On 4 Dec 2022 - TASS, @tassagency_en: Attack on Nord Stream aimed at cutting Russia-Europe ties – diplomat. The Russian Ambassador to the United States noted that from such steps "ordinary citizens and industrial enterprises turn out to be at a loss"
"An attack on an infrastructure that is unique in terms of security is an extremely dangerous precedent. Any critically significant object, no matter where it is, now falls under threat. Moreover, this act of terrorism could not have been carried out without government involvement," he wrote in an article for the National Interest magazine published on Thursday. "Obviously, this act of sabotage was aimed at completely breaking up the mutually beneficial energy ties between Europe and Russia. The goal was to radically switch regional consumers to expensive resources. Be it foreign LNG or new clean technologies."
In his opinion, "ordinary citizens and whole industries" will be the ones to suffer losses from such moves.
"The process of deindustrialization of the European continent is only accelerating. The risks of such a development are obvious. As well as the benefits for the United States, frankly speaking," Antonov added.
PROTECTING NATO UNITY AND TRANSATLANTIC BOND (023) (SIDE EFFECT - SHIELDING THE NORDSTREAM PERPETRATOR)
STRENGTHENING NATO DETERENCE AND DEFENCE POSTURE
On 4 Nov 2022 - USA/NATO: U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, @USNavyEu: All these steps will substantially strengthen NATO’s deterrence and forward defences. We remain committed to prepare for, deter, and defend against hostile attacks on Allies’ critical infrastructure. Any attack against Allies will be met with a united and determined response. We stand together in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the enduring transatlantic bond between our nations.
SECURITY IN THE BALTIC SEA
US FINLAND NATO BILATERAL PARTNERSHIP
HAMILTON TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT EXERCISES IN BALTI SEA
On 5 Nov 2022 USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) arrives in Turku, Finland
While in Turku, Hamilton leadership will meet with government and Finnish Navy and Finnish Border Guard leaders and will host tours for the local Finnish public.
“We are honored and enthusiastic to call on the historic city of Turku. This visit is oriented to build on the decades-long partnership between the United States and Finland," said Capt. Matthew Brown, commanding officer of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753). "The U.S. Coast Guard’s collaboration with the Finnish Border Guard advances our shared ambitions of peace and security in the Baltic Sea.”
Prior to arriving in Turku, Hamilton conducted multiple operations with allies and partners in the Baltic Sea, including a series of search and rescue and law enforcement boarding exercises with the Swedish Coast Guard. Working alongside regional partners improves participants’ ship handling, communication, and tactical precision.NORDSTREAM ATTACK WAS A MAJOR NAVAL OPERATION
SUMMARY OF US NAVY CHIEF´S DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS MOST SECRET DISCUSSIONS HAPPEN ON AIRCRAFT CARRIERS (047)
On 6 Nov 2022 - USA/NATO/ALLIES: In recent weeks, US Navy Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Gilday has met with at least 19 heads of Navy. Among them: India, New Zealand, Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Finland, Singapore, Romania and Belgium. Today aboard USS RONALD REAGAN CVN76 in Japan with Japanese ADM Sakai Ryo, chief of staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This is not counting video conferences
ARE PERPETRATORS SCARED OF RUSSIAN RETALIATATION FOR NORDSTREAM OR FOR BREAKING NON PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS CROSSING RUSSIAN RED LINES? (096)
On 6 Nov 2022 Rishi Sunak and Suella Brawemen are evacuated (video) COP27
UK PM Rishi Sunak runs off stage and is rushed out of the room. What‘s happening?FAFO, NINE MINUTES TIME LEFT (096)
On 6 Nov 2022 Russia has missiles which could hit London in 9 minutes
SCHOLZ ASKS PUTIN NOT TO HIT LONDON (096)
On 6 Nov 2022 - GER/UK: Germany's Scholz calls on Russia to 'CLEARLY' declare it will not use nuclear weapons
UK NUCLEAR SUBMARINE HAD SUPPOSEDLY AN ACCIDENT (096)
On 6 Not 2022 Nuclear-armed Navy submarine aborted top secret mission due to life-or-death fire beneath the waves
RUSSIAN NUCLEAR SUBMARINE ON THE SEA
On 6 Nov 2022 Barents Sea: NOR P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft & RU K-549 Knyaz Vladimir Borey-A class SSBN of project 955A. The crew of the Lockheed P-3 Orion is dropping a sonobuoy. The crew of the nuclear submarine "Knyaz Vladimir" simulates the readiness to use MANPADS.
TOP LEVEL MEETING AT AIRCRACFT CARRIER
On 6 Nov 2022 - USA/JAP: Earlier today, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the U.S. ambassador to Japan and chief of naval operations visited U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in Sagami Bay, Japan
BOTH UKRAINE AND UK DECLINE ALLEGATION OF BREAKING NPF (096)
On 7 Nov 2022 - UA: Zelenskyy hails UN nuclear investigation result; UK says Russia likely shooting its retreating soldiers
SUNAK AND MACRON, TWO NUCLEAR POWERS MEET (096) WILL RUSSIA RETALIATE TO UK´S INVOLVEMENT IN NORDSTREAM ATTACK?
On 7 Nov 2022 - UK/FRA/GER Rishi Sunak: "Friends - Partners - Allies 🇬🇧 🇫🇷.
Great to meet with @EmmanuelMacron today at #COP27."SULLIVAN DE-ESCALATES RUSSIAN RETALIATORY ACTION AGAINST UK (096)
On 7 Nov 2022 - USA/RU: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in hopes of reducing the risk the war in Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday.SIX WEEKS AGOUK NUCLEAR SUBMARINE HAD SUPPOSEDLY ACCIDENT UK NUCLEAR DETERENT IN ACCIDENT AT NORDSTREAM AFFAIR TIMES
On 7 Nov 2022 - UK: Fire on board Royal Navy submarine was 'quickly extinguished'
A Royal Navy submarine suffered a fire on board, Forces News has been told.
The fire on HMS Victorious "was in a self-contained module and was quickly extinguished", according to a Navy source.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "The Continuous At Sea Deterrent [CASD] is unaffected, but we do not comment on the detail of submarine operations."
According to reports in the Sun newspaper, the Vanguard-class Victorious ditched a top-secret mission and rose to the surface to deal with the onboard fire. The newspaper also reported that she was carrying Trident nuclear missiles when the blaze was dealt with.
Following Nato policy, the UK uses minimal credible nuclear deterrence, but does not follow a policy of 'no-first use' – which would prevent launching a nuclear attack unless first coming under nuclear attack from another state.
It has vowed not to use or threaten a nuclear attack against any non-nuclear state within the NPT unless the agreement is breached.
On 8 Nov 2022 - UK: ‘A disaster waiting to happen’: British nuclear-armed sub resurfaces after fire onboard. The Ministry of Defence said the incident on HMS Victorious happened six weeks ago.
LET END THE BLAME GAME!
TROUBLED UK AND EU RELATIONSHIP (054,
077,
081,
091,
106,
107,
134) HILL CALLS FOR MORE GROWN-UP RELATIONSHIP
On 8 Nov 2022 - EU/UK: Former #UK @EU_Commission Lord Hill calls for ‘a more grown-up relationship’ between #EU & #UK at #PPA meeting @UKHouseofLords & @HouseofCommons. I agree completely. Let’s end the blame game & move on! @FineGael @EPPGroup
MANAGING ESCALATION
NATO DETERENCE AND DEFENCE
ERA OF NEW COLLECTIVE DEFENSE
On 8 Nov 2022 - NATO: NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation SACT, @NATO_SACT:
"Strengthening Deterrence to Manage Escalation was theme of the 2023 edition of the Allied Warfighters Talks I was glad to host with #ViceChairman of the Joint Chiefs #AdmGrady, with significant input from Gen. Christopher Cavoli #SACEUR and new this year, Adm. Rob Bauer @CMC_NATO"
On 8 Nov 2022 - NED/USA: NL Defense Attaché - USA, @NLDefatUSA: "Captivating lecture on #NATO in a new era of collective defense. Ca 60 Allied +FIN + SWE Defense attaches discussed deterrence and defence of the Alliance with Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of NATO’s Military Committee. @NLintheUSA"
On 8 Nov 2022 - GER/ISPK | Dept. for Maritime Strategy & Security: @SeapowerSeries: "After concluding #Heimdall22, @deutschemarine initiated anti-submarine warfare exercise #Vision22. In between, the units patrolled Norwegian waters in an effort to secure maritime infrastructure together with #NATO partners.
