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sked what his analysis of Russia’s recent withdrawal from the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty means for US Air Forces in Europe and NATO efforts, USAFE boss Gen. Tom Hobbins told a Capitol Hill crowd that he plans to continue with business as usual. Military to military relations between USAFE and Russia are “very, very strong” right now, he noted, and downplayed the encirclement fears that the Kremlin has been touting. “There is a great fear by the Russians about NATO encirclement,” Hobbins said. “When we look at the types of facilities we’re building, we’re not a threat to the Russians,” he said. NATO is using the facilities primarily for training activities, he explained, adding that his command continues to look for more ways to exercise together, to build relationships and leverage strengths. Hobbins said he recently spoke with the Russian air chief about ways to cooperate, particularly regarding a Russian strength—military airlift.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.