A landslide victory for Ukraine, the US officially supplies the Patriot Missile System for the war against Russia

A landslide victory for Ukraine, the US officially supplies the Patriot Missile System for the war against Russia.

Susi Susanti, Okezone · Thursday 22 December.

WASHINGTON - The United States (US) said on Wednesday (21/12/2022) that it would provide Ukraine with an advanced Patriot air defense system to help counter Russia's relentless air strikes.

The system is part of a $1.85 billion aid program launched in conjunction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, which was his first trip abroad since invading Russia in February.

The announcement is a significant victory for Kyiv, which has repeatedly pushed Washington to provide the Patriot system, and a sign of strong US support for Ukraine that will help bolster the country's defense.

"Today's assistance includes the Patriot Air Defense System for the first time, which is capable of taking down cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and aircraft at much higher altitudes than previously provided air defense systems," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. a statement. The statement, quoted by AFP.

Ukraine's air defenses have played a key role in protecting the country from attack and preventing Moscow's forces from taking over the skies. But as Russia experienced increasing setbacks on the ground, it began systematically targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine in attacks that have disrupted power, air and heat for millions of people. Created by Raytheon, the MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system originally developed to intercept high-flying aircraft. It was modified in the 1980s to focus on new tactical ballistic missile threats, and proved itself against Iraq's Russian-built Scuds in the first Gulf War - the first time the system had been used in combat.

While Russia has not used many ballistic missiles during its war in Ukraine, Washington says Moscow has discussed getting them from Iran.

"Unlike other Western systems that have been delivered to Ukraine, (Patriot) has some anti-ballistic missile capabilities (depending on the type of missile used)," Karl Mueller, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation, told AFP. "If Russia acquires a large number of ballistic missiles from Iran, as many predict, most of the rest of Ukraine's air defense systems will not provide any protection against them," he added. Patriot has proven effective in Saudi Arabia against Iranian ballistic missile designs fired from Yemen, and prime contractor Raytheon says the system has intercepted more than 150 ballistic missiles in combat since 2015. When Russia invaded in February, Ukraine's air defenses consisted mostly of Soviet-era aircraft and SAM systems, which Kyiv used effectively to deny Moscow air superiority.

They have been significantly enlarged since the start of the war: the United States provided NASAMS and Germany IRIS-T - two advanced systems - while older equipment such as the S-300 and HAWK systems and Stinger missiles have also been developed.

Kyiv has used a variety of systems against the Moscow cruise missiles and bomb-like Shahed-136 drones, but modern SAM launchers and missile systems - including NASAMS - are sorely in short supply. Ukraine's international backer's aim is to build a 'multi-layered' air defense for the country consisting of low, medium and high altitude systems that can protect against a wide range of threats.

Turkey Upgrades F-16 Fighter Jets with Homemade Mission Computer Systems

Turkey Upgrades F-16 Fighter Jets with Homemade Mission Computer Systems.

Friday, 13/1/2023.

ANKARA - Turkey is upgrading the capabilities of its F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet with a domestically made mission computer system codenamed MGB. This is a Turkish Air Force program to upgrade F-16 Block 30 fighter jets to the more advanced Block 70.

The MGB's mission computers serve to expand the capabilities of F-16 pilots through the latest avionics infrastructure. Turkish F-16s will receive a new console with multifunction color display. Turkey will also upgrade the "friend-foe" system.

A Turkish source said the domestically made "friends-enemy" system is equivalent to NATO's KY58 and KY100. Turkey refers to this system as IFF Mod 5/S which is like the NATO system, it provides encrypted communications and links.

The creation of the MGB mission computer is part of Ankara's plans to make the Turkish armed forces more independent, not dependent on foreign manufacturers and suppliers. “Turkey will receive its first F-16 upgrade this year,” said Professor Ismail Demir, President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) quoted from the Bulgarian Military website, Tuesday (10/1/2022).

The third important component that will help upgrade the Turkish F-16s is the replacement of the new radar. Turkey's obsolete F-16 Block 30 fighter jet radar will receive the MURAD AESA radar designed and manufactured by Turkish company Aselsan.