On 8 Nov 2022 - USA/SWE: Ambassador Erik Ramanathan, @USAmbSweden: "Thrilled to meet Minister Billström (@TobiasBillstrom) and discuss ways to broaden and deepen robust U.S.-Swedish collaboration on foreign policy, including NATO, green & digital transitions and support to Ukraine."
SULLIVAN, CONFIDENTIAL TALKS, CHANNELS REMAIN OPEN
PREVENTING UK-UA DIRTY BOMB ESCALATION IN UKRAINE
On 8 Nov 2022 - USA/RU: Ukraine war: US confirms 'communications' with Kremlin
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed communication channels between Washington and Moscow remain open.
It comes as the White House refuses to deny reports that Mr Sullivan has been leading talks with Russia to prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine.
Speaking in New York, Mr Sullivan said it was "in the interests" of the US to maintain contact with the Kremlin.
But he insisted officials were "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with".
The Wall Street Journal reports that Mr Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, over the past several months.
Last month, Mr Sullivan said "any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences for Russia". He told the US broadcaster NBC that senior officials had "spelled out" the scope of the potential US response in private discussions with Russian officials.
US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson refused to confirm the story, telling the paper that "people claim a lot of things", while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Western newspapers of "publishing numerous hoaxes".
But White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said on Monday that the United States reserved the right to hold talks with Russia.
And Mr Sullivan - who is said to be one of the most senior advisers to US President Joe Biden still pushing for discussions with Russia - said maintaining contact with Moscow was in the "interests of every country who is affected by this conflict".
UK LIKELY BROKE NPT,
DISCUSSIONS ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS CONTROL RESUMED
On 8 Nov 2022 The United States and Russia are preparing to resume negotiations on nuclear weapons control - Bloomberg. A spokesman for the US State Department confirmed preparations for a meeting of the bilateral advisory commission, but declined to say when and where it would take place.
JENS STOLTENBERG TO VISIT UK
On 8 Nov 2022 - NATO/UK: NATO Secretary General to visit the United KingdomSTORMY TIMES, NATO JFC CRISIS MEETING (195)
On 8-9 Nov 2022 - NATO: Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum hosted a Conference of the NATO Chiefs of Defence of countries in JFC Brunssum’s Area of Responsibility.
Change is inevitable, but we must adapt without compromising our core task of collective defence
Commander JFCBS, General Luigi Guglielmo Miglietta, welcomed nearly 30 senior Generals and Admirals together with their delegations from around 20 NATO and Partner Nations. The conference provided a unique opportunity to personally meet and discuss issues vital for the future of the Alliance in JFC Brunssum’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
As well as Chiefs of Defence or their representatives, delegations attended from NATO Component Commands such as the Land, Air, and Maritime Component Commands (LANDCOM, AIRCOM, MARCOM), as well as from the sister Joint Force Commands of Naples and Norfolk.
During his opening remarks, General Miglietta called the NATO and partner nations represented at this conference “a community at the heart of the defence of Europe.” The participation of so many high ranking military representatives sends “a clear sign we all stand together, in the spirit of good cooperation, and desire to protect our shared values of freedom and democracy. These are the principles of our defensive Alliance, even more so in these stormy times”, the Commander continued.On 9 Nov 2022 - Vice Admiral Dwyer, Commander JFC Norfolk welcomed General Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe @SHAPE_NATO, to the Headquarters and provided an operational update of activity in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. #WeAreNATO #DeterandDefend
JENS STOLTENBERG ON SNAP VISIT UK
DID ROGUE STATE ACTOR REALLY BROKE NPT?
On 9 Nov 2022 - NATO/UK: NATO Secretary General visits the United Kingdom
On 9 Nov 2022 - NATO/UK: Rishi Sunak: Today I hosted NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg in Downing Street. We will never back down when it comes to supporting the Ukrainian people in the face of Putin’s brutality.
On 9 Nov 2022 - NATO/UK: Secretary General Stoltenberg praises U.K. for support to Ukraine, key role in NATO
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after talks with the Prime Minister, Mr Stoltenberg praised the UK for leading NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Estonia and for providing aircraft and ships to NATO patrols. He also welcomed the UK’s strong support to Ukraine, including providing training to close to 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers over the last few years.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Stoltenberg held talks with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in London. The Secretary General also joined British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at Lydd Army Camp
On 9 Nov 2022 - NATO/UK: Remarks - by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to the training programme for the Ukrainian Armed Forces at Lydd Army CampFRANCE ANNOUNCES SHIFT IN MILITARY POSTURE (021,
047) RUSSIA SEEMS TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE RETALIATORY RIGHT
On 9 Nov 2022 Macron unveils shift in military posture as war returns to Europe
“Europe is not sheltered anymore from missile and drone strikes. And we must integrate this reality,” Macron said, speaking on the Dixmude helicopter carrier, docked in the Mediterranean military base of Toulon which is home to more than 24,000 troops.
SILENT VOLVERINE
ONE FLAG IS AGAIN MISSING
PERPETRATOR´S NAVY IS AGAIN MISSING (150)
On 8 Nov 2022 Navy’s newest aircraft carrier joins allies for exercise Silent Wolverine
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, joined six NATO allies for exercise Silent Wolverine in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 8, 2022. Exercise participants include Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.
On 9 Nov 2022 U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, joined six NATO allies for exercise Silent Wolverine in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Exercise participants include Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.On 10 Nov 2022 USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - #Warship78 transited the #Atlantic with #NATO allies in formation. 🇺🇸 🇪🇸 🇳🇱 🇨🇦 🇩🇰 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 The #USSGeraldRFord strike group is conducting #SilentWolverine in the Eastern Atlantic ocean. #StrongerTogether #NATOPartnership @USNavy @US2ndFleet @USNavyCNOJENS STOLTENBERG ON HIGH LEVEL DIPLOMACY FLIES TO ITALY
On 10 Nov 2022 NATO Secretary General to visit Italy. "The Secretary General will meet the Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Guido Crosetto."
On 10 Nov 2022 - NATO/ITA: Secretary General Stoltenberg hails Italy’s key role in NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the newly elected Italian Prime Minister, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, in Rome. The Secretary General welcomed Prime Minister Meloni’s “strong, personal commitment to NATO, to our transatlantic Alliance between North America and Europe” and said that ''it is important that we work closely together, especially at this crucial moment for our security.''
During his visit, the NATO Secretary General also met with the Italian Minister of Defence, Mr. Guido Crosetto, and spoke at NATO’s 2022 Cyber Defence Pledge conference.JENS STOLTENBERG, SCHOLZ AND PISTORIUS MEETING
On 10 Nov 2022 - NATO: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg first held talks with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and then with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SDP).
Another topic was Germany’s role in NATO. The German Defense Minister presented the NATO Secretary General with a copy of the new security policy guidelines, which follow on from Germany’s National Security Strategy and set out national and alliance defense as the core mission of the Bundeswehr. Pistorius explained that the security of the Alliance is also the security of Germany. In return, Stoltenberg thanked Pistorius for his strong personal commitment and emphasized Germany’s leading role within NATO at this critical time.
