5 New Messages
Digest #4633
Messages
Tue Feb 19, 2013 5:55 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
February 18, 2013
NATO defense ministers to meet on Afghanistan on Friday
KABUL: The defense ministers of the NATO and other troop contributing nations will later this week discuss the situation in Afghanistan, said a NATO spokesman here on Monday.
"On Thursday and Friday this week, 21 and 22 February, NATO and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Defense Ministers meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium," spokesman Dominic Medley told a press briefing.
This is the normal and regularly scheduled meeting of the ministers, he said, adding "Afghanistan will be on the agenda on Friday,"
Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi will address the 50 ISAF defense ministers, he said.
The new ISAF Commander General Joeph Dunford and NATO Senior Civilian Representative will also provide updates at the meeting, he added.
"It is expected that ministers will hear briefings on the latest situation in Afghanistan, on transition, on redeployment, on sustaining the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and on plans for the new NATO mission after 2014 to train, advise and assist," he noted.
Currently 100,000-strong foreign troops with nearly 66,000 of them Americans are being deployed in Afghanistan.
...
==============================
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==============================
Xinhua News Agency
February 18, 2013
NATO defense ministers to meet on Afghanistan on Friday
KABUL: The defense ministers of the NATO and other troop contributing nations will later this week discuss the situation in Afghanistan, said a NATO spokesman here on Monday.
"On Thursday and Friday this week, 21 and 22 February, NATO and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Defense Ministers meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium," spokesman Dominic Medley told a press briefing.
This is the normal and regularly scheduled meeting of the ministers, he said, adding "Afghanistan will be on the agenda on Friday,"
Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi will address the 50 ISAF defense ministers, he said.
The new ISAF Commander General Joeph Dunford and NATO Senior Civilian Representative will also provide updates at the meeting, he added.
"It is expected that ministers will hear briefings on the latest situation in Afghanistan, on transition, on redeployment, on sustaining the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and on plans for the new NATO mission after 2014 to train, advise and assist," he noted.
Currently 100,000-strong foreign troops with nearly 66,000 of them Americans are being deployed in Afghanistan.
...
==============================
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==============================
Tue Feb 19, 2013 5:55 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.mda.mil/news/13news
Missile Defense Agency
February 13, 2013
Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Intercepts Target Using Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) Data
====
Today’s event, designated Flight Test Standard Missile-20 (FTM-20), was a demonstration of the ability of space-based assets to provide mid-course fire control quality data to an Aegis BMD ship, extending the battlespace, providing the ability for longer range intercepts and defense of larger areas.
====
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) successfully conducted a flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, resulting in the intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile target over the Pacific Ocean by a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA guided missile.
At 11:10 p.m. HST (4:10 a.m. EST) a unitary medium-range ballistic missile target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, on Kauai, Hawaii. The target flew northwest towards a broad ocean area of the Pacific Ocean.
The in-orbit Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) detected and tracked the target, and forwarded track data to the USS LAKE ERIE. The ship, equipped with the second-generation Aegis BMD weapon system, used Launch on Remote doctrine to engage the target.
The ship developed a fire control solution from the STSS-D track and launched the SM-3 Block IA guided missile approximately five minutes after target launch. The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space and released its kinetic warhead. The kinetic warhead acquired the target reentry vehicle, diverted into its path, and, using only the force of a direct impact, engaged and destroyed the target.
Initial indications are that all components performed as designed. Program officials will assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.
Today’s event, designated Flight Test Standard Missile-20 (FTM-20), was a demonstration of the ability of space-based assets to provide mid-course fire control quality data to an Aegis BMD ship, extending the battlespace, providing the ability for longer range intercepts and defense of larger areas.
FTM-20 is the 24th successful intercept in 30 flight test attempts for the Aegis BMD program since flight testing began in 2002. Across all Ballistic Missile Defense System programs, this is the 58th successful hit-to-kill intercept in 73 flight tests since 2001.
Aegis BMD is the sea-based component of the MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System. The Aegis BMD engagement capability defeats short- to intermediate-range, unitary and separating, midcourse-phase ballistic missile threats with the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), as well as short-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase with the SM-2 Block IV missile. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program.
==============================
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==============================
Missile Defense Agency
February 13, 2013
Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Intercepts Target Using Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) Data
====
Today’s event, designated Flight Test Standard Missile-20 (FTM-20), was a demonstration of the ability of space-based assets to provide mid-course fire control quality data to an Aegis BMD ship, extending the battlespace, providing the ability for longer range intercepts and defense of larger areas.
====
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) successfully conducted a flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, resulting in the intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile target over the Pacific Ocean by a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA guided missile.
