Defense
5,852 news found
DefenseVicenza US base: no referendum
Vicenza, Italy - Cancelled by the Council of State
It is still source of debate Vicenza US base, this time after yesterday "No" by the Council of State to the referendum called by Mayor Achille Variati. During the referendum, scheduled for October 5th,... more
DefenseSomalia: "Faina" still into pirates' hands
Mogadishu, Somalia - Mogadishu gives the go-ahead to Russia
According to Interfax agency, "Somalia has allowed Russian ships to enter waters to fight Somali pirates". But "Faina" story is still unsolved. "Faina" is the name of the Ukrainian ship hijacked on September... more
DefenseEU mission in Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia - Around 350 observers in the area
It has started today the EU mission with the aim of monitoring the pullout of Russian troops from Georgian territory that will have to take place within October 10th. The operation, that will cost 35 million... more
DefenseVenezuela: a weapons race?
Caracas, Venezuela - Moscow among the major suppliers
In a Country where oil extraction is a very profitable activity (just to give you an idea of the turnover: "Oil is sold at 103 Dollars per barrel and in Venezuela 2.3 million are produced every day"),... more
DefenseDal Molin: the area has been given to US soldiers
Vicenza, Italy - Waiting for Tar administrative tribunal verdict
According to the government Commissioner Paolo Costa, from today "The area of the airport 'Tommaso Dal Molin' will be given to US". The decision has been announced before two important dates. On Sunday... more
DefensePakistan: Zardari clarifies the "Attack" to NATO helicopters
Islamabad, Pakistan - Not an attack but "Signal flares"
After the discussions which occupied the international political debate regarding the Pakistani attack to NATO helicopters (see AVIONEWS), Islamabad government shed light on it. During a meeting with... more
DefenseIsrael-US: a stronger cooperation in the defense sector
Jerusalem, Israel - Set up a modern radar in the Country
In the defense sector, Washington-Jerusalem ties have been strenghtened. In Nevatim air base, in the south of the Country, US government has set up a modern radar, able to early detect the launch of ballistic... more
DefenseCaracas looks at the Red Dragon
Caracas, Venezuela - Signed the agreement between the two Countries
While Caracas-Washington relationship exacerbates, Chavez government begins to look at east, towards the Red Dragon. This new relationship is confirmed by Chavez yesterday visit in China. Under the agreement... more
DefenseInternational missions: the Italian Government decides to increase its military presence
Rome, Italy - Four "Tornado" airplanes in Afghanistan
Italy will not withdraw its troops from the clashes theatres. On the contrary the Government wants to maintain its military presence on the field: this is the content of the draft law passed by the Italian... more
DefenseMoscow-Caracas: a stronger and stronger alliance
Caracas, Venezuela - US military ships bound for Venezuela
Today, Russian ships left Severomorsk base (Russia) bound for Venezuela. Cutting edge of the fleet, the nuclear-powered cruiser, called "Peter the Great". The aim of the mission, upon its arrival in Latin-American... more
DefenseNorth Korea intends to resume nuclear activity
Pyonyang, North Korea - The Country wants to "Restart Yongbyon reactor"
It had been already announced at the end of August but now it has been confirmed. According to the declarations of a spokesman for the North Korea Foreign Minister, Pyonyang regime wants to "Restart Yongbyon... more
DefensePakistan/USA: a destabilizing politics
Islamabad, Pakistan - Yesterday another US air raid in Pakistani territory
President Bush's mandate is expiring and one of the best way to finish 8 years of government could be hunting al-Qaeda in order to demonstrate and confirm his commitment to the fight against terrorism.... more
DefenseNorth Korea: tested a long-range missile
Seoul, South Korea - "Chosun Ilbo" newspaper reports it
North Korea goes on along the route of missile tests. According to "Chosun Ilbo", a newspaper of South Korea, Pyonyang regime has probably carried out a test in order to verify the ignition system... more
DefenseIran: published IAEA report
Tehran, Iran - El-Baradei organization accuses Iran
In the report published, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accuses Tehran Government for enriching uranium, despite UN Security Council resolution. El-Baradei Agency blames the Country... more
DefenseRussia to launch four ICBM missiles by the end of the year
Moscow, Russia - The statements of General Nikolai Solovtsov
Russia's Strategic Missile Forces will test-launch another four missiles by the end of this year, the forces' commander said on Wednesday. "In accordance with an adjusted missile launch program for... more
DefenseItalian Navy: rescue drill to submarine in difficulty
Rome, Italy - Until September 20
"The 'Subex 2008' drill, one of the most important training event in rescue field to submarines in difficulties, begins in the Gulf of Taranto. The 'Longobardo' and 'Prini' submarines, 'Anteo' ship with... more
DefenseBerlusconi writes a letter to Vicenza's Mayor
Rome, Italy - Italian Prime Minister asks the cancellation of "Dal Molin" referendum
With a letter written to Vicenza's Mayor, Achille Variati, on September 5th, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi asked him of cancelling the referendum on US base in Vicenza. During the referendum,... more
DefenseVicenza US base: works blocked at "Ederle" barracks
Vicenza, Italy - Established by a regional law
