Author: Steve Brown
Recent claims from Russian media outlets and social media platforms have alleged sightings of four F-16 fighter aircraft flying over Odesa and surrounding areas of Ukraine, with some sources suggesting they took off from Romanian airfields. However, Romania’s Ministry of National Defense denied these claims, stating that the F-16 aircraft only operate within Romanian airspace for training and policing missions. Romania hosts the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) at the Fetesti military airbase, providing training for NATO countries and Ukraine. With Romania itself owning around 50 F-16s and planning to replace them with F-35 fighters in the future, speculation arose…
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft, belonging to Gazprom avia, crashed during a test flight near Moscow, killing its three-man crew. The cause of the crash is unknown, with reports of engine failure, a bird strike, or a fuel issue. The test flight was unauthorized, leading to an investigation by the country’s top criminal agency. The SSJ100, with Western-sourced components, including French engines, faced challenges after Safran withdrew support post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The aviation industry in Russia has been impacted by sanctions, resulting in increased in-flight emergencies. Despite claims of self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance, the crash raises doubts. Rostech…
Since February 2022, Ukraine has been under a constant threat of Russian missile and drone attacks following the full-scale invasion. Despite calls for protection, support has been limited until recently. However, a recent security cooperation agreement between Ukraine and Poland has sparked hope for assistance. Clause 20 of the agreement hints at the possibility of intercepting Russian missiles and UAVs aimed towards Poland. While not a firm commitment, it signifies a step towards potential cross-border defense. With discussions on air defense for Ukraine gaining momentum at the NATO summit, Poland’s capabilities come into focus. From Aegis Ashore to Patriot missile…
In a pre-summit press conference ahead of the NATO Heads of State Summit, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg outlined the agenda for the meeting. He emphasized celebrating 75 years of the alliance’s success and the need for crucial decisions in three key areas: increased support to Ukraine, strengthening collective defense, and enhancing global partnerships. Stoltenberg highlighted five areas of support for Ukraine, including centralized security assistance, formal financial pledges, immediate military support, bilateral security agreements, and a new training center for military interoperability. He stressed the growing cooperation between NATO and Ukraine, moving towards the possibility of NATO membership. Addressing wider…
Iran’s runoff presidential election saw reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian emerge victorious with 53.6 percent of the votes, promising outreach to the West and more relaxed laws. The election followed the tragic helicopter crash deaths of top officials, creating a political void. Pezeshkian’s victory was met with a call for unity, despite the social media ban in Iran. However, his moderate stance may face opposition from hardliners in the government and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds significant power. The President-elect aims to improve Iran’s international relations, except with Israel, while his stance on Moscow remains unclear. Notably, leaders like Putin congratulated…
The “St Petersburg Technologies of Detecting and Countering UAVs Conference 2024” was recently held by the RuDrones competence center in collaboration with the Vector Research Institute, a part of the State-owned Rostec corporation. At the conference, Andrey Tabekin from Belgorod Region Ministry of Digital Development highlighted the emerging threat from jet-powered drones and the new chapter in combat strategy. The focus of the summit was on electronic warfare and physical prevention of drone attacks. Three innovative systems were discussed, including the Vogan-9SP CUAS, a counter-drone interceptor developed by Russia’s Red Line company. This kamikaze drone can detect and take down…
A recent New York Times article highlighted Russia’s unconventional use of motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and dune buggies in attacks on Ukrainian defensive positions. The strategy aims to swiftly navigate open spaces, avoid detection, and minimize exposure compared to traditional armored vehicles vulnerable to drone and artillery strikes. Ukrainian military officer Lt. Mykhailo Hubitsky emphasized the speed and agility of these vehicles, but the grim reality shows that the more Russian soldiers employ motorcycles, the higher the casualties. Ukrainian forces have intercepted, destroyed, and damaged numerous motorcycles and ATVs, impacting Russian troops. Despite significant losses, Russian commanders persist in deploying…
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia assumes the chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July. The UNSC, consisting of five permanent members and ten elected ones, aims to maintain international peace and security by taking necessary actions when needed. Established in 1945, the UNSC is responsible for addressing threats to peace, breaches, and acts of aggression. However, critics argue that the power of veto held by permanent members often undermines the council’s effectiveness. Russia’s agenda for July includes discussions on creating a fairer world order, addressing the Middle East crisis, and strengthening cooperation…
Russian milblogger FighterBomber shared footage of a strike using a 3,000-kilogram FAB-3000 bomb turned into a stand-off bomb. The bomb contains high explosives and three fuses for precise targeting. The strike targeted a building used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, causing significant damage to nearby buildings. This larger bomb poses a new threat compared to previous aerial bombs used by Russia in the conflict. Mainstream military analysts suggest that even a near miss by the FAB-3000 bomb could have devastating effects due to its destructive radius. This raises questions about the availability of these bombs and the aircraft capable of…
Europe’s largest defense show, Eurosatory 2024, began at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, with a focus on groundbreaking developments in military technology. Retired French Maj. Gen. Charles Beaudouin highlighted six main areas of focus: drones, mobile air defense, long-range artillery, landmine clearance, electronic warfare, and armored vehicles.Advancements in drones were a major highlight, with a shift towards weapon-carrying UAV systems. Innovations like the German Donaustahl company’s MAUS FPV drone reflect the evolving landscape of drone warfare. Tethered drones and attack cargo drones also garnered attention for their surveillance and offensive capabilities.Mobile air defense systems showcased at the event emphasized the need…