Turkey claims that the MURAD AESA radar has better detection and targeting than its US competitor, the APG-83 radar. Bosphorus media reported that a total of 79 F-16 Block 30 fighter aircraft of the Turkish Air Force will be modernized under Turkey's Ozgur programme.

Turkey Upgrades F-16 Fighter Jets with Homemade Mission Computer Systems

The MGB mission computer was first introduced by the Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank before parliament in November 2022. Quoted from the Anadolu Agency (AA) website, the MGB mission computer is designed to be the "brain" of Turkey's 5th generation fighter aircraft.

The mission computer was designed by the Research Center for Advanced Technology Informatics and Information Security (BILGEM) of the Türkiye Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBITAK). Later this mission computer was delivered to the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI).

This increase makes the capabilities of the Turkish F-16 fighter jets more sophisticated and extends their service life. Most importantly, Turkey is not completely dependent on mission computer systems made by other countries and can be applied to TAI's 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Source: science.sindonews.com

Taiwan Can Beat China If The US and Japan Get Together

Taiwan Can Beat China If The US and Japan Get Together

WASHINGTON - A simulation run by the think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has determined that Taiwan will emerge victorious if faced with a Chinese invasion in 2026.

However, this victory assumes that Taipei will receive military support from the United States (US) and Japan.

Even that victory, if it did come, would come at a high cost in the three or four weeks of fighting that was expected to ensue.

The results of the war simulation released on Monday (9/1/2023) were carried out using historical and operational research. The model is run 24 times.

Dozens of ships, hundreds of planes and tens of thousands of troops will be lost on all sides of the potential war.

There are also scenarios in the simulation, though rare, where China comes out on top.

According to CSIS, Taiwan must survive and the US must have access to bases in Japan for Taiwan to win.

The group is also running a scenario in which Taiwan does not receive direct military support from Japan and the United States.

In that scenario, China comes out on top. Unlike the situation in Ukraine, the United States will not be able to pump weapons into Taiwan and China will easily isolate the island.

Japan is not committed to defending Taiwan in a potential war with the mainland. However, last year he decided to increase his military capabilities, moving from a "defence only" force to a more substantial force.

The simulation model also noted that war would be disastrous for all countries involved, and that was without considering the possibility of using nuclear weapons.

China has the world's third largest nuclear stockpile while the United States ranks second.

Any potential prolonged nuclear conflict between the two powers would devastate the world and make Taiwan the best of afterthoughts.

While the CSIS simulation model predicts Taiwan will win in most scenarios with the support of the United States, it acknowledges that China may look at the military situation from a different light.

“While our analysis suggests that the United States and Taiwan will win and suffer heavy casualties, it is conceivable that China views it differently,” CSIS International Security Program senior adviser Mark Cancian told The Hill Tuesday (10/1/2023).

"That's why we recommend increasing deterrence so we don't get into this situation in the first place," he said.

While Cancian takes a firm stance on funding Taiwan, he insists the study does not presume that the United States must defend Taiwan with direct military action.

Instead, he said, his aim was to highlight how costly such wars can be.

It should also be noted that CSIS is a notoriously pro-war think tank, and has been funded by weapons manufacturers and defense contractors.

source : international.sindonews.com

Poland considers Ukraine's request to donate 240 Leopard 2 tanks

Poland considers Ukraine's request to donate 240 Leopard 2 tanks.

January 9, 2023. author of Author Poetra

The Polish government is considering Kyiv's request to donate its more 240 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Polish diplomats told US media recently.

It is said that it is possible that all 240 German-made Leopard 2 tanks will be transferred to Ukraine if Poland can quickly receive replacements.

According to The Wall Street Journal, early in the war Poland had provided Ukraine with more than 240 modernized Soviet-made tanks.

“They are really considering giving anything just to help Ukraine,” said a Czech official closely involved in aiding Western arms shipments to Ukraine commenting on the Polish official's remarks.

