DefenceTalk.com

Former US Marine who ‘trained Chinese crew’ to face Australian court
DefenceTalkA former US fighter pilot detained in Australia under a shroud of secrecy will face court on Friday, with a fellow ex-Marine telling AFP the retired instructor trained flight crew in China before his arrest. Daniel Edmund Duggan was arrested in rural New South Wales on October 21, Australia’s attorney general’s department has confirmed, the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/former-us-marine-who-trained-chinese-crew-to-face-australian-court-79566/ Read more...
Top Aces to Train USAF with F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter Fleet
DefenceTalkMESA, AZ: Top Aces Corp. (Top Aces), the world’s only commercial owner/operator of F-16 fighter aircraft, today announced that it was selected under the US Air Force (USAF) Combat Air Force Contracted Air Support program to provide advanced adversary air training to pilots at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in Florida and Luke AFB in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/top-aces-to-train-usaf-with-f-16-advanced-aggressor-fighter-fleet-79401/ Read more...
With war next door, Finland, Sweden train with NATO
DefenceTalkIn a muddy car park in Norway’s Far North, Finnish troops show off their military might, lining up rocket launchers, artillery and snowmobiles as they prepare to train alongside their NATO brothers-in-arms. While Finland and Sweden’s partnership with the Atlantic Alliance is nothing new, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed the two militarily non-aligned nations […]https://www.defencetalk.com/with-war-next-door-finland-sweden-train-with-nato-78504/ Read more...
Satellites spot US warship mock-ups at apparent China weapons range
DefenceTalkChina has built what appear to be full-scale outlines of American warships including an aircraft carrier, satellite imagery showed, possible targets to practice striking some of the most potent US weapons deployed in the Pacific. The US Navy’s carrier battle groups — centered around massive aircraft carriers — are among the most powerful weapons in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/satellites-spot-us-warship-mock-ups-at-apparent-china-weapons-range-77481/ Read more...
China says military flight off Malaysia was ‘routine training’
DefenceTalkChina said Wednesday a flight by 16 military aircraft over hotly contested waters off Malaysia was routine training, after the Southeast Asian nation accused Beijing of breaching its sovereignty. Malaysia scrambled fighter jets Monday to intercept the Chinese air force transport planes that appeared off Borneo over the South China Sea, where it has overlapping […] Read more...
CAE buys military training division of L3Harris
DefenceTalkCanadian flight simulator maker CAE announced Monday a deal to buy the military training division of US defense group L3Harris Technologies for about US $1 billion. The purchase includes Link, Doss Aviation and AMI, which provide military training in the United States, flight training to the US air force, and hardware for simulators, respectively. Quebec-based […] Read more...
US Army research leads to more effective training model for robots
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkMulti-domain operations, the Army’s future operating concept, requires autonomous agents with learning components to operate alongside the warfighter. New Army research reduces the unpredictability of current training reinforcement learning policies so that they are more practically applicable to physical systems, especially ground robots. These learning components will permit autonomous agents to reason and adapt to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-research-leads-to-more-effective-training-model-for-robots-76625/ Read more...
Artificial Intelligence Deployment Requires Diverse Image Data
DefenceTalkDefenceTalkEnsuring that technology powered by artificial intelligence will work anywhere requires that AI is “trained” on a diverse data set that readies it for deployment anywhere in the world. That’s something the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is well aware of as it pushes forward with the Defense Department’s AI strategy, the center’s director said. Diversity […]https://www.defencetalk.com/artificial-intelligence-deployment-requires-diverse-image-data-75938/ Read more...
USAF B-1B Bombers Train with Swedish Air Force
DefenceTalkThe Swedish Air Force today conducted a combined air exercise with parts of the US Air Force, an exercise that had been planned for a long time, in which all air force units with fighter aircraft as well as the Air Combat Training School participated. Swedish fighter aircraft­– Jas 39 Gripen – escorted US B-1B […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usaf-b-1b-bombers-train-with-swedish-air-force-75626/ Read more...
US Reserve Soldiers training to save lives from chemical disasters
DefenceTalkCAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait: As the sun rises over the CENTCOM area of operations, U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers receive an exercise mission brief from Christian Miles, Area Support Group – Kuwait Fire Department assistant chief of training. “A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device carrying hazardous materials has made it to the Camp Arifjan main fire station,” says […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-reserve-soldiers-training-to-save-lives-from-chemical-disasters-74158/ Read more...
