Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has acknowledged delays in F-16 multi-role fighter deliveries to Iraq. Officials said the Defense Department expected a suspension in plans to deliver the first F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to Baghdad. The officials said the Pentagon would be unable to supply the F-16s amid the drive by Al […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. military presence in Iraq has been growing steadily amid the offensive by Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. On June 26, officials reported that 500 troops, under the command of Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, were deployed in the Arab state. But the officials said most of the troops […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. military’s Africa Command is supervising a project to improve communications for allies in North Africa and Sahel. The contract represents an effort to enhance U.S. military operations amid the Al Qaida threat in North Africa. Africom has access to the only U.S. military base on the continent, located […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — China has been marketing defense systems to the Middle East, a report said. The U.S. Defense Department said Beijing’s growing defense industry was targeting the Middle East, particularly North Africa. In a report, the Pentagon said China was marketing such platforms as aircraft, helicopters, frigates and unmanned aerial vehicles. “Chinese […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has been ordered to organize a counter-terrorism force for North Africa. Officials said the Defense Department has allocated nearly $100 million to form CI units with the capability to respond rapidly to Al Qaida threats in North Africa. The officials said the force, under the auspices of […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has launched plans to export military aircraft to Yemen. The Defense Department has awarded a $41.5 million contract for four intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for the Yemen Air Force. Under the contract, L-3 Communications would supply aircraft, training and spares for counter-insurgency operations in Yemen. “This […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Israel has received U.S. approval for its planned Joint Strike Fighter fleet. The Defense Department has awarded a $101.9 million contract for JSF logistics for Israel. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin would provide engineering and software development for Israel’s order of 19 F-35A fighter-jets. Israel, the first foreign country to […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. military is preparing for operations in South Sudan. [See also: U.S. sanctions both South Sudan and Sudan-backed rebels Sudan supplying fighters against South Sudan in arms for oil deal with Iran, China ] The Defense Department has awarded an $8.5 million contract to an American firm to provide […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States, amid its rapprochement with Iran, plans to lead a defense seminar with the Gulf Cooperation Council. U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was scheduled to leave Washington on May 12 to participate in the U.S.-GCC defense ministers parley in the Saudi city of Jedda. Officials said Hagel would […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Jordan has ordered military vehicles from the United States. The U.S. Defense Department has awarded a contract for the sale of Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles to the Jordanian Army. Under the $21.8 million contract, Oshkosh Corp. would supply 12 FMTV platforms over the next 18 months. The Pentagon said […]