It added that the speed of its delivery to Ukraine depended on how quickly Poland received the replacement tanks it had ordered from South Korea and the US.

It is said that Berlin has approved the planned donation of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

"Now the problem is only time, when," continued the Czech official.

Poland has more than 1,000 tanks including various variants of the Leopard tank. One of them is 249 units of Leopard 2.

Source: www.airspace-review.com

The US wants to extend the life of the Lockheed F-117 Night Hawk stealth attack aircraft to 2034

The US wants to extend the life of the Lockheed F-117 Night Hawk stealth attack aircraft to 2034

The US Air Force intends to maintain its Lockheed F-117 Night Hawk stealth aircraft through the middle of the next decade. The service is considering ways to keep the attack aircraft in service until 2034.

One of the features of the Lockheed F-117 Night Hawk is that its operation began back in 1983, although the military first recognized the existence of the attack aircraft only 5 years later. In 2008, the US retired all F-117s. In more than two decades, 64 aircraft were produced, and the development program cost more than $6.5 billion.

The US Air Force is seeking companies interested in a potential 10-year contract to maintain the Night Hawk starting in 2024.

Source: sundries.com.ua

NATO and European Union Sign Joint Security Declaration Amid the Russia-Ukrainian War

NATO and European Union Sign Joint Security Declaration Amid the Russia-Ukrainian War.

BRUSSELS - NATO and the European Union (EU) signed a declaration of joint security cooperation – the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year – highlighting the importance of the US-led trans-Atlantic alliance.

Speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said they were determined to take the partnership between NATO and the EU to another level.

Stoltenberg stressed the importance of the changing security environment in Europe after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He said the partnership between NATO and the European Union would become even more important once Finland and Sweden become full NATO member states.

"With their accession, NATO will protect 96% of the citizens of the European Union and a higher share of its territory than ever before," Stoltenberg told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels as quoted by The Washington Times, Tuesday (10/1/2023) .

Even as some European leaders continued to call for emphasis on US military support, the joint declaration stated that NATO remains the foundation of collective defense for its allies and essential to Euro-Atlantic security.

“Our declaration makes it clear that NATO remains the foundation of our collective defense and remains critical to Euro-Atlantic security. It also recognizes the value of a more capable European defense that contributes positively to our security and is complementary and interoperable with NATO,” Stoltenberg said, agreeing that the EU's embryonic defense capabilities should complement NATO, as reported by Euronews.

This was also agreed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“Russia's threats and challenges are the most direct, but they are not the only ones. We are also witnessing China increasingly trying to reshape the international order to its advantage. So we have to strengthen our own resilience. And with this new joint declaration, we are also taking our partnership to the next level," he said.

According to the declaration European countries should spend more and build stronger armies, but their efforts should complement NATO's strategy, rather than compete with it.

This is actually the third declaration that deepens security and defense cooperation in Europe. The declaration is based on similar agreements in 2016 and 2018 in the context of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.

The European Union and NATO have 21 members who share common values and play complementary and strengthening roles in supporting international peace and security.

The increased cooperation between the two organizations has given it a new impetus since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Source: international.sindonews.com

Zelensky believes Russia is ready to launch a new, larger offensive

Zelensky believes Russia is ready to launch a new, larger offensive.

Kompas.com, January 4, 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia plans to call up more troops for a new major offensive.

Zelensky believes Russia will mount a major offensive even though Moscow has faced some of its biggest internal criticism of the war over the attack which killed scores of new conscripts.

Kyiv has been saying for weeks that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to order another mass conscription and close its borders to prevent men from escaping conscription.

"We have no doubt that Russia today will throw everything they have and everyone they can muster to try to turn the tide of the war and at least delay their defeat," Zelenskiy said in his video address late Tuesday (3/1/2022).

Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine on New Year's Eve to Putin and Zelensky's Speeches

Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine on New Year's Eve to Putin and Zelensky's Speeches

"We must thwart this Russian scenario. We are preparing for this. The terrorists must be defeated. Any new offensive attempts by them must fail," he added.