2020 to be pivotal year in airforce maintenance, logistics training transformation
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: As the Air Force continues to evolve to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving global security environment, the 82nd Training Wing is working to transform maintenance and logistics technical training to deliver the Airmen who will form the heart of the future force. “We are one wing in a […] Read more...
USAF innovation flight augments pilot training through VR technology
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE: Columbus Air Force Base’s innovation flight has continued its efforts to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology into pilot training, creating quality pilots for the Air Force faster. The innovation flight created a flexible syllabus containing the essential building block approach of basic mission elements to accommodate each student’s different learning habits […] Read more...
Joint military forces kick off Cope North 2020
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam: More than 100 aircraft will soar over the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia as U.S. forces, Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) collaborates during exercise Cope North, Feb. 12-28. Approximately 2,000 military personnel will hone their […] Read more...
US Air Force uses VR solutions for modern C-130 training
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE: With technology constantly changing, the Air Force is actively seeking innovative methods to train today’s Airmen with tomorrow’s technology. The Air Force is committed to world-class training for Airmen by preventing stagnation in education through constant innovation to meet the needs of a new generation through a continuum of learning. […] Read more...
Royal Navy Trains Omani Navy for Helicopter flying Operations
Royal Navy sailors have been sharing their world-class skills with the UK’s allies in the Middle East, teaching them how to manage busy flight decks at sea. Aircraft handlers from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, at Helston, Cornwall, have just returned from Oman on the tip of the Arabian peninsula. They tested sailors from the […] Read more...
Space-superiority exercise, Space Flag, concluded successfully
Space Flag, the Department of Defense’s premier exercise for training space forces, successfully concluded its eighth exercise iteration (Space Flag 20-1) at the Boeing Virtual Warfare Center in St. Louis Dec. 20. The two-week exercise started Dec. 9 under the auspices of the former Air Force Space Command, but finished on the very day the […] Read more...
NATO Temporarily Suspends Training Mission in Iraq
Although NATO is committed to the training mission in Iraq, the alliance has suspended training operations in the country, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels today. ”In everything that we do, the safety of our personnel is paramount,” Stoltenberg told the media after a meeting of the North Atlantic Council. ”As such, we […] Read more...
Jordan, US train on heavy-duty weapon system
JORDAN: U.S. Army Soldiers with Charlie Company,1st Combined Arms Battalion, 252 Armor Regiment (1-252 AR), 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) known as, “Old Hickory,” North Carolina Army National Guard (NCANG), in collaboration with Military Engagement Team-Jordan (MET-J), 158th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), Arizona Army National Guard (AZANG), conducted a two-week Subject Matter Expert Exchange […] Read more...
How pilot training has changed over the years
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE: Pilot training is constantly changing to ensure students have an environment where they not only learn to fly, but to adapt and quickly out-think their enemies. With senior leadership making innovation a priority, the Air Force has changed how Airmen are trained and how they become proficient at their jobs. This […] Read more...
US Army Reserve small arms trainer course launched at Fort McCoy
FORT MCCOY: In keeping with Chief of Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey’s vision to shape the U.S. Army Reserve into a more lethal, capable and combat-ready force, the 84th Training Command’s Task Force Cold Steel has developed a new weapons proficiency course here. The Army Reserve Small Arms Trainer Course is a pilot […] Read more...
Triple Nickels kick-off exercise African Lion 2019 with a roar
DefenceTalkBEN GUERIR AIR BASE, MOROCCO: Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing and Royal Moroccan Air Force conduct F-16 aviation training during exercise African Lion 2019, March 25-April 3, at Ben Guerir Air Base. African Lion 2019 is a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored, U.S. Africa Command-scheduled, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa-led, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/triple-nickels-kick-off-exercise-african-lion-2019-with-a-roar-72257/ Read more...
First female F-35 test pilot completes flight mission
DefenceTalkEDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE: A routine F-35 Lightning II flight test mission recently marked a significant event in Air Force history at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Maj. Rachael Winiecki, 461st Flight Test Squadron developmental test pilot, completed the first flight mission led by a female. “I may be the first female developmental test pilot […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-female-f-35-test-pilot-completes-flight-mission-72028/ Read more...
Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes: Pentagon
DefenceTalkChinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to “fight and win.” The annual report to Congress, released Thursday, highlights China’s growing military, economic and diplomatic clout and how Beijing is leveraging […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinese-bombers-likely-training-for-us-strikes-pentagon-71811/ Read more...
American-Italian Partners Improve Power Projection Capabilities
DefenceTalkVICENZA, Italy: U.S. and Italian partners at U.S. Army Garrison Italy improved their skills in readying deployable units, specifically the 173rd Airborne Brigade for rapid deployment from south of the Alps during a recent Installation Staging Area Proof of Principle exercise. The exercise took place at USAG Italy’s Caserma Del Din and involved Soldiers and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/american-italian-partners-improve-power-projection-capabilities-71779/ Read more...
Australian, US forces team up for Exercise Hamel
DefenceTalkROCKHAMPTON, Australia: On the 100th anniversary of WWI’s Battle of Hamel, when U.S. and Australian forces first fought side by side against German forces in Le Hamel, France, the longtime partners once again joined forces — this time for Exercise Hamel at Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in central Queensland, Australia, from June 18-July 1. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australian-us-forces-team-up-for-exercise-hamel-71729/ Read more...
Multi-Domain Task Force set to lead Pacific Pathways rotation in first overseas tests
DefenceTalkThe Army’s ongoing pilot to develop multi-domain capabilities that could one day be replicated across the service is slated to undergo further testing overseas for the first time next year. The Multi-Domain Task Force, which leaders envision to be a battalion-plus unit that maximizes air, sea, land, cyber and space assets on the battlefield, is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/multi-domain-task-force-set-to-lead-pacific-pathways-rotation-in-first-overseas-tests-71723/ Read more...
No plans to cut back US-South Korea drills: Pentagon
DefenceTalkThe Pentagon is not considering cutting back the joint US-South Korean military exercises that have drawn angry condemnation from Pyongyang ahead of a planned US-North Korea summit, an official said Thursday. “There’s been no talk of reducing anything. There’s been no talk of changing our scope,” Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said. The exercises “are defensive […]https://www.defencetalk.com/no-plans-to-cut-back-us-south-korea-drills-pentagon-71702/ Read more...
China’s J-20 Stealth Jets Conduct First Over-the-Sea Combat Training
DefenceTalkChina’s J-20 stealth fighter jets have begun their first-ever combat training over the ocean, a spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. “It will help the air force better fulfill its sacred duty of safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” said Shen Jinke, spokesman for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The J-20 is China’s fourth-generation medium […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-j-20-stealth-jets-conduct-first-over-the-sea-combat-training-71677/ Read more...
Pentagon probe finds training, command issues in Niger ambush
DefenceTalkA comprehensive probe into last year’s deadly attack on US and local forces in Niger uncovered a series of avoidable blunders leading up to the assault, the Pentagon said Thursday. Four American soldiers and four members of Nigerien partner forces were killed in the October 4 ambush, when scores of jihadists overran their convoy in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-probe-finds-training-command-issues-in-niger-ambush-71670/ Read more...
US, South Korea begin low-key army drills amid diplomatic thaw
DefenceTalkThe United States and South Korea kicked off a low-key joint military drill Sunday as a diplomatic thaw over North Korea gathered pace. Tension on the flashpoint peninsula have showed signs of easing in recent months after the isolated, nuclear-armed North proposed summits with the South and their “imperialist enemy” the US. The annual Foal […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-south-korea-begin-low-key-army-drills-amid-diplomatic-thaw-71614/ Read more...
Task Force Spartan aviation brigade exchanges troops with Jordanian Air Force
DefenceTalkCAMP TAJI, Iraq: The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) welcomed Soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), Task Force Spartan, to participate in a bi-lateral aviation exchange in Jordan, Feb. 21 to March 1. This exchange was one of many scheduled visits to Jordan for the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (Assault) and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/task-force-spartan-aviation-brigade-exchanges-troops-with-jordanian-air-force-71611/ Read more...
US SOF Conduct Winter Warfare Training in Sweden
DefenceTalkThere’s cold and then there’s above the Arctic Circle cold. So cold that frostbite on exposed skin can occur within minutes. Not cold enough to stop special operations forces from operating in the environment. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing and U.S. Army Special Forces assigned to 10th […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-sof-conduct-winter-warfare-training-in-sweden-71595/ Read more...
