Author: Stefan Korshak
Recently, two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets accompanied a RC-135 strategic surveillance aircraft on a reconnaissance mission near Russian-occupied Crimea. The British aircraft were constantly tracked in international airspace close to Crimea, but encountered no interference from Russian forces. This mission marked a departure from the usual routine, as the RAF planes were typically unescorted. The RC-135 Rivet Joint, a key intelligence collection platform for NATO, listened in on radio communications and located ground-based units. The British aircraft’s transponders remained turned on throughout the mission, possibly sending a message to the Kremlin. This unusual operation, featuring two Eurofighter Typhoons…
A tumultuous wave has swept through the Ukrainian ground operations since the appointment of Lt. Gen. Yuriy Sodol in February. While Ukrainian forces have held the line against a more powerful Russian army and inflicted casualties, setbacks have been apparent. In May, the Kharkiv region saw a significant loss of territory to Russian forces due to minimal resistance from Ukrainian troops. The southern Dnipro River sector also faced challenges in establishing a bridgehead despite drone superiority. Critics have blamed Sodol’s tactics of ordering counterattacks without sufficient support, leading to unnecessary casualties and failed operations. His replacement, Gen. Andriy Hnatov, symbolizes…
Ukrainian infantry teams, supported by drones, are regaining ground from Russian forces in the northern Kharkiv sector. Reports indicate that Kyiv’s troops have gained an advantage in artillery firepower, marking a significant shift in the conflict. Recent gains in Vovchansk and Hlyboke have been confirmed by field reports, indicating a successful counteroffensive against Russian forces. The increased artillery firepower, supported by drone imagery, has allowed Ukrainian forces to make strategic advances in the region. The arrival of additional ammunition, sourced from international allies, has further strengthened Ukrainian positions. The use of Western weapons and drone technology has proven to be…
The Ukrainian Navy conducted a successful attack on a Russian base, destroying dozens of Shahed / Geran kamikaze drones and hitting barracks used by Iranian flight instructors. The strike, supported by Ukrainian maritime forces and SBU operators, targeted an air operations and air defense training base in Russia’s Krasnodar region. The attack destroyed Iranian and Russian-manufactured drones and killed three Iranian flight instructors. Ukrainian military intelligence identified the base as a location for launching kamikaze drone attacks on Ukrainian targets. The strike, possibly carried out with modified Neptune anti-ship missiles, inflicted significant damage on the Russian military infrastructure at the…
Lockheed-Martin missiles fired by Ukrainian forces damaged a radar complex near Yevpatoria in Crimea, despite Russian air defenses. Ukrainian ATACMS missiles punched through defense systems and hit an air defense installation in Crimea. The NIP-16 Space Tracking and Deep Space Communications Center was targeted, causing major fires and damage. Ukrainian media reported missiles hitting a Russian troop base near villages in Crimea. A second wave of missiles struck the major Russian military base in Sevastopol, home to the Black Sea Fleet. The use of S-500 missiles in the defense network was confirmed. Amidst casualties, Russian claims of intercepted ballistic missiles…
In a daring drone raid, Ukrainian kamikaze UAVs targeted Russian-controlled territory, inflicting heavy blows on military bases and energy infrastructure. The attack spanned overnight, with drones hitting air defenses in Crimea and penetrating deep into mainland Russia. Both official and social media sources reported fires, damage, and casualties at multiple locations. Despite Russian air and sea defenses, the waves of drones caused significant chaos. Ukrainian drones hit targets in Crimean Peninsula and Russia’s southwestern Krasnodar Krai region, with some even reaching Volgograd oil refinery. Russian officials claimed to have shot down all aerial targets, denying substantial damage. However, conflicting reports…
A major announcement was made at the recent Eurostatory arms show in Paris by a senior executive from Northrop Grumman, revealing plans to manufacture ammunition in Ukraine. Dave Bartell, the Director of International Business at Northrop Grumman Defense System, disclosed that the assembly line in Ukraine would produce “medium caliber” ammunition funded by Ukrainian defense funds. This marks the first time a major American arms producer has openly declared intent to manufacture munitions in Ukraine. Stanley Brown from the US State Department also confirmed the expectation of production, with a potential $2 billion US-financed Ukraine assistance program to support financing.…
Ukrainian pilots in Kyiv have changed their tactics by using modern precision-guided bombs to target Russian infantry in the town of Vovchansk, breaking away from traditional strategies of avoiding frontline battles dominated by the Russian Air Force. Reports confirm at least eight laser- or GPS-guided munitions launched by Ukrainian aircraft hitting Russian positions at a parts machining factory in the Kharkiv region. The bombs, identified as GBU-39B or ASSM HAMMER, have been successful in isolating Russian troops inside the Vovchansk Aggregate Factory, with estimates ranging from a few dozen to 400 soldiers. As the battle intensifies, Ukrainian forces have captured…
A US Air Force Global Hawk reconnaissance drone, call sign FORTE12, was spotted near Russian-occupied Crimea during Ukrainian missile strikes. The $200 million spy plane, equipped with advanced sensors, was stationed southwest of Sevastopol hours before Ukrainian forces launched missiles at Russian military targets. The Global Hawk typically avoids entering Black Sea airspace during Ukrainian strikes but this time flew close to the action, monitoring the situation. Reports suggest Ukrainian missiles targeted Russian military installations, including airfields and air defense systems. Although there are claims of damage to Russian S-400 systems, these remain unconfirmed. The Ukrainian strikes also aimed at…
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has shifted its operations to the Sea of Azov, where Kiev’s efforts to sink Russian warships have escalated. The Sea of Azov presents challenges for large vessels, making it harder for the fleet to evade Ukrainian attacks using drones and precision-guided missiles. Kremlin ordered major warships to gather in the Sea of Azov for exercises, relocating from the Black Sea ports. Ukrainian attempts to attack Russian vessels in the Black Sea were countered using helicopters, prompting the fleet’s move. The recent maneuvers in the Sea of Azov saw Ukrainian drones targeting Russian vessels near mainland Russia,…