Delays On The US Navy's $161 Billion Virginia-Class Subs Reaches 15 Months

The USS Texas Virginia-class submarine in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Source: U.S. Navy

Bloomberg: Delays on $161 Billion Virginia-Class Subs Reaches 15 Months

* Average delay of 10.5 months is up from seven-month estimate
* General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls cite improvements

The Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarines are expected to be 10 to 15 months late as contractors General Dynamics Corp. and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. try to recover from assembly faults that have dogged recent boats in the $161 billion program.

The average delay of 10.5 months is an increase from a seven-month average cited in March by the Naval Sea Systems Command for 10 vessels being built under a 2014 contract, according to a comparison of dates in Navy budget documents. The contractors, rival shipbuilders who are producing the submarines together, had sought to shave months off of previous construction periods.

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WNU Editor: This is a staggering $161 billion program. These delays must be costing a fortune.

Norrth Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Threatens To Execute Politburo Members If They Fail To Contain Coronavirus Outbreak

Zero Hedge: Kim Jong Un Threatens To Execute Politburo Members If They Fail To Contain Coronavirus Outbreak

As the coronavirus death toll in Iran soars, with western media organizations reporting a death toll north of 200, North Korea has remained a vexing cypher amid whispers about gruesome executions and a rash of cases along the country's northern boundary.

According to Scott Snyder writing in Forbes, the North Korean leadership declared preventing the spread of the coronavirus as a matter of "national survival" and moved rapidly to close its borders during the early days of the outbreak. NK was actually one of the first countries to close its border with China, beating Russia by a few days.

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More News On North Korea And Covid-19

Kim warns of 'serious consequences' if virus reaches North Korea -- AFP
Kim Jong Un warns of 'serious consequences' if coronavirus hits North Korea -- The Hill
Kim warns of 'serious consequences' if virus spreads to N Korea -- Al Jazeera

Covid-19 Medical News -- News Updates February 29, 2020

Daily Mail: Study finds that Coronavirus could survive up to NINE DAYS outside the body - but common disinfectants and higher temperatures could kill the virus

* The human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces for up to nine days at room temperature
* However, they can quickly be rendered inactive using common disinfectants, and may also dissipate at higher temperatures, the authors wrote
* It is not yet clear, however, whether the new coronavirus behaves in a similar way.
* 'On copper and steel it's pretty typical, it's pretty much about two hours,' CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield told US lawmakers on Thursday
* Disease experts say the new outbreak of the virus, named COVID-19, is mainly spread from person to person
* Contact with fecal matter from an infected person may also transmit the virus
* A man in Washington state has been confirmed as the first person to die from coronavirus in the United States

The coronavirus that has now killed one person in the United States is said to be able to survive up to nine days outside the human body, according to past studies.

An analysis of 22 earlier studies of similar coronaviruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) published online this month in the Journal of Hospital Infection, concluded that human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces for up to nine days at room temperature.

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Covid-19 Medical News -- News Updates February 29, 2020

What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms? -- James Gallagher, BBC
Coronavirus: All you need to know about symptoms and risks -- Al Jazeera
What happens if you catch the new coronavirus? -- Al Jazeera
How long is the coronavirus incubation period? -- DW
Coronavirus: What are the chances of dying? -- Robert Cuffe, BBC
Who is vulnerable to coronavirus? So far children appear safe from COVID-19 -- ABC News Online
Will warmer weather stop the spread of the coronavirus? -- Julia Vergin, DW
The 10 most common questions on the coronavirus answered -- Al Jazeera
‘To hell and back’: my three weeks suffering from coronavirus -- The Guardian
Coronavirus: China’s Chernobyl Or The Spanish Flu? -- Kenneth Rapoza, Forbes

Covid-19 Outbreak In Europe -- News Updates February 28, 2020

AP: COVID-19: Italy’s death toll hits 29 while total cases top 1,100

Italian tourism officials fear a new virus could do more damage to the industry than the Sept. 11 terror attacks as the number of confirmed cases in the country shot up past the 1,000 mark and deaths climbed to 29.

Authorities reported that Italy’s total confirmed cases grew to 1,128, a 27 per cent increase from 24 hours earlier. The vast majority are in three northern regions, all economically productive and among the most visited in the country : Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia Romagna.

Eight more people infected with the coronavirus died since Friday night, all of them elderly and all in the same three regions, according to civil protection authorities.

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Covid-19 Outbreak In Europe -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Italian coronavirus deaths rise to 29, number of cases climbs above 1,000 -- Reuters
Schools, universities to stay shut as Italy coronavirus death toll rises -- Reuters
Coronavirus may have been in Italy for weeks before it was detected -- The Guardian
Italy Shows Just How Crazy Coronavirus Panic Can Get -- Daily Beast
French coronavirus cases reach 100: public health head -- Reuters
France bans large public gatherings to slow coronavirus spread -- France 24
Corona-fear: France bans all mass public gatherings in confined spaces as German, Swiss fairs canceled -- RT
Greece confirms three new cases of coronavirus, brings total to seven -- Reuters
Luxembourg reports first coronavirus case: RTL -- Reuters
Ireland confirms first case of coronavirus -- Reuters

Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 29, 2020

FOX News/AP: Iran prepares to test 'tens of thousands' for coronavirus as number of confirmed cases spikes

Iran is preparing for the possibility of “tens of thousands” of people getting tested for the new coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases spiked again Saturday, an official said, underscoring the fear both at home and abroad over the outbreak in the Islamic Republic.

