Af/Pak & Other News (7/27/2021)

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Mapping the advance of the Taliban in Afghanistan

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57933979



Yi says China, Pak to launch offensive in Afghanistan to drive out terrorists

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/yi-says-china-pak-to-launch-offensive-in-afghanistan-to-drive-out-terrorists-101627318718117.html



Spec Ops Vets on why we must save Afghan Interpreters

https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/exclusive-spec-ops-vets-on-why-we-must-save-afghan-interpreters/



EXPLAINER: US, NATO pledge billions to back Afghan forces

https://apnews.com/article/business-83c0fac2109711d703f4f490798868b9



Why a Taliban victory may not be everything Pakistan wished for

https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2021/0726/Why-a-Taliban-victory-may-not-be-everything-Pakistan-wished-for









India: How Tribes Survive

https://www.strategypage.com/qnd/india/articles/20210727.aspx









Iran Protests Spread to Tehran, Which Sees Biggest Anti-Government March in 18 Months

https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/voa-news-iran/iran-protests-spread-tehran-which-sees-biggest-anti-government-march-18



Secret Iran hacking plans against West revealed - report

https://www.jpost.com/international/secret-iran-hacking-plans-against-west-revealed-report-674992



Iran says armed Mossad cell arrested over plot to provoke clashes at protests

https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-says-armed-mossad-cell-arrested-over-plot-to-provoke-clashes-at-protests/









Biden to end U.S. combat mission in Iraq by end of 2021

https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/biden-to-end-u-s-combat-mission-in-iraq-by-end-of-2021-117448773858



The weird story of the USAF F-117A that flew close to the left wingtip of an Iraqi Airways Boeing 747 during Operation Desert Shield (and a quick look at pre-Desert Storm Intelligence gathering)

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/the-weird-story-of-the-usaf-f-117a-that-flew-close-to-the-left-wingtip-of-an-iraqi-airways-boeing-747-during-operation-desert-shield-and-a-quick-look-at-pre-desert-storm-intelligence-gathering/









The Growing Military Cooperation Between Turkey And Azerbaijan

https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2021/07/27/the-growing-military-cooperation-between-turkey-and-azerbaijan/









Russia, China Offer Support to Syria Amid Biden Moves in Afghanistan, Iraq

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-china-offer-support-syria-amid-biden-moves-afghanistan-iraq-1613205









Rafael shows Flanker carrying out maritime strike with SPICE 250

http://alert5.com/2021/07/27/rafael-shows-flanker-carrying-out-maritime-strike-with-spice-250/



Lockheed Martin, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to make new laser weapon

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/lockheed-martin-rafael-advanced-defense-systems-create-new-laser-system-675034









Libyan Capital Sees Resurgence of Violence as International Pressure to Expel Foreign Forces Mounts Ahead of Elections

https://www.overtdefense.com/2021/07/27/libyan-capital-sees-resurgence-of-violence-as-international-pressure-to-expel-foreign-forces-mounts-ahead-of-elections/




Led by U.S. Navy, Exercise Cutlass Express 2021 begins in Africa

https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/07/26/exercisecutlassexpress-africa-indianocean/1371627326148/




Hundreds of civilians killed in attack in Ethiopia's Somali region, local government says

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/hundreds-civilians-killed-attack-ethiopias-somali-region-local-government-says-2021-07-27/









Ukraine holds military drills with US, Poland, Lithuania

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-holds-military-drills-with-us-poland-lithuania-2021-07-27/



Ukrainian president fires head of the armed forces, citing disputes

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukrainian-president-fires-head-of-the-armed-forces-citing-disputes/ar-AAMCuYS




Turkey delivers first armed drone to Ukrainian Navy, much to Russia’s ire

https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/07/26/turkey-delivers-first-armed-drone-to-ukraine-much-to-russias-ire/



Russia’s New Checkmate Stealth Fighter: A Mini F-35?

https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/07/russias-new-checkmate-stealth-fighter-a-mini-f-35/



Russia's new stealth fighter has the same big problem as its first stealth fighter

https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-likely-cant-afford-development-of-new-stealth-fighter-2021-7



Russia’s New Checkmate Su-75 Stealth Fighter Has Another Trick Up Its Sleeve

https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/07/russias-new-checkmate-su-75-stealth-fighter-has-another-trick-up-its-sleeve/



