestations of the revolution in warfare may take place in the U.S. space sector. On February 20, 2019, President of the United States Donald Trump signed a law establishing the U.S. Space Force, with approximately USD 72 million earmarked for the purpose. The objectives of the Space Force include protecting U.S. interests in space, deterring aggression and protecting the country, as well as projecting military power in space, from space and into space.

A total of USD 11.9 billion was allocated in 2020 for R&D in space systems, which is USD 2.6 billion more than in 2019.

The Missile Defense Agency will receive USD 10.4 billion, including USD 108 million for the creation of a space sensor system to track hypersonic and ballistic missiles and the development of a sensor array to counteract the hypersonic missile systems of Russia and China.

The spending on militarized space will total USD 14.1 billion, which is 15 per cent more than in 2019. The Pentagons space programmes are classified, which creates additional risks for strategic stability. It is known that projects are under way in the United States to develop reusable space hypersonic systems and micro spacecraft, intercept spacecraft with inspector satellites, and carry out kinetic and non-kinetic attacks on satellites. Projects for directed-energy impact on nuclear weapons command systems are particularly dangerous. There is a trend for ensuring the interoperability of anti-missile and anti-satellite weapons. American assets in space are becoming more integrated and more interoperable.

One of the ways that the United States plans on winning the arms race is by involving its allies in joint projects to pool resources and technologies. Aligning weapons and combining data feeds should save funds. For example, in addition to the so-called Five Eyes states, Japans operations centre is also joining the space projects.

In the foreseeable future, space-, air- and ground-based lasers are seen as the most promising means of neutralizing ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The Pentagon and American industry are working on a technology that could reach the necessary level in a few years. The Pentagon is considering deploying combat lasers in orbit, as well as on UAVs patrolling the upper boundaries of the atmosphere, on ships and on anti-missile defence platforms. The Indirect Fires Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) which can reach up to 300 kilowatts in power, will presumably have entered the Pentagons service by 2024. It will be powerful enough to intercept not only UAVs, but also incoming cruise missiles.

Other NATO states are conducting similar R&D. For instance, France has officially admitted it is making laser-armed satellites that it intends to use against enemy satellites that threaten the countrys space forces.

Forward-looking American military technologies are intended to devalue Russias nuclear weapons:

Today, the United States is withdrawing from arms control agreements that might tie its hands and undermine its technological leadership. This confirms that Washington hopes to ride the wave of the revolution in warfare to ensure its global military dominance and protect its national security from virtually any threat.

1. APS Study Group Participants; Bloembergen, N.; Patel, C. K. N.; Avizonis, P.; Clem, R. G.; Hertzberg, A.; Johnson, T. H.; Marshall, T.; Miller, R. B.; Morrow, W. E.; Salpeter, E. E.; Sessler, A. M.; Sullivan, J. D.; Wyant, J. C.; Yariv, A.; Zare, R. N.; Glass, A. J.; Hebel, L. C.; APS Council Review Committee; Pake, G. E.; May, M. M.; Panofsky, W. K.; Schawlow, A. L.; Townes, C. H.; York, H. (July 1, 1987). Report to The American Physical Society of the Study Group on Science and Technology of Directed Energy Weapons. Reviews of Modern Physics. 59 (3): S1S201. Bibcode:1987RvMP59.1B. doi:10.1103/RevModPhys.59.S1.

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The US on the Way to Strategic Invulnerability - Modern Diplomacy

NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Ambassador Peter Maurer at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (8 July 2020) for an exchange of views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and on the activities of both organisations. Mr. Geoana noted that during the COVID-19 crisis there have been regular contacts between NATO and the ICRC at multiple levels.

He said that NATO Allies are preparing for a possible second wave of COVID-19 and highlighted that in June NATO defence ministers approved an Operation Plan to assist, if necessary, Allies and partners in the distribution of critical medical items and equipment. He said that NATO defence ministers also agreed to establish a stockpile of medical items and a pandemic response trust fund to enable NATO Allies to acquire medical supplies and services.