The virus and the COVID-19 illness it causes have killed 43 people out of 593 confirmed cases in Iran, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said. He disputed a report by the BBC's Persian service citing anonymous medical officials in Iran putting the death toll at over four times as much.

But the number of known cases versus deaths would put the virus' death rate in Iran at over 7%, much higher than other countries. That's worried experts at the World Health Organization and elsewhere that Iran may be underreporting the number of cases now affecting it.

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Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Coronavirus: Iran's deaths at least 210, hospital sources say -- BBC
Iran says death toll from coronavirus much lower than reported 200 figure -- The Hill
Iran calls on people to stay at home as death toll rises to 43 -- Reuters
Iran reports new surge in coronavirus cases -- AFP
China coronavirus aid arrives in Tehran as Iran rebuffs US offers -- SCMP
Iran Can't Hide Its Coronavirus Explosion, But It's Trying Hard and Putting the World in Danger -- Daily Beast
Why is Iran's reported mortality rate for coronavirus higher than in other countries? -- NBC
Iraq announces five new coronavirus cases -- Reuters
Iraq advises against any gathering to avoid spreading coronavirus -- Reuters
Qatar reports first coronavirus case in citizen who was in Iran -- Al Jazeera

Covid-19 Outbreak In Asia -- News Updates February 29, 2020

Straits Times/AFP/Reuters: Coronavirus: South Korea reports 376 new cases, total 3,526

SEOUL (AFP/REUTERS) - South Korea confirmed 376 more coronavirus cases on Sunday (Mar 1), taking the national total to 3,526 infections, the largest in the world outside China.

Nearly 90 per cent of the new cases were in Daegu, the centre of the country's outbreak, and its neighbouring North Gyeongsang province, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement. The death toll stood at 17, unchanged from the day earlier.

The national total is expected to rise further as authorities screen more than 260,000 members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive entity often accused of being a cult that is linked to around half of the country’s cases.

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Covid-19 Outbreak In Asia -- News Updates February 29, 2020

Coronavirus news: South Korea reports 'critical moment' after 813 new cases – live updates -- The Guardian
Coronavirus epidemic surges in South Korea as cases exceed 3,000 -- France 24
South Korea reports 376 new coronavirus cases, total rises to 3,526: KCDC -- Reuters
South Korea reports more than 800 new cases of COVID-19 -- UPI
Coronavirus: South Korea reports more than 800 new cases -- The Guardian
South Korea virus cases surge as WHO sounds maximum alert -- France 24
Mainland China reports 573 new coronavirus cases on Feb. 29 -- Reuters
Coronavirus: study shows half of hospitalised patients in mainland China had no fever, as Hong Kong confirms 95th case -- SCMP
Coronavirus lockdown in China raises mental health concerns -- Al Jazeera
Coronavirus: Nasa images show China pollution clear amid slowdown -- BBC
China officials knew of coronavirus in December, ordered cover-up, report says -- NYPost
Coronavirus miracle? Vietnam says all its infected patients cured -- Al Jazeera
Japan cherry blossom festivals cancelled as virus fears grow -- AFP
Japan PM Abe seeks citizens' help in coronavirus fight as Olympics to go ahead -- Reuters
Japan’s Abe says Olympics on track, calls for citizens’ help to tackle coronavirus -- SCMP
Afghan Muslims say faith can prevent coronavirus -- AFP

Covid-19 Outbreak In The U.S. -- News Updates February 29, 2020

Daily Mail: Fears for 50 staff and residents at nursing facility after they are confirmed with coronavirus symptoms - two miles from Washington hospital where man, 50, becomes the first to die from the virus in the US and Donald Trump urges public not to panic

* 25 staff and 27 residents of the the Life Care nursing facility in Kirkland, Washington state, are showing symptoms of coronavirus, health officials said Friday
* Two new confirmed cases in Washington are connected to the long-term care home - with one female staff member in her 40s and one female resident in her 70s both testing positive
* The CDC and local health officials are sending an emergency response team to the facility to try to control the escalating situation
* A 'medically high-risk' male in their 50s died of coronavirus overnight Friday in a Kirkland hospital, just two miles from the care home
* Officials said the deceased patient is not connected to Life Care home
* There was initial confusion over the patient's sex, after Trump said they were a woman
* None of the three new cases had a history of recent travel and are being treated as 'community spread' cases
* Trump urged calm, saying 'healthy individuals should be able to fully recover' if infected
* Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency authorizing the use of the National Guard
* Community spread with no traceable origin has now been identified in California, Washington, Oregon

Fears are mounting for 50 staff and residents at a nursing facility in Washington state after they have shown coronavirus symptoms, on the same day that the US had its first confirmed coronavirus death and Donald Trump continued to urge the public not to panic.

Fifty-two staff and residents of the nursing facility where two new coronavirus cases have been confirmed are now showing symptoms of the disease, health officials said during a teleconference with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At the Life Care nursing facility in Kirkland, Washington state, around 27 of the 108 residents and 25 of the 180 staff have some symptoms, including some cases where individuals have contracted pneumonia.

The CDC and local health officials are reportedly sending an emergency response team to the Life Care facility on Sunday to try to control the escalating situation.

