Category: Defence

Ex-General: Saudis Unlikely to Leak F-35 Technology to China

Staff ReporterDefence, Politics, USA 0

Concerns over China’s history of stealing military technology fuel discussions regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, according to military experts and retired commanders.

China’s ongoing efforts to acquire American military technology have become a significant concern in the debate surrounding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This issue has drawn the attention of military experts and retired senior commanders.

Retired General Charles Wald, a former U.S. Air Force officer and deputy commander of EUCOM, highlighted that the United States has already denied similar requests from the United Arab Emirates and Turkey due to fears of technology transfer to China. “We told Turkey they’re not going to get the F-35. We told the UAE they’re not going to get it because there’s concern that there could be a transfer of technology to China,” Wald stated. He emphasized that the primary concern regarding Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of the F-35 is not the likelihood of the Saudis directly sharing the technology with China, but rather the potential for Chinese intelligence to exploit the capabilities of the aircraft. “I’m not as worried as some,” Wald added during a recent briefing at JINSA.

China expert Gordon Chang echoed these concerns, asserting that Beijing has already demonstrated its ability to infiltrate U.S. defense programs and should be assumed to be targeting the F-35 once again. “We should assume China has everything already. They already stole the whole plane once. They probably did it again,” Chang remarked in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Chang argued that the U.S. must weigh the risks of technology theft against the strategic benefits of strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia. “We need to cement the relationship with the crown prince, especially if that helps him sign off on an Abraham Accord. Let him have stripped-down F-35s,” he suggested. He further expressed greater concern about other U.S. partners, stating, “I’m much more worried about South Korea having the plane and turning over the plans to China.”

Chinese intelligence services have long been implicated in efforts to acquire American military and aerospace technology, including stealth designs, propulsion systems, and advanced avionics. U.S. officials have previously linked Chinese cyber actors to thefts targeting key American defense programs, including components similar to those found in fifth-generation fighters.

In light of these concerns, the United States is currently considering Saudi Arabia’s request for the F-35 as part of a broader negotiation that includes defense assurances and potential diplomatic progress with Israel. Retired Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, noted that the U.S. employs foreign military sales monitoring protocols to mitigate risks, although these protections are not foolproof. “One of the things that we do through foreign military sales is end-use case monitoring protocol,” Ashley explained. “We watch very closely how these kinds of advanced systems are used … but they’re not absolute.”

Despite the potential threat posed by China, retired commanders have indicated that they do not believe a Saudi acquisition of the F-35 would compromise Israel’s qualitative military edge. Wald emphasized that Israeli pilots, planners, and engineers possess a superior level of training and innovation compared to their counterparts in other countries. “There’s a big difference between the Israeli actual pilot capability than the other countries out there,” Wald stated. He also noted that Israel has integrated its own upgrades into the F-35, enhancing its capabilities. “The Israelis modified their own F-35 a little bit … they created or developed [additional capabilities] just prior to the attack on Iran,” he added.

Wald pointed out that even if the sale is approved, Saudi Arabia would not receive the aircraft for several years. “At the very least, there’s probably about a five-year window here before that would happen if they got the F-35,” he said.

Both Ashley and Wald indicated that in the long run, additional F-35s in the region could improve shared situational awareness and bolster collective defenses against Iran. Retired Vice Admiral Mark Fox noted that the fighter’s data-sharing architecture means that having more aircraft in allied hands enhances overall performance. “The one thing about F-35 is it talks to every other F-35,” Fox explained. “Having more F-35s in the region actually increases the capability of the coalition.”

Source: Original article

Britain Warns of Russian Spy Ship Near UK Waters

Staff ReporterDefence 0

The U.K. is closely monitoring the Russian spy ship Yantar, reaffirming its commitment to counter potential threats in British waters.

The United Kingdom has confirmed that it is actively shadowing the Russian spy vessel Yantar, which has recently approached the edge of U.K. waters. This operation involves allied forces, underscoring the U.K.’s readiness to counter any potential threats in the region.

British defense officials reported that the Yantar has been deployed to U.K. waters for the second time. Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the ship’s purpose, stating, “This is a vessel designed for gathering intelligence and mapping our undersea cables.” During a recent news conference, he detailed the measures taken to monitor the vessel, including the deployment of a Royal Navy frigate and Royal Air Force planes. Healey noted that the Yantar had even directed lasers at British pilots during its operations.

