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A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement. The balloon row is the latest to sour the relations of the two countries.&nbsp;

In a report by news agency Reuters, a Pentagon spokesperson refused to comment on the visit but referred to the threat faced by Taiwan because of China. "We don't have a comment on specific operations.. but I would highlight that our support for, and defence relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," the report quoted the spokesperson as saying.&nbsp;

Last year, the visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi - the then House Speaker - had prompted an angry response from Beijing. Quoting Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, the British news platform the Guardian reported he did not confirm the visit. “If any team that is friendly to us want to visit, they will let us know. Suggestions that are beneficial to Taiwan’s defence operations are very good, and they are all good opportunities," he said.&nbsp;

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The visit also comes at a time when a group of Chinese officials are in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. Their arrival was reportedly followed by protests from pro-Independence activists.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-imposed-by-china-on-lockheed-martin-and-raytheon-over-taiwan-arms-sales-562840">Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales</a>

Earlier this week, the Taiwanese government allowed the trip of six Chinese officials, lead by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, to attend the Lantern Festival in Taipei, at the invitation of the city government.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

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A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement.

A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement. The balloon row is the latest to sour the relations of the two countries. In a report by news agency Reuters, a Pentagon spokesperson refused to comment on the visit but referred to the threat faced by Taiwan because of China. "We don't have a comment on specific operations.. but I would highlight that our support for, and defence relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," the report quoted the spokesperson as saying. Last year, the visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi - the then House Speaker - had prompted an angry response from Beijing. Quoting Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, the British news platform the Guardian reported he did not confirm the visit. “If any team that is friendly to us want to visit, they will let us know. Suggestions that are beneficial to Taiwan’s defence operations are very good, and they are all good opportunities," he said. × The visit also comes at a time when a group of Chinese officials are in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. Their arrival was reportedly followed by protests from pro-Independence activists. Also read: Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales Earlier this week, the Taiwanese government allowed the trip of six Chinese officials, lead by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, to attend the Lantern Festival in Taipei, at the invitation of the city government. (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top Pentagon official in Taiwan amid stir against visit by Chinese group: Reports

Six days after shooting down an alleged Chinese spy balloon, a U.S fighter jet shot down another unidentified object drifting high over Alaska. Pentagon described it as a high altitude object which was the size of a small car.

Pentagon: High-altitude object was the size of a small car

The US state department has approved the potential sale of long-range missiles, launchers and rockets to Poland. According to Pentagon, the deal is valued at ten billion dollars.

U.S. approves $10 bn sale of Himars

The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said&nbsp;on Thursday. The citing of the Chinese spy balloon might prove to be another thorn in the US-China relationship.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials thought about&nbsp;shooting the balloon down over Montana but decided not to go ahead as the debris might endanger people on the ground, a senior defence official told reporters Thursday.

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the Pentagon has been tracking the balloon for several days as it travelled over the northern United States.

"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Ryder told reporters.

“We are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the (People’s Republic of China),” he added.

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Does the balloon pose any security threat?

"The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground," Ryder said.

Ryder further said that the balloon's path would carry it over a number of sensitive sites, although the risk of any significant intelligence loss is not currently present. Notably, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana is home to 150 intercontinental ballistic missile silos.

“It does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in low Earth orbit,” Ryder said, referring to the fact that Chinese spy satellites in low Earth orbit can offer similar or better intelligence.

Balloon was over Montana when the officials thought of shooting it down

US military leaders had contemplated shooting the spy balloon down over Montana on Wednesday, but decided against it fearing safety risk from the debris.

The military had even mobilised assets, including F-22 fighter jets, in case Biden ordered the balloon be shot down.

"We wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the airspace around that potential area," the official said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-canada-not-to-engage-in-political-manipulation-over-uyghur-muslims-558205">China urges Canada not to engage in 'political manipulation' over Uyghur Muslims</a>

"But even with those protective measures taken, it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough. So we didn't take the shot."

Blinken's visit to China

The news comes just days before&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visit to China. Managing heightened tensions between the two powers is at the top of the agenda.

Blinken’s visit to Beijing will mark the first trip to the Asian country by the United States’ top diplomat since 2018.&nbsp;Last November, Biden had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Relations between China and the United States have been tense of late, clashing over Taiwan, China's human rights record and its military activity in the South China Sea.

US officials have conveyed the surveillance balloon issue to their Chinese counterparts in Beijing and in Washington.

"We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official added.

China reaction

Reacting to the report, China said Friday that it was working to verify the facts around the claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over the US.&nbsp;

"Verification is under way," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing. "Until the facts are clear, making conjectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it."