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Covid-19 Outbreak In The U.S. -- News Updates February 29, 2020

Coronavirus: Trump expands travel restrictions after US reports its first death from disease -- SCMP
Trump is considering closing the border with Mexico to control the spread of coronavirus - even though there are just three cases in the country -- Daily Mail
Washington state man becomes first U.S. coronavirus fatality -- Reuters
Person dies from coronavirus in Washington state, first in the US, health officials say -- FOX News
Number of US coronavirus cases with unknown origin rises to 4 -- The Hill
California confirms second US coronavirus case of unknown origin -- AFP
Trump hits Democrats over coronavirus criticism: 'This is their new hoax' -- The Hill
Trump accuses Democrats of coronavirus 'hoax' as confirmed cases in US gather pace -- France 24
Coronavirus: Unexplained West Coast cases raise fears in US -- BBC
Coronavirus closures in Europe raise questions in US -- The Hill

Covid-19 Outbreak Live Updates And Today's Report From The World Health Organization -- News Updates February 29, 2020

CNBC: Hospitals across the world are ‘just not ready’ for coronavirus, WHO official warns

* Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies program, said that hospitals worldwide “are just not ready.”
* The remarks follow the rapid spread of the virus beyond China.
* As of Friday morning, there are 4,351 cases in 49 countries outside of China and 67 deaths, WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Hospitals across the world are not prepared to handle the coronavirus outbreak that is migrating from Asia to continents across the world, World Health Organization officials said Friday.

Health systems, even in more advanced countries, are “just not ready” for a COVID-19 epidemic, said Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s health emergencies program.

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Live Updates

Latest on coronavirus spreading in China and beyond -- Reuters
Italy Covid-19 death toll rises to 21 as UK confirms 20th case – as it happened -- The Guardian
Coronavirus: Wall Street reports worst week since 2008 — live updates -- DW
Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Coronavirus updates: First US death confirmed, at least 56 countries with infections -- CNET
Coronavirus: Which countries have confirmed cases? -- Al Jazeera

World Health Organization Updates

New virus: Over 85,000 infected globally, over 2,900 deaths -- AP
Coronavirus update: WHO upgrades COVID-19 risk to 'very high' as Iran, Italy cases spread around the world -- ABC News Online
Coronavirus could strike every country on the planet as it teeters on the edge of a pandemic, warns World Health Organisation after an explosion of nearly 1,000 infections in Europe in a week -- Daily Mail
Beware of coronavirus outbreaks coming back to life, WHO warns -- SCMP
Risk of global coronavirus spread 'very high' warns WHO as China situation stabilizes -- CNN

Has The EU-Turkey Refugee Deal Collapse?

DW: Will the EU-Turkey refugee deal collapse?

The EU is skeptical about rumors that Turkey may let more Syrian refugees into Europe, pointing out that the "refugee deal" is still in place. But just how dependent is the EU on Turkey?

Rumors that Turkey might open its borders and allow Syrian refugees to enter the European Union began swirling shortly after the latest deadly skirmish between Turkish and Syrian forces in Idlib province on Thursday.

Omer Celik, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said Turkey would no longer be able to keep refugees from entering Greece. Turkish media outlets ran reports claiming that busses full of refugees had been seen making their way to Turkey's borders with Greece and Bulgaria.

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WNU Editor: The EU-Turkey refugee deal is definitely "dead" .... Thousands Of Migrants Swarm The Greek And Bulgarian Border.

U.S. Wants A Three-Way Arms Control Pact With Russia And China

DW: US seeks three-way arms control pact with Russia and China

Washington is pushing for talks with the Kremlin and Beijing on forming a pact. President Trump has already intimated he wants China to join the US and Russia in a fresh deal when the pair's current arrangement expires.

Missile launch in San Nicolas, United States (picture-alliance/dpa/Scott Howe/The Defense Department of the US)

The White House is trying to broker a three-way arms control pact with Russia and China, a senior administration official said Friday.

A proposed meeting between the three nations is expected to also include the leaders of Britain and France, the remaining countries that make up the so-called P5, the UN Security Council's five permanent members.

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WNU Editor: It's not going to happen. China has made it very clear that they are not interested .... China Is Not Interested In Doing Any Nuclear Missile Deal (February 17, 2019).

US-China military tensions remain high despite epidemic

The PLA Navy recently completed a 41-day live-fire drill in the Western Pacific, the longest and largest of its kind for two years. Photo: PLA Navy

SCMP: Coronavirus: US-China military tensions remain high despite epidemic

* Beijing responds to US freedom of navigation operations in East and South China seas by staging its largest live-fire naval exercise in two years
* But defence ministry says it will scale back military drills as PLA troops are deployed to help fight the deadly disease

China’s air force and navy have raised their combat-readiness level since the Lunar New Year
in response to increased freedom of navigation exercises by US forces in the East and South China seas, according to official media.

Pilots from the Eastern and Southern theatre commands have been forced to cancel their holidays and engaged in repeated patrol flights on the country’s defensive front line, PLA Daily reported.

The heightened activity comes despite the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)having deployed thousands of military detachments to support the efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the central China city of Wuhan.

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WNU Editor: Tensions between the U.S. and China are definitely there .... Chinese Warship Fired A Military Laser At A US Navy P-8 Surveillance Aircraft Last Week (February 28, 2020)

Will China's Economy Surpass The U.S. By 2 Or 3 Times

CNBC: Elon Musk says Chinese economy will surpass US by 2 or 3 times: ‘The foundation of war is economics’

* Elon Musk predicted that the Chinese economy will surpass the United States’ at least two-fold.
* The two nations already are the world’s two largest economies, although the U.S. economy is currently larger.
* China overtaking the American economy would likely cause increased tension between the two countries, which are already at odds on issues such as trade and 5G technology.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk predicted Friday that the Chinese economy will eventually surpass the United States’ by at least two-fold – which would up the ante between the nations’ massive militaries.

