Global defense news, analysis and opinion

US State Dept approves $15 billion THAAD missile defense sale to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Department of State approved on Friday, October 6 the possible sale of 44 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launchers to Saudi Arabia worth $15 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release. A State Department official told The Defense Post on Friday that the sale would further U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, since it supports the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region “in the face of Iranian and other regional threats.” “This sale, valued at up to $15 billion, is part of the $110 Billion package of defense equipment and services initially announced during the President’s May trip to Saudi Arabia,” the official added. The potential sale also includes 360 THAAD Interceptor Missiles, 16 THAAD Fire Control and Communications Mobile Tactical Station Group and seven AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars. Test and maintenance equipment, as well as spare parts and personnel training equipment are also included in the package. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation and Raytheon Corporation will be the principal contractors for the deal. The news of the potential sale came one day after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense signed deals with Moscow to purchase Russia’s competing S-400 missile defense systems and other …

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Body of fourth US service member recovered in Niger

The Nigerien military recovered the body of a 4th U.S. service member who was killed along with three Green Berets ambushed during a patrol on Wednesday

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Coalition: Russian allegations that ISIS uses At Tanf to launch Syria attacks are false

Russian claims that ISIS uses At Tanf deconfliction zone to launch attacks and that US uses refugees as human shields are false allegations, Coalition says

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Coalition denies striking Syrian regime forces after two convoys entered At Tanf deconfliction zone

The Coalition confirmed that two pro-Syrian regime convoys entered At Tanf deconfliction zone, but denied reports that its aircraft struck a convoy

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Coalition strikes destroy 23 ISIS fighting positions near Raqqa – CJTF-OIR

US-led Coalition strikes in Syria destroyed 23 Islamic State fighting positions near the city of Raqqa on Thursday, October 5.

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Indian Mi-17 military helicopter crashes near China, Bhutan border, killing 7

An Indian Mi-17 military helicopter crashed in the Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh state killing all seven crew and passengers on board

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Northrop Grumman to produce surveillance drones for Japan under $130 million contract

Northrop Grumman was awarded a $130.5 million contract for three Global Hawk surveillance drones intended for Japan, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

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Hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico delay deployment of US troops to Afghanistan

Deployment of U.S. troops to Afghanistan has been delayed due to ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Joint Staff Director Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie said on Thursday. “Forces are flowing to Afghanistan. They have been slightly delayed by ongoing hurricane relief efforts,” McKenzie told reporters. “There is a finite number of transport aircraft the U.S. Transportation Command has.” The general added that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan is currently “in the vicinity of 11,000.” Washington has pledged some 3,000 additional servicemen. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said on Tuesday the troops would provide advisory and fire support to the Afghan military. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said during a press conference in San Juan on Thursday that more than 11,000 Defense Department personnel are helping the territory to recover from devastating conscequences of Hurricane Maria.

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Turkey says military ready for operation against Efrin, Syria

Turkey's presidential spokesperson said plans are in place for military operation against Efrin canton in Syria and that the army could move at any time.

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Saudi Arabia to buy Russian S-400 missile defense systems

Saudi Arabia is to buy Russian S-400 missile defense systems, Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, thermobaric rockets, grenade launchers and assault rifles.

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