defense « The Irate Nation

Marines react after Haiti earthquake

Within days after the worst earthquake in Haiti, Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C. answered the call and steamed down to help the people there. Multimedia by: Cpl. Scott Schmidt
Department of Defense

Tagged as: call, Camp Lejeune, Cpl, defense, Department, department of defense, earthquake, Haiti, marines, Multimedia, N.C., Schmidt, Scott, U.S. Marines, worst earthquake, Youtube No Comments

Modafean-e Aseman-e-Velayat “air defense exercise”

clipped from www.debka.com

Iran launches its huge Modafean-e (Defenders) Aseman-e-Velayat air defense exercise Sunday, Nov. 22, to protect its nuclear sites, after failing to persuade Russia to deliver the linchpin of its air defenses, S-300 missiles. For two weeks, high-ranking Iranian politicians and generals bombarded Moscow to make good on its contract to supply the key weapon, to no avail. Saturday, Nov. 21, Iran's air force commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Mighani spoke at length about the highly sophisticated S-300, without which, DEBKAfile's military sources say, Iran has no real defense against US and Israeli aerial or missile strikes against its nuclear installations.

Huge Saudi-Russian S-400 missile deal stalled over Israeli objections

clipped from www2.debka.com

A multibillion transaction for the sale of highly sophisticated Russian S-400 Triumf (NATO codenamed SA-21 Growler) missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia is hanging fire over Israel's objections to their deployment within easy range of the Negev and Eilat port, DEBKAfile's military sources report.

The $7 billion deal was brokered by Washington with a view to tempting Moscow to withhold S-300 air and missile defense batteries from Iran and denying the Islamic republic this key item for defending its nuclear sites. This quiet spat between Washington and Jerusalem, DEBKAfile's Washington sources report, prompted last week's demand for prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and defense minister Ehud Barak to "line up with Washington on the nuclear issue."

Department Takes Steps to Reduce Casualties

clipped from www.defenselink.mil

The first MC-12 Liberty aircraft in-theater lands after its first combat sortie at approximately 6:20 p.m. local time June 10 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The Air Force's newest intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform, the MC-12 is a medium-altitude manned special-mission turbo prop aircraft that supports coalition and joint ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)

Defense Department officials have taken steps to stem mounting casualties in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here today.

October has become the deadliest month for American servicemembers in Afghanistan, with 56 killed, and Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has no higher mission than ensuring troops have everything they need to protect themselves from improvised explosive devices and other threats.

Some assets already are moving to Afghanistan, he noted, including additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The theater also is receiving the most advanced drones and new platforms such as the MC-12.

NATO waiting on U.S. lead in Afghanistan

clipped from www.foxnews.com

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his top commander in Afghanistan pressed NATO ministers Friday to send more troops and civilian aid to the war, as some allies appeared to be hedging their commitment until the Obama administration determines its strategy.

Gates said Friday he was "heartened" by allies' commitment to the 8-year-old war, even as the Obama administration
mulls whether to order tens of thousands more U.S. troops to the fight, as recommended by the top U.S. and NATO commander,
Gen. Stanley McChrystal.