International Defence Green and White Papers [Archive]

Imp

May 25th, 2010, 01:56 PM

A thought that U.S. consumerism has lead to the rise of the Chinese Military

Not paid much attention to recently but USA certainly help fund China, in the turmoil the financal world is in at the moment guess who probably is suffering the least.
Consumerism yes Chinas GDP follows a general rise but what about debt who do you think USA owes a lot of those Trillions to.
The West no we are in the same shape try Asia if I remember correctly China & Japan own nearly half of the USA treasury so it makes sense to put the money made from that into the militrary for when you decide its time to stop lending.
What happens then USA collapses as no one underwrites the debt, then China says dont default on the payments or else. Give it a year or 2 to go pear shaped then ask for land in payment as it is now worth a fraction of what it was.
Who needs to invade now instead of Hong Kong being their gateway to the world they can revive the USA following the legal battle.
Hyperthetical of course

FASTBOAT TOUGH

June 13th, 2010, 03:34 PM

Some more light reading.
1. ADF outlook until 2030. Focuses on naval requirements, overseas commitments and where they see themselves in Asia.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file1105/

2. NATO research paper on Russian Federation military doctrine with it's concerns over NATO and it's place in the world community.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file1208/

3. A very good article on Norways outlook thiss year and beyond.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/12437/

Got to get back to some World Cup!
Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

August 5th, 2010, 12:30 AM

Been awhile.
1. A very interesting article on why NATO shouldn't back down on the missile defense program due to the Russian overwhelming advantage in tactical nukes.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/629/

2. The role of the Danish Military 2010-2014 as presented by their government.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/architectural/file1439/

3. A very interesting read from President Sarkozy on Frances reintergration into NATO.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file1376/

I'll have more on France in another thread, something I predicted (Through good research.) that will also answer a question of a certain type of munitions being developed. FRES anyone?

Good Night!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 11th, 2010, 01:47 AM

A three interesting articles though targeted on topic, reflect the problems we're seeing in most of our countries to some extent generally across the board.

UK within NATO possibly becoming a second tier military?
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18145/

U.S. acquisition programs to be further reformed or do we start over?
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18144/

U.S. Cyberwarfare and Cyberterrorism a new strategic approach needed?
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/computing-software/file1552/

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 2nd, 2010, 01:26 AM

Again fairly targeted articles that however reflect the issues many of our countries are dealing with. I especially found the last interesting. The first two just worry me more to some degree.
1. How the U.S. can potentially save 960Bn dollars on defence over the next 9yrs.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file1631/

2. Countering the EMP threat, are we willing to do this?
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/missiles/file1615/

3. Finally a speech given by Norway's DM on defence and security threats. A good read.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18310/

Good Night and have a GREAT weekend!!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 7th, 2010, 01:18 AM

Just finished reading part two a few minutes ago (Part one last night.) and feel many can benefit from these two thorough articles for basic+ knowledge and maybe for game design purposes as well. It made me think about Singapores' TERREX IFV as this was one of the first "publicly advertised" combat vehicles to operate with a modern REALIABLE 360 threat assessment and threat counter system on board.

1. Part 1: http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/664/

2. Part 2: http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/665/

And because I do this in three's, and don't ask why because like they say at work "Because that's what Pat does!?!" a very interesting article facing the the British and French and part of the title says it best concerning the two "Entente or Oblivion?" go beyond the teaser story and click onto the RUSI link at the end.

3. http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/662/

Remember the mind is a terrible thing to waste, appreciate it while you got it!!

Regards,
Pat

Imp

October 7th, 2010, 11:39 AM

Good find Pat AMAP-ADS looks a leap in the right direction welcome to the world of superconductors & capacitors.
No ammo, minimal extra risk to freindlys, incredibly quick reaction time allowing short range intercepts & by the sounds of it even spoils kinetic projectiles. If it does what it says with any efficency weapon design is back to the drawing board. Say hello to our freind Mr CM arty to overwhelm or strip it, otherwise its EMP if feasable or serious jamming.

The taken with a grain of salt till now British Electric Armor may in fact work on a similar principle for defeating the projectile just as it hits so no sensors.

Remember the mind is a terrible thing to waste, appreciate it while you got it!!