At 11:10 p.m. HST (4:10 a.m. EST) a unitary medium-range ballistic missile target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, on Kauai, Hawaii. The target flew northwest towards a broad ocean area of the Pacific Ocean.
The in-orbit Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) detected and tracked the target, and forwarded track data to the USS LAKE ERIE. The ship, equipped with the second-generation Aegis BMD weapon system, used Launch on Remote doctrine to engage the target.
The ship developed a fire control solution from the STSS-D track and launched the SM-3 Block IA guided missile approximately five minutes after target launch. The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space and released its kinetic warhead. The kinetic warhead acquired the target reentry vehicle, diverted into its path, and, using only the force of a direct impact, engaged and destroyed the target.
Initial indications are that all components performed as designed. Program officials will assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.
Today’s event, designated Flight Test Standard Missile-20 (FTM-20), was a demonstration of the ability of space-based assets to provide mid-course fire control quality data to an Aegis BMD ship, extending the battlespace, providing the ability for longer range intercepts and defense of larger areas.
FTM-20 is the 24th successful intercept in 30 flight test attempts for the Aegis BMD program since flight testing began in 2002. Across all Ballistic Missile Defense System programs, this is the 58th successful hit-to-kill intercept in 73 flight tests since 2001.
Aegis BMD is the sea-based component of the MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System. The Aegis BMD engagement capability defeats short- to intermediate-range, unitary and separating, midcourse-phase ballistic missile threats with the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), as well as short-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase with the SM-2 Block IV missile. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:18 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.dw.de/german-cabine
Deutsche Welle
February 19, 2013
German Cabinet approves troop deployment to Mali
Members of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet have approved plans to send several hundred German soldiers to Mali. The Cabinet set a higher number than will initially be deployed in case the war escalates.
Up to 330 troops are slated to aid the UN-mandated mission in Mali, according to initial reports released after the Tuesday morning meeting in Berlin. The German Cabinet approved two separate mandates, one of which is to provide a maximum of 180 soldiers for an EU-led training mission for Malian forces. The second foresees sending up to 150 troops for logistical support.
...
According to the green-lighted plans, 40 soldiers will initially be deployed to assist in the training of Malian troops. The German armed forces are to send an additional 40 specialists to a field hospital.
The second draft mandate aims to strengthen logistical support, which Germany has been providing since the beginning of the French-African led mission in January. In addition to its planes already transporting troops from neighboring countries to Mali, it is to send three Transall aircrafts.
The German Cabinet also pledged to send an Airbus for aerial refueling of French fighter jets.
Tuesday's decision by Germany's Cabinet followed closely after the EU foreign ministers had agreed to begin deploying a military training mission to the West African nation, a plan which had been in development since the beginning of the UN-mandated mission in January.
The European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM), which currently has a mandate of 15 months and an upward limit of 500 soldiers, expects to commence its reform of the Malian army within the coming months.
By mid-March, the number of EU soldiers in Bamako is expected to reach nearly 150, double the amount of troops currently stationed in the Malian capital. An estimated 200 European military advisors are to begin training four Malian battalions of 640 men each by the start of the following month.
In January, France launched a military intervention...
kms/ccp (AFP, dpa)
------------------------------
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
February 19, 2013
Germany approves troops deployment in Mali
BERLIN: The German government approved on Tuesday the deployment of up to 330 soldiers in Mali for an EU-led training mission and logistical support for France's mission in the West African country.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet met on Tuesday morning, approving two separate mandates including sending a maximum of 180 soldiers for the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) and sending up to 150 troops to strengthen logistical support for the French and African troops...in Mali.
According to local media reports, the deployment would make Germany the second-biggest contributor to the EUTM mission behind France.
...
The deployment plans now needs the approval of the German parliament, which will deliberate over the proposals before the end of the week.
France has been carrying out a military intervention within the mandate of a U.N. resolution since January in Mali to respond to the West African country's request for military assistance to counter its rebel groups' offensive.
==============================
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==============================
Deutsche Welle
February 19, 2013
German Cabinet approves troop deployment to Mali
Members of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet have approved plans to send several hundred German soldiers to Mali. The Cabinet set a higher number than will initially be deployed in case the war escalates.
Up to 330 troops are slated to aid the UN-mandated mission in Mali, according to initial reports released after the Tuesday morning meeting in Berlin. The German Cabinet approved two separate mandates, one of which is to provide a maximum of 180 soldiers for an EU-led training mission for Malian forces. The second foresees sending up to 150 troops for logistical support.
...
According to the green-lighted plans, 40 soldiers will initially be deployed to assist in the training of Malian troops. The German armed forces are to send an additional 40 specialists to a field hospital.
