Russian Strategic Subs to Resume Routine World Patrols
“On June 1 or a bit later we will resume constant patrolling of the world’s oceans by strategic nuclear submarines,” Vysotsky said at a meeting with naval personnel on Friday.
Putin Slams U.S. Missile Shield Ahead of Munich Security Talks
In a documentary aired by Russian state television on the eve of a global security conference in Munich, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin reiterated his confidence that U.S. missile shield plans were aimed at undermining Russia’s defense capabilities.
Which it is... since it's creation in 1980. If NATO is truly not aiming it against Russia, it should share the technology and have a shared command of it.
Disposal of Russian Third Generation Nuclear Subs Suspended
Russia has decided to suspend the planned disposal of third-generation strategic nuclear submarines currently in service with the Navy, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday.
Which is way cheaper than building new ones... especially when they have lots of problems with the new BMS class.
No S-400 Missile Exports Before 2015
Russia has no plans to export S-400 Triumf air-defense systems before 2015 and may not start deliveries to Belarus and Kazakhstan until after 2014, a state-controlled arms exporter said on Thursday.
Russia needs it first... and they need the S-500 to be ready before giving the S-400...
Russian Navy to Receive Mistral Warship in 3 Years
The first Mistral class amphibious assault ship will be put in service with the Russian Navy in 36 months, Russian Navy Commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said on Wednesday.
And it'll be mainly used against the islands contested with Japan.
Russia to Build 6 Submarines Annually – Deputy PM
Russia will start producing six submarines and one aircraft carrier annually starting in 2013, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday.
Total bull. No way. I would bet 100k that they have not produced one aircraft carrier and 6 subs by January 1 2014. Especially because of this :
The Shame Of The Russian Navy
The new Russian Graney (Yasen) class SSGN (nuclear powered cruise missile sub) has been delayed yet again. Undisclosed problems with the first Graney have postponed it from entering service for at least a year. That will mean, if the latest delay is the last one, the first Graney will enter service twenty years after construction began. These problems are not restricted to the Graney, as other new sub designs are also encountering numerous construction and design problems.
Russia, NATO May Hold Missile Defense Drills in March
Russia and NATO are planning to hold joint computer-simulated missile defense exercises in Germany in March, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday.
Moscow Sees No Progress on European Missile Defense
There has been no shift on the issue of a European missile defense system, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
Russia to build space defense missiles
Two plants to manufacture space-defense missiles will be built in central Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
“The exact timetable for the drills has not been determined yet,” Antonov said. “I think we may aim for March.”
The NATO meeting on May 15-22 will be key... well not really since according to the news I just posted, Russia doesn't plan on a ``deal``... they are going forward with their retaliatory buildup against the missile shield.
*U.S. IS `DISGUSTED' WITH RUSSIA, AMBASSADOR RICE SAYS AT UN
Which ain't good for relations... especially coming from the US government which are total hypocrites after all the dictatorships and coup d'état they have sponsored in the last 50 years.
Russia arms exports rise to $10.7 billion in 2011
Russia's foreign arms exports rose to a value of $10.7 billion (8.2 billion euros) in 2011 despite a ban on weapons sales to its former important client Libya, the state arms export agency said Thursday.
Good luck with 2012...
Russia to Modernize 30 Tu-22M3 Bombers by 2020
About 30 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from Russia's Long Range Aviation fleet will be modernized by 2020, Russian Air Force spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Tuesday.
Strategic bombers... you know, used in nuclear war.
Putin declines to host China's future premier: report
Vladimir Putin has refused to host a top Chinese official tipped to become China's next prime minister due to his busy agenda ahead of polls putting a strain on bilateral ties, a newspaper said Wednesday.
NATO to base missile shield command in Germany
NATO will locate the command centre for its US-led missile shield at the alliance air base in Ramstein, Germany, a diplomat told AFP on Thursday.
Still no referendum on that missile shield.
Bulava Enters Hasty Production
Russia has ordered mass production of the new Bulava SLBM (Sea Launched Ballistic Missile). The exact number of missiles was not disclosed but the order covered deliveries for the next eight years. The Bulava is only used in the new Borei SSBN (nuclear submarine carrying SLBMs). Each Borei carries 16 Bulavas and you need some spares for testing, maintenance, and such. Reloads are not an issue. So there will have to be about 18 Bulavas per Borei. There are currently two Boreis built and waiting for their Bulava missiles. Six more Boreis are to be built, indicating the need for over a hundred Bulavas before the end of the decade.
Russia Pulls Out of S.Korea Fighter Tender
Russia's main military aircraft maker has decided not to take part in South Korea’s largest-ever arms tender, for a new fighter aircraft, The Korea Times said on Monday citing the country’s military procurement authorities.
The winner of the FX-III tender will sign a $7.3-billion deal to supply 60 advanced fighter jets with stealth capability for South Korea’s Air Force.
That is weird. I mean, that's a lot of money... maybe Russia's government didn't want technology leak to the US?
Russia, Mongolia Plan Joint Military Drills
A Russian Army delegation has started a five-day visit to Mongolia to discuss preparations for a joint exercise, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
I'm sure China is thrilled...