The Deputy Secretary General also stressed that NATO appreciates the ICRCs support on the implementation of NATOs Policy on the Protection of Civilians and that this is an essential topic for NATO operations and missions.

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NATO Deputy Secretary General meets the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross at NATO Headquarters - NATO HQ

RIGA, July 11 (LETA) - Latvia wants to start negotiations with the United States on the possible deployment of a military contingent in Latvia and to cover the related costs, Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks (For Development) told the Latvian defense portal Sargs.lv.

Latvia wants to start negotiations with the United States on the possible deployment of a contingent of forces in Latvia after US President Donald Trump announced the partial withdrawal of troops from Germany. As Pabriks emphasizes, it is important to maintain a significant presence of US forces near NATO's eastern border, so Latvia is ready to host a part of the US contingent's troops, and also cover the related costs.

He says that in view of changes within global politics and ensuring that the Baltic region and the rest of Europe remains secure, it is important to strengthen the transatlantic link within both NATO and the European Union.

"The White House's announcement of a certain reduction in US troops in Germany is not very positive from my personal point of view. If we, as a NATO border country, look to the Northern European region, we understand that an even greater US presence is needed in Europe," he said.

However, the minister acknowledges that the US line of thought is understandable, because it wants each country to strengthen its own national defense capabilities, rather than just relying on allied support. For several years now, Latvia has been among the countries mentioned as a good example with 2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) being spent on the defense budget.

If a part of the US troops is withdrawn from Germany, it is in Latvia's interest that this transfer takes place in accordance with the current security challenges, ie US soldiers are deployed closer to the eastern border - in Poland and the Baltic States.

"Poland has already received the green light, it will see an increase in the presence of the US troops, so it is important that the US public and politicians understand that the Baltic States and Latvia are ready to host US troops as well, as it will provide additional security for the region and the alliance as a whole. We are also prepared to pay for this, firstly by showing that we are devoting at least 2 percent of GDP to defense, and secondly, by developing the necessary infrastructure as a host country. In addition, about 1,500 soldiers from nine different NATO countries are already stationed in Latvia as party of the the NATO battle groups," Pabriks points out.

By transferring a part of the US troops in Germany to Latvia, it would also demonstrate the US support for those countries that are seriously thinking about strengthening their national defense capabilities, Pabriks points out.

Asked what kind of US presence Latvia would be ready for, Pabriks said that it is open to various models - both rotational of for a permanent presence of US military forces in the country.

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Latvia wants to begin talks with US on possible deployment of a military contingent in the country, with Latvia covering the costs - Pabriks | News -...

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Icelandic Coast Guard

Unauthorised Russian aircraft entered NATO airspace near Iceland, according to a statement from the Icelandic Coast Guard. Italian aircraft stationed in Iceland flew from Keflavk Airport on July 3rd to meet the Russian planes.

Russian long-range bombers were were first spotted South of Stokksnes. The aircraft entered NATO airspace but did not report to the Air Traffic Authority and were not using radar equipment.

The bombers were outside of Icelandic airspace, but within NATO airspace prompting a rapid response from Italian aircrew stationed in Iceland. There are currently six Italian F-35 fighter jets in the country, according to the statement.

This is by no means the first time unauthorised Russian jets have entered NATO airspace near Iceland; an almost identical incident occurred in March 2019. Notably, a Russian bomber also flew close to an Icelandic passenger plane in 2016.

Iceland is part of NATO and as it does not have its own military, the country regularly hosts international NATO training exercises. Most recently, British ships, HMS Westminster and HMS Kent operation sailed to Iceland to take part in Operation Dynamic Mongoose. It is unclear if the recent Russian aircraft activity has any connection with the NATO exercise, but such incidents have coincided with NATO exercises in the past.

r accompanies British ships as part of Operation Dynamic MongoosePhoto by Icelandic Coast Guard

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From Iceland Russian Long-Range Bombers Spotted Within NATO Airspace Near Iceland - Reykjavk Grapevine

WASHINGTON -- The former head of the CIA said the United States may need to respond with bold action against Russia, including imposing harder-hitting sanctions, should a report prove true that Moscow offered Taliban-linked militants money to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.