“A thing that will feel pretty strange is that the Chinese economy is probably going to be at least twice as big as the United States’ economy, maybe three times,” Musk said during a fireside chat with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Thompson at the Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

“The foundation of war is economics,” Musk said. “If you have half the resources of the counterparty then you better be real innovative, if you’re not innovative, you’re going to lose.”

The two nations already are the world’s two largest economies. The U.S. dominates with $21.44 trillion in nominal GDP and makes up one-fourth of the world economy. China, however, is the fastest-growing trillion-dollar economy with GDP of $14.14 trillion, according to the Nasdaq.

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WNU Editor: I know my Chinese contacts believe that their economy will be surpassing the U.S. economy by 2030. But 2 or 3 times larger .... that is going to take a few decades.

World News Briefs -- February 29, 2020

Daily Mail: First coronavirus death in the US is confirmed in Washington state as health officials say there are new cases in the county where they died

Health officials have confirmed the first fatality inside the U.S. attributed to the coronavirus.

Officials in King County, Washington, which includes the city of Seattle, said in a statement on Saturday that new cases had been identified, including one patient who died.

No other details were immediately available about the two new cases in Washington, including the ages of the patients and any other potential health issues.

A press conference with more details is scheduled for 1pm PST.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey, Russia talk tensions in Syria as migrants push west.

Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria.

Idlib: UN holds emergency session after Turkish troops killed.

Erdoğan says border will stay open as Greece tries to repel influx. Syria war: Turkey says thousands of migrants have crossed to EU.

Iran reports new surge in coronavirus cases.

Qatar reports first coronavirus case in man who returned from Iran.

Netanyahu, Gantz neck and neck as campaign reaches climax.

ASIA

US and Taliban sign Afghanistan peace deal. Afghan conflict: US and Taliban sign deal to end 18-year war.

Taliban orders halt to attacks on day of US deal.

Afghanistan: nearly two decades of US intervention.

Coronavirus epidemic surges in South Korea as cases exceed 3,000.

Chinese manufacturing hits record low amid coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea president voices concern about Chinese reprisal.

Kim Jong Un warns of 'serious consequences' if coronavirus hits North Korea. Kim warns of 'serious consequences' if virus spreads to N Korea.

Hong Kong protesters face off with police despite coronavirus fears.

Malaysia's Mahathir loses bid to return to leadership as Muhyiddin Yassin is appointed Prime Minister.

As India counts dead, brutality of Hindu-Muslim riot emerges.

AFRICA

Fresh details emerge about Nigeria's first coronavirus case.

Ethiopia's Abiy faces outcry over crackdown on rebels.

DRCongo signs 'peace' deal with armed group in east.

Trafficked children among 230 people rescued in Niger raid.

Guinea's President Condé postpones controversial referendum.

Poll row sees Guinea-Bissau with two presidents.

US urges Ethiopia to sign Nile dam deal.

Uganda blocks a million first-time voters.

EUROPE

Greece stops 4,000 migrants at Turkey border. Greek police fire tear gas at migrants on Turkish border.

Italy reports virus cases top 1,100, deaths reach 29.

Schools, universities to stay shut as Italy coronavirus death toll rises.

France bans gatherings of more than 5,000 due to coronavirus.

Thousands attend rally in France for exiled Catalan leader.

Voting begins in Slovak election overshadowed by journalist's murder. Slovakian election overshadowed by journalist's murder.

Parents slam Serbia bill in chilling ‘missing babies’ cases.

Major fire in Paris clears train station, suspends rail service.

Pope cancels audiences for third day with apparent cold.

AMERICAS

Trump to discuss coronavirus threat Saturday at White House.

Local spread of coronavirus marks turning point in U.S..

Democrat gets in heated exchange with Pompeo at hearing: 'Do you believe coronavirus is a hoax?'

Democrats press Pompeo over Trump’s ‘failure’ of an Iran policy.

Joe Biden faces do-or-die showdown in South Carolina primary. Biden counting on primary win in South Carolina to revive hopes.

Federal court blocks 'Remain in Mexico' immigration policy.

Mexico: National brigade searches for thousands of disappeared persons.

Many Venezuelans struggle to put food on the table in crisis.

Canada mining firm accused of slavery abroad can be sued at home, supreme court rules.

New York sends single-use plastic bags packing as it becomes the third U.S. state to ban them and threatens violators with $500 fines - but takeout stores can still use them.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadists are active in Battle of Idlib in Syria, FRANCE 24 reports.

In front of protesters, Pompeo testifies Iran drone strike was a deterrent.

US AFRICOM: Coordinated airstrikes killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks have worst week in a decade on coronavirus fears.

Global economy wavers as world comes to standstill amid epidemic.

Activist investor wants to oust Twitter chief Dorsey: media.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 29, 2020

A B-52 bomber carrying the ARRW.

Breaking Defense: Lockheed Martin, Air Force Press Ahead On Air-Launched Hypersonic Missile

Lockheed Martin is designing what it calls a new Hypersonic Strike Weapon-Air Breathing (which goes by the awful acronym HSW-ab) for DARPA. John Varley, Lockheed's VP for hypersonic weapons, wouldn't provide details due to the program's high level of classification.

