DefenceTalkIraqi forces have entered Tikrit, dodging bombs and sniper fire in search of their biggest victory yet against embattled jihadists who tried to light new fires elsewhere in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State group has suffered stinging defeats in the heart of its self-proclaimed “caliphate” recently, but its ultraviolent ideology has inspired attacks and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/iraqi-forces-enter-is-held-tikrit-after-10-day-push-63465/

DefenceTalkThe debate in Washington regarding the pros and cons of the putative agreement between the P5 and Iran on limits to its nuclear programs is focused either on theological questions, such as is a bad agreement better than none at all, or technical details like the relationship between the number of centrifuges Iran is allowed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/arms-race-in-middle-east-seen-intensifying-63474/

DefenceTalkImagine being in the heat of battle, you are exhausted, fatigued and running on adrenaline. A few seconds before a terrorist opens fire, you are told over the radio to take cover and prepare. This is the development of military-like “Google Glasses”, which will provide real-time information from combat soldiers in battle to their commanders. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/israeli-soldiers-using-google-glass-like-technology-for-real-time-warfare-63445/

DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Jordan for M31 Unitary Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) Rocket Pods and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $192 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible […]https://www.defencetalk.com/jordan-to-buy-m31-unitary-gmlrs-rocket-pods-63404/

DefenceTalkThe US military’s top officer, General Martin Dempsey, told lawmakers on Wednesday it was possible special operations forces could eventually be sent to Syria to back up American-trained rebels. But officials said Dempsey’s comment was addressing a “hypothetical” scenario for the moment as moderate opposition forces have not yet been trained. Asked if more American […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-forces-could-have-role-in-syria-in-future-dempsey-63397/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Department has expedited $17.9 million in equipment and supplies –- some which have already been delivered –- to the Iraqi government, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today. Warren provided a general update on equipment and supplies authorized for delivery to the Iraqis. “This was a $17.9 million [Foreign Military Sales […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-expedites-17-9-million-in-equipment-to-aid-iraqis-63294/

DefenceTalkSOUTHWEST ASIA: U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that […]https://www.defencetalk.com/operation-inherent-resolve-airstrikes-continue-in-syria-iraq-63288/

DefenceTalkSOUTHWEST ASIA: U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airstrikes-continue-against-isisisil-in-syria-iraq-63244/

DefenceTalkThe United States and Turkey have signed an agreement to train and arm Syrian rebels fighting against the “Islamist State” group. Washington and Ankara have been in talks about such a pact for several months. “The agreement was signed by the foreign ministry undersecretary and the U.S. ambassador,” a U.S. embassy spokesman in Ankara said […]https://www.defencetalk.com/turkey-us-sign-deal-to-train-syria-rebels-63237/

DefenceTalkThe cost of Canada’s six-month bombing mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq was estimated at more than $100 million, according to officials Tuesday. The independent parliamentary budget office put the tally at Can$128.8 million (US$103.8 million) to Can$166.40 million (US$134.1 million). The budget office’s report comes after Defense Minister Jason Kenney said the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/canada-cost-of-fighting-is-group-tops-100-mln-63153/