Leon Panetta, who served as CIA director and secretary of defense during the administration of President Barack Obama, told a congressional hearing on July 10 that such an action by Russia would cross a line and require a response that could include diplomatic isolation, sanctions, and, if necessary, military force.

Panetta said Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to carry out aggressive actions around the world because the United States has failed to take a tough stance against him and his nation in the past.

I think we may have to do something bold in order to get Putins attention. I think, right now, Putin does not really believe that the United States is going to respond in a way that is going to really undermine Russia and undermine him, he told a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The hearing was at least the third this week in the Democratic-controlled House on the topic of whether Russia paid Taliban militants to target U.S. soldiers and how the United States should respond.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing on July 9 with four military and foreign policy experts on how to respond to Russia, while the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the same day with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley.

The issue has become a hot, partisan topic since The New York Times first reported at the end of June that President Donald Trump was briefed on the bounty but did nothing in response.

The White House has said Trump, a Republican who is seeking reelection in November, was not briefed on the intelligence because it was unverified.

Should the intelligence report prove accurate, Panetta said the Trump administration should consider imposing the type of hard-hitting sanctions on Russia that it imposed on Iran.

Those punishing sanctions have cut into Irans economy, including its oil industry, as it seeks to stop its suspected nuclear-weapons program. Irans oil production has tumbled, starving the government of cash.

Russia is among the worlds top three oil producers and sanctions on its energy industry could potentially impact global supply and prices.

If we did [that to Russia], it would send a clear signal to Putin that we are serious about making sure they stop the aggression that they have been involved in, he told the hearing.

Panetta pointed out that Russia has forcibly annexed Crimea, carried out suspected assassinations in Europe, and interfered in U.S. elections, among other aggressive actions.

Panetta said the United States needs to strengthen NATO and build new alliances, including in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to promote stability and counter the influence of Russia and China.

Moscow and Beijing cant form alliances. They fear alliances. So our ability to develop and maintain alliances is one of our best weapons against those adversaries, he said.

Panetta criticized Trumps plans to withdraw nearly 10,000 U.S. military personnel from Germany, saying it would send a message of weakness to Russia.

This is the wrong time to be moving forces out of Europe, he told the hearing.

Panetta, who served in the House of Representatives from 1977 until 1993, said he is concerned about the growing divide between Republicans and Democrats in Congress on such issues, saying it plays into Putins hands.

We have got to restore a sense of bipartisanship when it comes to our national security interests. Right now, Putin looks at the United States and looks at the polarization and the partisanship and the divide that has taken place in our country and has seen that as weakness, he said.

Panetta's son, Jimmy Panetta, is a Democratic member of the House, representing California.

Originally posted here:

Ex-CIA Chief Says U.S. May Need To Respond With Bold Action If Russian Bounties Prove True - Gandhara

YEREVAN. Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: It turns out that the RA authorities have problems not only with Russia, but also with the EU and NATO.

"The problems in relations with NATO are since last year. Armenia is cooperating with NATO under the Individual Partnership Action Plans (IPAP), which was signed in 2005 and needs to be re-signed every two years. The latter [IPAP] was [last] signed in 2017 during [then President] Serzh Sargsyan's visit to Brussels. Since 2019, there is no agreement between NATO and Armenia; the legal basis for relations is absent. To address the issue, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia [James] Appathurai was in Armenia on March 11-12, 2019, who met with various officials[President] Armen Sarkissian, [FM] Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, [defense minister Davit] Tonoyanbut the Prime Minister did not meet with him, and no progress has been made, said our source.

Why? Was it the fear of Russia? Or is there another reason? "It will be difficult for me to say. Last year, there may have been some concerns from Russia, plus NATO's dissatisfaction with [Armenia] sending a military unit to Syria, but NATO was trying to get a new document. The reason, apparently, is the irresponsible approach of the [Armenian] authorities."

