Sunday19 January 2025
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What’s this “new” wheeled self-propelled howitzer from the Russians? It takes 100 technicians to support one MiG-29 pilot. More news from the week.

What’s this “new” wheeled self-propelled howitzer from the Russians? It takes 100 technicians to support one MiG-29 pilot. More news from the week.

We share insights on these and other materials and events of the week, including how the U.S. Navy expended over 200 valuable missiles to counter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
What is the current situation regarding AIM-120 missiles for Poland's FA-50 aircraft?

What is the current situation regarding AIM-120 missiles for Poland's FA-50 aircraft?

Poland is acquiring weapons for its FA-50 aircraft, with a particular focus on medium-range air-to-air missiles.
The BTR-50 was first revealed in 2023, and Russia continues to deploy these vehicles on the battlefield today.

The BTR-50 was first revealed in 2023, and Russia continues to deploy these vehicles on the battlefield today.

As of today, based on available photos and videos, the Defense Forces have destroyed at least 10 enemy BTR-50 armored personnel carriers.
How quickly Poland received the first 28 out of 250 advanced Abrams tanks.

How quickly Poland received the first 28 out of 250 advanced Abrams tanks.

Poland currently has 116 M1A1FEP Abrams tanks in its arsenal, and the deliveries of the latest SEPv3 version have now commenced.
The downed Mi-8 helicopter was valued at 200 million rubles by the Russian Ministry of Defense, highlighting the cost of Russian military equipment.

The downed Mi-8 helicopter was valued at 200 million rubles by the Russian Ministry of Defense, highlighting the cost of Russian military equipment.

Here’s another illustration of how the Russians manipulate formal indicators to showcase the value of their weaponry.
The Rashists in Kursk couldn't find a better fate for their BTR-D than to sink them in the crossing.

The Rashists in Kursk couldn't find a better fate for their BTR-D than to sink them in the crossing.

This may seem like just a local example, but it speaks volumes about the level of rationality in the use of armored vehicles by the Russian army.
Why the Netherlands is paying $529 million for a new Patriot air defense system.

Why the Netherlands is paying $529 million for a new Patriot air defense system.

The estimated value of Patriot is often cited as $1 billion, but there are factors that can lead to a lower formal price.
Russia employs kamikaze drones equipped with "Molniya" sticks and TM-62 mines as warheads, but they have a significant drawback.

Russia employs kamikaze drones equipped with "Molniya" sticks and TM-62 mines as warheads, but they have a significant drawback.

Previously, drones like "Molniya" and "Privet-82" were equipped with cumulative grenades or KZ-6, similar to the "Lancet." However, the enemy is now deploying them with 10 kg anti-tank mines.
Russia aimed to sell its corvettes to Algeria, but ultimately, the country opted for China's Type 056 "copy ships" instead.

Russia aimed to sell its corvettes to Algeria, but ultimately, the country opted for China's Type 056 "copy ships" instead.

A notable story about how China began to push Russians out of traditional arms markets even before the full-scale war against Ukraine.
Norway is committed to ecology by transitioning the F-35 to biofuel, yet the initiative remains rooted in practical considerations.

Norway is committed to ecology by transitioning the F-35 to biofuel, yet the initiative remains rooted in practical considerations.

The Norwegian Air Force states that their F-35 jets are responsible for one-third of carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, transitioning to biofuels is an environmentally friendly solution. However, there is another practical reason behind this move.
If Colombia proceeds with the Gripen order, the US may impose a veto on the aircraft's components.

If Colombia proceeds with the Gripen order, the US may impose a veto on the aircraft's components.

Americans are prepared to take any measures necessary to solidify their presence in Latin America, particularly concerning the arms market.
The Boeing T-7A training jet faces further delays, this time due to the Pentagon's demands for additional features.

The Boeing T-7A training jet faces further delays, this time due to the Pentagon's demands for additional features.

The T-7A Red Hawk is a prime example of how what seems like a straightforward task—creating a training aircraft—can lead to unforeseen challenges and delays.
Romania provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a copy of the BM-21 "Grad," known as APR-40. How is this system performing in the field?

Romania provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a copy of the BM-21 "Grad," known as APR-40. How is this system performing in the field?

An intriguing comparison of the two systems under the "Warsaw Pact" standard reveals visual similarities yet significant differences.
The U.S. fleet commander expressed frustration over combat lasers, noting they've been discussed since Reagan's era but still lack tangible results.

The U.S. fleet commander expressed frustration over combat lasers, noting they've been discussed since Reagan's era but still lack tangible results.

Despite the fact that a ship serves as an ideal platform for a combat laser, and the laser itself addresses the critical issue of ammunition supply, the United States still lacks the necessary prototypes, even though development has been ongoing since the 1980s.
When Starmer mentions 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine, he’s referring specifically to barrels, not what we might have assumed otherwise.

When Starmer mentions 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine, he’s referring specifically to barrels, not what we might have assumed otherwise.

The new package from the United Kingdom contains a highly significant aspect that deserves to be examined separately.
Germans recalled the Heimatschutz from the Cold War era and plan to form a territorial defense division. But is there enough weaponry for this initiative?