In light of these developments, Healey issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring, “We see you, we know what you’re doing and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.” This statement reflects the U.K.’s commitment to maintaining vigilance in the face of potential threats.

The U.K. government is also taking steps to bolster its defense capabilities. Plans are underway to construct several factories dedicated to producing munitions and military explosives, with the first facility expected to break ground next year. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about national security and the need for a robust defense strategy.

Healey’s warning follows a report from the Commons Defence Committee, which highlighted that the U.K. currently lacks a comprehensive plan for defending both the homeland and overseas territories. The committee urged the government to launch a coordinated effort to inform the public about the level of threat the nation faces.

The Yantar is not merely a naval vessel; it is part of Moscow’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, known as GUGI. This organization primarily engages in surveillance during peacetime and conducts sabotage operations during conflicts. Healey reiterated the U.K.’s determination to track and deter the Yantar whenever it enters British waters, stating, “We are ready, and we do that alongside allies.”

As tensions continue to rise in the region, the U.K. remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its waters, working closely with allies to monitor and respond to potential threats from Russian naval operations.

Source: Original article

War Department Intensifies Narco-Terror Campaign at Sea with 15th Strike

Staff ReporterDefence, Politics, USA 0

The U.S. military has intensified its campaign against narco-terrorism at sea, launching its 15th strike aimed at disrupting drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean.

The U.S. military has executed its 15th maritime strike targeting narco-terror groups in the Caribbean, as War Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes the government’s commitment to combating drug cartels. The latest operation resulted in the deaths of three suspected smugglers, according to Hegseth, who stated that the strike was carried out “at the direction of President Trump.”

In a post on X, Hegseth detailed the operation, describing it as a “lethal kinetic strike” against a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). He noted that the targeted vessel was known to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling and was traversing a recognized narco-trafficking route while carrying narcotics.

“These narco-terrorists are bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans at home — and they will not succeed,” Hegseth declared. He pledged that the U.S. military would pursue these groups with the same determination it applied in its fight against Al Qaeda: “We will continue to track them, map them, hunt them, and kill them.”

This recent announcement highlights the ongoing maritime offensive against transnational cartels, which has seen at least 64 individuals killed in operations since September, according to defense officials familiar with the campaign. Hegseth has characterized these efforts as a vital response to the evolving threat posed by drug cartels, which he argues have transformed into transnational terror organizations.

President Trump has defended these military strikes as a necessary measure to disrupt the flow of drugs into the United States, framing the situation as an “armed conflict” with these cartels. This perspective aligns with the legal authority invoked following the September 11, 2001, attacks, which allows for military action against perceived threats.

Despite the administration’s strong stance, there has been increasing pressure from lawmakers for greater transparency regarding the legal justifications for these operations. On Friday, Senate Democrats renewed their calls for clarity, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Hegseth. The letter requested the administration disclose its legal rationale and the list of entities deemed targetable under the president’s directive.

The letter, signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several senior Democrats, including Senators Jack Reed and Jeanne Shaheen, accused the administration of selectively releasing conflicting information to certain lawmakers while withholding details from others.

In a related development, the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee has released two previously undisclosed letters sent to Hegseth in late September and early October. These letters urged the Pentagon to clarify its legal framework for the strikes and to identify which cartels have been formally designated as terrorist organizations.

As the U.S. military continues its campaign against narco-terrorism, the implications of these operations raise significant questions about the balance between national security and transparency in government actions.

Source: Original article

Comer Calls for DOJ Investigation into Biden’s Use of Autopen

Staff ReporterPolitics, Defence 0

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has called for a DOJ investigation into former President Biden’s use of autopen and alleged cognitive decline, following a detailed report from the committee.

The House Oversight Committee has released a comprehensive 100-page report examining former President Joe Biden’s use of autopen, prompting calls for a thorough investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The report, unveiled by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., delves into concerns surrounding Biden’s cognitive health and the potential cover-up by his inner circle regarding his mental decline.

According to the report, aides to Biden allegedly concealed information about his cognitive state and fitness for office. “Faced with the cognitive decline of President Joe Biden, White House aides — at the direction of the inner circle — hid the truth about the former president’s condition and fitness for office,” the report states.

