Defense Technology International – Leopold I Leaves for Lebanon
The Belgian frigate Leopold I will be the flagship of the UN Interim Force In Lebanon Maritime Task Force (UNIFIL MTF) between 1 March and 31 May. The Leopold I will leave the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on 16 February to relieve the French frigate De Grasse, the current flagship of the UNIFIL MTF.
Straits Times – SAF joins anti-piracy patrol
The Republic of Singapore Navy will join international efforts to tackle piracy and protect ships that sail through the Gulf of Aden.
Associated Press – Russia sending more ships, scientists to Arctic
Russia will modernize its icebreaker fleet and station more researchers in the Arctic as part of its push to stake its claim to the vast resources of the disputed polar region, a presidential envoy said Thursday.
Wall Street Journal – Satellites Destroyed in Orbital Collision
A commercial satellite owned by a U.S. company was destroyed in a collision with a defunct Russian spy satellite in what NASA said was the first in-orbit spacecraft collision, raising new concerns about the dangers of space debris.
Virginian Pilot – Norfolk-based cruiser captures seven suspected pirates
The Norfolk-based cruiser USS Vella Gulf apprehended seven men suspected of staging a pirate attack on a merchant ship on Wednesday in the Gulf of Aden, marking the Navy’s first successful interdiction since the establishment of a new anti-piracy force last month.
BBC – Taking on Somalia’s pirates
Somali pirates are poised for renewed attacks on shipping off the coast of Somalia, according to the Royal Navy’s Cdr Gerry Northwood, the head of operations for the EU’s anti-piracy taskforce, codenamed Operation Atalanta.
The Space Review – Ike’s gambit: The development and operations of the KH-7 and KH-8 spy satellites
The Space Review – Ike’s gambit: The KH-8 reconnaissance satellite
While there are considerable details now available about one of the earliest US spy satellite programs, CORONA, far less is known about another early program, GAMBIT.
Washington Post – A Military Tactician’s Political Strategy
The second excerpt from Tom Ricks’ new book on the surge entitled “The Gamble:”
In defending the troop increase, General Petraeus paved the way for a “long war.”
RIA Novosti – Russian frigate returns home after anti-piracy duty off Somalia
The Russian missile frigate Neustrashimy, which took part in the anti-pirate operations in the Gulf of Aden, returned to its home port of Baltiysk.
Washington Post – The Dissenter Who Changed the War
The first excerpt from Tom Ricks’ new book on the surge in Iraq, entitled “The Gamble:”
As the No. 2 commander in Iraq, Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno challenged the military establishment, pressing for the case for a “surge” of U.S. troops and a long-term strategy to guide them.
Foreign Affairs – The Great Crash, 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West
The financial crisis has called into serious question the credibility of western governments and may precipitate an eastward shift of power.
Daily Telegraph – Harrier dispute between Navy and RAF chiefs sees Army ‘marriage counsellor’ called in
The Defence Secretary John Hutton has been forced to call in an Army general to act as a “marriage counsellor” to resolve a bitter dispute between the heads of the Royal Navy and RAF over the future of the Harrier jump jet.
Associated Press – US Navy watches as Somali pirates nab $3.2 million
As U.S. Navy ships looked on, Somali pirates sped away Thursday with $3.2 million in ransom after releasing an arms-laden Ukrainian freighter — ending a four-month standoff that focused world attention on piracy off Somalia’s lawless coast.
Air Force – Ups and Downs of Space Radars
Jeffrey T. Richelson writes that the Air Force and NRO have been hacking at this project for nearly 50 years now.
Daily Telegraph – Asbestos-laden warship to set sail for Britain
A French warship deemed too toxic to be broken up in India is to set sail for Britain to be dismantled.
New York Times – Google Earth Fills Its Watery Gaps
Google Earth adds the world’s oceans to its database.
Defense Technology International – JHSV Multi-Mission Ship: the Real Threat to LCS
Is the Joint High Speed Vessel a competitor to the Littoral Combat Ship?
Defense Technology International – France’s Newest Ballistic Missile-Carrying Sub Starts Sea-Trials
The French Navy announced today that its new Triomphant class ballistic missile-carrying submarine, Le Terrible, had its first sea outing on Monday (Jan.26) off the coast of Cherbourg in northern France.
Virginian Pilot – Top admiral ready for fight over carrier site
The Navy’s top admiral signaled Friday that he’s prepared for a fight over plans to relocate a Norfolk-based aircraft carrier to Florida and insisted that the shift is “in the best interest of the nation.”
Economist – Losing their way?
A realistic analysis of the current state of affairs of the British military: The British army suffers from lack of soldiers, lack of money and lack of conviction
Economist – Overstretched, overwhelmed and over there
Seven years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan have exposed Britain’s military failings. It can and must do better.
Wall Street Journal – Hijacked on the High Seas
When Somali pirates attacked, they kicked off 56 days of drama over the fate of a ship and 28 crewmen. A fascinating piracy case study…
Defense Technology International – Hyperbolic Arsenal
Does the Iranian Navy have access to the Russian Shkval supercavitating torpedo?
Defense Technology International – Malaysia Takes Delivery of Its First Ever Submarine
Malaysia took delivery today of its first ever submarine: a Scorpene built by French military shipyard DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipyard Navantia.
BBC – On board Navy’s new hi-tech ship
A look at HMS Daring, the first of six Type 45 Anti Air Warfare Destroyers in production for the Royal Navy.
Associated Press – Arctic’s thaw brings security risks for NATO
NATO will need a military presence in the Arctic as global warming melts frozen sea routes and major powers rush to lay claim to lucrative energy reserves, the military bloc’s chief said Thursday.
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