Biden proposing 5-year extension of nuke treaty with Russia, says US official The treaty is set to expire Feb. 5 and is the last remaining agreement constraining U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons. 3 days ago
US hits alleged Iran-backed Bahrain group with sanctions The U.S. accuses the group of trying to overthrow Bahrain’s government and plotting terrorist attacks on Americans in the country, which is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. December 15, 2020
US sanctions NATO ally Turkey over purchase of Russian missile defense system Prior to Monday, the U.S. had kicked Turkey out of its F-35 stealth fighter development and training program over the S-400 purchase. December 14, 2020
Biden begins choosing national security team President-elect Joe Biden is moving to fill out his national security team with a raft of appointments to top positions that signal his intent to repudiate the Trump administration’s “America First” doctrine. November 23, 2020
US approves armed MQ-9B drones purchase by Taiwan After the announcement, China vowed that it will make a “proper and necessary response” if the U.S. proceeds with the sale. November 4, 2020
Esper, Pompeo drive US anti-China message in India visit Defense Secretary Mark Esper shoring up defense ties with India to counter China. October 27, 2020
US warns Iraqi leaders of Baghdad embassy closure if attacks continue The warning signals the administration’s increasing frustration and anger with ongoing rocket fire from Iranian-supported groups on or near the vast U.S. Embassy compound. September 28, 2020
US imposes sanctions on Chinese defense firms over maritime dispute Some of the Chinese enterprises caught up in the latest U.S. sanctions were on the Defense News Top 100 list this year, which ranks defense companies around the world based on their defense-related revenue. August 26, 2020
Pompeo pledges support for Iraq, targets pro-Iran militias Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pledged on Wednesday that the Trump administration will continue to support Iraq as it confronts the threat posed by the Islamic State group, but he also called for the Baghdad government to redouble efforts to rein in pro-Iran militias. August 19, 2020
Pompeo inks deal to support more American troops in Poland U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sealed a defense cooperation deal Saturday with Polish officials that will pave the way to deploy more American troops to Poland. August 16, 2020
Lockheed-Boeing team pitch Defiant X, its candidate for the Army’s long-range assault helo competition