The investigation also scrutinizes the documentation process for pardons issued by Biden, suggesting that the lack of proper records raises questions about whether he made those decisions independently. The report asserts, “In the absence of sufficient contemporaneous documentation indicating that cognitively deteriorating President Biden himself made a given executive decision, such decisions do not carry the force of law and should be considered void.”

Comer has urged the DOJ to conduct a review of all executive actions taken by Biden from January 20, 2021, to January 19, 2025, with particular emphasis on acts of clemency. “This review should focus particularly on all acts of clemency. However, it should also include all other types of executive actions,” the report recommends.

In addition to the investigation into Biden’s executive actions, the report raises concerns about Hunter Biden’s involvement in the pardon process. Testimony from former Chief of Staff Jeff Zients indicated that Hunter was present during discussions regarding some pardons, including those for family members. Zients noted, “It was towards the end… But I don’t know — that doesn’t mean that was it. It was the pardons towards the end, very end of the administration.”

The report highlights that Zients testified President Biden included Hunter in discussions about pardons, which reportedly involved high-profile figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, as well as members of Congress involved in the January 6th investigation.

The Oversight Committee conducted interviews with 14 witnesses over three months, primarily consisting of senior aides from the Biden administration. Despite nearly 47 hours of interviews, Comer expressed skepticism about the honesty of the testimonies, suggesting that aides may have been shielding Biden during the proceedings.

“Throughout the Committee’s investigation, senior Biden White House aides presented a perspective of President Biden’s cognitive health completely disconnected from that of the American public,” the report claims. Notably, none of the witnesses acknowledged any concerns regarding Biden’s cognitive decline, with many unable to recall discussions about his mental health.

Comer also criticized former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor, whose deposition was notably brief as he invoked the Fifth Amendment for all questions except for his name. Comer has called for the D.C. Health Board of Medicine to investigate O’Connor’s conduct and potentially revoke his medical license. The report labels O’Connor’s failure to conduct a cognitive exam during Biden’s presidency as “reckless” and accuses him of providing “grossly misleading medical assessments.”

The report states, “His refusal to answer questions about the execution of his duties as physician to the president — combined with testimony indicating that Dr. O’Connor may have succumbed to political pressure from the inner circle, influencing his medical decisions and aiding in the cover-up — legitimizes the public’s concerns that Dr. O’Connor was not forthright in carrying out his ultimate duties to the country.”

In light of these findings, the committee recommends that the District of Columbia Board of Medicine review O’Connor’s actions while serving as the White House physician for any potential wrongdoing, including whether he produced false or misleading medical reports.

Biden’s allies have dismissed the committee’s investigation as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence. Many witnesses have argued that concerns regarding Biden’s mental acuity have been exacerbated by media narratives and Republican commentary, particularly following his challenging debate performance against current President Donald Trump in June 2024.

In a July interview with The New York Times, Biden asserted that he “made every decision” independently, countering claims of cognitive decline.

Source: Original article

US Collaborates with Finland to Address Arctic Icebreaker Shortage

Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Defence 0

The U.S. has signed a $6.1 billion agreement with Finland to acquire four new icebreakers, aiming to enhance Arctic defense amid increasing competition from Russia and China.

In a significant move to bolster its Arctic capabilities, the U.S. Coast Guard has turned to Finland for assistance in enhancing its icebreaking fleet. This decision comes as concerns grow regarding the United States’ ability to compete with global rivals in the Arctic region.

For years, military and intelligence officials have expressed alarm over the U.S. reliance on a limited number of aging icebreakers. In stark contrast, Russia boasts a fleet of over 40 icebreakers, including several nuclear-powered vessels. As climate change continues to melt sea ice, opening new shipping lanes and access to vital resources, the Pentagon and Coast Guard have emphasized that a stronger Arctic presence is essential.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb formalized a $6.1 billion agreement for Finland to supply up to four new icebreakers to the United States. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to address the so-called “icebreaker gap” that has left the U.S. dependent on outdated vessels for Arctic patrols and Antarctic resupply missions.