STOCKHOLM SYNDROME
FRANCE UK RELATIONS POST NORDSTREAM AFFAIR (021,
047)
On 10 Nov 2022 - FRA/UK: FranceInUK: “Our partnership with the UK must also be taken to a new level. A bilateral summit will be held in the first quarter of next year”... President Emmanuel Macron describing 🇫🇷-🇬🇧 as "friends and allies" during his speech on the national strategic review in Toulon
JEF DEFENCE MEETING IN EDINBURG (043,
197)JENS STOLTENBERG MANAGES ALLIES (183)
On 10 Nov 2022 - UK/JEF: UK convenes Joint Expeditionary Force ministers in Edinburgh
The meeting followed a visit by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
On 10 Nov 2022 - JEF: The JEF Defence Ministers met in Edinburgh to discuss future cooperation.
JEF meetings develop both our shared understanding of events and agility to react to them, providing a valuable contribution to regional and wider European security.
TOP SECRET MEETING OF FRENCH, GERMAN, DUTCH LEADETS AT USS G.R.FORD
FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLAND SHAREHOLDERS OF NORDSTREAM (150, 047)
On 11 Nov 2022 - FRA/GER/NED/USA: French, German, and Dutch military leaders visit U.S. navy’s newest aircraft carrier
Military leaders and government officials from France, Germany, and the Netherlands visited the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), during exercise Silent Wolverine, Nov. 11, 2022.
Rear Adm. Jean-Marin D’Hebrail, deputy commander, French Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Command, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a chairperson of German Parliament, Gen. Eberhard Zorn, German Chief of Defence, Vice Adm. Rene Tas, head of the Royal Netherlands Navy, and other France, Germany, and the Netherlands military leaders arrived aboard the ship to observe everything that Ford has to offer to the future of Naval aviation.
After arriving aboard, the leaders were greeted by Rear Adm. John Meier, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT), Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, and Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer.
Vice Adm. Jan Kaack, Commander of the German Fleet and Chief of the German Navy has been on carriers in the past but like Maj. Gen. Steur, he has never had the experience of the trap landing onto an aircraft carrier.
The GRFCSG is scheduled to continue integrating and training with the Marine Nationale, Deutsche Marine, Spanish Armada, Royal Netherlands Navy, Royal Danish Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy throughout exercise Silent Wolverine.
“Strengthening the bonds among our NATO Allies is key to maintaining security in the Atlantic and across the globe,” said Rear Adm. Greg Huffman. “Being able to host leaders of French, German, and Dutch navies aboard while at sea increases this unified approach toward stability in the region.”
NATO SILENT WOLVERINE EXERCISE
ONE FLAG IS STILL MISSING
On 11 Nov 2022 - NATO: Exercise Silent Wolverine 22
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, will join six NATO allies for exercise Silent Wolverine in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 8-12, 2022. Silent Wolverine tests the first-in-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating NATO allies. Exercise participants include Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.
On 14 Nov 2022 - NED/FRA: Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien #F802, the French frigate FS Chevalier Paul #D621, Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel #F831 and the destroyer USS McFaul #DDG74 steam in the Atlantic Ocean in formation during Exercise #SilentWolverine. #NavalPartnerships
On 16 Nov 2022 The French Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group (CSG) set sail from Toulon naval base on 15 November 2022 to begin mission Antares: An operational deployment in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
“Faced with demonstrations of power by the main competitors from France and Europe, the CSG demonstrates France’s ability to intervene by controlling any escalation. The sea and air operations of the carrier strike group are coordinated with the allies”.
Pictures by local ship spotters show that some of the vessels taking part in mission Antares include US Navy destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Hellenic Navy Elli-class frigate Adrias (F459), Italian Navy FREMM frigate Virginio Fasan (F591) and French Navy FREMM DA frigate Alsace (D656). Note that the pennant number and name on Alsace was removed prior to this deployment.
A French Navy spokesperson told Naval News that the move is part of an “experimentation aimed at making it more difficult to identify French Navy ships via OSINT and other means”. The lack of detailed information about mission Antares, likewise, is to “create an informational fog of war targeted against our competitors”.
The French CSG also likely include Horizon type Air Defense Destroyer Forbin (D620) since her sistership Chevalier Paul (D621) is now deployed in the Baltic Sea after taking part in US Navy exercise Silent Wolverine with the Ford CSG.
USS G.R.FORD VISITS UK FOR DIPLOMATIC MISSION
On 11 Nov 2022 His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth CO Visits Ford. The Gerald R. Ford Strike Group is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.
PAYBACK TIME?
FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT FOR NORDSTREAM? (141) UK IN SERIOUS TALKS WITH PM (054, 077, 081, 091, 106, 107, 134)
On 13 Nov 2022 - UK: Defence chief has 'serious' talks with PM and chancellor in face of cash squeeze and Ukraine war // VIDEO - here - 07:57 min
Defence chief has 'serious' talks with PM and chancellor in face of cash squeeze and Ukraine war
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin tells Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that Rishi Sunak "absolutely" understands the UK cannot have economic stability without security - and that comes at a price.
With the Ministry of Defence - like all other departments - under pressure to cut costs, Admiral Radakin said "numerous" conversations have been had over the past fortnight about the security situation in Europe and globally.
Speaking in an interview that was recorded on Friday, he told Sky News: "We specifically had an hour with the prime minister and the chancellor - and I accompanied the defence secretary - to talk about what would be the impact of a FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT and - to the richness and the seriousness of that conversation - recognising that this war in Europe is part of the reason why we have the level of inflation that we have and why we have the economic pressure.
"Therefore, in trying to deal with the economic pressure, we need to acknowledge that at its core is this security pressure in Europe."
"The government is having the right level of conversation to try and manage that, but also manage the security situation into the future."
SECURITY AT THE PALACE LEVEL
On 13 Nov 2022 - SWE/NATO/COM SNMG1, @COM_SNMG1: Impressive welcome in Stockholm 🇸🇪! Upon arrival in the Swedish capital, commander #SNMG1 was invited to the Royal Palace!
AFTER DELAYS PERMIT TO NORD STREAM AG FINALLY GRANTED
On 14 Nov 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: Incident on the Nord Stream Pipeline (updated 14/11/2022)
On 1 November 2022, Danish Geodata Agency granted Nord Stream AG a permit for surveying the pipeline rupture location in the Danish exclusive economic zone.
However, until recently access to the relevant damage sites for a hydrographic survey was not possible due to the exclusion zone established by the Danish Maritime Authority.
On 11 November 2022, the radius of the exclusion zone for maritime navigation has been decreased from 5 nautical miles to 500 meters around the pipeline damage zone. At the same time, the Danish Maritime Authority has granted Nord Stream AG an exemption that allows, under certain conditions, including weather, to approach the damage area at a distance sufficient to carry out part of relevant works.
POLAND NATIONALIZED GAZPROM ASSETS
On 14 Nov 2022 Poland says to take over Gazprom's Polish assets. Poland will take over Gazprom's Polish assets, a minister said on Monday, adding the move concerned the Russian company's 48% stake in Europolgaz, which owns the Polish section of the Yamal gas pipeline. The compulsory administration will ensure security of the critical infrastructure used for gas transit, Polish Development Minister Waldemar Buda, said in an emailed statement.JENS STOLTENBERG IN NETHERLAND MANAGING POST NORDSTREAM AFFAIR SECURITY
PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST RUSSIAN RIGHT TO RETALIATE
On 14 Nov 2022 - NED/NATO: NATO Secretary General to visit the Netherlands
Mr. Stoltenberg will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wopke Hoekstra and the Minister of Defence, Mrs. Kajsa Ollongren.