You could have posted this a few years back

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 7th, 2010, 12:34 PM

I posted a couple of articles a short time back where within them thay specifically stated that CM/Smart arty was going to be the immediate counter measure. I just posted a couple of months ago in the SPA/SPAA thread the upgrade to our 155mm towed arty targeting system that'll allow a one shot one kill at 5 miles
(~8.5Km?) for a conventional round. Lets not forget about EXCALIBUR and other similar rounds again an over the horizon one shot one kill munition that we've been using it quite regularly in Afghanistan. All it really needs is a camera with GPS and your dead. But I believe the new multi purpose 120mm round now being used by the IDF for the upgraded MERKAVA 4 and Germany with the upgraded Leopard can counter some of this. See the second "Future Weapons" video I posted under the MBT thread in one of my last posts concerning the MERKAVA when we were in the troop carrying discussion on it. But there's always KISS, rely on conventional targeting to minimise targeting transmissions and go with your "gut and training" aim and shoot, providing they still teach those methods!?! Bottom line arty will be viable for sometime to come to counter the armored threat.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 8th, 2010, 10:18 PM

Alright a new system here that falls in line with the defpro.com articles I posted earlier this week Pt I & II on armor protective systems. Before you read this I want you to have this thought in your head, you're walking along in the desert but your properly outfitted as you planned well and it's a good thing because this just saved your life. You were distracted by your surroundings and didn't hear the rattle, you happen to look down and there's a western diamondback rattlesnake ready to strike, you try to avoid it, thank god you had a pair of snake boots on. Why? Because by the time you saw it and your mind perceived the threat, it has already struck and has recoiled to strike again, all in less then half a second. These systems react in milliseconds. This system I'm sure is in line with what I would think is the reaction time for TROPHY, IRONFIST and others coming on line.
1. http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18590/
Pic:
10542

Australias election of it's you PM and it's possible affects.
2. http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature97383/

The LAF in a post Syrian enviroment.
3. http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature97383/

Remember a well read person is a well rounded person. Or was that a well fed person...anyway have a GREAT weekend all!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 22nd, 2010, 01:21 PM

This first is a summary article of the programs cut and or saved by the 8% reduction in Britain's defence budget. The link to the full article published yesterday is included which also shows troop level reductions etc. The question now is who's next with these kind of reductions? We're close by about half I believe now. For the game all RAF HARRIER types will be retired by the end of 2011. Recommend end date change to Dec. 2011 to keep things simple.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/677/

Next analysis of being "reasonable" in peacekeeping citing the issues of Britain and the question of Northern Ireland.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/669/

Next a good article on countering the Bio-Terrorism threat, take advantage of the linked articles at the bottom.
http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature98029/

Take care and have a great weekend!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

February 3rd, 2011, 03:13 AM

Well it's been awhile, though the focus of these are on air power issues this is the place for these and not the JET...thread. The source is familiar (First two.) but it's their "air" side I accidentally stumbled upon while looking into a couple of the "JET" issues I was dealing with in the last patch post.
EFAPS up to and beyond 3035.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/engines-transmission/file1011/
Alternatives for modernising US fighter forces.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/aircraft-maintenance/file1698/
Israel and the F-35.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/741/?SID=2abc9aba3b207e356d4714eb8e09c95b

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

February 4th, 2011, 01:20 AM

Sorry of course 3035 should be 2035. That would've been one helluva crystal ball!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 2nd, 2011, 03:57 AM

For those wanting more with a bonus today on a topic I've covered for sometime now and have offered my own opinions on as well. But first up...

1. 2009 UK paper on countering international terrorism.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/counter-measures/file1170/

2. EU Security and Defence issues for 2010-2020. It's a scary world out there!! Well maybe, maybe not.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/security/file1480/

3. Bulgaria and it's military as it's entering NATO.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file1955/
I'll have more on them in "the news of the last week" APC thread.

And here's your bonus: India is to increase it's defence budget by 11.6 percent during 2011 - 2012. Think about that number in this economic environment, that's commitment.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/28/india-budget-military-idUSSGE71R02Y20110228?pageNumber=1
Taken from the "did.com" site. Also Defpro reported on 1 Mar.
the Indian MOD got it's increase.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 6th, 2011, 01:25 PM

This is as good a place as any for these stories of the past week, let's follow the money. There's enough out there to back up that 2010 was a banner year for the defence industry. These quick articles will show who made out and who has decided to spend more.

