US European Command is “renewing conversations” with NATO member countries to use additional bases, such as Keflavik, Iceland, to permanently place air assets, Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, EUCOM and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, told Senate legislators on Tuesday. Keflavik is a former US Navy air station that has seen a rotation of Air Force aircraft recently and has been a base for other countries to conduct air policing. Because of its location and its “ability to project” ISR, Breedlove told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the base has been a part of discussions to change force structure across Europe. (See also: Building Infrastructure in Europe) (Breedlove prepared testimony.)
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.