"China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said on Thursday. The citing of the Chinese spy balloon might prove to be another thorn in the US-China relationship. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials thought about shooting the balloon down over Montana but decided not to go ahead as the debris might endanger people on the ground, a senior defence official told reporters Thursday. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the Pentagon has been tracking the balloon for several days as it travelled over the northern United States. "The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Ryder told reporters. “We are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the (People’s Republic of China),” he added. × Does the balloon pose any security threat? "The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground," Ryder said. Ryder further said that the balloon's path would carry it over a number of sensitive sites, although the risk of any significant intelligence loss is not currently present. Notably, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana is home to 150 intercontinental ballistic missile silos. “It does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in low Earth orbit,” Ryder said, referring to the fact that Chinese spy satellites in low Earth orbit can offer similar or better intelligence. Balloon was over Montana when the officials thought of shooting it down US military leaders had contemplated shooting the spy balloon down over Montana on Wednesday, but decided against it fearing safety risk from the debris. The military had even mobilised assets, including F-22 fighter jets, in case Biden ordered the balloon be shot down. "We wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the airspace around that potential area," the official said. Also Read | China urges Canada not to engage in 'political manipulation' over Uyghur Muslims "But even with those protective measures taken, it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough. So we didn't take the shot." Blinken's visit to China The news comes just days before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visit to China. Managing heightened tensions between the two powers is at the top of the agenda. Blinken’s visit to Beijing will mark the first trip to the Asian country by the United States’ top diplomat since 2018. Last November, Biden had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Relations between China and the United States have been tense of late, clashing over Taiwan, China's human rights record and its military activity in the South China Sea. US officials have conveyed the surveillance balloon issue to their Chinese counterparts in Beijing and in Washington. "We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official added. China reaction Reacting to the report, China said Friday that it was working to verify the facts around the claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over the US. "Verification is under way," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing. "Until the facts are clear, making conjectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it." "China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over the US being tracked, Pentagon says

A four-star US General has warned of a possible conflict with China most likely over Taiwan as early as 2025. He urged his commanders to push their units to achieve maximum operational battle readiness this year and internal memorandum over the issue emerged in social media and was later confirmed genuine by the Pentagon.

US to fight China in 2025? US General warns of possible conflict

US General Michigan calls for battle readiness amid warning of possible conflict

The United States military carried out a strike in Somalia and killed at least 30 al-Shabaab fighters, said the US Africa Command in a statement&nbsp;on Saturday (January 21). The “collective self-defence strike”, as the US military described it, took place in the central Somalian town of Galcad, on Friday, where the East African nation’s military was engaged in heavy fighting. However, there was no US military present on the ground when the airstrike occurred, said Washington’s defence official.&nbsp; 
 
The operation was about 260 km away from the north of the capital Mogadishu where the Somali forces were attacked by at least 100 al-Shabaab fighters, said the statement. According to the Somali government and the militant group, at least seven soldiers were killed after the al-Shabaab fighters stormed the Somali military base in Galcad, reported Reuters. The US Africa Command, which is the American government’s presence on the continent, also said no civilians were injured or killed due to the remote location at which the strike occurred but three vehicles were destroyed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-eight-killed-in-roadside-bombing-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-552848">Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility</a>

Meanwhile, a statement by Somalia’s Information Ministry said their soldiers had killed at least 100 fighters and destroyed five gun-mounted pick-up vehicles known as technicals, said a&nbsp;Reuters report. The militant group has been fighting since 2006 to topple the country’s government. Last year, as a part of the ongoing support by US President Joe Biden’s administration, Washington approved Pentagon’s request to redeploy troops in the region to counter the militant group.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-kill-six-in-raid-on-somalia-village-they-recently-lost-549979">Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost</a>

In the statement, on Saturday, the US military said, “Somalia remains central to stability and security in all of East Africa. US Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to help give them the tools they need to defeat al-Shabaab, the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world”. So far, the US forces have conducted several strikes in Somalia and killed many members of al-Shabaab. The last one took place in December near the Somalian city of Cadale which resulted in the death of at least six al-Shabaab militants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The United States military carried out a strike in Somalia and killed at least 30 al-Shabaab fighters, said the US Africa Command in a statement on Saturday (January 21).