1. Russia sets a record in export arms sales.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5840070&c=POL&s=TOP

2. Finland and Argentina to spend more on defence.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110301006686/en/Research-Markets-Finnish-Defense-Industry-Market-Opportunities
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110301006668/en/Research-Markets-Argentine-Defense-Industry-Market-Opportunities

3. Have to get to three, though the program died, arose again, and is probably dead again is beside the point. This is more about defence industry adaptability and ultimatley survival. Going beyond the norm, thinking outside of the box and diversifying.
http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature1719/

Have company might be it for today, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 16th, 2011, 02:55 AM

I've been talking about arms procurement for awhile now because the real life issues here will directly affect the game in the long run with upgrades to existing and purchasing/development of new equipment.

1. China keeping up with the "Jones".
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22611/

2. How to save a buck, get a red pencil! Some of this I've already covered.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21729/
A. What about the U.S. with the Asian situation?
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22818/

3. And you ask how Russia broke it's all time arms sales record in 2010? Well just ask the #1 arms importer in the world! The second ref breaks it down nicely and it is from one of the world's most respected think tanks.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/772/?SID=9e92ba7873c0b10aa48d869b2e7a7212
http://www.sipri.org/media/pressreleases/armstransfers

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 26th, 2011, 09:55 PM

News of the last couple of weeks:

I don't think most mind having a few shorter type articles to read in here for a change.

1. What ever happened to the good old days?
http://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2011/03/engage-pakistans-army.html

2. If you want to buy new military hardware that's easy "...but it's obsolete..."!
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/03/15/Brazils-military-hardware-obsolete-says-report/UPI-10021300192511/

3. Some "old" players and one "newer" one.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110324006059/en/Research-Markets-Aerospace-Defense---Top-5

News articles from the "DID" site.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 3rd, 2011, 04:07 PM

1. The restraints of the EU regarding weapons procurement...
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/785/

2. China opening up by releasing text of their 2010 defence white paper, off the "DID" site...
http://eng.mod.gov.cn/TopNews/2011-03/31/content_4235292.htm
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23355/

3. Time for a new START...
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/armoured-vehicles/file2099/

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 18th, 2011, 01:47 AM

As most know been busy "over" in Korea now it's catch up time with news of the LW+.

The general theme is arms procurement and disarmament, the winners and the losers and some other issues. Sorry have to break the "Rule of Three" but these are just articles.

1. The world is up! South America keeps on spending while most of Europe is in decline. Also see my "My Case for can Venezuela..." on Pg. 2 WinSPMBT main page thread for further details.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/792/

2. Russia looking for further expansion into South America they have after all a major defence modernization and Carrier program to pay for among other projects.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23676/
http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20110413/163504009.html

3. You broke your arms export sales record last year, your looking to expand your markets elsewhere, so what to do with that extra money? Spend 705 Billion on modernizing your military of course!
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23580/

4. Not happy that the Japanese are trying to negotiate to get back their Northern Islands or that China is expanding it's military especially the Navy with Carriers and modern Submarines within the next ten years? Then project the power first with Carriers of your own from France-yes the deal is now done. These are very capable ships and countries like Georgia are very worried about them, check your maps you'll understand why.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23761/

5. Asia is very busy to as I've reported on so I'm resubmitting this again as posted earlier today in the MBT thread.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article1005426.ece/Thai-military-seeks--1bn-for-new-weapons-purchases.

6. The U.S. is streamlining and killing programs to keep things going, note the source in the UR corner then note Para. 6.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23746/

7. Yes I've reported on this before, those "pesky" Chinese have everyone dare I say it, up in arms! Or in this case building and improving IAFB's along it's borders.
http://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2011/04/tatas-bag-record-deal-to-modernise-air.html

8. With India's MMRCA program pending isn't it a good thing for them that Libya came along so that they had a chance to evaluate most of the fighters on their short list in a combat situation. Sadly to some extent, sometimes it's just about timing and location, location... The articles are from "DID" site.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/04/us-libya-arms-idUSTRE7331OO20110404?pageNumber=1
8a. A bonus here for you developers and I know someone is contemplating a "Libyan Liberation" scenario, here's some weapons info for you.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/14/libya-rebels-weapons-qatar

9. Now for Europe it's bad over there if you're in the uniform. Portugal is expected to be maybe the next to go after Greece and Ireland in regards to the EU stepping in to keep them solvent, we'll know by the Fall or have a clearer picture by then.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110414006436/en/Research-Markets-Portugals-Austerity-Measures-Resulting-Defense

10. Also from the MBT thread for the tank issue this belongs here as well. The Dutch are making major cuts in their military also given the size of it. I think most of the equipment will be sold. This might give Canada a further buy opportunity. They are being frugal but have taken advantage of earlier buy opportunities for LEO tanks from the Dutch and Swiss earlier.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110414006436/en/Research-Markets-Portugals-Austerity-Measures-Resulting-Defense
http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/defence-notes/dutch-mod-cuts-key-capabilities/8772/

11. I've saved the BEST for last, it's back to the Korean Peninsula!!! :clap::haha::cheers::banana::party:
And yes there was much rejoicing!?! Good ole MP & The HG!?!
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23657/

In the Planes and Jets thread in the next couple of days I'll tell you how you can get a head start on that new inground swimming pool you've always wanted!?!