Russian Orion-E attack Drone Could Launch Vikhr Guided Missiles

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30110/Russian_Orion_E_attack_Drone_Could_Launch_Vikhr_Guided_Missiles#.YQAfwEBlBaQ



Russia Holds Military Drills Off Japan’s Mainland During Tokyo Olympics

https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-military-drills-in-disputed-land-during-tokyo-games-11627373105



Russia’s Belgorod nuclear-powered sub completes the 1st sea trials

https://navalpost.com/russias-belgorod-sub-completes-1st-sea-trials/



Russia to float out the Project 885M nuclear-powered submarine

http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/10240-naval-news-july-2021-navy-forces-maritime-defense-industry/10480-russia-to-float-out-the-project-885m-nuclear-powered-submarine.html



Russia is producing two new Doomsday planes, says government news agency

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/07/27/russia-is-producing-two-new-doomsday-planes-says-government-news-agency/



Two-seat Variant of Su-57 to be Built to Control Okhotnik Drones: Report

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30111/Two_seat_Variant_of_Su_57_to_be_Built_to_Control_Okhotnik_Drones__Report#.YQAfvEBlBaQ



Final voyage for Soviet’s first nuclear sub will be via the inner waterways

https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2021/07/final-voyage-soviets-first-nuclear-sub-will-be-inner-waterways-0



A top-secret, abandoned Soviet submarine base that was hidden from the public for decades is now a museum. Take a look inside.

https://news.yahoo.com/top-secret-abandoned-soviet-submarine-174202320.html





Lithuanian Court Sends Politician To Six Years In Prison For Spying For Russia

https://www.rferl.org/a/lithuania-spying-russia-paleckis/31379678.html




Russian Encroachment In Eastern Europe Drove Poland’s Purchase Of Abrams Tank

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/07/27/russian_encroachment_in_eastern_europe_drove_polands_purchase_of_abrams_tank_787255.html




Bundeswehr to Repurpose Polaris’ Aurora Space Plane for Reconnaissance Missions

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30104/Bundeswehr_to_Repurpose_Polaris____Aurora_Space_Plane_for_Reconnaissance_Missions#.YQAf3kBlBaQ




French Air Force and Navy Rafales getting Scorpion HMS

http://alert5.com/2021/07/27/french-air-force-and-navy-rafales-getting-scorpion-hms/



Cuban embassy in Paris attacked with gasoline bombs, foreign minister says

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jul/26/cuban-embassy-in-paris-attacked-with-gasoline-bomb/




E-3 retiring this year, replacement not ready until 2023

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/e-3-retiring-this-year-replacement-not-ready-until-2023/



The British Army’s Greek Tragedy

https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/british-armys-greek-tragedy



What is the status of the British F-35 fleet?

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/what-is-the-status-of-the-british-f-35-fleet/



A secret collision between British and Soviet submarines could've turned out much worse

https://www.businessinsider.com/british-soviet-submarine-collision-couldve-been-much-worse-2021-7



Royal Navy quietly retires Type 23 frigate HMS Monmouth

https://defbrief.com/2021/07/27/royal-navy-quietly-retires-type-23-frigate-hms-monmouth/



F-35B fitted with Meteor missile ‘middle of this decade’

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/f-35b-fitted-with-meteor-missile-middle-of-this-decade/









Haiti arrests security coordinator for assassinated President Moïse

https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20210727-top-haitian-security-chief-arrested-over-presidential-assassination



Leaked documents reveal death threats and roadblocks in Haiti assassination investigation

https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/26/americas/haiti-moise-assassination-investigation-death-threats-intl-latam/index.html









China’s ‘Salami-Slicing’ Tactics Continue in Ladakh’s Demchok: Experts Weigh In

https://www.thequint.com/news/india/india-china-border-tension-at-ladakh-demchok



China Developing Unique Laser Gun for Faster Hypersonic Missiles and Planes

https://www.newsweek.com/china-developing-unique-laser-gun-faster-hypersonic-missiles-planes-1613374



With second missile field, China signals ‘largest expansion of nuclear force ever’: NYT report

https://theprint.in/world/with-second-missile-field-china-signals-largest-expansion-of-nuclear-force-ever-nyt-report/703959/



China tells WHO to check US Army lab for COVID-19 origins

https://warisboring.com/china-tells-who-to-check-us-army-lab-for-covid-19-origins/



Chinese Navy Using Commercial Car Ferries to Launch Amphibious Landing Craft

https://news.usni.org/2021/07/26/chinese-navy-using-commercial-car-ferries-to-launch-amphibious-landing-craft