PLA Marine Corps Conducts Massive Ground-breaking Maneuvers
DefenceTalkIn the largest exercise of its kind, more than 10,000 troops traveled more than 2,000 kilometers to arrive on Monday at two army training bases in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province and East China’s Shandong Province and begin battle training, China Central Television show Military Report reported. The largest ever trans-regional training of the People’s Liberation […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pla-marine-corps-conducts-massive-ground-breaking-maneuvers-71576/ Read more...
Coalition live-fire exercise enhances Iraqi combat capabilities
DefenceTalkThe first coalition live-fire exercise for the Iraqi Forward Air Controller course took place at Besmaya Range, Iraq, March 4-8, 2018. The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, in conjunction with the Coalition Aviation Advisory and Training Team, coordinated the exercise to certify newly trained Iraqi Forward air controllers. The exercise showcased the progress the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/coalition-live-fire-exercise-enhances-iraqi-combat-capabilities-71558/ Read more...
Upcoming Joint US-Israeli Exercise Aims to Improve Interoperability
DefenceTalkMore than 2,500 U.S. personnel will take part in a joint exercise with Israel next month aimed at improving interoperability, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters today. Juniper Cobra is a U.S. European Command missile defense exercise with the Israel Defense Forces that will take place March 4 to March 15, Army Col. Rob Manning said. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/upcoming-joint-us-israeli-exercise-aims-to-improve-interoperability-71519/ Read more...
US Soldiers sharpen tactical, anti-terrorism skills in Jordan
DefenceTalkAMMAN, Jordan: A radio crackles to life on what seems like another routine security patrol in a remote village. 1st Lt. Brent Lemler, of Bravo Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, keys his hand-held radio and responds. While listening to the communication, he motions for his squad leaders. After a moment, 1st Lt. Lemler […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-soldiers-sharpen-tactical-anti-terrorism-skills-in-jordan-71462/ Read more...
US Air Force C-130s, Airmen deploy to Portugal for Real Thaw 18
DefenceTalkMONTE REAL AIR BASE, Portugal: Approximately 50 Airmen and two C-130H3 Hercules assigned to the 94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, arrived at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal to participate in Real Thaw 18, a Portuguese-led exercise. The annual two-week exercise includes armed forces from multiple nations participating in training missions aimed at […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-c-130s-airmen-deploy-to-portugal-for-real-thaw-18-71432/ Read more...
Soldiers forge partnership with Oman in combat assault training exercise
DefenceTalkSurrounded by the clear blue skies and bright orange sand of Oman, Omani and U.S. forces conducted a simulated assault against dozens of enemy fighters, Jan. 31, 2018, in the culminating event of Inferno Creek 18, a three-week training exercise conducted by the U.S. and Omani armies near Thumrait, Oman. The joint exercise allowed multiple […]https://www.defencetalk.com/soldiers-forge-partnership-with-oman-in-combat-assault-training-exercise-71403/ Read more...
US Army team equips Soldiers to take on chemical, biological warfare
DefenceTalkDUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah: Helping to keep Soldiers, first responders and populations safe from chemical and biological agents is an effort that requires early detection and identification, correct sampling and decontamination methods taught by a team of experts willing to train response teams anywhere in the world. Tony Kemp and Wendell Williams are seasoned program […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-team-equips-soldiers-to-take-on-chemical-biological-warfare-71400/ Read more...
APS-5 combat configuration concept put to test during rapid issue exercise
DefenceTalkCAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait: The 401st Army Field Support Brigade issued 257 pieces of equipment from an Army Prepositioned Stocks-5 armored brigade combat team set during an issue exercise here, Jan. 27. The exercise, led by the Army Field Support Battalion-Kuwait, was intended to test the battalion’s ability to rapidly issue newly combat configured equipment and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/aps-5-combat-configuration-concept-put-to-test-during-rapid-issue-exercise-71397/ Read more...
US Army policemen play crucial role in American, European defense in Allied Spirit
DefenceTalkHOHENFELS TRAINING AREA, Germany: In a combat environment, the knowledge of where a threat is could mean the difference between life and death. The U.S. Army gains the upper hand in identifying where threats are with the use of a lightweight small unmanned aerial system, sUAS, called the RQ-11 Raven. Military policemen with the 287th […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-policemen-play-crucial-role-in-american-european-defense-in-allied-spirit-71376/ Read more...
