Israel's Ministry of Defense says it has signed the contract for a sixth Dolphin-type military submarine from Germany.
Ehud Barak's office said the minister signed the contract Wednesday in Berlin at a ceremony held at the Israeli ambassador's home.
Germany's Parliament approved the purchase in November and agreed to pay some €135 million ($180 million) of the costs — about 1/3 of the submarine's price.
Link (submitted by Japhet)
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the country agreed to host a U.S. military base.
An initial 250 American marines are expected to arrive in Australia in 2012, which would eventually increase to 2,500.
Link (submitted by Jason)
THE military and defense leadership have confirmed that there are moves to increase US military presence in the Philippines and in other parts of the Asia-Pacific to ensure peace and stability in the region in view of China’s stepped-up military build-up, particularly in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
“Well, unang-una, totoo gusto ng kwan [United States] magkaroon ng presence dito sa region, kaya nga naglagay sila ng base sa Australia. Maglalagay din [sila] ng magdadaong ng barko sa Singapore [Well, it is true that the United States wants its presence felt in the region, that’s why they put up a base in Australia. They will also put ships that would dock in Singapore]” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Thursday.
Link (submitted by Quirino)