Russia's defense ministry on Wednesday (4/1/2022) blamed its troops' use of cellphones for a Ukrainian attack on New Year's Eve that it says killed 89 servicemen.

This is the deadliest incident Moscow has claimed for its troops since the start of the war.

If Russia plans a new mobilization, the deaths of a number of conscripts on New Year's Eve could undermine morale.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled Russia when Putin ordered the first call-up of reservists since World War Two in September after a military setback.

Putin said last month there was no need for further mobilization. But in a sign the Kremlin may now be considering, a small group claiming to represent Russian soldier widows issued a call on Tuesday for Putin to order a massive mobilization of millions of people.

Source: www.kompas.com

Russian Drones Are 7 Times Cheaper Than Ukrainian S-300 Air Defense Missiles

Russian Drones Are 7 Times Cheaper Than Ukrainian S-300 Air Defense Missiles.

Thursday, January 05, 2023.

The fact remains that the smaller kamikaze drones used by the Russians were far cheaper than the Ukrainian air defense missiles used against them.

This was revealed in a New York Times (NYT) report which added that the price difference was creating problems for Kiev and its Western backers.

In its Tuesday article, the newspaper did not question Kiev's claim that most of the drones (UAVs) launched by Russia were shot down.

The NYT points out, however, that even in this case Ukraine's air defense stockpile has been depleted.

"How long can Ukraine sustain its efforts when many of its defensive measures cost far more than the drones?" wrote the NYT wondering.

“In addition to trying to destroy the incoming drones with anti-aircraft guns and small arms fire, the Kiev forces also rely heavily on fighter and ground-launched missiles which are very expensive,” wrote the NYT.

The newspaper quoted the head of Ukrainian consultancy Molfar, Artem Starosiek, as claiming using missiles against UAVs costs up to seven times more than the drones themselves.

"The drones used by Russia are priced at around $20,000 per unit, while surface-to-air missiles from the Ukrainian arsenal range from $140,000 for the Soviet era to $500,000 for the US-supplied NASAM system," Starosiek said.

The article claims the drone that Russia used in Ukraine was the Shahed-136, which was supplied by Iran. This claim has been denied by Moscow and Tehran on numerous occasions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) confirmed that the Geran-2 drone was domestically manufactured, as was all the other hardware used in the military operation against Kiev.

Iran's Foreign Ministry only confirmed the delivery of a small number of drones to Russia before the outbreak of conflict with Ukraine.

Tehran stressed no new shipments had been made since then.

Nevertheless, Starosiek defended the Kiev strategy, arguing, “It still costs far less to shoot down a drone than to repair a damaged or destroyed power plant.”

However, the NYT warned, “The price differential between drones and air defense is an imbalance that could over time work in favor of Russia, against Ukraine and its allies, according to some analysts.”

As per Molfar's estimates, Russia has targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure and energy systems with around 600 drones since September, when UAVs began to be used more widely.

Russia drastically ramped up its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in early October in response to repeated Ukrainian sabotage on Russian soil, including the Crimea Bridge bombing, which Moscow blamed on Kiev.

Although the attack was welcomed by top Ukrainian officials, Kiev has denied involvement.

Source: international.sindonews.com

The AH-64E Apache Helicopter Is Now Installed With Laser-Based MANPADS Anti-Missile Protection Devices.

The AH-64E Apache Helicopter Is Now Installed With Laser-Based MANPADS Anti-Missile Protection Devices.

Thursday, January 05, 2023.

Responding to the dynamics of today's combat, the United States Army (US Army) is announced to be completing new capabilities on the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. The new capability in question is not in the aspect of weapons, but rather the provision of protection devices to block MANPADS Hanud missile attacks with infrared guidance.

To complement and replace flares, the solution installed on the AH-64E US Army is the Common Infrared Countermeasures Self-protection System (CIRCM). Like the DIRCM (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) installed on the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter jet, CIRCM provides the helicopter a valuable additional layer of defense against heat-hunting missiles.

