Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- June 20, 2018

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Popular Mechanics: The U.S. and Russia Are Shrinking Their Nuclear Arsenals—But China Isn't

And then, of course, there’s North Korea to think about.

The number of nuclear weapons worldwide dipped slightly in 2017, with the world’s nine nuclear powers collectively downsizing by 500 weapons.

The United States and Russia entered 2018 with fewer weapons, while China, India, and Pakistan gave their modest arsenals a slight boost. The world’s newest nuclear power, North Korea, is still a mystery with an unknown quantity of nuclear weapons.

The nonprofit Stockholm International Peace Research Institute tracks the arms trade, current conflicts, and the number of worldwide nuclear weapons through its annual yearbook. The 2018 yearbook, just released, has some interesting figures on the state of nukes.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- June 20, 2018

Which nations increased the size of their nuclear arsenal in 2017? -- Defense News

Despite 17 years of war, next US commander in Afghanistan sees progress -- Military Times

Seoul expects 'reciprocal' act from North to military drill suspension -- UPI

If the US military withdraws from Korea, China will be a big loser -- Michael Heng, SCMP

The US is trying to boost its military ties with India, but Russian weapons are getting in the way -- Business Insider

Philippines' Duterte approves $5.6-billion military upgrade -- Euronews/Reuters

Pakistan Army team wins military drill competition in Sandhurst, UK -- Geo TV

Iran says no plans to increase missile range, rejects talks with Trump -- Reuters

China warns Trump about dangers of new Space Force -- Washington Examiner

The Rise of Russia's Military -- National Interest

France, Germany kick off race for ‘quantum leaps’ in aircraft and tank tech -- Defense News

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg wants fewer tensions, improved relationship with Russia -- DW

German arms sales drop almost 10 percent -- DW

Costs of hearing-related health claims on the rise in Canadian military -- CBC

Thanks To NATO Infighting, the Future of the F-35 Is Shrinking -- Defense One

Air Force reveals risks, bravery behind B-1 emergency landing and blown hatch -- Air Force Times

V-22 Ospreys to receive ballistic protection panels -- UPI

BAE wins Marine Corps contract to build new amphibious combat vehicle -- Defense News

Navy contracts for LCS mission module support -- UPI

U.S. military budget inches closer to $1 trillion mark, as concerns over federal deficit grow -- Washington Post

US Chamber of Commerce wants Trump to put America’s defense industry first -- Defense News

The U.S. Army is Buying Pepper Spray Paintball Guns -- Popular Mechanics

Fleet Cyber Command has a new leader -- Fifth Domain

The U.S. Military Has Been in Space From the Beginning -- Smithsonian

Robert Reich: Trump Increased Military Spending By Over $200 Billion. Here's How That Money Could Be Spent -- Robert Reich, Newsweek

Twins killed together during World War II finally reunited after 74 years -- CBS

Do Service Dogs Help Military Veterans with PTSD? -- Psychology Today