Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 19, 2015

Russian Ministry of Defense

Moscow Times: Russia to Build Unified Military Base in Syria, Says General

Russia's Defense Ministry is planning to create a single unified military base in Syria, a member of the General Staff said Friday.

Russia began air strikes against militant groups in Syria on Sept. 30. Moscow claims it is targeting terrorist groups, though Western analysts say Moscow's real aim is to defend Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Russia's operations in Syria have so far been conducted using two bases along the Syrian coast — a small naval station at Tartus through which supplies are funneled, and a larger military and airbase near Latakia some 90 kilometers to the north, from which air raids are launched.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 19, 2015

Russia's Arsenal in Syria: What Do We Know? - Michael Kofman, War on the Rock

Obama Says Deal Reached With Russia to Avert Syria Air Conflicts -- Bloomberg

Russia, US agree on all technical questions over Syria flight safety - Russian military -- RT

US and Russia Agree on Avoiding Plane Clashes, and Nothing Else -- Telesur

Ex-Pentagon chief Gates says Syrian program was 'nuts' -- The Hill

Iran's covert mastermind was just spotted near one of the most important battlefronts in Syria -- Long War Journal

Hybrid Warfare: Iraqi Forces Add Russian Machine Gun to US Abrams Tank -- Sputnik

Game Changer: Chinese-Made Killer Drones Operating in Iraq -- Sputnik

Russia's resurgent drone program -- CNN

Russia's Dangerous Strategy of Nuclear Coercion -- Harrison Menke, Real Clear Defense

‘Drop-and-Forget’: Russia Develops Supersonic Smart Bomb -- Sputnik

Caspian Cruise Missile Strike: Russia Has More Firepower Than US Thought -- Sputnik

'Real Operational Theater': Rapid Response Drills Set to Begin in Iran -- Sputnik

U.S. confirms Iran tested nuclear-capable ballistic missile -- Reuters

China Wants To Deepen Military Ties With Iran -- The Diplomat

China still trying to hack U.S. firms despite Xi’s vow to refrain, analysts say -- Washington Post

'Drone' boats created for Navy aircraft carriers by BAE Systems and ASV -- BBC

NATO Front Crumbles, Slovakia Welcomes Russia’s Involvement in Syria -- Sputnik

Israel, U.S. signal security ties back on track after Iran feud -- Reuters

U.S., Japanese naval forces stage show of strength -- USA Today

Despite Cuts, U.S. Army Prepares for Threats in Europe -- NYT

US Army Plans for More Equipment Caches in Europe -- Defense News

McConnell, GOP visit Afghanistan amid strategy shift -- The Hill

Firearms Manufacturers Compete to Supply Army With New Handgun -- AP

Northrop Wants Army to Unleash the ‘Hellhound’ -- Defense Tech

Firms Show Off Contenders for Army’s Ultra-Light Vehicle -- DoD Buzz

Independent Board Reviewing LCS Minehunting System -- Defense News

Get Ready, China and Iran: American Naval Super Mines Are Coming -- National Interest

SpaceX to Resume Launching Falcon 9 Rocket in December -- DoD Buzz

Obama Navy Now Half The Size Of Reagan Navy -- Daily Caller

McCain blasts Air Force acquisition of GPS -- FCW

In Marine unit focused on integrating women, seven sex assaults reported -- Washington Post

The Greatest Threat to the U.S. Military: Chemical and Biological Weapons? -- Robert Beckhusen, National Interest