The United States military carried out a strike in Somalia and killed at least 30 al-Shabaab fighters, said the US Africa Command in a statement on Saturday (January 21). The “collective self-defence strike”, as the US military described it, took place in the central Somalian town of Galcad, on Friday, where the East African nation’s military was engaged in heavy fighting. However, there was no US military present on the ground when the airstrike occurred, said Washington’s defence official. The operation was about 260 km away from the north of the capital Mogadishu where the Somali forces were attacked by at least 100 al-Shabaab fighters, said the statement. According to the Somali government and the militant group, at least seven soldiers were killed after the al-Shabaab fighters stormed the Somali military base in Galcad, reported Reuters. The US Africa Command, which is the American government’s presence on the continent, also said no civilians were injured or killed due to the remote location at which the strike occurred but three vehicles were destroyed. ALSO READ | Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility Meanwhile, a statement by Somalia’s Information Ministry said their soldiers had killed at least 100 fighters and destroyed five gun-mounted pick-up vehicles known as technicals, said a Reuters report. The militant group has been fighting since 2006 to topple the country’s government. Last year, as a part of the ongoing support by US President Joe Biden’s administration, Washington approved Pentagon’s request to redeploy troops in the region to counter the militant group. ALSO READ | Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost In the statement, on Saturday, the US military said, “Somalia remains central to stability and security in all of East Africa. US Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to help give them the tools they need to defeat al-Shabaab, the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world”. So far, the US forces have conducted several strikes in Somalia and killed many members of al-Shabaab. The last one took place in December near the Somalian city of Cadale which resulted in the death of at least six al-Shabaab militants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US military says strike in Somalia killed at least 30 members of militant group al-Shabaab

The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks.

The Ukrainians are set to travel to Fort Sill in Oklahoma as early as next week. Fort Sill is one of the Army's four basic training sites which also houses the field artillery school that has been&nbsp;training army personnel for more than a century.

Unlike other advanced systems deployed to Ukraine, notably the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Patriots need extensive, hands-on training outside of Europe.

The troops will then begin their months-long training programme to learn how to operate a Patriot battery, which is capable of shooting down attack planes, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles before they even strike targets, Brigadier General Pat Ryder, spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department said, Time reported.

“The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain, and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months,” Ryder told reporters. “Once fielded, the Patriot will contribute to Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, and provide another capability to Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/russia-will-destroy-us-patriot-missiles-says-putin-546482" hreflang="en">Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin</a>

The truck-mounted surface-to-air guided missile defence system has eight launchers, each holding up to four interceptors, along with ground radar, a control centre, and a generator. To operate one Patriot battery, approximately 100 soldiers are required. The US Army has 16 Patriot battalions in total. Last week, Germany pleged a patriot battery to Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement that his nation would purchase for Ukraine a US-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). "This is the first Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine," Canada's Defence Minister, Anita Anand, said on Twitter, CNN reported.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/ukrainian-troops-to-train-on-patriot-missile-system-in-us-551337" hreflang="en">Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S.</a>

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Patriot battery would significantly strengthen Kyiv's defences against the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement during his visit to the US in late December, Al Jazeera reported.

During a video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia is assembling its forces for further escalation, so it is imperative that the West provides Ukraine with more high-tech weapons. “The free world has everything necessary to stop Russian aggression and bring about a historic defeat for the terrorist state,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks.

The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks. The Ukrainians are set to travel to Fort Sill in Oklahoma as early as next week. Fort Sill is one of the Army's four basic training sites which also houses the field artillery school that has been training army personnel for more than a century. Unlike other advanced systems deployed to Ukraine, notably the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Patriots need extensive, hands-on training outside of Europe. The troops will then begin their months-long training programme to learn how to operate a Patriot battery, which is capable of shooting down attack planes, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles before they even strike targets, Brigadier General Pat Ryder, spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department said, Time reported. “The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain, and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months,” Ryder told reporters. “Once fielded, the Patriot will contribute to Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, and provide another capability to Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.” Also Read | Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin The truck-mounted surface-to-air guided missile defence system has eight launchers, each holding up to four interceptors, along with ground radar, a control centre, and a generator. To operate one Patriot battery, approximately 100 soldiers are required. The US Army has 16 Patriot battalions in total. Last week, Germany pleged a patriot battery to Ukraine. On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement that his nation would purchase for Ukraine a US-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). "This is the first Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine," Canada's Defence Minister, Anita Anand, said on Twitter, CNN reported. Watch | Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S. Patriot battery would significantly strengthen Kyiv's defences against the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement during his visit to the US in late December, Al Jazeera reported. During a video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia is assembling its forces for further escalation, so it is imperative that the West provides Ukraine with more high-tech weapons. “The free world has everything necessary to stop Russian aggression and bring about a historic defeat for the terrorist state,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms

Senior military officers reported that despite the Pentagon's renewed efforts, there is still no proof that aliens have visited Earth or crashed here. US defence officials said on Friday that the Pentagon's efforts to look into anomalous, unidentified objects, whether they are in space, the sky, or underwater, have generated hundreds of fresh reports that are currently being looked into.