Going to be bed-Good Day all!!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 25th, 2011, 02:23 PM

The news from the LW+:

There just has been so much going on so my apolizies, as I've gotten behind. The underlying theme remains the same defence and program cuts. This is the new reality. And if the U.S. should come close to or actually allows it to default for even a short time it could trigger a world wide recession. I don't think it'll happen but the possibility is certainly there if people decide to play politics over the realities of the situation. The only upside I see is that certain people like myself will have less work for Don and Andy to do, well don't celebrate yet it's almost time to get my first PP for 2011/2012 started!?!
Anyway here we go:

1. A snapshot on the UK defence industry. Like what happened to the RAF HARRIERS where several hundred million dollars was spent on system upgrades in the last five years or so of service, could the same fate face the GR.4 TORANDOS? The F3 version was just retired.
http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature115959/

2. The USA harvesting tech from cancelled programs to better existing ones i.e. NLOS 155mm to the PALADIN PIM.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23843/

3. The "new", old threats and options to counter it for the U.S.
http://www.cnas.org/node/5022
http://www.cnas.org/node/6003

4. Something we do in recruiting as well to a lesser extent, but a major tool for Al Qaeda. An interesting perspective.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/04/13/the_world_of_holy_warcraft?page=0,0

5. This is a good one how the law and defence budget is guided by it, these are the type of reports the SECDEF and Congress looks at to determine the future of programs. The highlights SLAMRAAM completes development with FMTV Launcher and is shelved until we need it, MEADS to complete developmental phase until
FY 2014 (Oct. 2013.), SECNAV ordered to smoothly shutdown and cancel the EFV and the F-35 is at a "critical" over budget limit. I'll have more on it in the JETS and PLANES... thread but, the F-35 is delayed further as announced by the program manager until the end of 2016 this could put back the operational date to 2018.
http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14411

6. SECDEF has been directed by the President to further find defence spending cuts above what is being done to this point already as announced on 6 Jan. 2011. These additional cuts are to go through 2023. Though the article does not provide for how much of the 400 billion is to come from defence, the national media has already reported estimates as high as 200 billion more in cuts.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6293510&c=AME&s=TOP

7. Germany arguably the strongest economy in Europe is facing the reality of the economic crisis in it's military as well.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6290923&c=EUR&s=LAN

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 9th, 2011, 01:45 AM

News of the LW+

MORE ON THE ARTICLE SIDE, AGAIN.

1. Updated Iraqi order of battle, you designers need to pay attention while "Uncle Sam" is still providing this info.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Iraqi-Security-Forces-Order-of-Battle-AprilMay-2011-06861/
The BTR-4s have been delivered as already reported in the APC thread.

2. Saudi Arabia keeping up with the "Jones" in case being the UAE. I guess I could be busy in the helo department? We'll see. Though of interest here will be if the Saudis become the first country outside the U.S. to get the APACHE Block III.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-2006-saudi-shopping-spree-a-hardened-networked-national-guard-02462/

3. FY12 National Defence Authorization Bill PDF. The blank pages are the stuff we don't get to see, it's that old "need to know" thing.
http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=8babcd47-315f-40ba-914f-ed2fa468b791

4. USA acquisition issues. Ties into #3 as discussed.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/24072/

5. This next is an in depth view of India's military dealing in the political, equipment and acquisition and procurement process. I think a good overview of most countries in general if you've been following along with these posts over the last couple of months or so.
http://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2011/05/fighting-to-keep-fighting-bumpy-road-to.html

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving" - Ana. from my calendar at work.

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 21st, 2011, 01:44 AM

1. PLA disarming? Only if you believe the sky is falling!
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/24297/

2. Overview of Australia's and Norway's upcoming defence budgets.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/24337/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/24276/

3. A good read on Taiwan's efforts to modernize it's military.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/taiwans-unstalled-force-modernization-04250/

4. Are joint forces the way of the future? Ask the UK and France!
http://www.army-technology.com/features/feature118448/

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

July 23rd, 2011, 12:51 AM

It's hot, more humid and it feels like I lose 20lbs. very time I go to work so I need a change of pace so...it's been awhile since I've posted here and I needed to learn more things.

