Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 17, 2021

The Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups steam in formation on scheduled deployments to the 7th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 9, 2021. (Elliot Schaudt/U.S. Navy) 

Military.com/Stars and Stripes: Navy Admirals Reject Beijing's Claim that Dual-Carrier Drills in South China Sea Were ‘Symbolic' 

The commanders of two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups in a conference call Wednesday dismissed Chinese critiques of their drills this week in the South China Sea. 

The strike groups operated side-by-side Tuesday, honing their tactical proficiency and ability to work together, Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group, told reporters during the call. 

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 17, 2021 

Satellite Images Show China Emptying Military Camps at Border Flashpoint With India -- US News and World Report/Reuters 

Water Wars: Chinese Military Takes Aim While Biden's China Strategy Takes Shape -- Lawfare 

Pentagon rethinking how to array forces to focus on China -- AP 

A third of service members have refused coronavirus vaccines, defense officials say -- Washington Post 

Three sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt test positive for Covid-19 less than a year after a massive outbreak that led to the captain's ousting -- Daily Mail 

Dismantling of USS Bonhomme Richard to begin in April -- UPI 

Navy to Fully Integrate Laser into Aegis Combat System (Updated) -- National Defense Magazine 

Marine Corps leads all military services in hazing numbers ― by far -- Marine Times 

The Army Is Seeking Firms to Build Highly Mobile Light Tanks for Infantry Brigades -- Military.com 

Second test of Air Force's drone-killing laser may start later this year -- UPI 

Female generals' promotions held back over fears of Trump's response: report -- The Hill 

Sullivan is Biden's national security 'listener' -- The Hill 

Pentagon report reveals inroads white supremacists have made in military -- Roll Call 

How the National Guard became the go-to military force for riots and civil disturbances -- The Coversation 

US Fighter Jet Tracking Russian Su-35 Over Syria Suffered Sensor Malfunction, Report Says -- Sputnik 

Biden administration approves $200 million arms sale to Egypt despite concerns over human rights abuses -- RT 

US, Japan decide to extend military-support agreement for another year -- Stars and Stripes 

British veterans, discharged for being gay under historic law, allowed to get their medals back -- CNN 

NATO to get 1st glimpse of Biden administration at virtual defense summit -- UPI 

NATO to agree larger Iraq training force as violence rises -- Reuters 

New drones at Sicily's Sigonella base extend NATO's surveillance reach -- Stars and Stripes 

'Doomsday Weapon': Advanced Russian Drones to Be Test-Launched From Nuclear Sub, Report Says -- Sputnik 

Russian Navy latest frigates to have hypersonic weapon capabilities -- TASS 

China not targeting US in rare-earth exports, but option remains -- Global Times 

PLA Navy commissions final Type 056A corvettes specialized in coastal defense -- Global Times 

N. Korea expands missile facilities, but no unusual signs at nuclear sites: defense ministry -- Yonhap News Agency 

North Korea ramped up missile research, Seoul's military says -- UPI 

New Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile For South Korea’s KF-X Breaks Cover -- Naval News 

Israel moves to buy F-35 jets, KC-46 refueling planes, munitions: official -- Reuters 

Israeli Committee Approves Procurement of F-35 Jets, KC-46 Refueling Aircraft -- Sputnik 

Pakistan Hosts 45 Navies for Joint Drills, Including Russia, China, NATO Members -- Sputnik 

Australian army plans new amphibious landing craft for fleet -- UPI