NATO – Page 102 – The Defense Post

Feb- 2018 -

6 February

USS Coronado launches a Harpoon Block 1C missile

2

US approves $735 million sale to Finland of Harpoon anti-ship and ESSM air defense missiles

The U.S. State Department approved the $735 million sale of 112 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 68 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles used to defend ships from aerial attack, the Defense Cooperation Security Agency said.

2 February

Europe

UK Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Albion

Joanne Stocker

0

UK Royal Navy assault ship Albion to lead NATO task group

The U.K. Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Albion will lead Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 beginning next week. Albion is set to leave Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth next week and will serve as the SNMG2 flagship, operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the Royal Navy said in a Friday press release. A Royal Marines group will also embark aboard the ship. “It is a huge privilege for us to fly the flag of the NATO task group commander in such a high profile deployment,” HMS Albion commanding officer said. “This symbolises the importance that the UK and the Royal Navy places on our role in NATO and in assuring the collective defence and security of NATO allies and partners.’’ HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy’s two amphibious assault ships. It recently completed a two-year modernization period followed by training and sea trials. The NATO task group will undertake security operations and conduct multi-national exercises while in the Mediterranean.

Jan- 2018 -

18 January

Business

Fergus Kelly

2

Russia begins deliveries of S-400 to China, but isn’t transferring the technology

Russia has begun deliveries of the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system to China, but the 2014 contract does not include transfer of technology

17 January

Europe

Qatari Brigadier General Tariq Khalid M. F. Alobaidli and NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller signed a security agreement

Joanne Stocker

2

Qatar signs security agreement with NATO

Qatar and NATO have signed a security agreement that will establish a framework for protection of the exchange of classified information

16 January

Europe

Command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One moved from Latvian to Belgium leadership

Joanne Stocker

0

Denmark and Belgium take command of NATO naval groups

Denmark and Belgium have assumed command of two NATO standing maritime groups, the alliance said

15 January

Peace

Fergus Kelly

UN Security Council members meet Afghan leaders during 3-day visit

Representatives of the United Nations Security Council held talks with Afghanistan's top leaders during a three-day visit to the country

10 January

Commentary

US delivers UH-60 Balck Hawk to Afghan Air Force

Michael Hughes

2

Pakistan counter-strike on Trump threatens US anti-terror efforts in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s suspending security cooperation with the US over Trump's freeze on aid is likely to hinder counter-terror efforts in the region

Dec- 2017 -

19 December

Business

Fergus Kelly

US State Department approves $200 million sale of F-16 services to Poland

The U.S. State Department approved the $200 million sale of F-16 aircraft support and sustainment services to Poland

13 December

Asia Pacific

Joanne Stocker

1

German parliament extends Afghanistan mission until March

Germany's parliament has agreed to extend the mandate for German troops in Afghanistan until March 2018, backing the three-year-old NATO Resolute Support mission in the country.

12 December

Politics