Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 2, 2015

Tu-22 MZ strategic bombers of Russia's Aerospace Defense Forces set to hit ISIS targets in Syria © Ministry of defence of the Russian Federation / Sputnik

FOX News: Russia adding 2nd airbase in Syria, pursuing 'expansion' in military campaign

Russia has expanded its military operations in Syria to include a second airbase as well as other posts, according to a U.S. official briefed on the latest intelligence from the region – even as President Obama expresses muted optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin eventually will “shift” his strategy and work with the West.

Moscow’s presence has grown to a total of four forward operating bases, including recently added bases in Hama and Tiyas. But the most concerning to the Pentagon is the second airbase in Shayrat which can support fixed-wing aircraft, greatly expanding Russia’s capability for airstrikes, which began on Sept. 30.

“The Russians are operating helicopters out of Shayrat airport, but they are making [preparations] to land fixed-wing aircraft,” another U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 2, 2015

Russia Changes Its Military Posture In Syria (Audio) -- NPR

Russian military reveals new details of ISIS funding -- RT

Russia'a airstrikes cause twofold decline in IS oil production in Syria — general -- TASS

Russian Defense Ministry to reveal data on Syrian gunmen training in Turkey next week -- TASS

Whose is Bigger? Russian and Turkish Militaries Compared -- Sputnik

Top U.S. Military Officer: Islamic State Not ‘Contained’ -- WSJ

US to Deploy 'Targeting Force' to Bolster Fight against ISIS -- Military.com

Kerry: Iraq briefed on US special forces plan -- The Hill

Iraqi PM: Foreign troops not needed on ground to fight Islamic State -- AP

Officials: Carrier Truman, French flattop to head to Persian Gulf for ISIS strikes -- Navy Times

Carter Hits Gulf Allies for Prioritizing Air, Not Ground, Forces -- Defense News

UK's Cost of bombing Syria ‘would be in low tens of millions’ – George Osborne -- RT

From Kosovo to Iraq, UK's recent military interventions -- AFP

Ya'alon: Russian air defence missile system in Syria is not a threat -- Middle East Monitor

Israel’s air superiority clouded by new Russian missiles in Syria -- Times of Israel

Russia’s Army-2016 forum to show off military high-tech -- RT

Russia building new military bases on islands claimed by Japan -- AFP

NATO resumes contacts with Russia — Stoltenberg -- TASS

U.S. Plans to Counter Arms Breach by Russia -- NYT

NATO to keep 12,000 troops in Afghanistan through 2016 -- The Hill

NATO Troop Extension Comes at Perilous Time for Afghanistan -- VOA

Lockheed Martin Wins $914Mln Contract to Upgrade Singapore’s F-16s -- Sputnik

Japan’s military is looking for a few good women -- Quartz

Israeli government and military disagree over unrest (Analysis) -- Al Arabiya

Syria conflict: Half of German Tornado jets 'not airworthy' -- BBC

Reports: Kuwait Government Requests Extra $20B For Arms -- AFP

Okinawa row over US military base lands in court -- DW

US Navy Finding Offensive Uses For Defensive Systems to Support Distributed Lethality -- USNI

US Navy to Equip 5 More Destroyers With Aegis Missile Defense Systems -- Sputnik

US Navy: More Can Be Done If Risks Are Accepted -- Defense News

US Army Approves Development of Open Software for Tank Protection -- Sputnik

DARPA looks to accelerate design of military chips -- Computer World

Defense Secretary Ash Carter taps Marine general as top military adviser -- Military Times

Counter-IED Training Prepares Soldiers for Unexpected -- Defense News