On 14 Nov 2022 NATO Secretary General welcomes Dutch contributions to NATO security and Ukraine. the NATO Secretary General met with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra and with Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren in The Hague. The Secretary General stressed that all these contributions are important “as we face a critical moment for European security.” and “The current conflict also shows the importance of diversifying our energy supplies and protecting our critical infrastructure,” he said.
US COMMITMENT TO TRANS-ATLANTIC SECURITY
THE CHALLENGE TO MANAGE THE ROGUE NATO MEMBER STATE
On 14 Nov 2022 US Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried, @StateEUR: "The United States is deeply committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship & working with our NATO Allies & European partners. We cannot successfully address global challenges & opportunities without each other."NATO SHAPE CHECKS LIMITS OF DETERENCE AND DEFENCE (213, 222) RUSSIA SEEMS TO HAVE LEGAL RIGT TO RETALIATE AGAINST THE PERPETRATOR
On 14 Nov 2022 - NATO: Military Committee discusses Deterrence and Defence posture at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The NATO Military Committee conducted an Away Day at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons. The NATO Military Representatives gathered, together with key leadership of SHAPE, to discuss the way ahead for the Alliance’s adaptation towards collective defence.
The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bauer, opened the day, expressing words of appreciation for the work done so far in a drastically changed security situation on NATO’s doorstep. "During the last 30 years, we were primarily focused on wars and missions of choice. In the recent period, we have been working more and more on plans to collectively defend the Alliance. We understand the complexity of the topics as we incorporate new concepts, new domains”, he said, highlighting the need for creating understanding and support for the plans; and making sure the required forces and command and control structures are in place.
Welcoming the Military Committee, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Cavoli provided an in-depth overview of the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA) Family of Plans, the delineation of the roles and responsibilities of the Joint Force Commands and the Component Commands, insight on the current force posture challenges and his principles and thoughts for the Command and Control structure way forward. General Cavoli described the DDA’s implementation as the Alliance's return to collective defence.
Maintaining a credible deterrence and an effective defence will be the key focus points in the upcoming months.
NORDSTREAM AFFAIR MANAGEMENT
WARSHIPS AS PLATFORMS TO HELD TOP LEVEL TALKS ROGUE STATE ACTOR PROMISES TO UPHOLD RULES-BASED INT. ORDER
On 14 Nov 2022 - USA/UK: USS Gerald Ford, World's Largest Warship, Visits England
On 14 Nov 2022 - USA/UK: U.S. Navy’s Newest Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives in Portsmouth
Ford deployed from Norfolk, Virginia on Oct. 4 and has been conducting exercises with NATO allies, including Canada, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany, throughout their deployment.
As a founding member of NATO, the United States shows continued support to fellow founding member, the United Kingdom, with a port visit from its next generation aircraft carrier. The United States and England have a strong naval history and partnership that is highlighted in the city of Portsmouth.
NAVEUR and the Royal Navy share a proud maritime partnership and defense cooperation focused on promoting security, stability and prosperity across NATO territories. The U.S. and the U.K. share a commitment to upholding and advancing the rules-based international system.
The NATO alliance is vital to European security and also to U.S. national interests.
On 14 Nov 2022 - USA/NED: USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrives in Rotterdam, Netherlands
“The United States is committed to supporting regional stability and security with the Netherlands, one of our oldest allies, to ensure allied readiness and preparedness for any challenge,” said Capt. Jennifer Mills, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in the Hague.”
On 14 Nov 2022 - FRA: USS Normandy (CG 60) arrived in Cherbourg, #France - “The USS Normandy’s visit to Cherbourg is a poignant reminder of the long history of shared sacrifice of our two people in service of our shared values,” said Denise Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to France.
UK ACCUSING RUSSIA OF ANOTHER SABOTAGE
On 14 Nov 2022 Russia conspiring to sabotage vital British military fuel supply line in South Atlantic, Ascension Island
JENS STOLTENBERG AT EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
On 15 Nov 2022 Secretary General at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Defence format
JENS STOLTENBERG AND SWEDEN
On 15 Nov 2022 Secretary General meets with the Minister of Defence of SwedenUS HIGH LEVEL OFFICIAL VISIT TO NATO
On 15 Nov 2022 - USA/NATO: US Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response visits NATO
NATO COMBINED MARITIME FORCE COURSE
Between 14 - 18 Nov 2022 - NATO: Allies and partners gather for Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Course in Naples, Italy
aval leaders from 19 European nations and various NATO and U.S. commands met at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) headquarters in Naples, Italy, to discuss regional maritime security during the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Flag Course, Nov. 14-18, 2022.
CARLOS DEL TORO ON A TRIP ENSURING DOMINANCE AGAINST ANY EVOLVING THREAT
On 15 Nov 2022 - USA/ITA/GRE: Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro traveled to Greece, India and Italy Nov. 15–22 to further U.S. national security interests by engaging foreign dignitaries, Department of the Navy (DON) senior leaders, Sailors, Marines and civilians while reinforcing bilateral security relationships with partner nations.
Del Toro stopped in Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 15, where he held office calls with senior officials in the Greek Government including the Deputy Chief of Defense Vice Adm. Drymousis
Del Toro concluded his multi-country trip with a brief overnight stop in Naples, Italy, where he met with Commander, U.S. Navy European Command (NAVEUR) Adm. Stuart Munsch and Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, to discuss the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed presence deterring adversaries in Europe.
“Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine has created instability that is having an impact on all of Europe,” said Del Toro. “To ensure dominance against any evolving threat environment, we must be present, persistent and powerful in our integrated maritime strategy"
US NAVY, PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE BALTIC SEA
On 15 Nov 2022 - USA/LAT: USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) arrives in Riga, Latvia
The Legend-class national security cutter (NSC) USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) arrived in Riga, Latvia for a scheduled port visit
“Hamilton’s visit to Latvia reinforces collaboration between the United States and our NATO allies in the Baltic. The U.S. Coast Guard’s partnership with the Latvian Naval Forces furthers our collective desire to maintain for peace and security in the Baltic Sea.”
Prior to arriving in Riga, Hamilton conducted multiple operations with allies and partners in the Baltic Sea, including a series of at-sea engagements with Swedish, Finnish, Estonian and Lithuanian maritime and naval forces. The U.S. Coast Guard has been, and remains, a welcome presence and key contributor to maintaining maritime safety, security and stability in the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea.
Hamilton began its current deployment in October 2022. Since leaving the United States’ East Coast for deployment, the ship’s crew has advanced interoperability with allies and partners throughout the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as they continue to hone their maritime proficiency.
ENERGY SECURITY IN RELATION TO RUSSIA
BRUSSELS, NATO SENIOR COMMUNICATOR´S CONFERENCE
Between 15 - 16 Nov 2022 - NATO: NATO’s 2022 Senior Communicators Conference took place in Brussels, Belgium. This was the third edition of NATO’s Senior Communicators Conference organised by the Public Diplomacy Division.
Participants discussed communications challenges around Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, building societal resilience, technology platforms and disinformation, as well as energy security and climate change.
STICK IN THE EYE
BLOUNT AWARDS LANBRECHT (073, 194)
On 15 Nov 2022 NATO Maritime Command, @NATO_MARCOM: Commander MARCOM Vice Admiral Keith Blount welcomed 🇩🇪 #German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht for briefings on #NATO’s current maritime operations and senior-level staff talks. #WeAreNATO #StrongerTogether #DeterAndDefend
BRAIN-DEAD NATO FRANCES MILITARY PIVOT TO EUROPE (011, 021,
047)
On 15 Nov 2022 France’s Military Pivot to Europe. The Central Europeans along with other staunchly Atlanticist countries also often think that when Macron speaks about strategic autonomy for Europe, it is about the gradual weakening NATO or the creation of a defense structure in competition with the U.S.-led military alliance. Indeed, Macron once dubbed NATO as “brain-dead,” a description that has endured.