Lithuania faults Russia over missile plan on EU borders
Lithuania on Wednesday challenged Russian moves to deploy missiles on the EU's borders, which Moscow claims are meant to offset a planned US anti-missile shield in eastern Europe.
"Russia has been strengthening and modernising its armed forces in a western direction for some time, so there's no reason to link this to discussions on missile defence," defence ministry spokeswoman Ugne Naujokaityte told AFP.
Russian Military to Beef Up Special Forces in N. Caucasus
The Russian Defense Ministry will deploy additional units of Special Forces (spetsnaz) to the North Caucasus to strengthen security in the region, the ministry said on Thursday.
Russia to Modernize All Military Airfields by 2020
All of Russia’s military airfields will be upgraded and modernized by 2020, Defense Ministry spokesman Col Vladimir Drik said on Thursday.
Russia to Field Air-Launched Missiles for T-50 by 2014
Russia will complete development of advanced tactical air-launched missile systems for the Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter within the next two years, the head of the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV), Boris Obnosov, told RIA Novosti.
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Korea :
S. Korean envoy optimistic over nuclear talks with N. Korea
Despite harsh North Korean rhetoric, South Korea's top nuclear envoy expressed hope Friday of encouraging the North's new leadership to return to six-party talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
U.S. dismisses N. Korea's dialogue preconditions
The U.S. State Department gave a terse response Thursday to North Korea's demands for South Korea to offer an apology as a precondition for dialogue.
North Korea calls for reunification effort
The head North Korea's reunification negotiating committee called on ex-patriot Koreans to put aside their differences and work for reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
+1
N.Korean Business Zones to Be Included in FTA with China
The government apparently wants to include the Rajin-Sonbong and Hwanggumpyong special economic zones as external manufacturing regions in free trade talks with China, it emerged on Thursday. Seoul would give the same tariff benefits to products manufactured in the two areas that were given to goods made in the Kaesong Industrial Complex in the South Korea-ASEAN FTA that went into effect in 2007.
N. Korea blasts upcoming S. Korea-U.S. military drills
South Korea and the U.S. plan to jointly stage major military maneuvers, called Key Resolve, from Feb. 27 to March 9, with about 200,000 South Korean and 2,100 U.S. troops participating.
Annual drill, but a big one. Largest ever apparently.
N. Korea planning large military parade this year: official
North Korea has been preparing for a large military parade for this spring since before the death of its former leader Kim Jong-il, a government official here said Monday.
The official added the North's military may be targeting the 100th birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung, on April 15, or the 80th founding anniversary of the military on April 25.
China decided on food, oil aid for N. Korea after Kim's death: report
China will provide 500,000 tons of food and 250,000 tons of crude oil to North Korea following the death last month of former leader Kim Jong-il, a news report said Monday.
Good... 250 000 tons of oil : 68 million gallons of oil. Let's see this in military terms. US usage of oil in 2007 : 15 gal./day/soldier. Let's say North Korea were to use half of that, 68 million gallon + reserves...9 days of war + for 1 million soldiers. Probably not enough to take Seoul. With that much oil, you could run 10 B-52s for 17 days. (3300 gal./hr)
I don't think this will be used in a war, I'm just saying.
No 'significant' change to U.S. troops in Korea: Adm. Willard
The head of the U.S. Pacific Command said Friday that there will be no "significant" change in the scale and role of American troops in South Korea despite the Pentagon's plan to cut budgets and slash the number of ground troops.
First Blood
In the last month, newly anointed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has visited at least six military units, with photos and videos for the media to prove it. This is all about portraying Kim Jong Un as in control. The reality is somewhat different but it's hard to tell exactly who is calling the shots up north now.
What the government is trying to do is convince the people that all is well and under control. To that end free food is being distributed, with everyone getting at least three days rations. In areas where the people are seen as more unreliable five days' worth is being provided. In past decades such distributions led to a spike in pro-government feelings, for a while anyway.
N. Korea renews commitment to gas pipeline project with Russia
Top North Korean officials have vowed to move ahead with an ambitious project to build a pipeline through their isolated country to ship Siberian gas to South Korea.
S. Korea sends first flour aid to N. Korea since Kim Jong-il's death
A South Korean charity group on Friday delivered the first flour aid to North Korea since the death of the North's former leader Kim Jong-il.
Police brace for N.K. provocation ahead of nuclear summit, elections
South Korea's police said Friday the chance of military provocations from North Korea are high ahead of Seoul's global summit in March and two major elections this year.
Elections in April and December.
N. Korea-China trade jumps 62 pct in 2011: data
Two-way trade between North Korea and China jumped 62 percent in 2011 from the previous year, with the North doubling its exports of minerals to its major ally, data showed Tuesday.
N.K. leader's frequent military visits spawn speculation
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's repeated visits to the military may be a sign of weakness rather than strength, as the new leader desperately seeks to foster loyalty within the key backbone of the regime, analysts in Seoul said Tuesday.
S. Korea says ball is in North Korea's court
South Korea's point man on North Korea pressed Pyongyang Wednesday to move toward bilateral talks with a commitment to change the policies that have deepened its isolation and worsened its economy for decades.
