Americas Navy will need significantly more money if its going to keep up with Chinas growing navy, U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said Thursday at the 2021 Aspen Security Forum in Washington, D.C.
How much more? About three to five percent above inflation if its to reach its 355-ship target ratified by Congress in 2018. And thats especially notable because the Navys budget was essentially flat this year, Defense Ones Caitlin Kenney reports. Flat how? The service asked for $211.7 billion in 2022, including $22.6 billion for shipbuilding procurement. Even taking those together, the total is less than what the Navy received in 2021.
Del Toro also wants Congress to stop buying F/A-18 Super Hornets so the Navy can add more F-35 Lightning IIs, which he said were better able to meet the significantly increasing capabilities of the Chinese. Continue reading, here.
Also on Thursday: The Navy fired the captain and two other leaders of the USS Connecticut for loss of confidence after the submarine hit an underwater mountain in the South China Sea, the service announced in a statement.
Background: A command investigation into the Oct. 2 incident found that the Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine grounded on an uncharted seamount while operating in international waters, U.S. 7th Fleet said Monday. The grounding injured 11 sailors and damaged the ballast tanks in the submarines forward section, and now the vessel is in Guam for damage assessment. Its expected to return to its homeport of Bremerton, Washington, for repairs. Defense Ones Caitlin Kenney has more on that one, here.
Navy Secretary Seeks 3-5% Annual Budget Increases // Caitlin M. Kenney: I think more members of Congress understand the real threat that China presents, Del Toro said.
New Tech Will Erode Nuclear Deterrence. The US Must Adapt // Barry Pavel and Christian Trotti: A nuclear-only review cant properly assess sensors and weapons from hypersonics to directed energy.
Navy Fires Commander, Other Leaders of Damaged Submarine // Caitlin M. Kenney: A separate safety investigation is still proceeding into the Oct. 2 grounding of USS Connecticut.
Welcome to this Friday edition of The D Brief from Ben Watson and Jennifer Hlad. If youre not already subscribed to The D Brief, you can do that here. On this day in 1925, a multi-lingual adventurer who came to be known as an ace of spies, Sidney George Reilly, was executed near Moscow after linking up with a group he thought were anti-Bolsheviks, but who were in fact intelligence agents running a counter-spy operation. Reillys life and exploits would later inform Ian Flemmings famous James Bond character, who debuted in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale.
Turkish protesters put a hood over the head of a U.S. Navy civilian in Istanbul this week during a port visit by the USS Mount Whitney. Seventeen of the protesters were later detained for the stunt on Wednesday, which was captured in video for maximum social media outrage here, and meant as a protest of U.S. military support for YPG fighters inside Syria, according to Reuters.
FWIW: The Istanbul protesters, known as the Turkey Youth Union, or TGB, carried out a similar act in 2014 by putting a hood over the head of U.S. soldiers returning from an exercise in the Black Sea region, Reuters reminds us.With some perhaps understandable restraint, heres how the U.S. Navys Sixth Fleet described at least some of Wednesdays developments in a statement the following day: While in Istanbul, Mount Whitneys crew, as well as members of the embarked SIXTHFLT and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO staff, had the opportunity to enjoy Istanbuls rich culture and history while interacting with local Turkish citizens through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation tours.Update: The USS Mount Whitney and its international crew are now patrolling the Black Sea, the U.S. Navy announced Thursday.From the region: Romania, Ukraine say more troops needed on the Black Sea, via Defense News, reporting Thursday.
The White House just authorized $650 million in missile sales to the Saudis, the State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced Thursday after its obligatory notification to Congress.One motivating factor: Weve seen an increase in cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Bureau tweeted Thursday after the announcement.Involved: As many as 280 AIM-120C-7/C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, which are expected to be used to at least in part to help thwart the persistent [drone] attacks that have put U.S. forces at risk and threatened the more than 70,000 U.S. citizens in the Kingdom, a State Department official said Thursday, isolating Iranian-backed Houthi air attacks, in particular. A bit more, here.
All 24 female U.S. senators have urged President Biden to craft a plan to protect women and girls in Afghanistan. Kabuls former government, while flawed, was bound by a constitution that promoted human rights, and freedom of speech and assembly for both women and men, the senators write in their letter. But more recently, of course, Taliban leaders who promised that women would be treated well under the new government are not upholding those commitments.Afghan women and girls need our action now, they write, adding, We request and look forward to a briefing from the administration on your plan. Read over the full one-page letter (PDF), here.