1. The logic of Warfighting Experimentation.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/data-information/file926/

2. All about that STRATCOM stuff. Background, issues etc.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/missiles/file2589/

3. Oh that GPS made my world work, but there are issues involved. The threats and the cures, GPS is everywhere and controls more then you think.
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/counter-measures/file2553/

Some bonus articles defence related procurement (Or loss of.) and budget issues. Items from papers are from the DID site.

A. Someone call UPS please!! This situation is not unique to the UK by a long shot, just find a mirror.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/847/?SID=9241237fb69d52ff54ee8ac06750ac90

B. There's no such thing as a "safe" weapons program, the history of the "weapons program highway" is littered with them, and there will be more to come.
http://www.defenseprocurementnews.com/2011/07/18/crisis-of-confidence-as-questions-arise-about-u-s-aircraft-program-costs/
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=7106889&c=AME&s=TOP

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

January 15th, 2012, 03:58 AM

I bet somebody buys me a beer for this because I can be a sneaky sort of guy let's see who catches on to these actually very good articles on the topics presented as these two countries try to keep up in challenging times. Besides it's been a long time since I've posted here. But we again can have fun with these! ;)
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/vehicle-protection/file1076/
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/vehicle-protection/file1086/
http://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/vehicle-protection/fileproliferation-control-regimes-background-and-status/
This ought to keep some busy on those slow days.

To expand your mind is too expand your horizons-by me-who knows?

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

January 28th, 2012, 02:12 PM

The results of the cuts in the DOD Defence budget are released, DI provides an overview of them. For further info click on the links within the para of concern for additional background or other leading to the conclusions made.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/DoD-fy13-budget-preview-07285/

A companion short article on the Ukraine 2012 Defence Budget. Putting to use partly the recent arms sales to Iraq and Thailand I would think.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2825:ukraine-2012-defense-budget-approved&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 8th, 2012, 02:52 AM

Well I'll provide fair warning if you don't have an interest in how the geopolitical economic situation has affected defence spending, then this post isn't for you. Russia has or will overtake China in the export of tanks and jets within the last year, where political realities in the U.S. has the DOD scrambling to figure out ways to maintain a premier military force and determine it's future composition, abilities and equipment needs to meet those goals. Many countries are on the rise, others are maintaining while still others are drastically cutting back. So a little defence economics 101 and house cleaning for me...

First an overview then a little "TIT for TAT" between Russia and Algeria...
http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/russia_may_sell_14_bln_worth_of_military_equipment _and_armament_in_2012_1702121.html
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/algerian-arms-deal-brings-russia-75-billion-gas-market-leverage-02024/

Tha Panda is still rising...
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/32999/

Shared information makes the process of weapons procurement easier and cheaper "lessons learned" if you will though the next is a little out of the ordinary between India and Brazil...
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2885:brazil-india-to-share-its-10-bn-fighter-selection-experience-&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58

A series of stories on the U.S. DOD Budget. How does it work and a look at the 2011-2013 budgets...
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/dod-budget-federal-legislation-07303/
http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2011/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/31711/
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/957/?SID=c5959023a4700e3ee7a4c92215277e27
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/department-defense-2013-budget-07304/

A look at how the USAF is dealing with this...
http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120201-027.pdf

If you can't afford to buy, try a lease as Hungry has done for the GRIPEN. The original lease is now extended until 2026.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/31785/

Austria has armor? Well yes but not much after 2013...
http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsaustria-to-sell-scrap-armoured-vehicles-by-2013

Well this should keep some of you busy!?!

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 10th, 2015, 07:57 PM

Well its been a longtime since I posted anything here but, I think it's time to separate out items like the below that work their way into the more equipment orientated threads I use for my submission work and for others as they see fit. So this will be more for the "bigger picture" items.

