Current Events in Europe

Russia To Float Out First Upgraded Ballistic Missile Sub in 2017 (The Diplomat)

First use of US KC-135 refuelling Romanian F-16: http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article5054.html

Russia's Most Powerful Nuclear Attack Submarine Ever Is Almost Ready for Sea (National Interest)

Trident missile went off course after launch from British SSBN

Russia's PAKFAs to be transferred to Aerospace Forces later this year (Jane's)

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

The Myth of Russian Aggression and NATO Expansion (Strategy Bridge)

Clear and short article on MiG-31 and his possible future: http://nationalinterest.org/blog/russias-mig-31-fighter-mach-3-monster-even-35-years-old-18376

Eight to be built of an originally planned 13 However, five smaller Type 31 general purpose vessels are planned.

Russia designing new ‘aircraft carrier killer’ torpedo to boost naval power (Russia Beyond the Headlines)

Will be known as the Dreadnought class. Update your databases now...

Very interesting official briefing for fishing vessels and ferries in the current Joint Warrior 16-2 exercise in Scotland (a pity only the MCM ships are named, but a lot of intersting operational details, including sea grid use in submarine operations): http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/qhm/clyde/documents/20160928-jw162-brief-for-fishing-vessels-and-ferries-u-sosm-v2.pdf?la=en-gb

US and NATO apparently retiring fast and irreversibly from Turkey! http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/us-moves-nuclear-weapons-from-turkey-to-romania/

Meteor at last in service first time, in the Swedish Air Force from 11 July 2016 (in Brazilian Portuguese): http://www.aereo.jor.br/2016/07/11/missil-meteor-da-mbda-entra-em-servico-no-gripen-da-forca-aerea-sueca/

The three Spanish SH-3W (AEW) Sea King equipped with Searchwater radar were converted in utility transports between December 2015-January 2016, losing the Spanish Armada his AEW capability. Never were modernized or equipped with any type of ESM: https://foronaval.wordpress.com/2016/05/27/adios-a-las-paqueteras/

Russia To Modernize Its Lone Aircraft Carrier Next Year, New Carrier Program Could Start in 2025 (USNI News)

Aegis Ashore Site in Romania Declared Operational (USNI News)

By Navy Recognition: http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3805

U.S. Navy Ship Encounters Aggressive Russian Aircraft in Baltic Sea (Seapower)