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Newspaper: Armenia has problem not only with Russia but also with NATO - Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am

Strykers Deploy in Latvia

WASHINGTON: Latvias defense minister announced today his country is willing to house American troops if the Trump administration follows through on its decision to pull thousands of troops out of Germany, becoming the second NATO ally to ask for those troops to be housed within its borders.

We are ready and this is an official announcement we are ready to invest to receive a certain amount of American troops on Latvian soil, minister of defense and deputy prime minister, Artis Pabriks, said during a virtual event hosted by the Brookings Institution. The desired deployment would be the first large US basing effort in the Baltic nation.

We are not trying to punish the Germans. We dont want to compete [with them], but if its really inevitable then we are ready to receive you, he added.

When asked what kind of US presence the Baltic nation wants, a Latvian official told me the country is open to either rotational or a permanent American presence in the country, noting there are already 1,500 NATO troops stationed at the Adazi military base. The official noted that the country also has a string of training areas that could be used for basing.

A Pentagon official said they had nothing to offer about the possibility of US basing in Latvia.

The Latvian offer comes just after Poland said it would happily take some of the 9,500 troops President Trump wants pulled out of Germany. Late last month, US officials said Washington and Warsaw have already agreed on a location to base a rotational US Army armored brigade combat team. An administration official speaking with reporters on the condition of anonymity added the two sides are in discussions regarding additional infrastructure to support the ABCT, as well as the combat aviation brigade and combat support sustainment battalion.

The proposed reduction of American forces from Germany would bring the number of troops stationed there from 34,500 to 25,000. There is still no timeline for the withdrawal, and Pentagon officials havent divulged which troops would leave or where they might be reassigned. President Trumps pledges to withdraw troops have not always come to pass, as evidenced most recently in Syria. The president has also mused about pulling some troops from South Korea.

The 1,500-strong NATO enhanced foreign presence unit in the country is led by 500 Canadian forces, along with hundreds more from Spain, Poland, Italy and Slovakia, among others. The US Army also sends an aviation unit to the country on a rotational basis, with another rotation planned for later this month.

In October, the US moved 500 troops to neighboring Lithuania in October for a six-month deployment, in a sign that Washington recognizes the importance of the Baltic region as a stopgap to potential Russian adventurism in the region.

Pabriks was careful to say Germany is a close ally of Latvia, and remains an irreplaceable member of the NATO alliance. He also is concerned about any American pivot away from the continent. We think that American military presence in Europe should be increased and not decreased, he said, we understand that there must be a push for Germany to do more, but a presence in Germany is vital for global security, not only European and Baltic security.

While Germany has yet to achieve the NATO goal of spending 2% of its GDP on the military, Latvia hit the target in 2018, along with its Baltic neighbors Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland.

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Latvia Wants US Troops, And Is Ready To Pay For Them - Breaking Defense

Canadian troops have been forced to hitch a ride with the British military to get to and from Latvia due to a shortage of working planes.

Canada has 540 troops in Latvia, where they form the core of a 1,500-strong multinational battlegroup established by NATO three years ago. Similar battlegroups led by Britain, Germany and the U.S. have been established in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, respectively.

The current Canadian contingent arrived in January and is to be replaced this month. That planned rotation was to include having one of the militarys three CC-150 Polaris planes fly to Latvia Wednesday with around 120 soldiers before returning with a similar number later in the week.

But that was before a problem was found with the Polariss landing gear, according to Defence Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande. And while the other two would normally have filled the gap, Lamirande said they were unavailable, which is why the British were called in to help.

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One Polaris is currently ferrying troops to and from the Middle East, where Canadian troops remain engaged in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The third Polaris which normally serves as the prime ministers plane is out of commission until at least January after a hangar accident last October. Officials have estimated the cost of repairs at around $11 million.

The members originally set to depart from (Canadian Forces Base) Trenton for Latvia on 8 July departed instead on 9 July with the support of the British Royal Air Force, who had an A330 Voyager aircraft available to support the departure from Canada, Lamirande said in an email.

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This aircraft will also bring the approximately 120 returning members home.

The mechanical breakdown is only the latest problem to plague not only the Polaris fleet but also plans to rotate the current contingent of Canadian troops in Latvia.

