DefenceTalkBeijing on Tuesday dismissed an annual Pentagon report that accused it of widespread cyberspying on the US government, rejecting it as an “irresponsible” attempt to drum up fear of China as a military threat. The paper came as concerns in Washington have grown over Beijing’s double-digit rises in defence spending and a steady hacking campaign […]https://www.defencetalk.com/beijing-says-us-defence-report-hypes-china-threat-47724/

DefenceTalkNorth Korea’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities and development of long-range ballistic missile programs make it one of the most critical U.S. security challenges in Northeast Asia, according to the Defense Department’s first report to Congress on that nation’s military development. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivered the report, titled, “Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-report-north-korea-still-critical-us-security-threat-47698/

DefenceTalkIsraeli air strikes near Damascus send a clear message to Iran and Syria that it will not allow arms shipments to Hezbollah, pundits said, playing down fears it would spark a major response. Although Israel maintained official silence on the strikes, one at dawn on Friday and the second about 48 hours later, a senior […]https://www.defencetalk.com/israels-syria-hit-sends-warning-to-iran-hezbollah-pundits-47692/

DefenceTalkWith technical support from Russia, Syria has bolstered its air defenses, posing a threat to US aircraft if America decides to intervene in the war, a US official said Monday. The official confirmed a report that first appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Word of the upgraded defenses takes on new urgency given US assertions […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-says-syria-has-beefed-up-air-defenses-47659/

DefenceTalkWhile the U.S. continues to reduce its military presence in Europe, the Defense Department is conducting a review to identify more Europe-based installations and training areas to recommend for closure or realignment. Then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta directed the review in January, and results are expected by the year’s end, a senior defense official told […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-conducts-brac-like-review-in-europe-47637/

DefenceTalkNorth Korea appears to be gearing up for a major military exercise, a report said on Sunday, amid tensions over an expected missile test and South Korea’s pullout from a joint industrial complex. Preparations are under way near the North’s western port of Nampo for a combined live-fire drill involving artillery units and air force […]https://www.defencetalk.com/north-korea-set-to-stage-major-military-drill-report-47626/

DefenceTalkDefense acquisition professionals need to apply common-sense thinking as they make decisions, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics said here today. Frank Kendall issued a memo on the “Better Buying Power 2.0” that re-emphasized the power people have in the acquisition process and seven common-sense ways that acquisition and contracting personnel can […]https://www.defencetalk.com/top-acquisition-official-unveils-better-buying-power-2-0-47618/

DefenceTalkThe final assessment phase in a program that could lead to the overhaul of MOD’s equipment and support management commences today. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is the organization that buys and supports all of the equipment used by the UK’s Armed Forces. A core element of the Transforming Defence program is reforming the acquisition […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-mod-moves-closer-to-defence-acquisition-reform-47606/

DefenceTalkThe Air Force will see few force structure changes this year, but readiness and modernization accounts will be in flux this year and next, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today. The secretary also told the Defense Writers’ Group that now is the time for another base realignment and closure process. Readiness and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/readiness-modernization-in-flux-air-force-secretary-says-47577/

DefenceTalkIn what Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called “a significant step in U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation,” he and his Israeli counterpart finalized an agreement today on a package of new defense capabilities the United States is offering Israel. Hagel and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon held a joint news conference at Israel’s defense headquarters, known as the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-yaalon-finalize-new-israel-military-capabilities-47553/