US: Pentagon to investigate all new reports of UFOs

A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday.&nbsp;

The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is responsible for tracking unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space. It is also responsible for tracking any object that can move from one domain to the next, a report by the Associated Press said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-ufo-day-2022-why-do-we-celebrate-the-day-for-the-unknown-whats-its-significance-493793">World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance?</a>

The AARO was established following over a year of unidentified flying objects that military pilots have observed. In June last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reported that between 2004 and 2021, there were 144 such encounters. Eighty of these encounters were captured on multiple sensors.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, AARO's director, said that the Pentagon received several hundreds of UFO reports.&nbsp;Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research.&nbsp;

"I would just say that we are structuring our analysis to be very thorough and rigorous. We will go through it all," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Kirkpatrick pointed out that one reason for these hundreds of reports coming in might be the outreach the office did to destigmatise reporting potential encounters.&nbsp;

The AARO director also said there is a lot of new technology such as drones, hypersonic missiles stealth bombers and stealth fighters- fielded by both the United States and China- that could be mistaken for UFOs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ufo-sightings-in-us-rose-sharply-during-the-pandemic-data-reveals-377203">FO sightings in US rose sharply during the pandemic, data reveals</a>

The office has been coordinating with the Pentagon and the US intelligence community to get the signatures of US technology to rule out those aircraft or drones, he added, the Associated Press report further said.&nbsp;

In May this year, the US Congress held a briefing on UFOs, its first hearing on the topic in more than 50 years. Multiple members had expressed concerns that whether or not the objects are alien or potentially new, unknown technology being flown by China, Russia or another potential adversary, the unknown posed a security risk to the US.&nbsp;

“(So far) we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” the US under secretary of defence for intelligence and security Ronald Moultrie said on Friday, adding any unauthorised system in the country's airspace is deemed as a threat to safety.

Moultrie said the office (AARO) was also working on ways to improve the ability to identify unknown objects.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday.

A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is responsible for tracking unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space. It is also responsible for tracking any object that can move from one domain to the next, a report by the Associated Press said. ALSO READ | World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance? The AARO was established following over a year of unidentified flying objects that military pilots have observed. In June last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reported that between 2004 and 2021, there were 144 such encounters. Eighty of these encounters were captured on multiple sensors. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, AARO's director, said that the Pentagon received several hundreds of UFO reports. Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research. "I would just say that we are structuring our analysis to be very thorough and rigorous. We will go through it all," he told reporters. Kirkpatrick pointed out that one reason for these hundreds of reports coming in might be the outreach the office did to destigmatise reporting potential encounters. The AARO director also said there is a lot of new technology such as drones, hypersonic missiles stealth bombers and stealth fighters- fielded by both the United States and China- that could be mistaken for UFOs. ALSO READ | UFO sightings in US rose sharply during the pandemic, data reveals The office has been coordinating with the Pentagon and the US intelligence community to get the signatures of US technology to rule out those aircraft or drones, he added, the Associated Press report further said. In May this year, the US Congress held a briefing on UFOs, its first hearing on the topic in more than 50 years. Multiple members had expressed concerns that whether or not the objects are alien or potentially new, unknown technology being flown by China, Russia or another potential adversary, the unknown posed a security risk to the US. “(So far) we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” the US under secretary of defence for intelligence and security Ronald Moultrie said on Friday, adding any unauthorised system in the country's airspace is deemed as a threat to safety. Moultrie said the office (AARO) was also working on ways to improve the ability to identify unknown objects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far

The Pentagon officials are in the final stages of finalising a plan to send a Patriot air defense missile system to Ukraine to counter Russian aerial assaults.

US finalising plans to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine

The Pentagon on Wednesday slammed Chinese intrusion attempts in India's northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state's Tawang sector, saying that the move reflects the "growing trend by China to assert itself and to be provocative in areas directed towards US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific".

WION Dispatch: U.S. slams China's LAC intrusion attempt, lauds India's de-escalation efforts

The Pentagon said on Wednesday (December 7) that it has awarded cloud computing contracts worth USD 9 billion to Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle. Previous such deal has been scrapped due to dispute between two of these firms.

The Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) is a "multiple-award contract vehicle that will provide the DoD the opportunity to acquire commercial cloud capabilities and services directly from the commercial Cloud Service Providers," the Pentagon said in a statement.

Defense Department spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty told AFP that JWCC is "composed of four contracts with a shared ceiling of $9 billion."&nbsp;

Pentagon had scrapped a USD 10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud computing contract, thus sidestepping bitter dispute between Amazon and Microsoft.