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A Polaris carrying about 70 Canadian soldiers to Latvia was forced to turn around last week because of concerns those on board might have been exposed to COVID-19.

All military personnel deploying on overseas missions are required to undergo strict quarantine measures to ensure troops do not carry COVID-19 to another country or spread the respiratory illness among their unit.

Despite those precautions, the plane was forced to turn around in midair after the military received word that a civilian contractor at CFB Trenton who may have come in contact with the plane and passengers had tested positive for the illness.

Those who were on board are now in the middle of a second 14-day isolation period.

The NATO battlegroup in Latvia includes troops from eight other countries. It and similar battlegroups in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland were created after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and began to support separatist forces in Ukraines eastern regions.

The battlegroups are designed to defend against a Russian invasion, but their small size means they would almost certainly be overwhelmed in a real war. Instead, their main utility is to deter Russian aggression, with the idea that an attack on one would draw in all of NATO.

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Canadian troops forced to hitch ride with British military to and from Latvia - Globalnews.ca

Officials in the trade bloc have long spoken of a European army in order to push Brussels geopolitical position in the world. Funding for a European Defence Fund has also been included in the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Speaking on Tuesday, the CDU and SCU parliamentary groups foreign policy spokesman, Jurgen Hardt insisted the EU must be more capable of action.

He said: It is important that the EU itself becomes more capable of action and that it cannot only respond effectively to crises in its own neighbourhood, but also act preventively.

Our American friends expect the same from us.

They are less and less willing to play a part in order to regulate regions that they consider to be far away, but which are immediate neighbourhoods for us.

We have to build our own civil-military leadership structure that can control EU operations.

We have to divide the tasks even more clearly among the EU member states, which makes the use of resources more efficient.

And we have to build interoperable weapon systems.

We want to gradually integrate the armed forces of the EU member states so that we create a European army in the long term through an army of Europeans.

The defence scheme would receive 8billion (7.1billion) in the mammoth 1.1trillion MFF.

JUST IN:NASA warning: Europe faces summer drought

This comes despite the EU facing a severe financial crisis following the coronavirus pandemic.

The need, however, has been exaggerated following US President, Donald Trumps persistent criticism of NATO.

NATO was established in 1949 in order to protect Europe against the Soviet Union.

Since he took office, Mr Trump has called on Europes NATO members to contribute more to the alliance.

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Within NATO, allies aim to contribute two percent of GDP into the defence budget.

Currently, only eight European countries pay the two percent limit or more.

At a summit in 2018, Mr Trump urged members to increase contributions to four percent.

Mr Hardt, however, indicated any European army would be to supplement NATO rather than replace it.

He said: NATO is and remains the backbone of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture.

For us as the CDU / CSU parliamentary group, it is clear that the EU will only expand its military structures to complement NATO, not as a duplication or even as an alternative.

We remain firmly anchored in the transatlantic alliance - under the roof of NATO.

EU foreign policy chief, Josep Burrell has also warned the coronavirus will cause greater insecurity in the world.

With that, he urged members to secure the necessary funding for Europes security and defence.

He said: I hope that in this scenario, the resources allocated to the defence and security policy will not diminish."

Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg.

Read more:

EU army plans reignited as Germany demands troops over fears of lacking US support - Express.co.uk

A new NATO infrastructure facility has just opened its doors at the Tapa Base in Estonia. The hub is able to receive and facilitate the onward movement of NATO forces, including the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), and will be used for exercises and prepositioning of equipment. The majority of the project, worth 20 million EUR, has been funded through the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP).

The new infrastructure includes barracks for troop accommodation, storage space for equipment and vehicles, a medical centre and a helipad. The facility will serve as a ready-to-use field camp for short-notice exercises and deployments. It will help ensure the flexibility and rapid movement of NATO forces throughout the territory of Baltic Allies.

The project in Tapa shows burden-sharing in action. It is also an example of Allies meeting the commitments they made at the Wales Summit in 2014 and the Warsaw Summit in 2016, to enhance NATOs ability to quickly and effectively reinforce its Eastern Allies, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

This is just one of more than 200 projects launched by NATO Allies to enable the Readiness Action Plan. Through common funding, infrastructure to support the prepositioning of military supplies, and of reception, staging and training is currently under construction in eight NATO nations.