Thousands Of Ships, Millions Of Troops: China Is Assembling a Huge Fleet For War With Taiwan

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2021/07/27/thousands-of-ships-millions-of-troops-china-is-assembling-a-huge-assault-flotilla-for-a-possible-attack-on-taiwan/





‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense

https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/07/we-will-not-flinch-austin-promises-us-will-continue-bolster-taiwans-self-defense/184058/



British aircraft carrier ignores Chinese warnings and enters South China Sea

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-aircraft-carrier-ignores-chinese-warnings-and-enters-south-china-sea/





North and South Korea have restored direct communication hotlines that were abruptly severed over a year ago

https://www.businessinsider.com/north-and-south-korea-restore-direct-communication-hotlines-2021-7





Mitsubishi launches 2 coast guard vessels for Philippines

https://navalpost.com/mitsubishi-launches-2-cg-vessels-for-philippines/










Harvard Scientists Kick Off UAP Survey Program

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/space/harvard-scientists-kick-uap-survey-program



AI That Bested Air Force Pilot In “Digital Dogfights” Headed For L-39 Jet Trainer

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41683/ai-that-bested-air-force-pilot-in-digital-dogfights-headed-for-l-39-jet-trainer



Malware developers turn to 'exotic' programming languages to thwart researchers

https://www.zdnet.com/article/malware-developers-turn-to-exotic-programming-languages-to-thwart-researchers/



‘It Failed Miserably’: After Wargaming Loss, Joint Chiefs Are Overhauling How the US Military Will Fight

https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/07/it-failed-miserably-after-wargaming-loss-joint-chiefs-are-overhauling-how-us-military-will-fight/184050/



Why the U.S. Military Might Not Win a War Against China Easily (if at All)

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/07/27/why_the_us_military_might_not_win_a_war_against_china_easily_if_at_all_787185.html



New Report Calls for Allied Monitoring of Chinese in Pacific as Part of ‘Deterrence by Detection’ Plan

https://news.usni.org/2021/07/26/new-report-calls-for-allied-monitoring-of-chinese-in-pacific-as-part-of-deterrence-by-detection-plan



Attacks on critical infrastructure are dangerous. Soon they could turn deadly, warn analysts

https://www.zdnet.com/article/attacks-on-critical-infrastructure-are-dangerous-soon-they-could-turn-deadly-warns-analyst/



National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency opens new lab for unclassified collaboration

https://www.c4isrnet.com/intel-geoint/2021/07/26/national-geospatial-intelligence-agency-opens-new-lab-for-unclassified-collaboration/



Air Force Tweet Showing F-35As Protected By Lightning Rods Asks "Which Lightning Strikes Harder?"

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41698/air-force-tweet-showing-f-35as-protected-by-lightning-rods-asks-which-lightning-strikes-harder



Fatal Distractions

https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htlead/articles/20210727.aspx



Does America Like Losing Wars?

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/07/27/does_america_like_losing_wars_787251.html



Lockheed Loses $225M on Secret Project, Lowers F-35 Production Forecast

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/07/lockheed-loses-225m-secret-project-lowers-f-35-production-forecast/184056/



GE made an earthworm robot

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ge-made-an-earthworm-robot/



Aerospace & Defense Roundup: July 26

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/z/aerospace-defense-roundup-july-26



Blue Origin has a secret project named “Jarvis” to compete with SpaceX

https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/07/blue-origin-is-developing-reusable-second-stage-other-advanced-projects/



Bezos says he is now willing to invest in a Moon lander—here’s why

https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/07/bezos-says-he-is-now-willing-to-invest-in-a-moon-lander-heres-why/



MC-145B Wily Coyote Special Ops Planes Will Be Able To Launch Stealth Cruise Missiles

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41684/mc-145b-wily-coyote-special-ops-planes-will-be-able-to-launch-stealth-cruise-missiles



Jet-Powered Coyote Drone Defeats Swarm In Army Tests

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41689/latest-coyote-drone-variant-defeats-drone-swarm-in-new-army-tests



Marine F-35Cs in this squadron are ready for combat in another fighter jet first

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/07/26/marine-f-35cs-in-this-squadron-are-ready-for-combat-in-another-fighter-jet-first/



Let’s Explore The HC-130J Combat King II With This Amazing Walkaround Tour

https://theaviationist.com/2021/07/27/hc-130j-combat-king-ii-walkaround/