Defense officials have underscored that the Arctic is now a critical front line for homeland defense. This region is where U.S. early-warning systems, missile detection networks, and undersea cables intersect with increasing military activities from both Russia and China. “We need these ships very badly because we have a lot of territory, more than anybody. And so, I’m very honored to have this deal,” Trump stated at the White House. “Thank you very much. It’s going to be great.”

The purchase from Finnish shipbuilders, recognized as leaders in polar vessel design, aligns with the United States’ efforts to strengthen its Arctic capabilities. Finland, which recently joined NATO, is collaborating with the U.S. and Canada in the ICE Pact. This agreement aims to expedite icebreaker construction, facilitate technology sharing, and enhance allied operations in polar waters.

The Coast Guard’s newest polar icebreaker, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis, recently returned to Seattle after a 112-day mission at sea, where it monitored Chinese-flagged research vessels Jidi and Xue Long 2. The Storis, acquired in 2024, marked the first polar ice cutter added to the Coast Guard’s fleet in 25 years. Currently, the Coast Guard operates only two other polar icebreakers: the 48-year-old Polar Star heavy icebreaker and the medium icebreaker Healy. Officials assert that at least eight polar icebreakers are necessary to meet operational demands.

In addition to its polar icebreakers, the Coast Guard maintains 21 domestic icebreakers designed to clear shipping channels in areas like the Great Lakes, as well as 16 ice-capable buoy tenders that can break through thinner layers of ice.

Russia’s strategic objectives in the Arctic include solidifying control over the Northern Sea Route, a crucial maritime passage connecting Europe and Asia through Arctic waters. The country has been actively militarizing the region, redeploying air, naval, missile, radar, and anti-submarine assets to forward bases. Given that Russia’s naval nuclear deterrent, particularly its ballistic missile submarines, relies on Arctic sea lanes for stealthy deployment, Moscow perceives Western military presence as a direct threat.

The Arctic is also rich in hydrocarbons, minerals, and rare elements—resources that the U.S. and its near-peer competitors are eager to dominate. Although China is not an Arctic state, it has positioned itself as a “near-Arctic” power and is advocating for recognition as a stakeholder in Arctic affairs. China has integrated the Arctic into its Belt and Road Initiative through the concept of the “Polar Silk Road,” a proposed maritime route over the Arctic connecting China and Europe.

As the U.S. moves forward with its plans to enhance its Arctic capabilities through this partnership with Finland, the implications for regional security and resource competition are significant. The agreement not only aims to close the icebreaker gap but also represents a strategic response to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Arctic.

Source: Original article

INS Nistar Arrives at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base for Pacific Reach 2025

Staff ReporterIndia, Defence 0

INS Nistar, the Indian Navy’s latest Diving Support Vessel, has arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base to participate in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025.

New Delhi, September 20 (ANI) — The Indian Navy’s newest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, made its inaugural port call at Changi Naval Base in Singapore on September 14, 2025, as confirmed by an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Operating under the Command and Control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, INS Nistar is set to take part in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25), which commenced on September 15, 2025.

Commissioned on July 18, 2025, INS Nistar exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities, achieving over 80% indigenization in its construction. This vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including Side Scan Sonar, Work and Observation Class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and extensive deep-sea diving systems.

INS Nistar will serve as a mothership (MoSHIP) for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). With the induction of two DSRVs in 2018-19, one for each seaboard, India has joined an elite group of nations that possess dedicated submarine rescue systems capable of conducting operations at depths of up to 650 meters.

These submarine rescue systems can be deployed on Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) or can be airlifted to the nearest mobilization port for rapid deployment in distant waters. The Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will operate from INS Nistar during the biennial submarine rescue exercise in the South China Sea. This exercise aims to unite various nations’ submarine rescue platforms and assets, streamline procedures, share best practices, and enhance interoperability.

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, is expected to see participation from over 40 nations, either as active participants or observers. The exercise will be conducted in two main phases: the harbour phase and the sea phase.

The harbour phase will last for a week and will include comprehensive discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium, and cross-deck visits among the participating nations.

During the sea phase, INS Nistar and the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will engage in various intervention and rescue operations alongside other participating assets in the South China Sea.

According to ANI, the exercise aims to enhance collaboration and improve the effectiveness of submarine rescue operations among the participating nations.

Source: Original article

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