Schriever Wargame 2012, the seventh iteration of Air Force Space Command’s space wargame, concluded after a week of simulated activities with NATO allies and Australia. Set in the year 2023, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Turkey joined the United States and Australia in conducting simulated counterpiracy operations around the Horn of Africa. During the wargame, the participants “provided capabilities to boost space situational awareness; improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts; enhance environmental monitoring; and increase communications bandwidth,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, AFSPC’s director of plans, programs, and analyses. The wargame began on April 20 at Nellis AFB, Nev., and concluded on April 26. While the wargame’s results are classified, AFSPC officials said an unclassified final report would be available in about six months. (Nellis release)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.