On 15 Nov 2022 - FRA: The French frigate FS Chevalier Paul D621 arrived in the Baltic Sea for a visit, sharpened to solve air defense / missile defense tasks.
LIPSTIC SERVICE
COUNTERING HYBRID THREATS (159,
179)
On 16 Nov 2022 - NATO: Brunssum, the Netherlands – Senior leaders from Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum hosted representatives from the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrids CoE).BIDEN MEETS SUNAK (051)SUNAK´S PAPER ABOUT LEGAL VULNERABILITY OF UNDERSEA INFRASTRUCTURE
On 16 Nov 2022 - UK: Rishi Sunak: "Positive meeting with @POTUS today, our strong relationship is important for international challenges the world is facing. We will work together, and with allies, to address the economic consequences of Putin’s brutality."
JENS STOLTENBERG MEETS ATLANTIC COUNCIL (183)
On 16 Nov 2022 - NATO: Press briefing of the NATO Secretary General after meeting of the North Atlantic Council
MEETING AT UWDC
On 16 Nov 2022 - USA: Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Navy Submariners in Connecticut. The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) is the second highest-ranking commissioned officer in the Department of the Navy, under the chief of naval operations. Franchetti was hosted in Groton by Rear Adm. Martin Muckian, commander of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC).
On 16 Nov 2022 - SWE: Sweden’s A-26 Submarine Creates New Possibilities For Seabed Warfare
RUSSIA REACTS TO UNDERSEA THREATS
On 16 Nov 2022 FM #Lavrov: Countries need to stop weaponising #energy to settle political scores, as EU did for many years, incl with #NordStream. It is important to remove discriminatory & artificial barriers from world energy markets, star honest dialogue between energy suppliers & consumers.
On 16 Nov 2022 Pacific Fleet combat swimmers conduct training to destroy underwater saboteurs in Kamchatka
On 17 Nov 2022 Research Institute of Rescue and Underwater Technologies to Test New Hardware Complex for Welding at Depth
On 17 Nov 2022 CMD S-400 Triumf system crews repel mock enemy's attack in SiberiaCOURT RULING, FINLAND MUST PAY TO GAZPROM
On 17 Nov 2022 - RU/FIN: Gazprom Export says court ruled Finland's Gasum must pay more than 300 million euros
US NUCLEAR DE-ESCALATION EXPLAINED
BALTIC SEA SECURITY IN THE FOCUS, REDUCING RISKS (094,
183)
On 17 Nov 2022 U.S., Russia Discuss Threats of Nuclear Use
“Russia is strictly and consistently guided by the tenet that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,” said the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russia will “hypothetically resort to nuclear weapons exclusively in response to an aggression involving the use of weapons of mass destruction or an aggression with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy.”
National Security Council official John Kirby told CNN that he had no comment “on the particulars of this reporting.”
Meanwhile, over recent months, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken confidentially with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, and Nikolai Patrushev, the Kremlin’s Security Council secretary, in an effort to maintain communications and decrease the risk of escalation, including to the nuclear level. The U.S. and allied officials divulged the conversations to The Wall Street Journal Nov. 7, but did not detail the dates or the numbers of calls that have taken place...
The United States has communicated with Russia “when it’s been necessary to clarify potential misunderstandings and try to reduce risk and reduce the possibility of catastrophe like the potential use of nuclear weapons,” Sullivan commented Nov. 7.
On 17 Nov 2022 - USA/NATO: US Director of National Intelligence visits NATO
US Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines visits NATO and meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană
On 17 Nov 2022 - Response Corps in the Baltic Sea region: HQ Multinational Corps Northeast, @hqmncne: 🇩🇰 #Danish Ambassadors to🇵🇱,🇩🇪,🇪🇪 & 🇱🇹, as well as Defence Attache’s & Defence Command Liaison Officers held a working meeting at #BalticBarracks to learn about #MNCNE task & responsibilities and discuss the current situation at Northeastern flank of #NATO.
On 18 Nov 2022 - NATO: Deputy Secretary General: NATO-EU cooperation is “indispensable”
Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the importance of NATO-EU cooperation in remarks to the Conference of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) on Thursday (17 November 2022).
The Deputy Secretary General was joined by Stefano Sannino, Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, and their discussion was moderated by Sam Fleming, Brussels bureau chief of The Financial Times.MATS LJUNGQVIST AND THE SWEDISH INVESTIGATION (095)
On 18 Nov 2022 Swedish prosecutor confirms Nord Stream leak was sabotage
Investigators had already said that preliminary inspections into the September gas leaks had reinforced suspicions of sabotage.
Investigators found traces of explosives at the Baltic Sea site where two natural pipelines were damaged in an act of "gross sabotage" in September, the prosecutor leading Sweden's preliminary investigation said on Friday, November 18.
Mats Ljungqvist of the Swedish Prosecution Authority said the investigators carefully documented the area where the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines ruptured causing significant methane leaks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday it was "very important to find those who are behind the explosion."
Sweden's findings of "a sabotage act or a terrorist act – you can call it whatever you like" confirm "the information that the Russian side has had," Mr. Peskov said. Moscow needs to wait for a full damage assessment to decide whether to repair the pipelines, he said.
On 18 Nov 2022 Sweden has found explosive Residue at Site of Nord Stream Leaks, Confirming Sabotage.
“Analysis that has now been carried out shows traces of explosives on several of the objects that were recovered,” the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement, adding that the findings establish the incident as “gross sabotage.”
On 18 Nov 2022 Prosecutor confirms Nord Stream 2 sabotage. A Swedish prosecutor said Friday that explosions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline were the result of sabotage.
On 18 Nov 2022 Sweden confirms Nord Stream pipeline sabotage: prosecutor
Swedish officials confirmed Friday that the September blasts which destroyed sections of the Nord Stream pipelines carrying natural gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea were acts of sabotage. “The analyzes conducted found traces of explosives on several foreign objects” found at the sites of the blasts, prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist who is leading the preliminary investigation said in a statement.
Ljungqvist added that technical analyzes were continuing in order to “draw more reliable conclusions regarding the incident.”
Sweden’s Prosecution Authority said that the “continued investigation will show if anyone can be formally suspected of a crime.”
Investigators had already said that preliminary inspections had reinforced suspicions of sabotage.NATO STILL TOGETHER, OR IS IT? (011)
On 18 Nov 2022 Five NATO aircraft carriers hold drills in major naval deployment
NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu said the deployments “demonstrate our ability to project power across the Alliance and to rapidly reinforce Allies”. Set against the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, she said: “These carriers deliver deterrence and they help keep our sea lines of communication open. Our strength sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend every inch of Allied territory.”SECURING BALTIC SEA (089)
On 18 Nov 2022 - GER/PL: Viktor Elbling, @Amb_Niemiec, Ambasador Niemiec w Polsce: "Today I am pleased to welcome Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander of NATO’s Multinational Corps Northeast @hqmncne, to a meeting on security in the Baltic Sea region with representatives from over 30 countries."
DRONES OR SEAGULLS? (184)RED HERRINGS ON THE WEST (095,
099)
On 18 Nov 2022 A journey to the site of the Nord Stream explosions
Before the pipeline attack, Norway's navy and coast guard used these speed boats for search and rescue missions and fishery inspections. Now, they are being called on to investigate the increasing number of drone sightings called in by the oil and gas companies out here.
Norway's prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre describes this as the tensest security situation the country has faced in decades. The oil and gas companies are definitely jumpy.
One of the naval officers confided that some of the "drone" sightings turn out to be seagulls. But certainly not all of them.
SHOW OF POWER
RUSSIA FLEXES, SIMULATES STRIKES
On 18 Nov 2022 Baltic Fleet's Bastion coastal missile system crews launch simulated strikes at maritime targets
On 18 Nov 2022 RU: Russian aircraft make unsafe overflight of NATO vessels in the Baltic Sea
On 18 Nov 2022 Medvedev posted on Telegram, "Sweden says it’s sabotage—shocking! Now let’s see if they have the courage to name who did it. Spoiler: they won’t. The truth is inconvenient for NATO."
