Defense One
In an interview with Defense One, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III revealed a bit of his thinking on Ukraine and Taiwan, two fronts where U.S. policy about direct military intervention is not clear and where Russia and China are now testing the edges.
Space Force release
The Space Force’s Space Systems Command and its mission partners successfully launched the Space Test Program-3 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., during the predawn hours of Dec. 7. The primary spacecraft on the mission, STPSat-6, will deliver operational nuclear detonation detection capabilities and demonstrate new space technologies in the areas of space domain awareness, weather, and laser communications.
Air Force release
U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules to Niger to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations throughout the Sahel.
Military.com
Women will not have to sign up for a potential draft anytime soon after an effort to add them to the Selective Service System was dropped from the compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, that was released Dec. 7.
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The New York Times
There are tactical reasons for threatening an invasion, but the real cause may lie in the Kremlin’s fixation with righting what it sees as a historical injustice.
Military Times
An Airman died and two others were injured in a June Humvee accident when their vehicle rolled over during training in Kansas, throwing the unrestrained passengers to the ground, according to the results of an Air Force investigation published Dec. 3.
Breaking Defense
As Russia moves forces to the borders of Ukraine, voices in the United States and Europe are calling for their governments to help the Ukrainians defend themselves. Most of these commentators limit their recommendations to training and equipment support, but some would extend a security guarantee to Ukraine, even making it a member of NATO.
Defense News
The Missile Defense Agency has finished installing radar arrays and wrapped up military construction for the Long-Range Discrimination Radar at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska, declaring the initial fielding of the radar. Now the agency will integrate the radar into the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system and the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications system during 2022 in preparation for formal operational acceptance by the Air Force in 2023.
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Reuters
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to strengthen the country's defenses by looking into options including acquiring the capability to strike enemy bases as it deals with an assertive China and unpredictable North Korea.
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Reuters
The United Arab Emirates defence ministry said its purchase of French Rafale fighter jets would complement its planned deal to buy American F-35 warplanes, which has slowed due to Washington's concerns over Abu Dhabi's relationship with China.
One More Thing
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Forbes
The United States observed the 80th anniversary of Japan’s attack on the naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii—which killed over 2,300 people and shook the nation, leading it to join World War II—in ceremonies across the country Tuesday.