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funded facility ready to receive and support Allied troops in Estonia - NATO HQ

NATO did not confirm the letter which was first reported by French paper L'Opinion or Frances temporary withdrawal, and a spokesman referred questions to the French government.

The alliances political leaders have struggled to maintain a display of unity in recent years amid at times vicious infighting, including loud gripes by U.S. President Donald Trump over meager military spending and criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron over lack of coordination and Turkish unilateral actions.

"Its a very clear political move that shines a light on the fundamental ambiguity of an anti-smuggling operation that includes smugglers," the French official said in reference to Turkey. "What we are asking for is a clarification of the rules of behavior."

France, which has received little public support from NATO allies in its escalating conflict with Turkey, is making its return to Operation Sea Guardian conditional on four demands: that NATO allies reaffirm their commitment to the arms embargo; outlaw the use of NATO call signs when ships are on national operations; improve coordination between Sea Guardian and the EU Operation IRINI (which is also meant to enforce the Libya embargo); and the setting up of a mechanism to defuse conflict and avoid incidents among allies.

Turkey has been blocking NATO-EU coordination in the enforcement of the embargo in the Mediterranean and is accused of using the NATO call sign while its ships escort cargo transporting vast amounts of weapons to the U.N.-recognized government led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in contravention of a U.N. arms embargo.

On June 10, the French frigate Le Courbet, operating under NATO command, attempted to inquire about the intended destination of a Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship, the Cirkin, but was aggressively barred from doing so by three Turkish naval ships escorting the Cirkin, according to French officials.

The Cirkin was suspected by NATO Maritime Command of transporting weapons to Libya.

According to French officials, the Turkish ships went as far as flashing their radar lights three times in the space of a few seconds, a manoeuvre that usually precedes the firing of weapons. They also said Turkish sailors were seen wearing bullet-proof vests and standing behind their weapons.

But Turkey disputes that version of events and says the NATO investigation does not back France's claims.

"According to the information that I have [the NATO report] is not conclusive," Turkish Ambassador to France Ismal Hakki Musa told a French Senate hearing on Wednesday. "It appears the NATO experts aren't reaching the same conclusion [as the French]."

On June 17 and 18, French Defense Minister Florence Parly lodged a complaint at a NATO ministerial meeting and only got the support of eight allies out of a total of 30, for its criticism of Turkey's behavior. The U.S. and U.K. notably were not among its supporters.

David M. Herszenhorn contributed reporting.

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France pulls out of NATO naval mission in the Mediterranean - Politico

NATO and the United Nations held annual talks virtually on Monday (29 June 2020) with a strong focus on the fight against COVID-19.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, we have intensified our cooperation with the UN as we strive to strengthen the resilience of our societies. As part of a global response, NATO is helping the UN with airlift and other critical capabilities that are greatly needed at this time, said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoan.

He participated in these talks alongside NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Bettina Cadenbach and, on the UN side, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, as well as Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter, NATO and the UN pledged to work together on areas including gendered impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, specialist medical care, and a range of technical areas.

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NATO and the UN hold consultations on COVID-19 response - NATO HQ

Watching the recent military development in Libya, the obvious question is: does the US have a coherent strategy to counter the fast-growing Russian presence in the North African country? It seems it does not.

The US overall strategy, in the entire Middle East and North Africa, appears to be one of retreat. At best, it is built on shambolic ad-hoc steps, rather than on well-designed, pre-planned, consistent geopolitical ones. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his determination to withdraw from regional wars that previous US administrations have engaged in. From Afghanistan to Syria, the US is down-scaling its involvement, if not leaving hotspots, and refraining from any further engagements. In Syria, for example, Russia appears to be having free hand in its own show of geopolitics, while leaving the peripheries to Turkey.