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Philippines :
Philippines battles rebels after air strike
Philippine troops battled Muslim extremists on a remote southern island on Friday where a day earlier three of Southeast Asia's top terror suspects were killed in a US-backed air strike, the army said.
Philippines flags greater US military presence
The Philippines announced plans on Friday to allow a greater US military presence on its territory, in a move analysts said was directly aimed at trying to contain a rising China.
Protest against greater US role in Philippines
Philippine activists picketed the US embassy on Saturday and burned a cardboard American flag and mock stealth bomber, vowing to launch a campaign opposing a plan to allow more US troops in the country.
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Taiwan :
Taiwan official expects smooth times with China
A Taiwanese official predicted Wednesday that China would maintain a conciliatory stance with Taipei, saying that likely next leader Xi Jinping has experience dealing with the self-ruling island.
Well as long as you lick boots, of course you will have good relations.
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India :
Old weapons, new threats fuel India's military build-up
India's planned purchase of 126 fighters from France's Dassault marks the latest stage in a huge military procurement cycle that has turned the world's largest democracy into its biggest arms importer.
The final Dassault contract is expected to be worth $12 billion and India is preparing further big ticket purchases over the coming years, including of helicopters and artillery.
In a report to be published next week, Jane's Defence Weekly forecasts that India's aggregate defence procurement spending between 2011 and 2015 will top $100 billion.
But others sense a more combative impulse, driven by the military modernisation efforts of its rivals and neighbours Pakistan and China, as well as the need to secure energy resources and supply lines outside its borders.
"The Indian military is strengthening its forces in preparation to fight a limited conflict along the disputed border, and is working to balance Chinese power projection in the Indian Ocean," Clapper said.
Ya think?
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Pakistan :
Pakistan signals imminent end to NATO blockade
Pakistan signalled on Thursday that it could shortly end a more than two-month blockade on NATO supplies entering Afghanistan for foreign forces.
They want their US aid.
Rockets hit Pakistan academy near bin Laden home
Attackers on Friday fired rockets at Pakistan's top military academy, damaging its outer wall in a major security breach near the home where Osama bin Laden lived for years, officials said.
Like attacking West Point...quite a big deal.
Thousands of NATO trucks in Pakistan backlog
Two months into Pakistan's blockade on NATO supplies crossing into Afghanistan, thousands of trucks are crowding the port in Karachi where drivers, fed up with waiting, are starting to desert.
He says more than a thousand trucks are stranded in Karachi. In addition, there are containers and military vehicles -- about 5,000 according to a count provided by the authorities in early January.
Generals Versus Judges
In Pakistan, angry generals have forced (via threats of a coup) the president to retract a lot of his open criticism of the military. A month ago, the president had spoken openly of the military as a "state within a state" and criticized generals for illegal acts. The generals then spoke vaguely, but ominously, of serious consequences for such talk. Cooler heads prevailed and the president and the generals met and agreed to back off on threats to reduce economic and political power of the military. But the Supreme Court has continued to examine recent abuses (murdering prisoners) by military intelligence (ISI). This is dangerous stuff, as the ISI has been behind most of the government support for Islamic terrorism.
Pakistan to decide on US relations, fate of NATO routes
The first week of February 2012 will be crucial for strained US-Pakistan relations as a joint session of the Parliament of Pakistan is going to decide fate of NATO supply routes into Afghanistan.
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Indonesia :
Russia to Sell 60 Armored Vehicles to Indonesia
Russia is set to sell up to 60 infantry fighting vehicles to Indonesia in a deal worth more than $100 million, the Izvestia newspaper cited an unnamed military source as saying on Tuesday.
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Myanmar :
Myanmar denies trying to obtain N. Korean nukes
Myanmar President Thein Sein has denied his country is trying to obtain nuclear weapons from North Korea, describing allegations of a covert programme as "unfounded".
Riiiight... wouldn't surprise me if the generals before him tried to.
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China :
US seeks greater military ties with China
The US commander handling Asia on Friday called for greater military relations with China, saying that dialogue between the Pacific powers has not advanced beyond broad strategic issues.
+1
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Japan :
Tanaka pushes for 2012 move of Futenma
Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka reiterated his hopes that the U.S. Marine Corps Station Futenma can be relocated soon to Okinawa's Henoko coastal area.
+1
China Invades Japan
The Japanese Air Force is having a harder time keeping foreign aircraft out of Japanese air space. For the last nine months of 2011, Japan aircraft were scrambled an average of 37 times a month to intercept foreign aircraft coming into, or very close to, Japanese air space. Nearly 43 percent of the time the sorties were for Chinese aircraft. That's almost three times as many Chinese intrusions as in the previous year. Meanwhile, Russian intrusions declined 25 percent compared to 2010. Russia still accounted for 52 percent of the intrusions, but the way things are going China will soon be the major offender. The Japanese believe that cause of this shift is more electronic and maritime patrol aircraft available to the Chinese and a desire to gather as much information as possible about the strongest potential foe in the area.
edit on 4-2-2012 by Vitchilo
because: (no reason given)
edit on 4-2-2012 by Vitchilo because: (no reason given)
