Current Events in Europe

Images of Russian Project 955A SSBN reveal design changes (Jane's)

The only one remaining operational Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring has also broken down when in the Gulf: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/883345/UK-warship-Royal-Navy-Gulf-HMS-Diamond

Russia’s A-100 AWACS makes maiden flight (Jane's)

Russian nuclear-powered cruiser to undergo overhaul (Jane's)

The great Russian Ships Info website has updated its section on the four Russian Fleets at October 16, 2017: Link

HMS Queen Elizabeth sailing at last, for six weeks of test. Weapons now listed as 2x20mm Phalanx and 4x30mm guns: http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-carrier-thats-supposed-to-revitalize-the-british-na-1796420008

First upgraded Ka-27M delivered December 2016. A total of 8 to be converted in the first contract, up to 46 to be upgraded in successive contracts. To be equipped with Phazotron "FH-A/Spear-A" AESA radar, RGB-16 sonobuoys, Kh-35 anti-ship missiles and APR-3 ASW weapons (the last three elements came from other sources). http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/december-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4707-russian-helicopters-delivers-first-modernized-ka-27-m-to-russian-navy-aviation.html

Testing a new variant of Il-76 for Special Forces over Black Sea: https://theaviationist.com/2017/10/03/russian-il-76-candid-modified-to-support-special-operations-conducts-flight-test-over-the-black-sea/

Russian air force Tu-22M3 (NATO Backfire C) bomber overshoots the runway on takeoff from Shaikavka airbase during the Zapad-2017 exercise.

Italy retires last Atlantique (DefenseNews)

http://www.c6f.navy.mil/news/allied-forces-begin-inaugural-exercise-formidable-shield-2017

Watch This Russian KA-52 Attack Chopper Accidentally Fire Rockets at Exercise Observers (War Zone)

Finalising S-400 agreement with Russia, Turkey rejects NATO interoperablity argument (Jane's)

Russia Conducts Three Times More War Games than Nato (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung)

Russia’s ‘Mini Red October’ Subs Will Lack Advanced Propulsion System (The Diplomat)

German Navy F-125 Baden-Wurttenberg, first on her class, failed the commisioning date of 28 July 2017: http://navaltoday.com/2017/07/31/germanys-first-f125-frigate-misses-commissioning-date/

Dynamic Mongoose 2017, yearly ASW exercise, starts near Iceland (Even with participation of Icelandic OPV Tyr), from 26 June to 8 July 2017: http://navaltoday.com/2017/06/27/nato-submarine-drill-dynamic-mongoose-starts-in-iceland/

I think like more the traditional overall grey: https://theaviationist.com/2017/06/13/nato-unveils-new-special-livery-e-3a-awacs-for-35th-anniversary/

Forgotten Waters: Minding the GIUK Gap (CNAS) There is excellent scenario fodder here (even if well trodden), either for HCE or even a PBEM / MBX type exercise:

Russian navy ship crashes into vessel carrying livestock in Black Sea (Independent) Russian Navy Spy Ship Sinks After Colliding with Turkish Freighter in Black Sea (USNI News)