The Trump administration certainly becomes chaotic under pressure. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton in his book describes an incompetent president consistently failing to grasp world affairs. Trump, conforming to his investor mentality, views geopolitics from a short-term cost-benefit analysis, instead of seeing beyond the horizon in a long-term context.

Libya, after Syria, is becoming a stark example of the US administrations failure to come up with policy options to counter its main adversaryRussia. While the US keeps its publicly-stated position of recognising Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) as the only authority in the country, it has so far failed to translate this into meaningful prospective. Lately, the US administration seems to prefer supporting Turkeys widening involvement in Libya, than to take action itself.

READ: The Arab Leagues resolution on Libya: Too much ado about nothing

This is becoming evident in the United States Africa Command AFRICOMs increased contact with the GNA in Tripoli. The command is now leading any US efforts to stand up to Russian activities in Libya, at least by exposing them publicly. While Russia continues to deny having any presence in the country, it has been increasingly bolstering General Khalifa Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA)s fighting capabilities.

AFRICOMs top officer, General Stephen Townsend, and the US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, on 22 June met the GNAs Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj. Little was said about the visit, but AFRICOMs statement did confirm that violence [in Libya] fuels the potential risk of terrorism and that foreign military interference in Libya is neither welcomed nor helpful. Commander Townsend also pointed to the dangers posed by Russian-sponsored Wagner operations, according to the statement. Wagner mercenaries are fighting on the side of the LNA. A week earlier, AFRICOM, in another statement, published photos of what it alleged were Russian fighter jets landing in Libyas Al-Jufra Airbase to help Wagner fighters.

Last February, the GNAs hawkish Minister of Interior Fathi Bashaga offered the US military a military base in Libya, if interested. However, the US seemed uninterested despite the increasing Russian footprints in the North African country. Bashaga was present during the 22 June meetings in Zuwara, west of Tripoli, but did not confirm whether the US followed up on his questionable offer.

Whatever the Russians are doing in Libya, it does have long-term strategic security connotations. Libya, after all, is minutes away from major NATO surveillance and reconnaissance installations in Southern Italy. NATOs Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg just last month expressed the alliances concern about the widening Russian presence in Libya.

But the alliance, particularly its biggest member, the US, seems unable to produce a cogent strategy towards Libya, nine years after it helped to destroy the country. If the US like what Turkey, a NATO member itself, is doing in Libya, viewing it as an extension of a NATO mission there, France, another major NATO member, does not. On 29 June, President Emmanuel Macron accused his Turkish counterpart of playing what he called a dangerous game in Libya. Macron is clearly not concerned with the Russian military activities in Libya, but more about Turkey importing Syrian fighters to Libya. Thousands of Syrian fighters have been brought to the conflict by Ankara, in its efforts to ward off the LNAs now failed attack, to unseat the GNA from the capital of Tripoli.

READ: How Haftar squandered his near secure victory, and why

Paris, accused of supporting Haftars LNA, does not share the US view of the situation in Libya when it comes to Turkeys dominant role in the country. France, after all, under former President Nicolas Sarkozy, led the military intervention in Libya in 2011, eventually toppling the late leader Muammar Gaddafi. Now it wants to be part of any future political settlement of the conflict, however, lacking any clear political strategy to do so, in light of both Turkey and Russias role in the oil-rich country.

If the US believes what Turkey is doing in Libya is in the long-term interests of NATO, it is wrong. Turkey has its own agenda, mainly to become a more assertive force in the Mediterranean regionboth economically and militarily. To President Erdogan, Libya is not about countering Moscows influence in North Africa, but more about having a foothold in the country as a gateway to the entire North Africa and beyond. Over the years, Ankara has been pushing its African policies with investments and other economic projects. Libya, apart from its oil riches, as a gateway to Africa, is critical to such policies. In North Africa, Erdogan is clearly favouring political Islamists in the post-Arab Spring era, and Libya is a good starting point after Islamists lost out in both Egypt and Algeria, while still clinging to power in Tunisia.