Theres at least one technology application in which Russia seems a bit ahead of the rest of the world. Its called nuclear-powered residential heating, and Russian officials are pioneering its use in the arctic port town of Pevek, which is close-ish to Alaska and has a population of about 4,500 people, the New York Times Andrew Kramer reported Friday.One reason this matters: It could reduce fossil fuel use at a time when the world is seeking adaptations to the challenges posed by climate change.Another reason it matters: American, Chinese, and French companies are now mulling a similar application of small nuclear reactors (GE and Westinghouse, in the U.S. instances). In Peveks case, the residents are using power generated from a floating reactor facility called Akademik Lomonosov and thats almost as large as a city block.Like Chinas new use of the old Soviet orbital bombardment system, Russias use of small reactors also harkens back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. And in fact, Kramer writes, The United States operated a barge-based reactor to electrify the Panama Canal Zone from 1968 to 1976, and Sweden used nuclear heating in a suburb of Stockholm from 1963 to 1974. The U.S. military is even trying to obtain one small enough to fit in a Conex box. Continue reading, here.
The U.S. has a National Space Council, and it is holding its first meeting on Dec. 1, SpaceNews reports Friday. Vice President Kamala Harris will direct the meeting, which is expected to take place at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, near Greenbelt, Maryland. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is also expected to attend.If this sounds somehow both old and new, thats because The council was revived by the Trump administration in 2017 after nearly a quarter-century of dormancy, according to SpaceNews. More here.
And finally today: RIP, Colin Powell. President Joe Biden will join two of Americas previous commanders-in-chief at the private funeral of Colin Powell, scheduled for noon Friday at the Washington National Cathedral.POTUS44 and 43 are expected to attend, along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Wall Street Journal reports in a preview.
Have a safe weekend, everyone. And well see you again on Monday!
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Today's D Brief: USN needs more $, says SecNav; US, NATO in the Black Sea; $650m in missile sales to the Saudis; And a bit more. - Defense One
- Trump says he'd 'encourage' Russia to attack NATO allies who don't pay their bills - NPR - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump suggests he'd disregard NATO treaty, urge Russian attacks on allies - The Washington Post - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- 'You got to pay!': Trump threatens to 'encourage' Russia to attack NATO allies behind on payments - FRANCE 24 English - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says Russia can do what it wants to Nato allies who pay too little - Financial Times - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- White House calls Trump comments on NATO appalling and unhinged - The Hill - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says Russia could do 'whatever the hell they want' to NATO countries that don't pay their share - Yahoo News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump Says He Gave NATO Allies Warning: Pay In or He'd Urge Russian Aggression - The New York Times - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- White House says Trump comments on refusing to back NATO allies 'unhinged' - The Times of Israel - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- NATO allies warn Hungary not to hold up Sweden's membership as US patience wears thin - The Associated Press - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump comments on Russia, NATO 'appalling and unhinged' -White House - Yahoo News Canada - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- NATO Allies Pressure Hungary Over Blocking Sweden's Accession - Voice of America - VOA News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says he warned NATO: Pay in or he'd tell Russia 'to do whatever the hell they want' - The Spokesman Review - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Vladimir Putin on invading Poland, the war in Ukraine, American 'spies' and Russia joining NATO - Sky News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says he would support Russia in attacking NATO allies who dont pay' up - Hindustan Times - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says he will encourage Russia to attack NATO states that pay too little - Ukrainska Pravda - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Orbn's party boycotts a session of Hungary's parliament to further stall Sweden's bid to join NATO - The Associated Press - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- US, NATO Reaffirm Need to Support Ukraine - Voice of America - VOA News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Shocking moment Donald Trump tells cheering crowd he would encourage Russia to ATTACK fellow NATO members for - Daily Mail - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defense or Russia can 'do whatever the hell they want' - WV News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump threatens to 'encourage' attack of NATO members behind on payments - Port Lavaca Wave - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- NATO, Gaza, and the future of US-Turkish relations - European Council on Foreign Relations - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict demands American diplomacy without NATO overreach - The Hill - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Putin tells Tucker Carlson Bill Clinton agreed that Russia could join NATO - WION - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump is slammed for encouraging Russia to attack NATO allies who 'don't pay their dues', with White House bra - Daily Mail - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Trump comments on Russia and NATO appalling and unhinged, says White House spokesperson - Firstpost - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Now we are not safe: Swedens Kurds fear Nato deal has sold them out - The Guardian - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Germany urges Orbn to ratify Sweden's NATO bid as 'a matter of loyalty' - POLITICO Europe - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Ukraine's Military to Receive Double Boost From NATO Allies - Newsweek - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg calls on Europe to ramp up arms production - The Hindu - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Nato chief urges Europe to ramp up arms production to avoid 'decades' of conflict with Russia - The Telegraph - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Russia likely upping jamming on NATO countries to test them: general - Business Insider - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Can NATO and the EU Survive and Thrive? - Gallup - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- NATO chief in DC trying to get blood from a stone - Responsible Statecraft - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- For Europe and NATO, a Russian Invasion Is No Longer Unthinkable - The New York Times - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Sen. Menendez Questions Witnesses During SFRC Subcommittee Hearing About the Possible Process for Ukraine to ... - Senator Menendez - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- NATO should be ambitious with its new Southern Flank Strategy - Atlantic Council - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Hungary parliament to meet on Monday at opposition request with Sweden's NATO bid on agenda - Reuters - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Pressure Grows on Hungary to Approve Swedens NATO Bid - Voice of America - VOA News - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Opinion | As war risks mount, Europe is sluggish to response - The Washington Post - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Opinion | How the E.U. and NATO should respond to Hungarys authoritarian Orban - The Washington Post - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- NATO chief warns 'Taiwan could be tomorrow' at Trump bastion - Nikkei Asia - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- ARTHUR CYR: NATO The Enduring Alliance | Opinion | henryherald.com - Henry Herald - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- NATO chief talks up alliance role in advancing US interests at think tank favored by Trump - Stars and Stripes - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Diplomacy Watch: NATO membership still on the table? - Responsible Statecraft - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- When will Sweden join NATO? | Opinion - Deseret News - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Trump hates NATO: Would he leave Canada out in the cold? - GZERO Media - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- China will learn that using force works if Russia prevails: NATO chief - Business Insider - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- NATO newcomer Finland's presidential election is headed for a runoff - NPR - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Letter | The US and NATO let 'never again' happen again in Ukraine - The Daily Progress - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Why Turkey Waited to Approve Sweden's NATO Membership - Foreign Policy - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Coalition of Three: BiH is grateful for all NATO Support - Sarajevo Times - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Former NATO head: Russia, Ukraine will have moment for potential negotiation after 2024 election - The Hill - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Code Red: How Russia Conquers the Baltics - Center for European Policy Analysis - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Orban Escalates Standoff Over Sweden's Accession to NATO - Yahoo News - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Trump Unleashes His Doubts On NATO: 'We Don't Get So Much Out Of It' - Yahoo News - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Putin to visit NATO member Turkey on 12 February - EURACTIV - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Turkey Acquiesced on Sweden Because It Needs the West - Foreign Policy - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Ex-NATO chief says war in Ukraine could end just like the Korean War - Business Insider - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Secretary General in Florida: NATO makes the United States stronger and more secure - European Interest - February 3rd, 2024 [February 3rd, 2024]
- Sweden's accession will make 'a lot of improvements' to NATO: Swedish FM Billstrm - Talking Europe - FRANCE 24 English - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Sweden says Hungary sticking to promise over NATO accession - Reuters - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- In Russia's Kaliningrad, isolation and diminished threat to NATO - Stars and Stripes - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- He helped get Finns into NATO, now he gets them dancing. Will DJ Pexi be president? - Reuters - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Fears of a NATO Withdrawal Rise as Trump Seeks a Return to Power - Yahoo News - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- France is beefing up its support at NATO's eastern flank - The Economist - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO impressed by Israel's genocide tech - The Electronic Intifada - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Ukraine will get the US aid it needs, former Nato envoy predicts - The National - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO raises the military budget for 2024 to EUR 2.03 bn - TVP World - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO selects companies for innovation hub | Shephard - Shephard News - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Nato Dating: A new dating trend in town - WION - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- GE wins contract to study propulsion options for NATO next-generation helicopter - Flightglobal - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO Dating: Decoding the Gen-Z relationship trend - WION - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO Ally Fears Russian Invasion and Possible 'Defensive' War - Newsweek - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Erdogan Ally Links Sweden's NATO Bid to Gaza War in New Hurdle - Bloomberg - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- 'Ukraine will become a member of NATO when all allies agree, and conditions are met' Biden - Yahoo News - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO's Strategy Of Constructive Anarchism Fuels Endless Wars OpEd - Eurasia Review - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO agrees 2024 Budgets, demonstrating Allied Solidarity - Sarajevo Times - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO Raises Concerns Over Proposed Menthol Ban With Federal Officials - CSNews Online - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO increases military budget by 12% to 2.03 billion euros - News.Az - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- NATO scouts for defense startups with help of three Boston women - The Boston Globe - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]