CV32

Looking forward to trying this one during the Christmas break.

The Russian Navy - a Historic Transition (pdf, ONI) Lots of charts, maps and other OOB information.

A wish for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from HarpGamer to you and yours.

Good question. The sites appear to be administered solely by the Missile Defense Agency (directly under DOD), and its director has been a Navy Admiral since its inception.

North Korea says it's ready to detonate H-bomb, but skepticism abounds (Stars and Stripes)

The HCE hot keys (including the nefarious 'Show All') are here. I would really work at devising a strategy before (if ever) resorting to the 'Show All' approach.

Aegis Ashore Scores in First Intercept Test (USNI News)

The accuracy of those OFAB-250-270 fragmentation bombs certainly leaves something to be desired. I am a little surprised that the Russians continue to put up videos that show their inaccuracy so blatantly.

The video certainly shows the Rostov-on-Don on the surface initially, but then from a distance it is difficult to tell. But I think you can see the shadow of upper hull and sail through the smoke. Edit: After watching it several times, I am not so sure. The missiles are most definitely emerging from submerged torpedo tubes (of course) - the third launch is clearest - and you can see the splash of the protective capsule falling into the sea almost immediately after booster ignition. The missiles appear to have varied launch points so it appears that she is at least underway during the launch.

Revitalizing Wargaming is Necessary to Be Prepared for Future Wars (War on the Rocks)

North Korean Submarine Damaged in Missile Test (Free Beacon)

New Wrinkles in Maritime Warfare (The Diplomat)

Media claim Russia has begun delivery of S-300 missile system to Iran (TASS) Kremlin confirms Russia started supplying S-300 missile systems to Iran (TASS) Probably refurbished S-300PMU2 Favorit (NATO SA-20b Gargoyle)

Kendall Says F-35 Budget Now Vulnerable; McCain Weighs In (Breaking Defense)

US ‘Steadily Retreating’ In South China Sea Dispute (Breaking Defense) Ouch.

North Korea's SLBM Test Fails (The Diplomat)

Been so many developments on this front that a guy would have to post updates every few minutes. Suffice to say, things have been "interesting". S-400 in Syria! I am doubtful (hopeful?) that we will see a Grave Stone radar in full operation, but the SIGINT would be glorious.

Yep, that's the way it ought to be done.

Upgraded Tu-95 Strategic Bomber Joins Russian Air Force (Defense World)

Some Mi-24 and Mi-8 have forward deployed to airfields deeper in Syria's interior, such as Tiyas and Shayrat. Re bomber strikes, here's an infographic from the Aviationist:

Did the UK just come into a pot of money?

A number of Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters have also been forward deployed to airfields deeper in Syria, such as Tiyas and Shayrat, ostensibly in support of Russian ground forces also deployed there.

Yes. Quite the display of bravado. The Project 636.3 (NATO Improved Kilo) class submarine Rostov-on-Don (B-237) is also rumoured to have participated in the cruise missile strike, from a position in the Med. More Kalibr cruise missiles (18 in all) launched from the Caspian today.

Confirmed: China Buys 24 Advanced Fighter Jets From Russia (The Diplomat)

More detail: Russia launches long-range air sorties into Syria (Jane's)