Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 15, 2015

New York Times: Russian Military Uses Syria as Proving Ground, and West Takes Notice

WASHINGTON — Two weeks of air and missile strikes in Syria have given Western intelligence and military officials a deeper appreciation of the transformation that Russia’s military has undergone under President Vladimir V. Putin, showcasing its ability to conduct operations beyond its borders and providing a public demonstration of new weaponry, tactics and strategy.

The strikes have involved aircraft never before tested in combat, including the Sukhoi Su-34 strike fighter, which NATO calls the Fullback, and a ship-based cruise missile fired more than 900 miles from the Caspian Sea, which, according to some analysts, surpasses the American equivalent in technological capability.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 15, 2015

Obama rejects Putin’s offer to coordinate military action in Syria -- Washington Times

U.S. and Russian aircraft come within visual range over Syria -- CNN

Russia and US Close to Agreement on Flights Over Syria -- Sputnik

Russia, US come closer to likely agreement on safety of flights over Syria — ministry -- TASS

Turkish, Russian Military in Talks Over Airspace Violation -- AP

Cuba may deploy troops in Syria to aid Russia's efforts -- UPI

Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt Leaves Middle East, No Firm Date on Replacement to Continue Anti-ISIS Strikes -- USNI News

Iraqi Army Actively Preparing for Liberation of Nineveh Province -- Sputnik

Iran’s parliament: Iran to render military assistance to Syria at Damascus request -- TASS

Iran shows off secret underground missile base in new video -- FOX News/SKY News

Iran airs unseen footage of secret underground missile base (VIDEO) -- RT

Saudi Arabia signs deal for 320 PAC-3 missiles - Lockheed -- Reuters

Russia may send border guards to Tajikistan to fend off ISIS - Defense Ministry -- RT

China: Military Facilities on South China Sea Artificial Islands are ‘For Defense Purposes Only -- USNI News

Chinese Military Reaches Out Amid South China Sea Tensions -- NYT/AP

Australia won't join new patrols of South China Sea, minister says -- Chicago Tribune/Bloomberg

Industry Confirms Australia’s Hobart Class Destroyers $870 Million Over Budget, Lead Ship 30 Months Late -- USNI News

Indian Navy pitches for women pilots but no combat role yet -- Economic Times

Nuclear Sub Project Poses UK's Biggest Financial Challenge -- Defense News

Germany Yet to Decide on Military Extension in UN Mali Mission -- Sputnik

Sweden to Increase Defense Spending by 11 Percent Over 5 Years -- Sputnik

US Defense Secretary Carter To Include Funds in FY17 To Maintain Afghan Forces -- Defense News

US troops deployed to Cameroon for Boko Haram fight -- Al Jazeera

Obama pledges more troops to fight Boko Haram -- The Hill

Firepower Upgrade Planned for GDLS Strykers -- Defense News

McCain: US Gerald R. Ford-Class Nuclear Carrier Program $6Bln Over Budget -- Sputnik

McCain: Aircraft carrier program wasted $4.7 billion -- The Hill

Document: Report to Congress on Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Program -- USNI News

F-35's Heavier Helmet Complicates Ejection Risks -- Defense News

Lockheed Corners Army’s Future Helicopter Programs -- DoD Buzz

US Army wants more female recruiters -- USA Today

Pentagon Could Be ‘Shredding’ Docs About Female Rangers -- Daily Caller

Report reveals censored passages about CIA’s secret torture sites -- RT

Is TALOS A Real Iron Man Suit, or Just Military Propaganda? -- Inverse

This Army captain will get the Medal of Honor for tackling an Afghan suicide bomber -- Washington Post