The Defense Department said the contract was canceled because it no longer met current needs, and that it would start a process for a new "multi-cloud/multi-vendor" computing contract.

Microsoft had won the previous contract in 2019. This had led to challenge from Amazon with allegations that company was shut out of the deal because of what it called Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos.&nbsp;

Amazon was considered front runner for JEDI considering Amazon Wed Services dominates cloud computing arena. The company already supplies classified servers for government agencies like the CIA.

Officials said at the time that instead of going forward with the deal in the face of litigation, the government would start over with the aim of getting the most up-to-date technology.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Pentagon said on Wednesday (December 7) that it has awarded cloud computing contracts worth USD 9 billion to Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle. Previous such deal has been scrapped due to dispute between two of these firms.

The Pentagon said on Wednesday (December 7) that it has awarded cloud computing contracts worth USD 9 billion to Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle. Previous such deal has been scrapped due to dispute between two of these firms. The Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) is a "multiple-award contract vehicle that will provide the DoD the opportunity to acquire commercial cloud capabilities and services directly from the commercial Cloud Service Providers," the Pentagon said in a statement. Defense Department spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty told AFP that JWCC is "composed of four contracts with a shared ceiling of $9 billion." Pentagon had scrapped a USD 10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud computing contract, thus sidestepping bitter dispute between Amazon and Microsoft. The Defense Department said the contract was canceled because it no longer met current needs, and that it would start a process for a new "multi-cloud/multi-vendor" computing contract. Microsoft had won the previous contract in 2019. This had led to challenge from Amazon with allegations that company was shut out of the deal because of what it called Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos. Amazon was considered front runner for JEDI considering Amazon Wed Services dominates cloud computing arena. The company already supplies classified servers for government agencies like the CIA. Officials said at the time that instead of going forward with the deal in the face of litigation, the government would start over with the aim of getting the most up-to-date technology. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pentagon awards $9 billion cloud computing contracts to four tech firms

A Pentagon report claims China considers Pakistan its only 'all weather strategic partner'. Is Pakistan really China's strategic partner or a vassal state? Here's what Molly Gambhir has to say.

Gravitas: China calls Pakistan only 'all-weather strategic partner'

The Pentagon has said that US defense secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart and expressed opposition to Turkiye launching a new operation in Syria.

Washington warns against Syrian incursion, Pentagon chief cautions Turkiye on strikes

Why have Syria Kurds halted all joint counter-terrorism operations with the US-led coalition?

China's nuclear arsenal is expected to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035, according to a Pentagon report released on Tuesday that also highlighted the country's air force's rising level of competence.

China's nukes to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035: Pentagon

China's nuclear arsenal is expected to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035, according to a Pentagon report released on Tuesday that also highlighted the country's air force's rising level of competence. Watch further to know more.

China's nukes to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035: Pentagon report

China's nuclear arsenal is expected to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035, according to a Pentagon report released on Tuesday that also highlighted the country's air force's rising level of competence.&nbsp;

The greatest significant threat to the United States, according to Washington, is Beijing, and the yearly assessment of China's military highlighted advancements in both its conventional and nuclear forces.&nbsp;

The report stated that "the Department of Defense estimates that (China's) operational nuclear warheads stockpile has surpassed 400." By 2035, China "will likely field a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads" if its nuclear development pace is maintained.

However, even with that number, the United States and Russia's nuclear arsenals, which each include several thousand warheads, would still be far in excess.&nbsp;

During 2021, China will launch 135 test launches of ballistic missiles with the potential to carry nuclear weapons, which is "more than the rest of the world combined," excluding those fired during hostilities, according to the research.&nbsp;

Furthermore, it noted that Beijing's air force is "rapidly catching up to Western air forces."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-more-than-300-dead-in-protests-sparked-by-aminis-death-says-irgc-general-538527">Iran: More than 300 dead in protests sparked by Amini's death, says IRGC general</a>

Prior to the publication of the study, a senior defence official stated that China's air force is "trying to... progress rapidly on all fronts,", particularly with regard to the equipment it employs as well as its pilots and other staff.&nbsp;

The report criticises China's use of force in the Indo-Pacific, claiming that it has "adopted more coercive and aggressive actions."&nbsp;