HALIFAX SECURITY FORUM
TOP LEVEL MEETING AT G. R. FORD (120) UK OFFICIAL GETS REWARDED FOR HANDLING THE NORDSTREAM CRISIS
On 18 Nov 2022 The world’s largest warship sails alongside #NATO Allies. The 🇺🇸 USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s newest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier, sailed in European waters for its first deployment, together with 🇨🇦 Canadian and European 🇩🇰 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 ships
On 18 Nov 2022 Ambassador Jane Hartley, @USAmbUK: Honored to visit the U.S.S. Gerald Ford in Portsmouth yesterday. The world's most advanced and largest aircraft carrier in the world is on its first deployment and of course, they had to visit our closest partner in the world. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 #StrongerTogether
On 18 Nov 2022 - USA/UK: USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), @CVN78_GRFord - General Sir Tim Radford (UK) and #NATO military leaders from @SHAPE_NATO visited #Warship78 as part of the SACEUR Conference while docked in #Portsmouth, U.K. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 #StrongerTogether #NATOPartnerships @USNavy @NATO @USNavyCNO @UKNATO
On 18 Nov 2022 Vice Admiral Keith Blount has been announced as NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
On 18 Nov 2022 - UK Joint Delegation to NATO, @UKNATO: Vice Admiral Keith Blount will succeed General Sir Tim Radford as @NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) from July 2023, a first for the @RoyalNavy Congratulations, Vice Admiral Blount!
On 18 Nov 2022 NATO SACEUR @USArmy Gen Christopher Cavoli presents @NATO_MARCOM Commander VAdm Keith Blount with the #NATO Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and contributions to the #NATO mission #WeAreNATO #StrongerTogether #DeterAndDefend
On 19 Nov 2022 The @RoyalNavy's Vice Admiral Keith Blount is to be appointed @NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. This is the first time the role has been held by a representative from the Royal Navy.
NATO MARITIME SECURITY,
EXISTING MARITIME CHALLENGES
STOLTENBERG MEETS SPANISH PRIME MINISTER
On 21 Nov 2022 NATO Secretary General addresses NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Madrid. The Secretary General also met the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss NATO’s agenda following the Madrid Summit.
On 21 Nov 2022 - NATO/allies: NATO Allies and Partners discuss maritime security
The NATO Military Committee invited Partner Military Representatives from Australia, Colombia, Finland, Republic of Korea, Morocco, Qatar and Sweden, to a thematic discussion on Maritime Security and related activities.
Opening the session, the Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Lance Landrum extended a warm welcome to the Partner Military Representatives and officials attending in-person and online. He highlighted that "because of its global dimension, Maritime Security is key to NATO and its Partners peace and security. They depend on each other to ensure coherent, coordinated and lasting solutions to existing maritime challenges". Before passing the floor, Lieutenant General Landrum also noted the value of such thematic meetings, especially as a platform for strategic discussions and information exchange between NATO and Partners.
ITALY, NATO JFC NAPLES
MIGLIETTA, MUNCH, DEL TORO MEETINGS
On 21 Nov 2022 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, @USNavyEurope: "US @SECNAV Carlos del Toro arrived onboard U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy for a scheduled visit to our headquarters, Nov. 21."
On 21 Nov 2022 - NATO JFC Naples: "JFC Naples welcomed the @NATOJFCBS commander, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, to JFC Naples last Friday. Gen. Miglietta visited with the @JFC_NaplesNaples commander, Adm. Stuart B. Munsch and discussed their respective commands' roles in protecting the Alliance."UK TRIES TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH NORWAY
On 22 Nov 2022 A privilege to welcome Norwegian Chief of Defence, Gen Erik Kristoffersen and Chief of the Norwegian Navy, RAdm Rune Andersen to @HMSQNLZ. Norway has always been a close friend to the UK – as well as one of our strongest maritime partners.
On 22 Nov 2022 HMS Queen Elizabeth’s three-day stop in Oslo – the first time she has visited Norway’s capital – is seen as a big moment between two close NATO allies and already the ship has welcomed high profile Norwegian figures, a welcome fitting her status.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre came aboard on Monday night and was hosted by Commodore Angus Essenhigh, the commander of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.
Joining the ship for entry into Oslo were Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Erik Kristoffersen and the Chief of the Norwegian Navy, Rear Admiral Rune Andersen, British Ambassador to Norway Richard Wood and UK Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Richard Parvin Royal Marines.
Operation Achillean plays its part in challenging adversaries attempting to fracture the international system and security architecture that have underpinned global security, stability, and prosperity since World War 2. Deepening cooperation between allied Armed Forces is a key objective of the mission.
On 23 Nov 2022 Today 🇬🇧 Def Sec @BWallaceMP and 🇳🇴 Def Min @Bjornarildgram announced a new agreement which will strengthen @RoyalNavy capability by supplying 7 frigates and destroyers with Naval Strike Missiles from Norway.
GAZPROM WINS IN NORD STREAM 2 AG CASE
On 22 Nov 2022 - RU/PL: Gazprom wins appeal against huge Nord Stream 2 antitrust fine in Poland
Russia’s Gazprom has won an appeal against a fine of over €6 billion imposed on it by Poland’s antitrust authority, UOKiK, for constructing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline without first seeking Polish approval. UOKiK now says that it plans to challenge the ruling.
On 22 Nov 2022 - PL: Polish regulator to appeal annulment of $6.3 billion fine imposed on Gazprom
Poland's consumer rights watchdog, known as UOKiK, will appeal a court ruling that annulled fines imposed on Russian energy giant Gazprom and five other companies responsible for building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the Polish regulator said on Nov. 21...
In 2020 the regulator fined Gazprom over 29 billion zlotys ($6.33 billion) for building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline without Warsaw's approval.
FINLAND AND REGIONAL SECURITY
On 22 Nov 2022 Rannikkolaivasto: "Prime minister of Poland @MorawieckiM visited PGG Tornio during his stay in Finland. Thank you for the visit! @Navyfi #CoastalFleet"
On 22 Nov 2022 - FIN/FRA: "French Navy Horizon-class air defence frigate FS Chevalier Paul (D621) leaving Helsinki, Finland"BORIS JOHNSON RELEAVED ABOUT HIS NORDSTREAM MISSION
On 23 Nov 2022 Boris Johnson Causes A Stir With Claims About Europe’s Initial Response To Russian AggressionOn 23 Nov 2022 Boris Johnson “After all my anxieties...I pay tribute to the way the EU has acted. They have been united. The sanctions were tough.”
UK PRAISES GERMAN SUBMISIVENESS AFTER BLEWING UP NORDSTREAM
On 23 Nov 2022 BBC - Ukraine war: How Germany ended reliance on Russian gas
SHOIGU DEFUSES THE DIRTY BOMB FALSE FLAG OPERATION (096)
On 24 Nov 2022 - UA: Ukraine's new ambassador takes office
Use of dirty bomb planned? Kiev and Western nuclear powers reject Russian claims
Is there a risk of further escalation of Russia's war in Ukraine? In a phone call with Western counterparts, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Ukraine wanted to drop a conventional bomb laced with nuclear material to blame Russia. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this was unbelievable. The claim suggests that Moscow itself is planning something dirty, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
INDESPENSABLE TRANSATLANTIC BOND
On 24 Nov 2022 - NATO: Deputy Secretary General: NATO and the transatlantic bond ''indispensable'' for our security
Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the importance of Europe and North America standing strong together in NATO in remarks delivered online to the Athens Security Forum on Thursday (24 November 2022). He stressed that the dramatic transformation of European security caused by Russia’s war on Ukraine has demonstrated the “indispensable role of NATO as the real guarantee for European security, and the need for the transatlantic bond”.