AFA 2020: Lockheed Martin’s air-launched hypersonic missile will complete its critical design review (CDR) today, as the company and the Air Force press ahead on development, John Varley, vice president for hypersonic weapons at Lockheed Martin, says.

The company’s first contract for the Air Force’s AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), inked in 2018, was set at $480 million for concept development. In December 2019, it nabbed another contract, worth $998 million, to bring its concept to CDR.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 29, 2020

Lockheed Releases ‘Most Useful’ Computer-Generated Image of Hypersonic Boost-Glide Missile Ever -- Sputnik

Army Ramps Up Funding For Laser Shield, Hypersonic Sword -- Breaking Defense

US developing $20m hypersonic 'glider' to intercept missiles -- The Telegraph

US Defences Are Incapable of Intercepting Russian, Chinese Missiles, Navy Admiral Admits -- Sputnik

America's F-35 Can't Stand Against Russia's Su-57 Armed With Hypersonic Missiles -- National Defense

Strategic Command boss warns of nuclear ‘point of no return’ -- Defense News

Kratos begins XQ-58A Valkyrie production, despite funding delay caused by mishap -- Flight Global

Air Force general: Two-bomber fleet is the future -- Defense News

Lockheed Martin awarded $141.7M for repair capabilities for the F-35 -- UPI

SpaceX’s founder tells US Air Force the era of fighter jets is ending -- Defense News

The Air Force Has Updated its Song to Be Gender-Neutral -- Military.com

Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter On Track To Become Heaviest Lifter In Joint Force -- Forbes

Will the Marine Corps become the US military’s smartest branch? -- Marine Times

Navy's 2nd Fleet escorts convoy across the Atlantic -- UPI

It's Only A Matter Of Time Before Railguns Are Deployed On Navy Ships -- National Interest

Commentary: Defense Department Tackling Industrial Base Issues -- National Defense

Top US Navy official expresses concerns about growing threat from China -- SCMP

Coronavirus Limiting US Military Across Globe -- VOA

For American Military, Coronavirus Is an Enemy to Be Fought -- NYT

US military scrambles to cope with global 'threat' posed by coronavirus -- CNN

French defense firms fête formidable profits in 2019 -- Defense News

Ex-British Admiral Claims ‘Americans Very Jealous of Amazing’ UK Aircraft Carriers -- Sputnik

Russia conducts first ship-based hypersonic missile test: TASS -- Reuters

Combat Deployment of new Russian Hypersonic Missile-hunting Radar in March -- Defense World

China postpones 2020 H1 military recruiting -- The Hill

China, Cambodia to hold joint military training -- The Star

Kim Jong-un Guides ‘Joint Strike Drill’ -- Stars and Stripes

India's Hypersonic Missile Could Start A Nuclear War -- Michael Peck, National Interest

5 Ways China Has Turned Pakistan Into a Military Monster -- Charlie Gao, National Interest

SpaceX’s Founder Elon Musk Tells The US Air Force That The Era Of Fighter Jets Is Ending

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, speaks with US Air Force Lieutenant General John Thompson, commander Space and Missile Systems Center commander at Space Pitch Day in San Francisco, California. US Air Force

CNBC: Elon Musk tells a room full of Air Force pilots: ‘The fighter jet era has passed’

* Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk predicted Friday that the future of war would be carried out by autonomous drones and not by legacy aircraft.
* “The fighter jet era has passed,” Musk said during a fireside chat with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Thompson at the Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando.
* Musk also said that Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet, which is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons system, should have a competitor.

ORLANDO, Fla., — Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk predicted Friday that the future of war would be carried out by autonomous drones and not by legacy aircraft.

“The fighter jet era has passed,” Musk said during a fireside chat with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Thompson at the Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. “Drone warfare is where the future will be. It’s not that I want the future to be – it’s just, this is what the future will be,” he added.

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WNU Editor: It will take a few decades to reach the point that Elon Musk is talking about. There is too much vested in human operated fighter jets and other aircraft for such a shift to happen in the short and/or medium term..

More News On SpaceX’s Founder Elon Musk Telling The US Air Force That The Era Of Fighter Jets Is Ending

Elon Musk Says Era Of Fighter Jet Is Over And F-35 Should Have Drone Competitor -- The Drive
SpaceX’s founder tells US Air Force the era of fighter jets is ending -- Defense News
‘The fighter jet era has passed’: Elon Musk -- Flight Global
Elon Musk says the US's F-35 stealth jet 'would have no chance' against a 'drone fighter plane' -- Business Insider
Elon Musk: ‘The Fighter Jet Era Has Passed’ -- Air Force Magazine
Elon Musk: F-35 ‘Would Have No Chance Against Drone Controlled by Human’ -- Sputnik

President Trump Nominates Congressman John Ratcliffe To Be Director Of National Intelligence For A Second Time

NBC: Trump nominates Rep. John Ratcliffe to be intel chief — again

Trump wanted the Texas congressman as director of national intelligence in 2019 but backed off when Ratcliffe was shown to have inflated his resume.

WASHINGTON — In what amounts to a direct challenge to Senate Republicans, President Donald Trump announced Friday that his pick to head the intelligence community is the same Republican congressman whose previous bid for the job collapsed amid revelations he misrepresented his background.

Trump tweeted that he was nominating Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas to be the director of national intelligence, calling the former federal prosecutor "an outstanding man of great talent."