This is particularly true in the area of Taiwan, a democratically run island that Beijing claims as its own.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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China's nuclear arsenal is expected to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035, according to a Pentagon report released on Tuesday that also highlighted the country's air force's rising level of competence. The greatest significant threat to the United States, according to Washington, is Beijing, and the yearly assessment of China's military highlighted advancements in both its conventional and nuclear forces. The report stated that "the Department of Defense estimates that (China's) operational nuclear warheads stockpile has surpassed 400." By 2035, China "will likely field a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads" if its nuclear development pace is maintained. However, even with that number, the United States and Russia's nuclear arsenals, which each include several thousand warheads, would still be far in excess. During 2021, China will launch 135 test launches of ballistic missiles with the potential to carry nuclear weapons, which is "more than the rest of the world combined," excluding those fired during hostilities, according to the research. Furthermore, it noted that Beijing's air force is "rapidly catching up to Western air forces." Also Read: Iran: More than 300 dead in protests sparked by Amini's death, says IRGC general Prior to the publication of the study, a senior defence official stated that China's air force is "trying to... progress rapidly on all fronts,", particularly with regard to the equipment it employs as well as its pilots and other staff. The report criticises China's use of force in the Indo-Pacific, claiming that it has "adopted more coercive and aggressive actions." This is particularly true in the area of Taiwan, a democratically run island that Beijing claims as its own. (with inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday announced an additional $400 million in military aid to Ukraine which includes refurbishing T-72 tanks and missiles for HAWK air defence systems. The Pentagon also announced that they would establish a security assistance headquarters in Germany to monitor the weapon transfer as well as oversee military training in Ukraine. &nbsp;

This announcement also comes amid White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to Ukraine where he “met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Defence Reznikov, and others,” said the National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-approves-123-billion-aid-package-for-ukraine-521483">US Congress approves $12.3 billion aid package for Ukraine</a>

She added that Sullivan during his visit also announced the $400 million package, “which includes refurbished T-72 tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the refurbishment of 250 HAWK surface-to-air missiles for eventual transfer to Ukraine”. The Security Adviser also, “affirmed the continued provision of economic and humanitarian assistance, as well as ongoing efforts with partners to hold Russia accountable for its aggression,” said the White House. &nbsp;

Sullivan while addressing the press at the Ukrainian presidential administration, reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering and unflinching” support. He added, “We fully intend to ensure that the resources are there as necessary and that we'll get votes from both sides of the aisle to make that happen.” The remarks were made in the context of the upcoming midterm elections in the US. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-are-here-for-pakistan-us-pledges-10-million-in-flood-aid-519992">'We are here for Pakistan,' US pledges $10 million in flood aid</a>

Similarly, Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, during a press briefing also said that Washington would pay for 45 T-72 tanks from the Czech Republic to be refurbished as well as fund the refurbishment of the HAWK air defence systems.&nbsp;

The refurbishment of the Soviet-era Czech tanks, she added, would equip them with “advanced optics, communications and armour packages.” Singh also spoke about the new command post in Germany called Security Assistance Group Ukraine signals US’ “more permanent” and long-term programme to assist Kyiv against Moscow, said a report by Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-refuses-to-release-7-billion-afghan-funds-but-usaid-will-commit-40-million-for-girls-education-507658">US refuses to release $7bn frozen funds to Afghanistan, but commits to $150mn aid packages</a>

According to the US Department of Defence, Washington has committed more than $18.2 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion of the country back in February earlier this year. The US Army Europe&nbsp;spokesman Col. Martin O'Donnell&nbsp; said that it will be led by a three-star-level senior officer and consist of 300 personnel who will monitor the weapons assistance and training programmes, reported AP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The United States on Friday announced an additional $400 million in military aid to Ukraine which includes refurbishing T-72 tanks and missiles for HAWK air defence systems.

The United States on Friday announced an additional $400 million in military aid to Ukraine which includes refurbishing T-72 tanks and missiles for HAWK air defence systems. The Pentagon also announced that they would establish a security assistance headquarters in Germany to monitor the weapon transfer as well as oversee military training in Ukraine. This announcement also comes amid White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to Ukraine where he “met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Defence Reznikov, and others,” said the National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, in a statement. ALSO READ: US Congress approves $12.3 billion aid package for Ukraine She added that Sullivan during his visit also announced the $400 million package, “which includes refurbished T-72 tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the refurbishment of 250 HAWK surface-to-air missiles for eventual transfer to Ukraine”. The Security Adviser also, “affirmed the continued provision of economic and humanitarian assistance, as well as ongoing efforts with partners to hold Russia accountable for its aggression,” said the White House. Sullivan while addressing the press at the Ukrainian presidential administration, reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering and unflinching” support. He added, “We fully intend to ensure that the resources are there as necessary and that we'll get votes from both sides of the aisle to make that happen.” The remarks were made in the context of the upcoming midterm elections in the US. ALSO WATCH: 'We are here for Pakistan,' US pledges $10 million in flood aid Similarly, Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, during a press briefing also said that Washington would pay for 45 T-72 tanks from the Czech Republic to be refurbished as well as fund the refurbishment of the HAWK air defence systems. The refurbishment of the Soviet-era Czech tanks, she added, would equip them with “advanced optics, communications and armour packages.” Singh also spoke about the new command post in Germany called Security Assistance Group Ukraine signals US’ “more permanent” and long-term programme to assist Kyiv against Moscow, said a report by Associated Press. ALSO READ: US refuses to release $7bn frozen funds to Afghanistan, but commits to $150mn aid packages According to the US Department of Defence, Washington has committed more than $18.2 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion of the country back in February earlier this year. The US Army Europe spokesman Col. Martin O'Donnell said that it will be led by a three-star-level senior officer and consist of 300 personnel who will monitor the weapons assistance and training programmes, reported AP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US announces an additional $400 million military aid for Ukraine; reaffirms 'unwavering' support