After criticism on the widening works to US base in Vicenza (see AVIONEWS), this time a Regional law stopped the widening project at "Ederle" barracks. Under the plan, 215 houses had to be built for US... more
DefenseLibya: Gheddafi declarations
Rome, Italy - NATO reply
Declarations released on Sunday by Gheddafi, saying that "Italy will not use nor give the bases on its territory to NATO and US, in the event of a future 'attack' against Libya" caused criticisms and worries.... more
DefenseItalian Navy: turnover yesterday at the Unifil
Rome, Italy - Handed over to the French Navy
"The Rear Admiral Ruggiero Di Biase, in the waters near Beirut, has ceded yesterday, on September 1st, the leadership of the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), named Task Force 448, to the... more
DefenseCrisis between Seoul and Washington governments
Seoul, North Korea - Pyonyang stops nuclear disarmament deal
It is time of crisis between Washington and Seoul governments, after Pyonyang regime declared it had suspended nuclear facilities disabling on August 14th. The source of the tension, is, according... more
DefenseSyria denies the installation of an air shield symmetric to US
Damascus, Syria - The official statement of Damascus Government
A senior Syrian official on Friday denied that Damascus had agreed to place the Russian advanced Iskander missile system in Syria. According to the Syria news agency, SANA, the official claimed that... more
DefenseCaucasus crisis: Russia annouces withdrawal in short time. Strong doubts by the West
Tblisi, Georgia - Harsh criticisms by the White House
Russia promised to complete a partial pullback of troops from Georgia by the end of Friday but said an unspecified number of peacekeeping forces would stay inside the country, angering the West. A top... more
DefenseUS missile defence system in Poland
Warsaw, Poland - Due for today the signature of the deal
It is due for today the sign of a deal, reached last August 14th, to locate US missile defence system in Poland. The agreement, whose pace was accelerated by Caucasus crisis, was reached after 18 months... more
DefenseIndian Army orders additional BrahMos cruise missiles
New Delhi, India - They will be fitted out Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters
The Indian Army has ordered an additional batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from the Russian-Indian BrahMos Aerospace joint venture, the company's CEO said Tuesday. "The Army leadership realizes... more
DefenseGripen: difficult to beat it
Paris, France - Favoured on Indian market
The call for bids, launched by India in order to upgrade its air fleet, at the moment composed of single-jet planes MiG-21, is arousing great interest all over the world. "Even though every tenders... more
DefenseUK: short of military helicopters in Middle East and an emergency summit is summoned
London, United Kingdom - Also Italy is looking for a solution
British Forces are so short of helicopters in Afghanistan and Iraq that they are considering renting them from other Countries, or even from the controversial US security contractor Blackwater. It seems... more
DefenseTomorrow Russia-Libya meeting
Moscow, Russia - They will talk about last April agreement implementation
Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, will meet in Moscow his Libyan counterpart al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi. Tomorrow they will discuss about the implementation of the agreement reached between Putin and... more
DefenseItalian Navy: the "Todaro" submarine at the "JTFEX 08-4"
Rome, Italy - The drill will take place in the Atlantic until July 31
"The 'Todaro' submarine left the Mayport harbour, Florida, to participate at the 'Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4', named 'Operation Brimstone': one of the most important international drills that will... more
DefenseIran case: possible opening of a US interest section in Tehran
Washington, USA - Diplomatic attempts of detente
The turbulent relationships between US and Iran are improving at a snail’s pace. Detente signal by the Washington's Government in the attempt to reestablish a diplomatic agency in Tehran after 30 years. T... more
DefenseRussia: Iranian tests show the US air defense system is useless
Moscow, Russia - Lavrov: "It is necessary to solve problems with Iran through diplomacy"
Russia's Foreign Minister said on Friday that Iran's recent missile tests show it does not have ability to attack Europe, and disprove the U.S. justification for a missile shield in Central Europe. Iran... more
DefenseIran continues in the experimentation of its long range missiles
Teheran, Iran - Persian Gulf area has become a shooting range
The search of Iran president Ahmadinejad seems not to have peace about the destruction of Israel, considered by him the enemy number one of his Country, therefore "Condemned" to be completely destroyed... more
DefenseRussia and Belarus will never join NATO
Moscow, Russia - Russia's envoy to Alliance said today
Russia's envoy to NATO said on Tuesday that Russia-Belarus ties should be strengthened, and that the two countries could never join the Western military alliance. Speaking at a Moscow-Minsk-Brussels... more
DefenseAfghanistan: the Italian Defense Minister announces the troops reinforcement
Herat, Afghanistan - Between Farah and Delaram
During the visit to the Italian troops in Afghanistan, between Kabul and the Western Region, the Italian Defense Minister, Ignazio La Russa, has announced today the reinforcement of troops deployed between... more
DefenseITT receives $44.9 M to upgrade Sweden's air defense radar