Quoted from Thedrive.com, it is not clear when the US Army installed CIRCM on the AH-64E attack helicopters. Information from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website, only states that around 100 unspecified types of aircraft have been fitted with this laser-based jamming device.

This defensive system, made by Northrop Grumman, is said to enter full-grade production for the US Army in May 2021. As well as being installed on the AH-64E Apache, the CIRCM is also installed on some UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and will be used on the CH-47F heavy transport helicopter Chinooks.

A complete CIRCM system includes a centralized control unit and Pointers/Trackers, (trackers). On the AH-64E, the pointer/tracker is mounted on a sponge attached to the wingtip of the wing stub.

How it works, the laser beam on CIRCM will work quickly to target the missile guidance system, the goal is to blind the seeker on infrared missiles, both Hanud missiles and short-range air-to-air missiles.

The integration of a jamming system to blind infrared guided missiles is the latest development in an effort to respond to operational challenges, especially by the AH-64E crew units operating in the Middle East. (Glang Prime).

Source: www.indomilitary.com

Chinese Aircraft Carrier "Fujian" Prepares for Sea Trial This Year, Challenges US Ocean Domination

Chinese Aircraft Carrier "Fujian" Prepares for Sea Trial This Year, Challenges US Ocean Domination.

Thursday, January 05, 2023.

After being officially launched on June 17 2022, China's third aircraft carrier, Type 003 Fujian, is reportedly now in the preparation stage to start sea trials this year. Fujian is China's largest and most advanced warship to date. Fujian's presence is part of an important step in President Xi Jinping's grand plan to upgrade the military and close the military technology gap with the United States.

Since launch, currently Fujian is being prepared at Jiangnan Shipyard near Shanghai, simultaneous mooring trials started in September 2022 to shorten the delivery period to the Chinese Navy. The fit-out phase, which occurs after launch and before sea trials, sees the carrier preparing for delivery and marks the end of construction.

Quoted from the South China Moring Post, the systems on board, ranging from mechanical equipment to propulsion power, are tested during mooring tests to see how effectively they function independently and collectively.

President Xi Jinping mentioned on December 31, 2022, that Fujian is expected to have a significant presence in the Taiwan Strait. China's third aircraft carrier is claimed to be comparable to the USS Gerald R. Ford, the only other warship with a state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapult.

In contrast to the ski-jump designs of the first and second Chinese carriers – Liaoning and Shandong, Fujian has advanced EMALS (Advanced Electromagnetic Launch System) electromagnetic catapults. Therefore, the Chinese Navy had to learn new procedures for launching and recovering aircraft.

Fujian looks equipped with a tower (island) that adopts a semi-stealth design. As for weapons, Fujian can be seen that one of them is equipped with a seven-barrel CIWS (Close In Weapon System) quick reaction canon of 30 mm caliber - Type 730.

Fujian is a conventionally powered aircraft carrier with displacements in the range of 85000 – 100000 tonnes. Although China is known to be developing a stealth fighter jet that will operate on aircraft carriers (Shenyang J-35), it is believed that the ultimate weapon that Fujian can release is still the Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark fighter jet.

Xi Jinping further added that he sincerely hopes that citizens on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will work together and have the same goal of contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation. (Sapto Wahono)

Source: www.indomilitary.com

The Russian military receives additional advanced Ka-52M helicopters

The Russian military receives additional advanced Ka-52M helicopters.

January 7, 2023. by Author Jaden.

The Russian military has acquired the latest advanced attack and reconnaissance helicopter, the Ka-52M.

This is the latest upgraded helicopter delivered to the Russian army, said a source in Russian industry.

“The first Ka-52M helicopters have been handed over to the Russian troops. Deliveries of the upgraded helicopters will also resume in 2023," the source was quoted as saying by TASS.

About ten helicopters will be supplied for the Russian army's aviation this year, he continued.

Previously on September 3, 2022 Airspace Review reported that the Russian Armed Forces had deployed upgraded Ka-52M reconnaissance/attack helicopters in their special military operation in Ukraine.