The United States is backing Ukraine, a nation pushing hard to become a NATO member, against Russia in the ongoing war that caused massive food and fuel crises globally.

The United States is backing Ukraine, a nation pushing hard to become a NATO member, against Russia in the ongoing war that caused massive food and fuel crises globally. The US is providing Ukraine with advanced military weapons and aid to fight Russia, but its attention is also diverted to the simmering tensions in the Taiwan strait and Korean Peninsula. The US military said in a strategy document released on Thursday (October 27) that China is apparently the "most consequential" challenge for Washington, but Russia presents "acute threats". ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow warns it may target Western satellites helping Ukraine in battle The unclassified version of the US National Defense Strategy 2022 said: "China presents the most consequential and systemic challenge, while Russia poses acute threats -- both to vital US national interests abroad and to the homeland." "The most comprehensive and serious challenge to US national security is (China's) coercive and increasingly aggressive endeavor to refashion the Indo-Pacific region and the international system to suit its interests and authoritarian preferences," the strategy document said. China-Taiwan tensions The document says that Chinese actions may act as a destabilising factor and threaten peace in the Indo-Pacific region. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and tensions recently flared up between Beijing and Washington. China claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. The document further emphasised the need for collaboration with allied countries and other partners to counter the dangers posed by China and Russia. The US claims that such cooperation is "foundational for US national security interests." It said, "The most comprehensive and serious challenge to US national security is (China's) coercive and increasingly aggressive endeavor to refashion the Indo-Pacific region and the international system to suit its interests and authoritarian preferences." The Pentagon also said that it will advance its Major Defense Partnership with India to "enhance its (India's) ability to deter People's Republic of China (PRC) aggression and ensure free and open access to the Indian Ocean Region." ALSO READ | China ready to find ways to cooperate with US, says Xi Jinping ahead of possible Indonesia meet with Biden Russian threat to US As per the strategy, the threat posed by Moscow has been "demonstrated most recently by Russia's unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine. The Department (of Defense) will support robust deterrence of Russian aggression against vital US national interests, including our treaty Allies." Amid the ongoing Ukraine war, fears of nuclear weapon use are rising. The strategy document noted that the US intends for its nuclear arsenal to deter "all forms of strategic attack," including those involving conventional weapons. A senior defence official told journalists that "this includes nuclear employment of any scale, and it includes high-consequence attacks of a strategic nature that use non-nuclear means." WATCH | WION Fineprint | Is Xi reaching out to the US? × US on North Korean threat Mentioning the threat posed by North Korea to the US and its allies (Japan and South Korea) in the Korean Peninsula, the US noted that a nuclear strike would mean the 'end' of Kim Jong Un's regime. Amid North Korea's record pace of weapon testing this year, the unclassified version of the Nuclear Posture Review warned Kim against the country's growing atomic arsenal. The strategy says: "Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime. There is no scenario in which the Kim regime could employ nuclear weapons and survive." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US says China poses 'most consequential' challenge, Russia presents 'acute threats'

The Pentagon will offer travel assistance and support to troops and their families who need abortions but are based in areas where the procedure is now prohibited. The military will also strengthen privacy safeguards for anyone seeking medical attention, according to a new department policy issued on Thursday.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's memo specifies the rights and protections service personnel and their dependents will receive regardless of where they are based, which was a major concern for troops when the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade in June.

The accessibility to abortion has emerged as a key issue in the midterm elections. If Democrats have enough seats in Congress to enact it, President Joe Biden indicated this week that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill the next year will be one that codifies abortion safeguards into law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indicts-smugglers-who-smuggled-american-chips-to-russia-527056">US indicts 5 Russians for smuggling American electronic components to arm makers in Russia</a>

Women's constitutional rights to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-expected-to-pledge-codifying-abortion-rights-ahead-of-mid-term-elections-526545">abortion</a> were eliminated by the high court's decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case, which also gave states the authority to decide whether abortions are permitted in their jurisdictions. Since then, more than a dozen states have outlawed or severely restricted abortion.

