All articles tagged with #special operations
The article reports a surge in U.S. military aircraft in Europe, possibly supporting a future operation to intercept the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera involved in sanctions evasion, with the involvement of elite special operations units like the 160th SOAR, amid broader geopolitical tensions and potential upcoming missions in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has forced out Vasyl Malyuk, the head of Ukraine's Security Service, despite his successful behind-the-lines operations against Russia, and reassigned him to focus on unconventional warfare, amid political and strategic uncertainties.
Four soldiers from the U.S. Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment died in a helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, during a routine training mission. The crash, which caused a small wildfire, is under investigation, and the soldiers' identities are being withheld out of respect for their families. This incident marks the second deadly crash involving this unit in recent years.
Ukrainian Colonel Ivan Voronych, who led a secret intelligence unit involved in orchestrating assassinations of pro-Russian militants, was shot and killed in Kyiv, highlighting ongoing covert operations and tensions in Ukraine.
The US Army has revealed its plan to reduce its force structure by about 24,000 jobs, including thousands of special operations positions, while making room for new formations and modernization programs. The plan involves cutting unfilled positions and reducing special operations posts, but also adding high-priority formations such as Multi-Domain Task Forces and additional units for aerial drones and defense systems. The Army aims to transform its force structure to align with the evolving strategic landscape and prepare for large-scale combat operations.
The U.S. Army plans to reduce its force structure by cutting 32,000 billets over five years, including 3,000 in special operations, in order to address recruiting shortfalls and shift manpower to emerging efforts like directed energy and multi-domain task force teams. The cuts will come from outdated focus areas like counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, with a focus on adapting ahead of emerging threats. Additionally, the Army is concerned about potential budget shortfalls impacting operations and maintenance, including support for Ukraine and Israel, and may have to cancel planned military exercises if supplemental funding is not received.
Teledyne FLIR Defense has unveiled the ThermoSight HISS-HD, a thermal sight that allows snipers to see their rounds in-flight without the use of tracers, providing a significant advantage in stealth and long-range targeting. With the capability to detect, identify, and engage targets at distances exceeding 2,200 meters, the HISS-HD is being pitched as a potential asset for U.S. Special Operations Command and other military units. In addition to its application with sniper rifles, the sight can also be used with medium machine guns and offers features such as video export, wireless capability, and the ability to see drones, making it a valuable tool for enhancing situational awareness and target identification on the battlefield.
US Special Operations Command is seeking a new extreme long-range sniper rifle to replace the M107 Barret and MK15 rifles, with requirements for modularity, multi-caliber capability, lighter weight, and a range of up to 2,500 meters. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the impact of snipers in modern combat, with notable long-range kills, prompting SOCOM's focus on enhancing sniper capabilities for potential high-intensity conflicts. The new rifle aims to maximize the firepower of special operations forces and maintain overmatch against potential adversaries.
Navy SEALs Christopher J. Chambers and Nathan Gage Ingram died during a mission off the coast of East Africa while attempting to board a ship smuggling Iranian weapons to Yemen. The SEALs, weighed down by their gear, plunged into the Arabian Sea after Ingram slipped and fell, prompting Chambers to jump in to save him. The 11-day search and rescue mission was called off, and the Navy is conducting an investigation into the incident. The SEALs' deaths have prompted mourning and tributes from President Joe Biden, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and the Navy SEAL Foundation, which is raising money to support Chambers' family.
Terrifying bodycam footage captured the moment an Israeli special-ops soldier encountered two Hamas terrorists in a Gaza building. Despite being wounded by grenades, the soldier managed to eliminate both terrorists. The encounter took place in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, which is one of the final two Hamas strongholds in northern Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the IDF was on the verge of dismantling these bases.
The five Army special operations soldiers who were killed in a helicopter crash in the Mediterranean Sea have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner W Grone, Sgt. Andrew Southard, and Sgt. Cade M Wolfe. The MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was conducting aerial refueling training when it experienced an in-flight emergency resulting in the crash. The Department of Defense confirmed that there are no indications the crash was caused by enemy actions. The Army's Combat Readiness Center is investigating the cause of the crash. President Biden expressed his condolences and praised the soldiers' bravery and selflessness.
Five U.S. Army aviation special operations forces, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes from Sacramento, were killed in a helicopter crash during an air refueling mission in the Eastern Mediterranean. The fallen soldiers were highly decorated and part of the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The U.S. has increased its force presence in the region in response to recent attacks on Israel, with additional carrier strike groups, Air Force squadrons, and special operations forces deployed to assist in rescue efforts.
Five US military special operations troops were killed when an aircraft carrying them crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during a refueling accident. The troops were part of the US army special operations personnel and were involved in training exercises. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but there are no indications of hostile activity. The United States has deployed additional military assets to the eastern Mediterranean following recent conflicts in the region. President Joe Biden expressed condolences and praised the bravery and selflessness of the fallen service members.
The future of the 105mm howitzer on the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship is uncertain as the Air Force reviews its capabilities for future high-end conflicts. The 30mm cannon will remain, but the big guns could be removed by 2026. The Air Force is considering alternative armament options, such as small form-factor cruise missiles and drone swarm capabilities. The decision could impact the aircraft's role in special operations and its ability to contribute to joint force operations. The review also raises questions about the vulnerability of the AC-130 platform and its effectiveness against dense integrated air defense networks.
SOFstock is a top-secret military rock concert series that started in 2012, featuring national-headline acts performing on the same stage as bands made up of veterans. The concerts, known as SOFstock, have raised over $2 million for the children of fallen special-operations personnel and CIA officers. The events are attended by defense contractors, service members, and even high-ranking officials, and the guest list is closely guarded. The concert series has expanded from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, Florida, and aims to support the children of the fallen as well as provide assistance to special-operations veterans suffering from physical and mental wounds.