2012-12-13 by Richard Weitz The protracted negotiations concerning China’s possible purchase of an enormous volume of Russian natural gas has been a prominent agenda item at Russian-Chinese leadership summits for years. Expectations had been high for years that an agreement might soon be imminent, but the parties have proved unable…
2012-12-12 In the first piece from our interview with Col. Michael Orr, VMX-22 squadron commander, we focused on the co-location of the F-35 squadrons, MAWTS and VMX-22 and its impact on innovation. In this second part, Col. Orr discusses some of the consequences of having such a process in place.…
2012-12-11 By Robbin Laird We recently interviewed General Jacoby the dual hatted NORTHCOM and NORAD Commander. This inteview will be published in the near future, and focuses upon the Arctic as a strategic challenge and opportunity. [caption id="attachment_48434" align="alignnone" width="300"] WASHINGTON (February 9, 2007) A Coast Guard helicopter passes over Washington…
2012-12-11 by Richard Weitz As we pointed out earlier, “defense against missile attacks [and chemical weapons] involves offensive operation as well as defense itself. Indeed, an attack and defense enterprise is required and not a pure defense system.” http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/war-in-gaza-the-40-year-anniversary-of-the-lebanese-war-in-practice/ http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/israels-iron-dome-an-initial-assessment/ In this regard, it is important to note how missile defenses,…
2012-12-10 By Richard Weitz One factor driving interest in regional missile defense systems is to counter WMD-armed rockets and missiles. Chemical munitions could even be launched on artillery shells. There are three main types of missile defenses in the works in this area—the short-range systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, the…
2012-12-10 By Richard Weitz Recently we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the signature of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The accord prohibits Russia and the United States from developing, manufacturing, or deploying ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500-5,500 kilometers. It includes an unprecedented set of intrusive…
2012-12-09 The Marines have stood up their first squadron of F-35 Bs at MCAS Yuma. But the Marine Corps approach to the aircraft is built on recognition that in addition to its role as a strike aircraft, it has C2 and Information Warfare capabilities, which will make it a central…
2012-12-07 by Richard Weitz Russia and China have made considerable progress in the last few years in increasing Russian oil deliveries to the PRC. In April 2009, the two governments finalized a $25 billion loan-for-oil deal that they had accepted in principle during Putin’s visit to China in March 2006. Although…