Foreign policy issues rarely feature in US presidential elections, and this election year is no exception. President Trump, facing re-election in less than five months, is overwhelmed by domestic issues including racism and economic downturn due to COVID-19, and will certainly forget about Libya and NATO altogether. In the meantime, Moscow is winning the geopolitical game NATO started in Libya nine years earlier.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Link:

Is the US using its NATO ally Turkey to counter Russia in Libya? - Middle East Monitor

COLOGNE, Germany The first of five new NATO surveillance drones began test flights over the Mediterranean Sea this month, nudging the alliance toward a new capability meant to relieve the demand for U.S. equipment.

The flights took off from Sigonella air base in Sicily, Italy, the future headquarters of the Northrop Grumman-made Global Hawks of the Alliance Ground Surveillance program. The planes are owned by a collective of 15 NATO members.

The alliances supreme allied commander for Europe, a job currently filled by U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, has tasking authority over the new capability. The North Atlantic Council also gets a say in cases of missions outside of NATO territory.

The first two drones arrived late last year. Officials expect the rest of the fleet to make the trip from the manufacturers facilities in Palmdale, California, throughout the summer.

Earlier this spring, travel restrictions spurred by the spread of the novel coronavirus had raised the possibility of a delay in getting the initial plane approved for its flight schedule. But the Italian government allowed a team of Northrop specialists into Italy in late May for acceptance testing, a key step in obtaining an airworthiness certificate for the drone.

COVID-related delays ended up only being a few weeks, but nothing that significant, Camille Grand, NATOs assistant secretary general for defense investment, told Defense News in an interview, referring to the coronavirus disease. We are now moving to a pattern of regular flight to enable the force to use the drone.

Officials have been tight-lipped about exactly where they intend to use the aircraft once they are fully operational.

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You can imagine missions of looking into the situation on NATOs borders, Grand said. Both in the south, in the Middle East or the east. The drones enable you to collect intelligence beyond your airspace.

While the initial aircraft has already completed at least one nine-hour flight over the Mediterranean Sea, it remains to be seen if the the aircraft can get clearance from Italian regulators to fly over land, where air traffic is more crowded and a mishap could be catastrophic.

The general idea is to use the Italian airworthiness approval to fly anywhere. The beauty of the European airspace is that once your are certified in Italy, you can fly across the European airspace, Grand said.

He noted that the certification currently in effect is provisional, and that the scope of the process is likely to expand over time.

For now, high-flying military surveillance drones traversing the continent must obtain permission from national airspace authorities for a restricted flight corridor to protect nearby civilian traffic. Such is the case, for example, when U.S. unmanned aircraft fly reconnaissance missions close to the Baltics.

The Alliance Ground Surveillance programs ambition is to lift any limitations, Grand said. It is a very interesting and fascinating challenge because it is the first time ever that we are incorporating those Global Hawks in what is usually a crowded airspace on a permanent basis.

Original post:

NATO's new surveillance drone begins test flights over the Mediterranean - DefenseNews.com

The United States Navy dock landing ship USS Oak Hill joined the guided missile destroyer USS Porter in the Black Sea on Thursday (18 June 2020) for maritime security operations and to train with Allies and partners in the region. Porter entered the Black Sea on Wednesday.

NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu welcomed the deployment, saying: The Black Sea is of strategic importance to NATO. Since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea, the Alliance has increased its presence in the region. This includes maritime security operations such as this one, as well as training for partner navies and coast guards, and information sharing. By working with Allies and partners, we continue to ensure the security of the Black Sea region.

The arrival of the USS Oak Hill marks the fourth time a US Navy ship patrols the Black Sea in 2020. The two vessels will not be making any port calls in the region, but stay at sea to avoid any potential COVID-19 exposure. The US Navy and other NATO navies routinely operate in the Black Sea, consistent with international law, patrolling the waters for around two-thirds of the year.

Three NATO members Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey are littoral Black Sea states, with their own forces in the region. NATO is also strengthening support for its partners Georgia and Ukraine. In April, NATO Foreign Ministers agreed to conduct more Black Sea exercises with both countries, as well as stepping up joint work to counter hybrid warfare and share more air traffic radar data.

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NATO Allied ships patrol in the Black Sea - NATO HQ