SHOIGU´S CALL ABOUT UK´S DIRTY BOMB IN UKRAIE (096) NUCLEAR POWERS PREVENT UNCONTROLLED NUCLEAR ESCALATION
STRING OF CALLS WITH AUSTIN, LECORNU, WALLACE, AND AKAR
On 24 Nov 2022 Russia Discusses Ukraine in String of Calls with Defense Chiefs
"The situation in Ukraine, which has a steady tendency towards further, uncontrolled escalation, was discussed," by Shoigu and French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, the ministry said.
Later on Sunday, the ministry said Shoigu held phone calls with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar and UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
In the three calls, Shoigu conveyed "concerns about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb'".
Britain's defence ministry said in a statement that Wallace "refuted" claims that Western countries sought to help Ukraine escalate the conflict and "cautioned that such allegations should not be used as a pretext for greater escalation".
It added that the call was requested by the Russian side.
Shoigu also discussed Ukraine on Sunday with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin in their second phone call since Friday, however the Russian side did not mention the alleged "dirty bomb" provocation in its statement.
BRUSSELS AND WASHINGTON IMMEDIATELY CHASTIFIES UK´S NUCLEAR STATUS (039) DID LIZ TRUSS BROKE NUCLEAR NON PROLIFERATION TREATY, NPT? (096)
On 25 Nov 2022 Belgium Blocks Export of Nuclear Technology to UK (excerpt)
The Belgian government has refused authorisation for a specialised isostatic press needed to maintain Britain’s nuclear arsenal.
On 25 Nov 2022 - EU: 'Outrageous': Brussels sparks fury as it blocks export of nuclear defence tech to UK. The UK needs a so-called specialised isostatic press to maintain its nuclear arsenal, which includes the Trident II D5, the Royal Navy's ballistic missile system with a range of over 4,000 nautical miles.
Britain and Belgium are locking horns in a furious despite after Brussels blocked the export of nuclear technology that plays a crucial role in maintaining the UK's nuclear deterrent...
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years and is constantly deployed at sea in atomic-powered ballistic missile submarines. These include the HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant and HMS Vengeance.
A YEAR LATER ANOTHER ODD NEWS ABOUT VANGUARD APPEARS (016) (HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant, HMS Vengeance)
On 20 Nov 2022/2023 - UK: Nuclear-armed submarine suffered malfunction
A Royal Navy nuclear submarine suffered a "concerning" malfunction while diving, the BBC has been told. The incident on board the unnamed Vanguard class submarine, which carries the UK's trident nuclear missiles, happened more than a year ago while it was preparing to go out on patrol.
SECRET TOP LEVEL MEETINGS ON DECK OF ROYAL NAVY QE
THE UK IS NO MORE TRUSTED ALLY, NATO PARTNER (127,
217)
On 24 Nov 2022 - UK: After a 4-day visit to Oslo the @HMSQNLZ has now headed back out to sea
On 25 Nov 2022 HMS Queen Elizabeth was placed under NATO operational control (OPCON) while participating in the alliance’s latest ‘Neptune Strike’ exercise (‘NEST 23-3’), which ran from 30 October to 10 November across the Mediterranean, Baltic, and North seas.
FRANCO-GERMAN ENERGY SOLIDARTIY
GERMANY AND FRANCE TRYING TO IMPROVE ENERGY INSECURITY
AFTER AN ALLY BLEW UP KEY EUROPEAN ENERGY INFRSTRUCTURE (028,
171)
On 25 Nov 2022 Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz, @Bundeskanzler: "Thank you for visiting @Elisabeth_Borne: The more difficult the times, the more important the Franco-German partnership is. And it is exceptionally close and friendly. We reaffirmed this today with a joint declaration on energy solidarity."
CHALLENGING SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
MANAGING CO-EXISTENCE WITH ROGUE ALLY ACTOR
MANAGING RISKS IN POST NORDSTREAM LANDSCAPE
NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING
On 25 Nov 2022 - NATO: Pre-ministerial press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Foreign Ministers in Bucharest
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated our dangerous dependency on Russian gas.
So we must assess our dependencies on other authoritarian regimes, not least China.
We must manage the risks.
Reduce our vulnerabilities.
And increase our resilience.
CHALLENGING SECURITY ENVIRONMENTMANAGING CO-EXISTENCE WITH ROGUE ALLY ACTOR
MANAGING RISKS IN POST NORDSTREAM LANDSCAPE
NATO EUMS STUFF MEETING
On 25 Nov 2022 - NATO/EU: The EU Military Staff hosts the NATO International Military Staff at the 18th EUMS-IMS Director Generals’ Conference
The Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean welcomed the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff (IMS), Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak and his staff to the EUMS HQ, for their second bi-annual meeting.
Opening the conference, Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean welcomed participants back to the EUMS HQ and introduced his new Deputy, Major General Gábor Horváth. Vice Admiral Bléjean acknowledged the challenging security environment and in renewing the EU’s condemnations of the Russian Federation’s aggression in Ukraine.
Taking the floor, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, thanked the EUMS for hosting the conference and for the ongoing cooperation between both entities. Lieutenant General Adamczak re-emphasised the importance of these meetings as a “part of the broader aims of transforming the relationship between the Alliance and the European Union”, adding that “in these difficult times - the worst since the collapse of the Iron Curtain – NATO and the EU have a responsibility to work together to strengthen the resilience, deterrence and defence of our respective members”.
EXERCISE FREEZING WINDS 2022
FINLAND ALSO GETS TOP SUMARINE HUNTER POSEIDON (177,
181,
182) BOTH P-8As AND NH90 WERE ABLE TO DETECT THE SUBMARINE BEEFORE BLASTS
On 25 Nov 2022 Freezing Winds 22 brings the US Navy's P-8A Poseidon to Pirkkala - significantly expands the maritime situation
"We learned new things in the exercise about new performance capabilities. We didn't have access to something like this, and we didn't necessarily have an understanding of what it is capable of and how it can support and be part of maritime operations. On the other hand, as part of creating a maritime situational picture and, for example, in operations to combat underwater threats," Rear Admiral Anteroinen assessed the Poseidon maritime action aircraft participation in the exercise.
The maritime situation picture is also complemented by the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) of the Dutch Navy operating from the back deck of HNLMS Tromp.
The NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) of the Dutch Navy is equipped with an ISAR maritime surveillance radar (inverse synthetic aperture radar) , a FLIR system (Forward Looking Infra-Red) and a HELRAS echo sounder ( Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar). The helicopter also has a system for detecting electronic signals. Effective capabilities include two door machine guns and, if necessary, armament suitable for anti-submarine or surface anti-submarine warfare.
The US Navy's 2nd Marine Logistics Detachment, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Paul Ignatius from the United States, the mine countermeasures ship FGS Dillingen from Germany and the frigate Chevalier Paul and the mine countermeasures ship Croix du Sud from France also participate in the exercise. From Sweden, the Visby-class corvettes HMS Härnösand and HMS Helsingborg and the Gothenburg-class HMS Gävle will participate in the exercise.
FRENCH SWEDISH NAVAL VISIT
On 26 Nov 2022 French Navy Horizon-class air defence frigate FS Chevalier Paul (D621) in Malmö, Sweden
PUTIN: MOST DANGEROUS DECADE SINCE WW2 (047,
192)
On 27 Nov 2022 Vladimir Putin says world facing 'most dangerous decade since WW2'
USA IS PROTECTING THE PERPETRATOR´s SUBMARINES AGAINST RETALIATORY RUSSIAN RESPONSE (001,
004,
006,
008,
009,
012,
014,
016,
019)
On 28 Nov 2022 Number of US submarines off UK's coast have DOUBLED this year as NATO allies send a message of strength to Russian menace Vladimir Putin
Double usual number of Nato submarines are moving near Faslane naval base
Follows severing of major underwater internet cables near Shetland last month
Sightings so far this year stand at 85 compared with 43 for the whole of 2021, and include a string of America’s most advanced Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.
