DTN News - KARZAI AT PENTAGON: Panetta Hosts Arrival Ceremony, Meets With Afghan President At Pentagon

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - KARZAI AT PENTAGON: Panetta Hosts Arrival Ceremony, Meets With Afghan President At Pentagon

Source: DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 12, 2013:  Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday met with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta at the Pentagon to discuss the security transition in Afghanistan.

At a press conference after the meeting, Panetta said he had an hour-long, one-on-one meeting with Karzai to discuss "the ongoing transition to Afghan security lead, as well as the commitment of the United States to Afghanistan" after the completion of the transition by the end of 2014.

Panetta said both leaders believe the transition plan is " working, and we're fully committed to finishing the job," and they believed they are "moving in the right direction."

At a welcoming ceremony earlier in the day, Panetta assured Karzai of continued U.S. commitment as the last chapter of security transition has begun. According to U.S. President Barack Obama's withdrawal plan, U.S. combat forces will be out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014, after transferring security lead to the Afghans.

Meanwhile, the two countries are negotiating a bilateral security agreement that would define the U.S. role in Afghanistan post-2014. Karzai, who will meet Obama on Friday, said at the Pentagon he believed the United States and Afghanistan can work out the way forward for a bilateral security agreement "that will ensure the interests of Afghanistan, and also the interests of the United States."


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - NORWAY DEFENSE NEWS: Norway Finalizes First F-35 Fighter Order

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - NORWAY DEFENSE NEWS: Norway Finalizes First F-35 Fighter Order
*Norway orders first F-35; secures JSM integration support
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ministry of  Defence - Norway
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 20, 2012: Norway today (June 15) commenced the largest public procurement project in its history. The event was marked by Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide authorizing the order for the first F-35A Lightning II for the Norwegian Armed Forces. The decision to move forward was reached following an extended dialogue with the US Department of Defence aimed at securing opportunities for Norwegian industry.

Chief of The Air Force Major General Finn Kristian Hannestad and Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide at the press conference 15 June 2012. (Christian Nørstebø, Forsvarets Forum)

- We have today made two critical decisions. For the first time in three decades we are now ordering new combat aircraft for the Armed Forces. Additionally, we will begin preparations for the final phase of Joint Strike Missile (JSM) development after receiving confirmation from US authorities of their support for the integration of the missile into the F-35, says Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Joint Strike Missile.

- This marks a key milestone in the Norwegian F-35 programme and the beginning of the largest public procurement in Norwegian history. The F-35, which Norway selected in 2008, represents a completely new generation of combat aircraft that will form a corner stone of the future Norwegian Armed Forces, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

Confirmation of JSM integration support was provided in a letter from US Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta to Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide earlier this week.

- Securing such support has been an important precondition for many of our partner nations before they would themselves commit to supporting the JSM. With such support finally in place there is now a significant potential for the missile among future operators of the F-35. Preparations for the final phase of procurement will therefore begin now, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

The Norwegian-developed JSM represents one of the most advanced weapons available within its category, and will further enhance the operational capabilities of the F-35. Total market potential for the JSM is estimated to be between NOK 20 and 25 billion/USD 3.3 and 4.2 billion.

The two aircraft authorized today are expected to be joined by a second pair in 2016, and will be based in the United States as part of a joint partner training centre. They are to be followed by up to 48 additional aircraft from 2017 that are to be based at Ørland Main Air Station in central Norway. A small forward operating base will also be based at Evenes in northern Norway to provide quick reaction alert (QRA) services in the high north. An estimated 10% of the overall force generation will also be carried out from the Evenes FOB.

The overall cost of the procurement phase of the project is estimated at NOK 60 billion/USD 10 billion (2012 value) in real terms.

The decision to centralise the combat aircraft force at Ørland was approved when the Norwegian Parliament approved the new Defence White Paper on the 14th of June. This paper also confirmed the overall ambition for up to 52 F-35s for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Norway will over the coming years see a budget increase of 7% by 2016 through redistribution of funds freed up by the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the addition of significant supplementary funds for the F-35 purchase.

- Norway's parliament yesterday approved a significant increase in defence spending in order to finance the purchase and to increase the general operating budget of the Armed Forces. At the same time, the Parliament has shown courage in making tough but necessary decisions in order to continue the work to rationalize the base infrastructure. This means that the positive development we have seen in the Norwegian Armed Forces over the past four years will continue, concludes Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ministry of Defence, Norway
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S., Japan Agree On Okinawa Troop Relocation

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S., Japan Agree On Okinawa Troop Relocation
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Karen Parrish - American Forces Press Service
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 27, 2012: U.S. and Japanese officials announced yesterday the two nations have agreed on a plan to relocate U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

The joint statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee spells out unit moves, land and facilities on Okinawa the United States will return to the Japanese government, and the costs each government will pay for the relocation.