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WNU Editor: The Democrats will oppose his nomination .... Pelosi blasts Trump pick: He has shown 'clear disrespect' for intel community (The Hill). More here .... Schumer urges GOP to oppose Trump's intel pick (The Hill).

More News On President Trump Nominating Congressman John Ratcliffe To Be The Director Of National Intelligence

Trump picks Ratcliffe as top intelligence official, again -- AP
Trump again nominates Congressman Ratcliffe as his intelligence director -- Reuters
Trump again taps Ratcliffe to serve as intelligence chief -- The Hill
Trump nominates Congressman John Ratcliffe to be director of national intelligence -- CBS
Trump says he will nominate Rep. John Ratcliffe to be director of national intelligence -- CNN
Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for top intelligence post -- FOX News
Trump nominates Rep. John Ratcliffe as Director of National Intelligence -- USA Today

Thousands Of Migrants Swarm The Greek And Bulgarian Border

Daily Mail: First 18,000 Syrian refugees cross Greek border amid fresh tear gas clashes with guards after Turkish president Erdogan vowed to open doors to Europe and KEEP them open

* Turkish President Erdogan said he would not close the gates for migrants seeking refuge in Europe
* The drastic shift comes after Turkey lost 33 military personnel during an offensive in Idlib on Thursday
* Migrants played a cat-and-mouse game with Greek border patrols throughout the night and into Saturday
* The move is seen as a way of influencing European powers to help to resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to keep borders open for Syrian refugees headed for Europe as the first 18,000 cross the Greek border and migrants clash for the second day with guards.

'What did we do yesterday (Friday)? We opened the doors,' Erdogan said in Istanbul in his first comments since 33 Turkish troops were killed in northern Syria on Thursday. 'We will not close those doors ...Why? Because the European Union should keep its promises.'

The Turkish leader also said 18,000 migrants have amassed on the Turkish borders with Europe since Friday, adding that the number could reach as many as 30,000 on Saturday.

Migrants played a cat-and-mouse game with Greek border patrols throughout the night and into Saturday, with some cutting holes in the fence only to be turned back by tear gas and stun grenades. Greek authorities also fired tear gas to repulse attempts by the crowd to push through the border.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Turkish President Erdogan thinks that by opening the border he is putting pressure on Europe to help him with his military operations in Syria. But all that it is doing is creating a great deal of European resentment and mistrust against him.

More News On Migrants Swarming The Greek And Bulgarian Border

Syria war: Turkey says thousands of migrants have crossed to EU -- BBC
Greece stops 4,000 migrants at Turkey border -- France 24
Greece pushes back migrants on Turkish border 'onslaught' -- Reuters
Erdogan Says, ‘We Opened the Doors,’ and Clashes Erupt as Migrants Head for Europe -- The New York Times
Greek police fire teargas on migrants at border with Turkey -- CNBC/Reuters

US And Taliban Signs Historic Deal To End The War In Afghanistan. All American Troops Will Leave Within 14 Months

Daily Mail: US and Taliban sign peace deal that will send ALL American troops home in 14 months and pave way to end of 18-year Afghanistan war

* Pompeo was on hand for signing of the historic peace deal with the Taliban on Saturday in Doha, Qatar
* Deal paves the way for a full US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 14 months if conditions are met
* Taliban agrees to steps to ensure Afghanistan doesn't once again become a safe-haven for terrorists
* America has been at war in Afghanistan for 18 years since invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks
* Announcement of peace deal came after a partial week-long truce between the parties

The United States and the Taliban have signed a peace agreement aimed at ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan, America's longest.

The signing could help President Donald Trump fulfill a key campaign promise to extract America from its 'endless wars.'

The deal was signed on Saturday in the Qatari capital Doha by U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was on hand to witness the ceremony.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Soviet Union signed a similar agreement with the Mujaheddin over 30 years ago. The Mujaheddin broke it within a year. I expect the same to happen with this agreement. But this time I am not sure if The Taliban have the means to conquer the country as the Mujaheddin did 30 years ago. Afghanistan is a different country now, and many in the country do not like the Taliban.

More News On the US And Taliban Signing A Historic Deal To End The War In Afghanistan

US, Taliban sign deal aimed at ending war in Afghanistan -- AP
U.S.-Taliban sign historic troop withdrawal deal in Doha -- Reuters
US, Taliban sign landmark peace deal set to end 18 years of conflict in Afghanistan -- France 24
US and Taliban sign historic deal to end Afghan conflict -- DW
US-Taliban sign historic troop withdrawal deal in Doha that could end 18-year war -- ABC News Online
Afghan conflict: US and Taliban sign deal to end 18-year war -- BBC
US and Taliban sign peace agreement aimed at ending Afghanistan war -- The Guardian
Taliban sign landmark agreement in bid to end America's longest war -- NBC
U.S. Strikes Deal With Taliban to Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan -- The New York Times
Afghanistan peace deal: US, Taliban sign peace deal in Doha - The - The Washington Post -- Washington Post
US signs historic peace deal with Taliban, Pompeo strikes cautious tone -- FOX News
US and Taliban sign historic agreement -- CNN
U.S. Signs Peace Deal With Taliban After Nearly 2 Decades Of War In Afghanistan -- NPR
U.S., Taliban sign historic peace deal -- UPI
All U.S. troops to withdraw from Afghanistan under peace deal -- Politico
Afghanistan's Taliban, US sign peace deal -- Al Jazeera
US and Taliban ink Afghanistan peace agreement, set conditions for troop withdrawal -- RT
Factbox: Reactions to impending signing of U.S. troop withdrawal deal with Taliban -- Reuters