Germans recalled the Heimatschutz from the Cold War era and plan to form a territorial defense division. But is there enough weaponry for this initiative?

Or a visual representation of the challenges in forming new divisions, using the Bundeswehr as an example.
While repelling Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy fired over 200 missiles, each costing between $4 million and $12 million.

While repelling Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy fired over 200 missiles, each costing between $4 million and $12 million.

The total cost of the U.S. Navy's surface-to-air missiles during Operation Prosperity Guardian has confidently surpassed $1 billion, yet the outcome remains rather questionable.
Russia has once again deployed X-55SM cruise missiles, equipped with a nuclear warhead simulator, to strike Ukraine.

Russia has once again deployed X-55SM cruise missiles, equipped with a nuclear warhead simulator, to strike Ukraine.

Overall, the enemy employed 117 aerial attack assets during the assault, while Ukrainian forces successfully neutralized 100% of the drones and 85% of the cruise and guided missiles.
How the Ministry of Defense Agency justifies a contract for 80-year-old anti-tank mines while "forgetting" they could have purchased them for 2.5 times less.

How the Ministry of Defense Agency justifies a contract for 80-year-old anti-tank mines while "forgetting" they could have purchased them for 2.5 times less.

While these same M6A2 mines, which can't even damage a tank track, were offered to the Defense Procurement Agency at a price 2.5 times lower, they were of no interest. However, everything changed as soon as the price approached 600 euros.
The Russians had 550 "Hyacinth-B" and only 250 "Msta-B," which may shed light on their new wheeled self-propelled artillery system.

The Russians had 550 "Hyacinth-B" and only 250 "Msta-B," which may shed light on their new wheeled self-propelled artillery system.

Russia has developed an artillery hybrid, which may have entirely rational motives behind it.
What’s included in Germany's new aid package? Discover the latest updates and significant surprises.

What’s included in Germany's new aid package? Discover the latest updates and significant surprises.

The latest list of weapons from Germany for Ukraine includes a range of new models, including the AiTO30 FDC based on the Boxer platform.
The U.S. is now concerned about Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles, which are believed to have the capability to reach American territory.

The U.S. is now concerned about Pakistan's long-range ballistic missiles, which are believed to have the capability to reach American territory.

Not only is this statement paradoxical, but the actions of the Americans in this situation are also surprisingly noteworthy.
The A-29 Super Tucano has gained a new customer, transitioning entirely from jet to propeller-driven combat aircraft.

The A-29 Super Tucano has gained a new customer, transitioning entirely from jet to propeller-driven combat aircraft.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the air forces of various countries transitioned from propeller-driven to jet aircraft. However, in the 21st century, some have reverted back.
Some Territorial Defense units in Poland will receive Dana self-propelled howitzers, followed by 105mm artillery. Various options are being considered.

Some Territorial Defense units in Poland will receive Dana self-propelled howitzers, followed by 105mm artillery. Various options are being considered.

Poland aims to provide artillery support to its territorial defense. How can this concept be implemented?
"Infosec" has updated "Plastun" and announced the number of complexes delivered to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

"Infosec" has updated "Plastun" and announced the number of complexes delivered to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In 2024, "Infosecurity" supplied the Ukrainian military with over 300 radio reconnaissance devices, including "Plastun" and "Pluton."
The Pentagon acknowledged that China may prevail in the sixth-generation fighter jet race.

The Pentagon acknowledged that China may prevail in the sixth-generation fighter jet race.

An additional $20 billion is required to advance the NGAD project, and if it is canceled or restructured, even more funding and time will be needed.
Slovakia prefers light tanks based on the CV90 with a 120mm cannon instead of T-72s, but this choice raises some concerns, to say the least.

Slovakia prefers light tanks based on the CV90 with a 120mm cannon instead of T-72s, but this choice raises some concerns, to say the least.

In addition to everything else, this example clearly illustrates that unification within NATO is struggling on all possible fronts.
The United Kingdom is prepared to sell two versatile landing ships, both of which are under 25 years old.

The United Kingdom is prepared to sell two versatile landing ships, both of which are under 25 years old.

Two UDC-class Albion vessels are up for sale, as despite discussions about plans for their modernization, they were ultimately left to deteriorate over time.
If Poland is truly prepared to provide a new aid package to Ukraine, will it include T-72 tanks or BMP-1 vehicles, not to mention MiG-29 fighters?

If Poland is truly prepared to provide a new aid package to Ukraine, will it include T-72 tanks or BMP-1 vehicles, not to mention MiG-29 fighters?

The Polish authorities have expressed their readiness to resume defense support for our country; however, there are concerns regarding the content of the upcoming aid package.
On the Russian cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov," the reactor has been activated, and the deadlines for its delivery have been postponed once again.

On the Russian cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov," the reactor has been activated, and the deadlines for its delivery have been postponed once again.

Over $5 billion has already been spent on the modernization of the nuclear missile cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov," which was launched in 1986, and there are no plans to halt the process.