Yesterday, former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe said the increased visibility of America’s most advanced submarine on the Clyde – 23 sightings this year against 13 in 2021 – was a clear message to saboteurs.Sightings of the Royal Navy’s Trident-carrying Vanguard-class subs, plus its Astute attack subs, have also shot up, with 48 this year compared with 21 in 2021.
USS Georgia off HMNB Clyde in August / (See backpack)
HMS S120 Ambush with cargo bay covered. / Early October
WE STAND TOGETHER NATO MEETINGS OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
MANAGING POST NORDSTREAM SECURITY OF EUROPE
UNDER US LEADERSHIP: STOLTENBERG AND BLINKEN (158) NATO COMMITS FULLY TO BACKUP AND COVER UP THE PERPETRATOR
On 29 Nov 2022 NATO Secretary General welcomes US Secretary of State to meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Bucharest on Tuesday ahead of a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.
Between 29 - 30 Nov 2022 - NATO: Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs - program
Between 29 - 30 Nov 2022 - NATO, Bucharest meeting: Statement by NATO Foreign Ministers,
NATO is a defensive Alliance. "NATO will continue to protect our populations and defend every inch of Allied territory at all times. We will do so in line with our 360-degree approach and against all threats and challenges...
...In light of the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades and in line with the Strategic Concept, we are implementing a new baseline for our deterrence and defence posture by significantly strengthening it and further developing the full range of robust, combat-ready forces and capabilities.
All these steps will substantially strengthen NATO’s deterrence and forward defences. We remain committed to prepare for, deter, and defend against hostile attacks on Allies’ critical infrastructure. Any attack against Allies will be met with a united and determined response. We stand together in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the enduring transatlantic bond between our nations."
On 29 Nov 2022 @USAandEurope, @NATO: Foreign Ministers: "We stand together in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the enduring transatlantic bond between our nations. We will continue to strive for peace, security and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area."
NATO EXPRESSES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO UKRAINE DESPITE INTERNAL ISSUESOn 29 Nov 2022 - UA/NATO: NATO Secretary General welcomes Ukraine’s foreign minister to Bucharest. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to Bucharest on Tuesday (29 November 2022), where he will take part in a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. “We will stand by Ukraine as long as it takes; we will not back down,” said Mr Stoltenberg. BERLIN SECURITY CONFERENCE
NORWAY (NORDSTREAM WHISTLEBLOWER) A PARTNER COUNTRY (069) THE PERPETRATOR´S PERSPECTIVE IN POST NORDSTREAM FRACTURED NATO
SCHOLZ, STØRE, STOLTENBERG, WALLNDER, BRIEGER & EUROPEAN SECURITY
Between 29 - 30 Nov 2022 Berlin Security Conference: A Congress on Security and Defence - Europe and NATO – Enhancing Resolve and Resilience
Between 29 - 30 Nov 2022 Berlin Security Conference 2022 | Participation of Deputy Defence Minister Nikolaos Hardalias in international Conference on European Security and Defence in Berlin This year’s Conference, in which Norway was a partner country, included the following three sessions:
- General topics:
War in Ukraine, European Union (EU) Strategic Compass, NATO Strategic Concept, Combined Force Planning, Energy and critical infrastructure, arms control.
- Security and Defence:
The British Perspective on Security and Defence, Space Defence, European Defence in the Land Domain, Comprehensive Defence Concepts in Europe, Airpower in a Changing Security Environment, Maritime Areas of Responsibility, Hybrid Threats, Cyber-Warfare, European Medical Healthcare, prospects and opportunities.
- Technology, research, development and procurement:
Technological progress in the defence sector, Energy and Security, a common European procurement programme, digitization of international military forces, local multinational cooperation programmes.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Defence, the keynote speakers were the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Norway, Mr. Jonas Gahr Store, and the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg.
Finally, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, on the sidelines of the work of the Conference, held a meeting with his counterpart for International Security of the United States of America, Mr. Celeste Wallander, and the President of the EU Military Commission, General Robert Brieger.
BIDEN PERSONALLY THANKS SAILORS FROM USS PAUL IGNATIUS
THE ROLE OF US NAVY PAUL IGNATIUS IN NORDSTREAM AFFAIR (111,
178, 175)
On 29 Nov 2022 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, @USNavyEurope:
"Thank you for the support Sir! 🇺🇸 On #Thanksgiving, @USNavy Sailors aboard USS Paul Ignatius were greeted and spoke with @POTUS while underway in the #EnglishChannel."
STRIKEFORNATO - NAVAL COMMANDER TASK CONFERENCE
Between 29 Nov - 2 Dec 2022 U.S. Sixth Fleet holds CTF Commander’s Conference
NAPLES, Italy – Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKEFORNATO), hosted a Commander Task Force (CTF) Commander’s Conference in Naples, Italy.
US - ITALY, US - FRANCE TRILATERAL SECURITY RELATIONSHIP
BUSH (US) - CAVOUR (ITA) - GAULLE (FRA) GUARDING NATO SECURITY
TOP SENSITIVE ISSUES ARE HANDLED ON CARRIERS DUE TO TOP CLASIFICATION
NAVEUR-NAVAF MEETING ON CVN-77 (120,
150)
On 28 Nov 2022 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, @USNavyEurope: #USSTruxtun, assigned to the @GHWBCVN77 carrier strike group, arrived in Toulon, 🇫🇷 for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 28. The @GHWBCVN77 CSG recently operated in the #MediterraneanSea along w/ the @French_CSG, demonstrating the strength of 🇺🇸-🇫🇷 relations. #StrongerTogether
On 28 Nov 2022 George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Naples, Italy
On 28 Nov 2022 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet: @USNavyEurope: @USNavyEurope, The @GHWBCVN77 is anchored off the coast, and will host local officials and key leaders for a reception to honor the U.S.-Italy relationship. 🇮🇹 🇺🇸.
On 29 Nov 2022 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, @USNavyEurope: Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, commander, @JFC_Naples hosted a reception honoring the strength 💪 of U.S.🇺🇸-Italy 🇮🇹relationship aboard @GHWBCVN77
“The work between our two countries rests at the core of our collective defense approach for a new era – one we came alive to when Russia attacked its neighbor without provocation, threatening European security in ways we would have previously thought inconceivable,” said Munsch
“The presence of this ship and Carrier Strike Group 10 in the Mediterranean is a sign of our strong commitment to the bilateral relationship with Italy and to the NATO Alliance,” said @AmbasciataUSA Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Shawn Crowley.
“The George H.W. Bush has been operating alongside the Italian carrier Cavour and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. These operations strengthen NATO’s cohesion and interoperability,” continued Crowley.
The officials, politicians, military officers, and spouses who attended the reception hosted by NAVEUR-NAVAF aboard George H.W. Bush, forged friendships, built bonds, shared latest developments and discussed lessons learned within the European theater of operations.
RUSSIA WILL NOT BE PRESENT AND LOOSE THE CASE
On 30 Nov 2022 - GER: Germany's Uniper takes Gazprom to court over halted gas supplies
German gas giant Uniper said Wednesday it was taking Gazprom to an international tribunal over the Russian company's failure to deliver gas, saying it has so far cost them €11.6 billion.
The German company said it had begun legal action against Gazprom at a tribunal in Stockholm, claiming damages over gas that had not been delivered since June.
"It is about gas volumes that were contractually agreed with Gazprom but not delivered and for which we had to procure replacements at extremely high market prices and still have to do so," CEO Klaus-Dieter Maubach said in a statement.
