Former Danish Prime Minister Responds to Trump’s Attacks on Defense Spending
The U.S. spends about 3.4% of its GDP on defense, while Denmark spends 1.35%
Military
Egypt, China Conduct Joint Naval Drill in Mediterranean Sea
Published on August 21, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 21: Joint naval forces from Egypt and China have carried out a drill on Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea, Egyptian armed forces said in a statement. A number of naval units including the Chinese missile destroyer XI’AN participated in the exercises. The exercises included several activities on combating terrorism and fostering maritime security, inspections of ships, and sailing…
Yemen Rebel Group Claims It Shot Down U.S. Drone With a Missile
A rebel spokesman said the drone was hit near the city of Dhamar on Tuesday
Bahrain to Join US-Led Mission to Patrol Gulf Waters
Published on August 21, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 19: Bahrain will join the United States-led mission to protect vessels travelling in Gulf waters, the US Central Command (Centcom) announced, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue in the region. Bahrain has agreed to join the US’s International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), US General Kenneth F. McKenzie said in a statement on Monday. McKenzie applauded the Gulf…
Update On White Sea Accident That’s Causing Partial Closure of Dvina Bay
Published on August 21, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 12: Further information has become available on the previously reported accident that led to the partial closure of Dvina Bay in the White Sea: The failed missile test that ended in an explosion killing five scientists last week on Russia’s White Sea involved a small nuclear reactor, according to a top official at the institute where they worked….
US Carrier Sails Into Disputed Waters Amid New Flare-Ups
Published on August 21, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 06: A U.S. aircraft carrier sailed through the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday in the latest show of America’s military might amid new territorial flare-ups involving China and three rival claimant states. The U.S. Navy flew a small group of Philippine generals, officials and journalists to the USS Ronald Reagan, where they watched fighter jets landing and…
US Navy Moving Ahead to Create Special Cyber Office
Published on August 20, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 19: The Navy Department will soon create a new office led by a special assistant to the secretary who will have sweeping authority to integrate and manage the critical areas of information management and security, aided by four deputies responsible for buying the right technology, determining strategies to better handle digital information and data and to enforce greater…
Gibraltar Frees Iranian Supertanker Despite US Pleas to Stop Release; UK Appears to Attempt to Distance Itself From Seizure
Published on August 19, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 15: Further to reports of plans to release the GRACE 1 (now renamed ADRIAN DARYA 1 and flagged with Iran), Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo has now confirmed the release of the 1,082 ft vessel. He said: “In light of the assurances we have received, there are no longer any reasonable grounds for the continued legal detention of…
HMS Kent Leaves Portsmouth For The Strait Of Hormuz
Published on August 19, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 14: Type 23 frigate HMS Kent will relieve HMS Duncan of her duties in the Gulf and is scheduled to work alongside US partners as part of the newly-formed International Maritime Security Construct. She will be focused on providing regional maritime security, including counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling activities. She will also work alongside HMS Montrose to escort British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Commander…
Pakistan Passes Command of CTF 150 to the United Kingdom After Short Ceremony in Bahrain
Published on August 19, 2019 by Johanna Loock · No Comments August 08: On 8th August, a UK led joint staff of Royal Navy and French Marine Nationale assumed command of the maritime security organisation Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from the Pakistan Navy. Through maritime security operations, regional engagements and capacity building activities, CTF 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organisations any benefits from employing the high seas for…