The second draft mandate aims to strengthen logistical support, which Germany has been providing since the beginning of the French-African led mission in January. In addition to its planes already transporting troops from neighboring countries to Mali, it is to send three Transall aircrafts.
The German Cabinet also pledged to send an Airbus for aerial refueling of French fighter jets.
Tuesday's decision by Germany's Cabinet followed closely after the EU foreign ministers had agreed to begin deploying a military training mission to the West African nation, a plan which had been in development since the beginning of the UN-mandated mission in January.
The European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM), which currently has a mandate of 15 months and an upward limit of 500 soldiers, expects to commence its reform of the Malian army within the coming months.
By mid-March, the number of EU soldiers in Bamako is expected to reach nearly 150, double the amount of troops currently stationed in the Malian capital. An estimated 200 European military advisors are to begin training four Malian battalions of 640 men each by the start of the following month.
In January, France launched a military intervention...
kms/ccp (AFP, dpa)
------------------------------
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
February 19, 2013
Germany approves troops deployment in Mali
BERLIN: The German government approved on Tuesday the deployment of up to 330 soldiers in Mali for an EU-led training mission and logistical support for France's mission in the West African country.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet met on Tuesday morning, approving two separate mandates including sending a maximum of 180 soldiers for the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) and sending up to 150 troops to strengthen logistical support for the French and African troops...in Mali.
According to local media reports, the deployment would make Germany the second-biggest contributor to the EUTM mission behind France.
...
The deployment plans now needs the approval of the German parliament, which will deliberate over the proposals before the end of the week.
France has been carrying out a military intervention within the mandate of a U.N. resolution since January in Mali to respond to the West African country's request for military assistance to counter its rebel groups' offensive.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:18 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/s
U.S. Air Forces in Europe
February 16, 2013
REAL THAW 13 sets aim for interoperability
By Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal: Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.
REAL THAW is the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise that integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations.
The 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities.
"The A-10 is a special asset that we don't have the everyday opportunity to work with," said Portuguese air force Lt. Col. Carlos Lourenco, the director of REAL THAW.
The Portuguese air force flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon as their primary fighter aircraft, but do not have a close air support aircraft like the A-10. Having the ability to conduct operations like search and rescue with the 81st is beneficial for training.
This is especially important for the helicopter squadrons, and working together increases both parties' understanding of operating in a joint environment, said Lourenco.
...
The exercise helps keep pilots from the 81st combat-ready, because of the different skill sets that they can train on here. Some of the scenarios they've supported so far are combat search and rescue, close air support and convoy escort. The upcoming week will also integrate the Portuguese navy, and the 81st will provide maritime air support, said the colonel.
"We are very rarely going to go anywhere that we'll deploy and not have to work with other forces. We're always going to integrate, whether they be air forces, ground forces, or maritime," said Eichelberger. "The last place that you want to figure out how to work together is on the battlefield. That's why coming to these exercises are so important."
Although the 81st is inactivating later this year, it gives both the U.S. and Portuguese forces a chance to learn in a joint environment and draw on each others' strengths to provide a solid response if contingencies arise.
"Everyone has different experience levels, so we all can learn from each other," said Lourenco of the training. "The A-10 brings new approaches and lessons we can apply to our own experience."
==============================
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==============================
U.S. Air Forces in Europe
February 16, 2013
REAL THAW 13 sets aim for interoperability
By Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MONTE REAL, Portugal: Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.
REAL THAW is the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise that integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations.
The 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities.
"The A-10 is a special asset that we don't have the everyday opportunity to work with," said Portuguese air force Lt. Col. Carlos Lourenco, the director of REAL THAW.
The Portuguese air force flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon as their primary fighter aircraft, but do not have a close air support aircraft like the A-10. Having the ability to conduct operations like search and rescue with the 81st is beneficial for training.
This is especially important for the helicopter squadrons, and working together increases both parties' understanding of operating in a joint environment, said Lourenco.
...
The exercise helps keep pilots from the 81st combat-ready, because of the different skill sets that they can train on here. Some of the scenarios they've supported so far are combat search and rescue, close air support and convoy escort. The upcoming week will also integrate the Portuguese navy, and the 81st will provide maritime air support, said the colonel.
"We are very rarely going to go anywhere that we'll deploy and not have to work with other forces. We're always going to integrate, whether they be air forces, ground forces, or maritime," said Eichelberger. "The last place that you want to figure out how to work together is on the battlefield. That's why coming to these exercises are so important."
Although the 81st is inactivating later this year, it gives both the U.S. and Portuguese forces a chance to learn in a joint environment and draw on each others' strengths to provide a solid response if contingencies arise.
"Everyone has different experience levels, so we all can learn from each other," said Lourenco of the training. "The A-10 brings new approaches and lessons we can apply to our own experience."