A Russian defense industry source said the Ka-52M underwent state and military trials in Ukraine.

“Currently, the Ka-52M is undergoing state trials and the military has made the decision to test the upgraded combat in special operations. Helicopters have proven their value in action,” said an unnamed source, September 2, 2022.

The results of the deployment of the helicopters in Ukraine were then evaluated for further improvement.

The Ka-52M is an upgraded version of the Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter.

The missile armament of the Ka-52M has been standardized with the advanced weapons range of other Mi-28NM helicopters.

The Ka-52M is equipped with a new phased array radar station and long-range missiles. The upgraded fighter prototype made its debut flight on 10 August 2020.

The KA-52M's design features the best technical solutions, namely a gyro-stabilized long-range optoelectronic target acquisition and identification system, new digital drive guidance to improve gun aiming accuracy, new chassis wheels with disc-breaking gear, and more wear-resistant aircraft tires. In addition, the helicopters use the new VK-2500 engine.

The contract for the procurement of the Ka-52M has been signed between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the manufacturer of this helicopter, namely Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec.

Source: www.airspace-review.com

War Heats Up!, Kremlin Reveals US Become Main Beneficiary of Ukraine War

War Heats Up!, Kremlin Reveals US Become Main Beneficiary of Ukraine War.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in remarks published Monday, December 26, 2022, alleged that the United States was fueling the escalation in Ukraine because the US was the main beneficiary of the war.

He said it was Washington and NATO that turned Ukraine into a global crisis by trying to defeat Russia and achieve a Western victory on the battlefield.

"The collective actions of the Western countries and [Ukrainian President] Volodymyr Zelenskyy, controlled by them, confirm the global nature of the Ukraine crisis," Lavrov said in a new interview with the state-owned TASS news agency.

“It is no secret that the strategic goal of the US and its NATO allies is victory over Russia on the battlefield as a mechanism to significantly weaken or even destroy our country,” he said, as reported by ZeroHedge, Wednesday December 28, 2022. Lavrov explained that “recipients the main beneficiary” of the Ukraine war was the United States.

This is because the main “geopolitical goal” remains “breaking the traditional Russian-European relationship in order to further conquer Europe”. Corruption Prosecution in Afghanistan, Ex-President Karzai Reveals US Role "Our opponents will only do anything to achieve this goal," he stressed. Furthermore, he explained that this is what is behind the Ukraine crisis which is increasingly sliding from a proxy war into a 'hot conflict' in which a nuclear-armed superpower is inching towards a direct clash.

The top Russian diplomat also pointed out that American defense contractors are cooperating with the Pentagon's plans to cash in on the war in "the coming years":

“The US is doing everything to prolong the conflict and make it more violent. The Pentagon is openly planning orders for the American defense industry for years to come, constantly raising standards of military spending… and demanding the same from members of the anti-Russian Alliance,” Lavrov said.

Likely at the forefront of Lavrov's mind in delivering this unequivocal assessment that very much points to an escalation on the horizon are US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's “Russia is weakening” statement from last April. For the most part, Lavrov's fresh words and perspective have been vindicated and proven accurate by past and more recent statements by US defense officials and planners.

On the energy front, Europe being forced to divest from Russian natural gas at the same time is widely seen as a major "win" for the US energy sector.

Austin's earlier remarks, which came just months after Russia's February 24 invasion, demonstrated the long-standing US policy that "we want to see Russia weakened to the point where it cannot do the things it did in invading Ukraine."

And as CNN underlined at the time while quoting a National Security Council spokesperson to underscore Austin's comments, the Biden White House goal is "to make this invasion a strategic failure for Russia."

"We want Ukraine to win," the spokesperson said in earlier comments.

“One of our goals is to limit Russia's ability to do something like this again, as Secretary Austin has said. That is why we armed Ukraine with weapons and equipment to defend against Russian attacks, and that is why we are using sanctions and export controls directly targeted at the Russian defense industry to undermine Russia's economic and military power to threaten and attack its neighbours."

source : islamtoday.id