White Plains, USA - This work is a key component in modernizing Sweden's national air defense program
ITT Corporation has signed a USD 44.9 million contract with the Swedish Defence Material Administration, FMV for the Reliability and Modification (REMO) upgrade of their PS-870 coastal/gapfiller radar... more
DefenseSuccessful missile defense intercept test takes place off Hawaii
Hawaii, USA - This test involved the intercept of several separating target
Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced the completion of a successful "Hit to kill" intercept in partnership with the U.S. Army for the Terminal High Altitude... more
DefenseIgnazio La Russa has met NATO General secretary today
Rome, Italy - Italian Defence Minister had a talk with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer about Afghani situation
Italian Defence Minister, Ignazio La Russa, has met NATO General secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, today, to talk about Italian troops in Afghanistan, in south-west area, where a support is necessary to... more
DefenseAfghanistan, Italy values the forwarding of four Tornado fighters
Kabul, Afghanistan - No official confirmations yet
The announcement could be officially given in the end of June, when the NATO General Secretary, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, should meet in Rome the Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi. But the forwarding of four... more
DefenseSyria, maybe a nuclear reactor in Al Kibar
Rome, Italy - It could be the reason of last September 6th Israeli's attack according to IAEA
According to IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), last September 6th's Israeli attack to Syria by a raid in Al Kibar (see for details AVIONEWS), should have been caused by the placement of a nuclear... more
DefenseUS missile defense system: another alternative base in Lithuania?
Washington, USA - The denial by Washington and Vilnius Governments
The United States and Lithuania denied reports they were formally discussing deploying elements of the U.S. missile shield in the ex-Soviet Baltic state if talks with Poland failed. Poland's deputy... more
DefenseNATO, new signs of war in Kandahar
Kandahar, Afghanistan - Thousand people on the run
The situation is worsening in the last hours in particular in the province of Kandahar. The possibility of a fight between talibans and the Afghan troops supported by NATO is more and more real. Thousand... more
DefenseAfghanistan, Alpine troops and paratroops inaugurate Library in Surobi
Kabul, Afghanistan - In memory of "Second Lieutenant Giovanni Pezzullo"
The Italian Force of Task Force Surobi - Regional Command Capital has inaugurated in the village of Surobi a Library. The structure, composed by a two-level building and constructed in short time, was... more
DefenseItalian Army: new ISAF commander visits Regional Command West
Herat, Afghanistan - Great appreciation for the Italian Force
General Francesco Arena, commandant of Regional Command West (RC-W), has received two days ago the visit of the new ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) commandant, General David D. McKiernan.... more
DefenseRome, armoured city for the visit of the US President George W. Bush
Rome, Italy - In progress "Jupiter", the plan for the air security
It is called "Jupiter", and is the plan for the air security in progress in Rome for the visit of the US President George W. Bush. Rome will be an armoured city from tomorrow to Friday: the US presidential... more
DefenseItalian Navy: "Amerigo Vespucci" school-ship leaves
Rome, Italy - Traditional Summer campaign would last until next September
"It has started the traditional Summer campaign by 'Amerigo Vespucci' school-ship. The sailing-ship will cross the sea in north-Europe until next September, while training Livorno naval Academy's cadets. 'Amerigo... more
DefenseItalian Navy: turnover at Euromarfor
Rome, Italy - In Limassol harbour, Cyprus
"Scirocco frigate has replaced Espero ship in the Marine Task Force (MTF) at Limassol harbour (Cyprus), naval component of Unifil (UN Interim Force in Lebann). Espero frigate, led by the commander Nicola... more
DefenseItalian Navy: meeting of the Navies adherent to the "5+5" initiative
Rome, Italy - It took place in Tripoli last May 26 and 27
"The meeting of the Heads of Navies' Chief of Staff of the Countries adherent to the 5+5 initiative took place in Tripoli last May 26 and 27. The periodical meeting aims to reinforce the cooperation... more
DefenseCluster Bomb: the World says no with the Dublin International agreement
Dublin, Ireland - The Convention will be signed on December 3rd in Oslo
The World says no to the Cluster Bombs. More than 100 Countries attending a conference in Dublin, Ireland, formally adopted a treaty today to ban them, large, unreliable and inaccurate weapon that often... more
DefenseNuclear Iran: Frattini in Stockholm to promote Italy in "5+1"
Stockholm, Sweden - Expected the bilateral meeting with Condoleezza Rice
The Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini arrived yesterday evening in Stockholm to participate to the "Iraq Annual Review Conference", the first meeting of a five-year package for political and economical... more
DefenseBoeing begins firing high-energy laser aboard ATL aircraft
Kirtland Afb , USA - The successful laser firing occurred at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
The Boeing Company has fired a high-energy chemical laser aboard a C-130H aircraft in ground tests for the first time, achieving a key milestone for the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Advanced Concept Technology... more