The new policy establishes rules so that local commanders cannot control whether service members have access to care or foster an environment where service members or their dependents are afraid to report problems for fear of punishment. It builds on the Pentagon's initial response in June, when it said it would continue to permit medical leave for service members who needed to travel out of state for abortions but noted it needed to carefully consider the court decision and ensuing state laws to determine whether any additional guidance would be required.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-says-he-hasnt-received-any-funding-from-pentagon-for-starlink-services-in-ukraine-526631">Musk says he hasn't received any funding from Pentagon for Starlink services in Ukraine</a>

The new regulations also extend the time a service member must notify commanders of a pregnancy to 20 weeks and give additional protections to defence healthcare providers who perform abortions. Each military base is also required to publicly list the reproductive health care services available to service members and their dependents.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Pentagon will offer travel assistance and support to troops and their families who need abortions but are based in areas where the procedure is now prohibited.

The Pentagon will offer travel assistance and support to troops and their families who need abortions but are based in areas where the procedure is now prohibited. The military will also strengthen privacy safeguards for anyone seeking medical attention, according to a new department policy issued on Thursday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's memo specifies the rights and protections service personnel and their dependents will receive regardless of where they are based, which was a major concern for troops when the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade in June. The accessibility to abortion has emerged as a key issue in the midterm elections. If Democrats have enough seats in Congress to enact it, President Joe Biden indicated this week that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill the next year will be one that codifies abortion safeguards into law. Also read | US indicts 5 Russians for smuggling American electronic components to arm makers in Russia Women's constitutional rights to abortion were eliminated by the high court's decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case, which also gave states the authority to decide whether abortions are permitted in their jurisdictions. Since then, more than a dozen states have outlawed or severely restricted abortion. The new policy establishes rules so that local commanders cannot control whether service members have access to care or foster an environment where service members or their dependents are afraid to report problems for fear of punishment. It builds on the Pentagon's initial response in June, when it said it would continue to permit medical leave for service members who needed to travel out of state for abortions but noted it needed to carefully consider the court decision and ensuing state laws to determine whether any additional guidance would be required. Also read | Musk says he hasn't received any funding from Pentagon for Starlink services in Ukraine The new regulations also extend the time a service member must notify commanders of a pregnancy to 20 weeks and give additional protections to defence healthcare providers who perform abortions. Each military base is also required to publicly list the reproductive health care services available to service members and their dependents. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pentagon pledges funds, help for troops seeking abortions

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday said Starlink had withdrawn the funding request that his company made to Pentagon, seeking funds for providing satellite broadband service in the war-ravaged country of Ukraine.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday said Starlink had withdrawn the funding request that his company made to Pentagon, seeking funds for providing satellite broadband service in the war-ravaged country of Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Musk officially announced the withdrawal by stating, "SpaceX has already withdrawn its request for funding." "To be precise, 25,300 terminals were sent to Ukraine, but, at present, only 10,630 are paying for service," he added. SpaceX has already withdrawn its request for funding — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 17, 2022 × The Starlink founder was responding to a tweet that stated Pentagon was mulling paying Musk and Starlink for its services. As reported by WION, hours before the withdrawal, several big media houses had carried the story, saying Pentagon had finally come around the decision of paying Musk. Read more: Pentagon considering funding Starlink network in Ukraine: Report Not too long ago, Musk said that SpaceX, the company which operates Starlink could not fund the internet network in Ukraine indefinitely. "SpaceX is not asking to recoup past expenses, but also cannot fund the existing system indefinitely *and* send several thousand more terminals that have data usage up to 100X greater than typical households. This is unreasonable," Musk tweeted last week. Read more: Musk says 'unreasonable' to expect Starlink to fund services in Ukraine indefinitely At the time, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also informed that the US Department of Defense was in contact with Musk on the matter. "We can confirm the department received correspondence from SpaceX about the funding of... their satellite communications product in Ukraine. We remain in communication with SpaceX about this and other topics," Singh said in a statement. SpaceX is not asking to recoup past expenses, but also cannot fund the existing system indefinitely *and* send several thousand more terminals that have data usage up to 100X greater than typical households. This is unreasonable. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 14, 2022 × Thus, the sudden withdrawal of the proposal, which was submitted in September has confused the experts. Notably, Starlink has helped Ukraine's civilians and military stay online during the war, with Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week saying Starlink's services helped restore energy and communications infrastructure in critical areas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Elon Musk withdraws proposal to Pentagon seeking funds for Starlink

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