USAFA educator develops program based on mountaineering, special ops background
DefenceTalkU.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY: If you told Lt. Col. Rob Marshall leadership starts at the top, he’d take you literally. Part mountaineer, part special operations pilot, he’s spent a lot of time living his life at high altitudes. Marshall is by no means the casual adventurer, he’s a world-class mountaineer, having led climbs of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/usafa-educator-develops-program-based-on-mountaineering-special-ops-background-71373/ Read more...
Australia warplane catches fire during US training: Military
DefenceTalkA Royal Australian Air Force electronic warfare plane caught fire on takeoff during an exercise in the United States Saturday (Jan 27) but there were no serious injuries, the military said. Australia’s Department of Defense confirmed “an incident involving an EA-18G Growler at Nellis Air Force Base during Exercise Red Flag”. It said RAAF personnel […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-warplane-catches-fire-during-us-training-military-71368/ Read more...
US Army introduces laser engagement system to Basic Combat Training cycle
DefenceTalkFORT JACKSON, S.C.: Even today, two decades into the 21st century, the multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, still sounds like a gadget out of “Star Trek.” The gear uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle, giving Soldiers and trainees the kind of instant feedback usually reserved for video games. The weapons […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-introduces-laser-engagement-system-to-basic-combat-training-cycle-71370/ Read more...
UK Fighter Pilots Fly F-35 Lightning Straight from Training for First Time
DefenceTalkA pair of fighter pilots have become the first in their services to fly the F-35 Lightning straight from training. Flight Lieutenant Liam and Lieutenant Chris became the first Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots respectively to proceed straight from flying training in a Hawk to fly the multi-role combat aircraft. Speaking after his […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-fighter-pilots-fly-f-35-lightning-straight-from-training-for-first-time-71182/ Read more...
Joint Readiness Training Center evolves to meet today’s battlefield threats
DefenceTalkAssignments to units within the United States Army Forces Command are synonymous with rotations at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. FORSCOM’s newest unit, the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia, is completing their first rotation at JRTC throughout the month of January. The self-proclaimed “world premier crucible […]https://www.defencetalk.com/joint-readiness-training-center-evolves-to-meet-todays-battlefield-threats-71146/ Read more...
Tokyo simulates first military attack since WWII amid North Korea threat
DefenceTalkHundreds of Tokyo residents scrambled for cover Monday (Jan 22) in the Japanese capital’s first evacuation drill for a military attack since World War II, amid ongoing tensions over North Korea’s nuclear programme. A loudspeaker blared out a terrifying warning at the drill, held in a Tokyo amusement park: “We have information that a missile […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tokyo-simulates-first-military-attack-since-wwii-amid-north-korea-threat-71110/ Read more...
‘Serious’ US training for eventual North Korea conflict: congressman
DefenceTalkThe US military is conducting “very serious” training for a possible conflict with North Korea, a top Republican lawmaker said Tuesday, though he said he hoped such preparations would never be put to use. Congressman Mac Thornberry, who chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee that provides civilian oversight to the Pentagon, said the administration […]https://www.defencetalk.com/serious-us-training-for-eventual-north-korea-conflict-congressman-71082/ Read more...
J-20 Fighter Takes Part In First Combat Exercises
DefenceTalkThe Chinese Air Force has deployed its best combat plane – the J-20 stealth fighter jet – to conduct exercises with other advanced jets. The Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army said in a news release on Thursday that several J-20s took part in a series of combat exercises against the less-advanced J-16 and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/j-20-fighter-takes-part-in-first-combat-exercises-71068/ Read more...
Task Force Wraith trains to respond swiftly to chemical attack
DefenceTalkCAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait: Soldiers from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade’s Task Force Wraith completed combined training with the 208th Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Company and Camp Buehring’s emergency services at Udairi Landing Zone, Kuwait, Oct. 24, 2017 to increase their capability to respond to a chemical attack. The training event was a simulated chemical […]https://www.defencetalk.com/task-force-wraith-trains-to-respond-swiftly-to-chemical-attack-70746/ Read more...