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
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==============================
Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:25 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.thenational.ae/
The National
February 20, 2013
UAE should enter missile defence training, says Nato official
Kyle Sinclair
An official from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Missile Firing Installation (Namfi), who was attending Idex yesterday, said that increasing the capabilities of Arabian Gulf states, such as the UAE, was "highly suggested".
Brigadier General Ippokratis Daskalakis, commander of missile firing station on Crete, said: "The UAE would gain better training according to the latest Nato standards - and they will be able to face the sophisticated threats of our current environment.
...
"Namfi is the ideal place to gain experience to deal with the threats facing countries today.
Nafmi offered its services to the UAE at Idex two years ago, stating a similar goal, and continue to campaign for the country's involvement.
Br Gen Daskalakis added: "We have the experience and the right mentality to work with countries from the Arabic Peninsula.
"Everything we offer can be tailored to our clients; we have the experience to prepare and to produce sophisticated scenarios to train the units to confront any kind of threat, from aircraft attacks to ballistic missiles."
...
Belgium, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands all actively use the Greek island for their training but the facility is open to non-Nato members.
The UAE, although not a member of Nato, became actively involved in joint operations during the Arab Spring uprising in Libya, sending a number of fighter jets to the region.
Namfi has been one of Nato's most significant training centres since its opening in 1964 and it allows for live fire testing across a sea area 166km long and 90km wide.
Countries that use the facility, or indeed private companies, bring their own hardware and equipment to the range to test and train against unmanned drones.
Namfi offers testing of surface-to-air, air-to-air and a range of experimental systems.
The offer to the UAE remains on the table but, as yet, there is no indication of the country's intent to use the base.
Dr Theodore Karasik, director of research and consultancy at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, doubts that taking up the offer would have a significant impact on defences already in place in the UAE, which has historically acquired most of its systems from companies in the United States.
He said: "Nato is putting this offer on the table and, depending on politics and circumstances, maybe there will be an opportunity, but it doesn't seem likely today.
...
Speaking at the Middle East Missile and Air Defence Symposium in Abu Dhabi last year, the GCC secretary general, Dr Abdel Latif Al Zayani, said a missile defence system had to be implemented - but this would only be possible if the states work closely together.
...
The UAE spent more than Dh12billion in 2008 for US short-range Patriot missile systems. Further defensive capabilities of the country include Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missiles.
The National
February 20, 2013
UAE should enter missile defence training, says Nato official
Kyle Sinclair
An official from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Missile Firing Installation (Namfi), who was attending Idex yesterday, said that increasing the capabilities of Arabian Gulf states, such as the UAE, was "highly suggested".
Brigadier General Ippokratis Daskalakis, commander of missile firing station on Crete, said: "The UAE would gain better training according to the latest Nato standards - and they will be able to face the sophisticated threats of our current environment.
...
"Namfi is the ideal place to gain experience to deal with the threats facing countries today.
Nafmi offered its services to the UAE at Idex two years ago, stating a similar goal, and continue to campaign for the country's involvement.
Br Gen Daskalakis added: "We have the experience and the right mentality to work with countries from the Arabic Peninsula.
"Everything we offer can be tailored to our clients; we have the experience to prepare and to produce sophisticated scenarios to train the units to confront any kind of threat, from aircraft attacks to ballistic missiles."
...
Belgium, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands all actively use the Greek island for their training but the facility is open to non-Nato members.
The UAE, although not a member of Nato, became actively involved in joint operations during the Arab Spring uprising in Libya, sending a number of fighter jets to the region.
Namfi has been one of Nato's most significant training centres since its opening in 1964 and it allows for live fire testing across a sea area 166km long and 90km wide.
Countries that use the facility, or indeed private companies, bring their own hardware and equipment to the range to test and train against unmanned drones.
Namfi offers testing of surface-to-air, air-to-air and a range of experimental systems.
The offer to the UAE remains on the table but, as yet, there is no indication of the country's intent to use the base.
Dr Theodore Karasik, director of research and consultancy at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, doubts that taking up the offer would have a significant impact on defences already in place in the UAE, which has historically acquired most of its systems from companies in the United States.
He said: "Nato is putting this offer on the table and, depending on politics and circumstances, maybe there will be an opportunity, but it doesn't seem likely today.
...
Speaking at the Middle East Missile and Air Defence Symposium in Abu Dhabi last year, the GCC secretary general, Dr Abdel Latif Al Zayani, said a missile defence system had to be implemented - but this would only be possible if the states work closely together.
...
The UAE spent more than Dh12billion in 2008 for US short-range Patriot missile systems. Further defensive capabilities of the country include Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missiles.