Tweets For Today

Coronavirus: Misinformation and false medical advice spreads in Iran https://t.co/2FR5CnuAZG

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) February 29, 2020

"With the partial exception of the Black Death in 14th century Europe, every major pandemic has been followed by an economic recession," said Robert Dingwall at the University of Nottingham Trent in England. https://t.co/QiVurmL7k4 pic.twitter.com/XiWSVLdrIk

— AFP news agency (@AFP) February 28, 2020

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives Syrian regime deadline to withdraw its forces from Idlib and implement the 2018 Sochi agreement pic.twitter.com/skqm2Xd6L8

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) February 29, 2020

BREAKING: The U.S. and the Taliban are poised to sign a peace deal Saturday, 18 years after the Afghanistan War began in the wake the Sept. 11 attacks. https://t.co/kX34d86y3y

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 28, 2020

In making peace with the Taliban, the US is moving to end its longest-ever war and also signalling a major shift: After two decades, an era of global US military interventionism is winding down https://t.co/WKGsLxt6wT pic.twitter.com/piyV6fTEc8

— AFP news agency (@AFP) February 29, 2020

North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: KCNA https://t.co/gNSwnGlKh4 pic.twitter.com/nWejKvYswz

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 29, 2020

Explosives are a delicate, high-tension, high-risk product of combat. The best way to prepare for, and properly dispose of, explosives is through conscientious and realistic training just like @USMC Marines do in Alaska as part of their preparation for Arctic Edge 2020. pic.twitter.com/7uK7i7UlJ1

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) February 28, 2020

Drifting a tank. pic.twitter.com/N3QgT5mlwz

— 🇷🇺Only In Russia 🇷🇺 (@CrazyinRussia) February 28, 2020

Picture Of The Day

People in Tehran wear medical masks amid a coronavirus outbreak in the country. © Sputnik / Anton Bystrov

WNU Editor: The above picture is form this photo-gallery .... This Week in Pictures: 22 - 28 February (Sputnik).

Foreign Diplomats To Be Evacuated From North Korea

CNN: Foreign diplomats to be evacuated from North Korea as country steps up efforts to prevent virus outbreak

A plan is in the works to evacuate quarantined foreign diplomats from North Korea, a source inside the country has revealed, as concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus grow.

North Korea has not confirmed a single case of the virus inside its borders, but global health experts have warned the country is highly susceptible to an outbreak given its close proximity to China and limited medical capabilities. Every other country in East Asia has confirmed numerous cases.

The German Embassy, French Cooperation Office, and Swiss Development Cooperation will close operations in the capital Pyongyang completely, said the source, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, given the extreme sensitivity of the current situation.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: All diplomats in North Korea are now under some form of quarantine, and from what I understand North Korea has imposed measures that has essentially shut down the entire country. In such an environment a diplomat cannot function. It is time to go home until this outbreak ends.

North Korea Is 'Sitting' On Trillions Of Dollars.

Kim Jong-Un

Patricia Schouker, National Interest: Wanna Know Why Kim Jong-Un Is Smiling? He's 'Sitting' on Trillions of Dollars.

North Korea has a lot of wealth--just below the surface.

Key point: South Korea estimates the value of the mineral resources of its North Korean neighbor at $2,800 billion. In comparison, the GDP of South Korea was about 1,530,75 trillion in 2017.

When looking at contemporary geopolitics, often energy and related resource questions are key in the struggle for influence amongst world powers, as energy can drive or amplify underlying tensions. Today, the attractiveness of traditional oil exploration loses ground with the emergence of new energies and technologies, often produced by “Rare Earths” and the elements they contain.

Read more ....

WNU editor: North Korea may have all of this mineral wealth, but it does not have the infrastructure, legal system, political stability, or business culture to pull it off.

According to The CDC Here's What To Expect In The US As The Coronavirus Spreads

Coronavirus quarantine US

Business Insider: The CDC outlined an ominous hypothetical scenario about what could happen in the US as the coronavirus spreads. Here's what to expect.

* The US now has 60 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and it's highly likely there will be more.
* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined a hypothetical scenario of what could happen in the US as the coronavirus spreads.
* It predicts more cases, person-to-person spreading, and an "overwhelmed" and "overloaded healthcare system."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided information about how the novel coronavirus could affect the US.

Globally, the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has infected 82,000 people and killed 2,800 people, mostly in China.

On Tuesday, US health officials told the country to prepare for the coronavirus. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a press briefing, "It's not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Here is another scenario on what to expect if the coronavirus spreads throughout the US .... How Daily Life Could Change If Coronavirus Spreads Within The US (CBS Sacremento).

This Is How U.S. Markets Will Function If The Coronavirus Outbreak Arrives In New York City

Reuters: Explainer: How U.S. markets will function if coronavirus breaks out in NYC

NEW YORK (Reuters) - If an outbreak of coronavirus hits New York, it could cause more sharp selling of stocks, but markets would likely continue to function even if the floor of the New York Stock Exchange had to close.

No case has been confirmed in the state, but dozens of people were being checked in the New York City area on Wednesday.

U.S. stock exchanges said they have contingency plans.

Here is how the markets would work if there were disruptions or panic selling of stocks.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It has definitely been a bad week .... Stock markets suffer worst week since financial crisis (AFP).

Covid-19 Medical News -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Daily Mail: Coronavirus 'could be 1,000 times more infectious than SARS, scientists warn as they discover it plagues the body the same way as HIV and Ebola

* Coronavirus binds to human body cells similar to aggressive infectious diseases
* Makes it '100 to 1,000 times' more efficient at infecting than SARS, study found
* Coronavirus has already struck down 82,000 victims and killed almost 3,000

The coronavirus could be up to 1,000 times more infectious than SARS because it plagues the body in the same way as HIV and Ebola, scientists warn.

Experts initially presumed the spread of COVID-19 would follow the same trajectory as the SARS outbreak in 2002/3, because the viruses are almost identical genetically.

But they have discovered the way it binds to cells in the human body is akin to far more aggressive diseases like HIV and Ebola.

This makes it '100 to 1,000 times' more efficient at infecting people than SARS, according to researchers from Nankai University in Tianjin, northern China.

Read more ....

Covid-19 Medical News -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Coronavirus map: how Covid-19 is spreading across the world -- The Guardian
Timeline: How the new coronavirus spread -- Al Jazeera
Coronavirus: Scientists in the US race to find a vaccine -- Al Jazeera
Israeli scientists say they are just WEEKS away from developing a vaccine which will beat coronavirus -- Daily Mail
Explainer: Coronavirus reappears in discharged patients, raising questions in containment fight -- Reuters
Yes, it is worse than the flu: busting the coronavirus myths -- The Guardian
Staying at home, no doctor visits, waiting to take out the garbage and getting family to leave food on your doorstep: What self-isolating for 14-day coronavirus quarantine involves -- Daily Mail
What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms? -- James Gallagher, BBC
Coronavirus: All you need to know about symptoms and risks -- Al Jazeera
What is coronavirus and what should I do if I have symptoms? -- The Guardian
What happens if you catch the new coronavirus? -- Al Jazeera
How long is the coronavirus incubation period? -- DW

Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Arab News: Middle East implements measures to combat deadly coronavirus

* Bahrain has announced three new coronavirus cases
* Lebanon banned entry to people arriving from Iran and countries affected by the coronavirus outbreak

DUBAI: Coronavirus has been widely spreading in the Middle East during the past week with Iran recording the highest number of infections and deaths in the region.

Countries in the Middle East are currently taking extraordinary steps to prevent the growing coronavirus outbreak.

Read more ....

Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Coronavirus: Iran outbreak raises fears of mass Middle East contagion as pilgrims and workers move across borders -- SCMP
Iran reports 8 new coronavirus deaths, raising toll to 34 -- AFP
At least 210 people have died from coronavirus in Iran: BBC Persian -- Reuters
Iran health ministry spokesman rejects BBC Persian report of 210 deaths from coronavirus -- Reuters
Iran sees 'difficult week' ahead as corona death toll rises to 34 -- Reuters
Coronavirus: Iran cancels Friday prayers to limit spread of outbreak -- BBC
All schools in Iran to close for three days over coronavirus concerns: health minister -- Reuters
Iraq confronts coronavirus amid infrastructure concerns -- France 24
Coronavirus outbreak: UAE Tour cancelled due to two "suspected" cases -- BBC
Bahrain reports two new cases of coronavirus, one a Saudi national -- Reuters
Qatar evacuates citizens from Iran over coronavirus fears -- Al Jazeera
'No fear': Pilgrims in Saudi defy coronavirus risks -- AFP

Covid-19 Outbreak In Asia -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Time: A Silent Epidemic? Experts Fear the Coronavirus Is Spreading Undetected in Southeast Asia

As coronavirus cases continue to soar globally, in at least one region a steady façade of optimism persists. Southeast Asia’s foreign ministers have joined hands with China and declared their intention to “stay strong!”

Yet their hastily called meeting in secretive, socialist Laos last week suggests not so much resiliency as the need to shore up mutual support. Health experts are widely skeptical of the numbers reported by China’s neighbors, and believe the deadly infection is spreading undetected throughout much of Southeast Asia.

With infection clusters increasingly sprouting outside the mainland, where the virus originated, many fear these pockets—rooted out or not—are sustaining the outbreak and pushing the world toward a global pandemic.

Read more ....

Covid-19 Outbreak In Asia -- News Updates February 28, 2020

Coronavirus: 571 new cases in South Korea take total to 2,337; BTS cancels Seoul concert -- SCMP/Reuters
South Korea coronavirus cases top 2,300 as authorities ramp up testing -- UPI
New coronavirus cases in mainland China fall to lowest since January -- Reuters
Beijing ramps up crowd control measures on virus fears -- AFP
Virus slows China's major projects in Asia -- AFP
'No one cares': Locked-in Wuhan residents adapt to find food -- AFP
Coronavirus: China, Japan, South Korea supply chains under threat from ‘second wave’ of disruptions -- SCMP
Coronavirus: state of emergency declared on Japan’s Hokkaido -- SCMP
Coronavirus threat to Olympics: Organisers will announce next week if torch relay has to be scaled back amid fears Tokyo 2020 could be CANCELLED -- Daily Mail
Exclusive: Tokyo has no 'Plan B' for Games despite coronavirus -- Reuters
Coronavirus: Are Japan's school closures a political move to save the Olympics? -- DW
China and Japan's coronavirus cooperation helps offset sea dispute -- Reuters
Coronavirus in Pakistan: Mask-buying panic leading to shortages -- Al Jazeera