The joint statement is the latest result of negotiations between the two countries dating to the 2006 Realignment Roadmap and the 2009 Guam International Agreement.

The two nations issued a joint defense posture statement in February that “delinked” the two agreements so parts of the relocation plan could move forward more quickly.

“I am very pleased that, after many years, we have reached this important agreement and plan of action,” Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a statement yesterday. He praised Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka for “spearheading discussions” leading to the joint statement.

“We will work closely with our partners in the Japanese Self Defense Force to implement these decisions and to further improve this vital alliance of ours,” the secretary added.
Panetta said he looks forward to strengthening the two nations’ partnership “as, together, we address security challenges in the region.”

During a Pentagon background briefing to reporters yesterday, senior State and Defense Department officials outlined the agreement.

About 9,000 Marines will relocate from Okinawa, with about 5,000 moving to Guam and the rest transferring to other locations in the Pacific such as Hawaii and Australia, the defense official said.

The Marines will be organized in air-ground task forces, which combine command, ground, air and logistics elements that can deploy and operate as a unit.

“This new posture that we've created results in a more operationally effective presence across the region,” the defense official said.

“In the end, we are sustaining the same presence in the Western Pacific that we've intended for some time,” the official added.

About 10,000 Marines will remain on Okinawa when the relocation is complete, the official said.

The agreement also sets Japan’s funding for the move to Guam at $3.1 billion of the overall $8.6 billion estimated cost, the defense official added.

“We're particularly appreciative of this commitment in the context of Japan's fiscal challenges, which we fully recognize,” the official added.

One element of the agreement involves possible development of joint training ranges in Guam and the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as shared-use facilities for U.S. and Japanese forces, the official said.

The State Department official said the plan will result in a stronger, more sustainable and more flexible alliance.

“This is really a key component of our strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific region,” the official said. “As you know, one of the key aspects of that is strengthening partnerships with regional allies, and of course Japan is a very important alliance partner.”

The official said the agreement reaffirms both nations’ commitment to relocate Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, now in the center of Okinawa’s Ginowan City, to a more remote area of the island. Until the Futenma relocation happens, both governments will share the cost of maintaining the existing facility, the official added.

The Japanese government will determine the timeline for the Futenma move, the State Department official said, noting the U.S. focus for Okinawa is sustaining an operationally effective Marine Corps presence there.

The defense official said U.S. representatives are “delighted” at the agreement.

“We think it's a significant achievement that demonstrates that the U.S.-Japan alliance is still capable of big things,” the official said.

Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta

Related Sites:
Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee

Related Articles:
U.S., Japan Release Joint Defense Posture Statement
U.S., Japanese Officials Discuss Military Realignment

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Karen Parrish - American Forces Press Service
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Cheryl Pellerin - American Forces Press Service

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.

Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.

Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.

The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.

The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."

Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.

The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.

The exercise allows units to sharpen air combat skills, improve procedures for conducting air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships.

The United States and Singapore will enhance joint urban training, using installations such as Singapore's Murai Urban Training Facility, which is built to resemble a typical town. It has residential, commercial and industrial districts that feature bus stops, traffic lights and overhead bridges.

The United States and Singapore will continue to explore joint initiatives to facilitate U.S. engagement in the region, the statement said.

Near the end of the meeting, Ng expressed appreciation for U.S. support of training detachments Singapore's military has in the United States. Panetta expressed gratitude for Singapore's important contributions to stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and to international counterpiracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

 

 


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Cheryl Pellerin - American Forces Press Service

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS 

DTN News: Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News Dated February 13, 2012

Defense War News Updates: DTN News: Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  Dated February 13, 2012
 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable media

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 13, 2012: Comprehensive daily news related to Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  for the world of TODAY

Suspected Bali bomber said to be key link to Al-Qaeda Channel News Asia He is a suspected key member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a Southeast Asian terror network linked toAl-Qaeda. Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has cited intelligence that Patek tried to meet Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani town of ... See all stories on this topic »

Pakistani Taliban decry attacks against military Pakistan Daily Times PESHAWAR: Terrorists have called on fighters to honour an agreement not to attack the Pakistanimilitary in the most important sanctuary for the Taliban and al Qaeda along the Afghan border.Terrorists have long used North Waziristan as a base to ... See all stories on this topic »

Implications of an Al Qaeda Syria ABC Online Claims by US sources that Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama Bin Laden's heir in thePakistani/Afghani-based Al Qaeda prime, personally oversaw the operation against Aleppo also seem out of character for AQI's previous track record. Following the 2001 invasion ... See all stories on this topic » ABC Online

