Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- August 27, 2018

Technicians at Syria's Hmeimim airport where Russian aircraft are deployed. © Dmitriy Vinogradov / RIA Novosti

Defense News: How the US has ‘learned a lot’ about Russian capabilities in Syria

WASHINGTON — As Russian and American forces have settled into Syria, analysts and experts have noticed a clear pattern from the Russian forces.

Moscow is using Syria as both a test bed for its newest capabilities and as an opportunity to see American equipment such as the F-22 fighter jet up close. It’s a development that has raised concerns that Moscow may be gaining a military edge over the U.S. from its experiences in the region.

The good news for America’s military? It’s doing the same thing.

“Certainly, we’ve learned a lot about some of the capabilities that the Russians have brought to Syria,” Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, the outgoing head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, has told Defense News. “Could we have learned more? There are probably some areas out there that we need to make sure we watch.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- August 27, 2018

US plans to use fake chemical weapons attack to strike Syria – Russian MoD -- RT

Russia tests ‘robocop’ power armor enabling soldiers to fire machine-guns with one hand -- TASS

Russia is arming underwater drones with assault rifles, and that's a first for undersea warfare -- Business Insider

Russia to Speed Up Delivery of S-400 to Turkey Amid US Sanctions Threat -- Sputnik

Russia, China discuss military cooperation -- TASS

China ‘developing electromagnetic rocket with greater fire range’ -- SCMP

China’s first home-grown aircraft carrier on final sea run to combat readiness -- SCMP

First Chinese-Built Aircraft Carrier Starts Second Sea Trials -- Sputnik

The drones that have become part of China’s military strategy -- SCMP

China in race for counter-drone tech and laser weapons as it tries to catch up with US -- SCMP

President Xi Jinping takes aim at more top Chinese generals as anticorruption drive rolls on -- SCMP

Japan, Taiwan must re-evaluate how they’re intercepting Chinese threats -- Dennis Blair, Military Times

Iran and Syria sign deal for military cooperation -- Reuters

Iran: No need for US Navy in Gulf -- The Hill

Faced with opposition, Erik Prince shops his plan for Afghanistan -- The Hill

Tsai Ing-wen calls for ‘normalisation’ of arms sales as Taiwan, US seek closer military ties -- SCMP

Merkel Opposes Military Service Reintroduction Amid Calls for Conscription -- Sputnik

British Royal Navy’s New Aircraft Carrier Sets Sail for US to Train With F-35Bs -- Sputnik

U.S. F-15s participate in U.K. exercise Typhoon Warrior -- UPI

Back to the future with 2nd Fleet -- Navy Times

With $294 million in contracts, the US Navy keeps its promise to upgrade cruisers -- Defense News

US Coast Guard receives Super Hercules aircraft in fleet upgrade -- AP

US Air Force tests ‘base in a box’ in Poland to prep for future wars -- Defense News

GOP lawmakers urge improvements to cyber vulnerabilities resource -- The Hill

Eight soldiers nominated for DSCs, Silver Stars for actions during deadly Niger attack -- Army Times

Wolves are helping war vets deal with PTSD -- NYPost

McRaven’s Message, Leadership, and the Profession of Arms -- Carrie Lee, War On The Rocks

Donald Trump’s plan for new Space Force is wrong response to US concerns about China and Russia -- Ankit Panda, SCMP

John McCain — war hero, political giant — dies at 81 -- Military Times

Eight key moments in the incredible life of John McCain -- SCMP/AP

John McCain says he died 'a proud American' in farewell statement -- UPI

John McCain — war hero, political giant — dies at 81 -- Leo Shane III, Military Times