China Testing New Space Weapons

China conducts satellite capture in space as part of Star Wars military program

China last week conducted a test of a maneuvering satellite that captured another satellite in space during what Pentagon officials say was a significant step forward for Beijing’s space warfare program.

The satellite capture took place last week and involved one of three small satellites fitted with a mechanical arm that were launched July 20 as part of a covert anti-satellite weapons development program, said U.S. officials familiar with reports of the test.

False START: Russian failure to notify U.S. of bomber exercises violated New START arms treaty

Recent incursions into U.S. air defense zones by Russian nuclear bombers earlier this month were part of exercises that violated provisions of the 2010 New START treaty, according to U.S. officials.

The treaty requires Russia and the United States to provide 14-day advance notification of major strategic exercises involving nuclear bombers covered by the treaty, and to provide notice within 48 hours after the exercises end.

State Department and Pentagon officials said the Russians failed to provide the proper notification for large-scale exercises held in late June in the arctic.

During the exercises, two Tu-95MS Bear H bombers armed with cruise missiles flew into the 200-mile air defense zone near Alaska, prompting U.S. F-15 and Canadian CF-18 jets to intercept the bombers.

The exercises began June 18th, the same day President Obama met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Mexico at what was described as a politically tense meeting.

Full article: False START: Russian failure to notify U.S. of bomber exercises violated New START arms treaty (Washington Free Beacon)