Osama Bin Laden told children to move to the West Daily Mail Zakaria al-Sadah, whose sister is the fifth wife of the Al-Qaeda leader, said Bin Laden did not want his children and grandchildren following in the same path of terrorism like him. 'He told his own children and grandchildren, go to Europe and America ... See all stories on this topic » Daily Mail

Al-Qaeda has no direct terror role in India: Intelligence agencies The Asian Age An elaborate security review by the top intelligence and security establishment conducted over the last one week has not found any credible evidence of the Al Qaeda's direct involvement in sponsoring terror activities in the country. See all stories on this topic » Radical cleric Anwar Awlaki said to have directed underwear bomber terror plot Examiner.com Supplemental Factual Appendix documentation in the Justice Department's memo details Abdulmutallab's interactions with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninusla (AQAP) terrorists in the months leading up to his attack on Northwest Flight 253. See all stories on this topic » Qaeda-linked Patek to stand trial in Indonesia Emirates 24/7 He was extradited to Indonesia after being arrested in January 2011 in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad, where US commandos later killed Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in a raid. Counter-terrorism officials would not confirm whether Patek had met bin ... See all stories on this topic » Al Qaeda terrorist dad sent to jail for 4 1/2 years New York Daily News BY JOHN MARZULLI THE FATHER of Al Qaeda terrorist Najibullah Zazi was sentenced Friday to 4 1/2 years in prison for obstructing the probe of his son's plan to detonate bombs in Manhattan subway trains. Mohammed Wali Zazi was convicted last summer by a ... See all stories on this topic » New York Daily News BOOK REVIEW: 'The Al Qaeda Factor' Washington Times By Joshua Sinai - Special to The Washington Times By Mitchell D. Silber In “The Al Qaeda Factor,” Mitchell D. Silber investigates the extent to which al Qaeda's “core” in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has been involved in organizing terrorist plots ... See all stories on this topic » Washington Times Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda: Linkup of groups in decline? Fox News NAIROBI, Kenya -- Al Qaeda's decision to formally extend its terror franchise to what once was a nationalist movement in Somalia may only be a desperate joining of hands to prop up two militant groups that are both losing popular support and facing ... See all stories on this topic » Drones will not rid Pakistan of the terrorists The Voice of Russia Within al-Qaeda Badr Mansoor as well as Ilyas Kashmiri before him was responsible for the military training of extremists in Pakistan, who were later transferred to Afghanistan for terrorist attacks against the NATO forces. Among the terrorists killed... See all stories on this topic » The Voice of Russia Britons jailed over terrorist plots Sydney Morning Herald A BRITISH judge has sent nine men to prison for al-Qaeda-inspired plots to bomb the London Stock Exchange and to set up a terrorist training camp. The Britons all pleaded guilty last week as their trial was due to begin at London's Woolwich Crown Court ... See all stories on this topic » Sydney Morning Herald Abu Qatada: the evil let loose on our streets Telegraph.co.uk In reality, Qatada is listed on the consolidated United Nations list of internationalterrorists under “Al-Qaeda Associates”. Although British judges decided he could be deported to Jordan, they were overruled by their counterparts in Strasbourg. See all stories on this topic » Telegraph.co.uk Umar Patek Bali bombings accused on trial Monday Channel News Asia Umar was captured only in January last year in Abbotabad, Pakistan - the same city where Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, was killed by US soldiers. But terrorism experts following Umar Pateks' trial are looking beyond what took place in Bali more ... See all stories on this topic » The LWOT: Chicago cab driver pleads guilty to material support charge - by ... Foreign Policy (blog) BY JENNIFER ROWLAND | FEBRUARY 10, 2012 A Pakistani-American Chicago cab driver, Raja Lahrasib Khan, pleaded guilty on February 6 to one count of attempting to provide material support toterrorism for attempting to send money to Pakistan-based ... See all stories on this topic » Feds release new details on 'underwear bomber' and top Al Qaeda figure ... Fox News DETROIT – A Nigerian who pleaded guilty to trying to blow up a Detroit-bound plane began his path to terrorism with a text message from a top Al Qaeda figure in Yemen, the US government said Friday in a court filing that discloses new details about ... See all stories on this topic » U.S. Officials: Al Qaeda in Iraq Behind Deadly Bombings in Damascus and Aleppo ... RedState However, the expansion of al Qaeda in Iraq beyond that state's borders – evidently for the first time – demonstrates AQI's strength in Iraq's post-America phase. Despite years of hunting terror cells and individuals within AQI, the US was not only ... See all stories on this topic »

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable media sources 

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 

©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS