Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 19, 2020

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar chats with his US counterpart Mark Esper at NATO headquarters in Brussels last week (AFP)

Middle East Eye: US think tank report ignites concerns over new military coup in Turkey

RAND Corporation report for the US army says Turkish defence minister is particularly close to American military

A US think tank report on Turkey’s foreign policy has caused controversy in the country after it suggested a new military coup attempt was plausible and that the Turkish defence minister was extremely close to the US military.

Released last month, the report by the RAND Corporation for the US army alleges that the Turkish government’s decision to expel hundreds of officers after a failed coup attempt in 2016 caused huge discontent in the Turkish military.

“Mid-level officers are reported to be extremely frustrated with the military leadership and concerned about being removed in the continuing post-coup purges,” the report said.

“This discontent could even lead to another coup attempt at some point, and [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan appears to take the threat seriously.”

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 19, 2020

Turkey reveals new plan to buy drones, helicopters and air defense systems -- Defense News

How capable is the Turkish Navy of projecting power? -- Paul Iddon, Ahval

Head of Egyptian intelligence seeks regional coordination against Turkey's plans -- Ahval

Greece, US hold live-fire drill following military base deal -- The Republic

Navy Takes Major Step Toward Building Its Drone Ship Fleet -- Military.com

General Atomics nabs two deals totaling $35.M for work on EMALs -- UPI

Navy Confirms Global Strike Hypersonic Weapon Will First Deploy on Virginia Attack Subs -- USNI News

Nuclear missile upgrade could deliver $13 billion to Northrop -- Bloomberg

Real Top Gun: Lots of F-35 Stealth Fighters Just Fought in a Massive War Game -- National Interest

Air Force, Lockheed wrap flight testing for upgraded U-2 recon system -- UPI

How the Air Force Uses Andriod Phones' Operating System to Wage War -- National Interest

After protest, Army launches new competition for robotic mule -- Defense News

West Point researching bio-printed bandages and organs for field care -- Army Times

Graham Denies Threatening To Make Esper’s Life ‘Hell’ If He Cuts AFRICOM Troops -- Defense One

Trump confirms top Pentagon policy official to depart administration -- CNN

Local attorney seeks justice for Marine confined more than two years without trial or charges -- San Diego Union Tribune

U.S. claps back at China with two B-52 Stratofortress bomber flights near Taiwan -- Washington Times

After Trump impeachment, US lawmakers stress unity on Ukraine military aid -- Defense News

F-35s Galore: How Poland Is Preparing Its Military to Deter Russia -- National Interest

U.S., Boeing send 3 Super Hornets to Finland for aircraft upgrade -- UPI

Goodbye To The Kara Class Cruiser -- Forbes

Pakistan tests a new cruise missile. Can it hit inside India? -- Defense News

India on alert as Pakistan showcases terrifying nuclear breakthrough in menacing threat -- Express

China’s first home built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, tightens shore leave regulations to combat coronavirus -- SCMP

China’s military tightens secrecy rules as PLA steps up exchanges abroad -- SCMP

Israel Buys Stealth & Lotsa Weapons: 2nd Squadron Of F-35s & F-15s -- Breaking Defense

Singapore expects first upgraded F-16 jets to fly next year -- Defense News

From Deception to Attrition: AI and the Changing Face of Warfare -- Dumitru Minzarari, War On the Rocks