1. EU President calls for a unified EU Army and Air Force. The article concerning a unified AF is more in depth as it appears in full length and touches on the first issue. Once in a while JANES will present you with a gift and the latter is just that.
http://www.janes.com/article/49843/european-president-calls-for-a-european-army
http://www.janes.com/article/49838/analysis-is-the-time-right-for-a-european-air-force

2. The next is perspective on Germany's military situation, recently Lithuania had asked for light armor but, last week was refused for a variety of reasons to include internal security. However it's likely they will still receive the PHZ- 2000 SPA units also requested. For background I've included Lithuania's situation as well driven by Russia's resurgence in Europe.
http://www.janes.com/article/49362/lithuania-to-reintroduce-conscription
http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/germany_will_not_deliver_gtk_boxer_to_lithuania_ar my.html
http://www.defence24.com/news_germany-will-not-utilize-modern-military-equipment-anymore-lithuanians-would-get-the-howitzers-anyway#
http://www.defence24.com/analysis_germany-wants-to-arm-the-bundeswehr

3. Eurocorps Commander warns that Europe cannot continue to rely on "soft power"...
http://www.janes.com/article/49619/europe-cannot-continue-to-rely-on-soft-power-eurocorps-commander-warns

4. Is it time for us to come back to Europe with more armor?
http://www.defence24.com/news_american-tanks-in-mid-eastern-europe

5. Is the "Hybrid War" in Ukraine working for Russian?
http://www.janes.com/article/49469/update-russia-s-hybrid-war-in-ukraine-is-working

This is a good start for now. Any feedback on Defence24 from Items 2 and 4 would be appreciated here by SERIOUS readers please.

Regards,
Pat

Suhiir

March 10th, 2015, 09:22 PM

I can see where the eastern Europeans would probably like to have some US units (I doubt they really care what kind, just as long as they're US) permanently stationed inside their borders.
But, of course certain western European nations (bet you can guess which ones) will be totally opposed.

The real question is - Does anyone think Russia is actually going to attempt to reoccupy it's former satellites?

FASTBOAT TOUGH

February 23rd, 2016, 01:28 PM

This next is an in-depth report on the top 15-20 acquisition programs of the 2000's and how they died by sequestration and other means tied to the budget (See page 4/Table 1-PDF page 10.) and future acquisitions into the 2030's again by all services. The source is well respected. For most of you Pg. 4 might be enough as Table 1 also shows how much was spent and what the alternative to the cancelled program was as well. Beyond that it's how the budget has dictated the future acquisition programs of the various services as described above. Just started it myself and am finding it interesting, but, of course that's me!?!
https://csis.org/files/publication/160126_Harrison_DefenseModernization_Web.pdf

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

IronDuke99

March 1st, 2016, 12:29 AM

FASTBOAT TOUGH

March 15th, 2016, 11:33 AM

1. Let's just call these...He kept his word...
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-warplanes-start-leaving-syria-following-putin-order/ar-BBqtavN?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=mailsignout

2. Austria seeing "shadows"...
http://www.janes.com/article/58745/austria-set-to-reverse-decades-long-defence-decline

3. ISIS and the use of "technicals"...
http://www.army-technology.com/features/featurefriendly-fire-accounting-for-the-stolen-arsenal-of-isis-4789324/

Regards,
Pat

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 3rd, 2016, 12:38 AM

Europe will you please allow us to send more troops there? This and more for what I've called the "Warm War" for awhile, it seems it's getting "chillier" as time goes on. Russia in it's long history has always looked to the West to provide a "buffer" to "Mother Russia" it's understandable to some degree given their long history of invasion. They've lost that option now with the break up of the Soviet Union and collapse of the Warsaw Pact. So with NATO to the West and China to the East you can see things are getting harder. Crimea will I believe be lost to the West for a very longtime and maybe beyond due to it's strategic location and it's importance to it's NAVY, which has been more actively involved in operations in the Mediterranean than it has probably going back to the end of the Cold War. Georgia would become a flash point as well, it would be hard for Russia to accept Georgia as a member of NATO, and I wonder if the process was to start if the Russians wouldn't just change the landscape there. It's a hypothetical, but what's not is though requested by Georgia to become a member, NATO has thus far only taken it under "advisement" if that far.

Now there's a campaign maybe for someone to tackle!?!

Anyway here's the latest on what the U.S. hopes to accomplish in the city of my birth. "I "R" ARMY Brat after-all!" I've also posted from NATO the current members list-somehow I missed Croatia getting in.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-nato-look-to-combat-an-aggressive-russia/ar-BBsxDzu?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=mailsignout
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/nato_countries.htm

This next I thought might be interesting to some, I seem to remember a similar controversy over this topic I thought a few years back along the same lines without identifying the personnel involved. Anyway something a little different for a change anyway.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/marines-investigating-claim-about-men-in-iwo-jima-photo/ar-BBsxSdO?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=mailsignout

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Suhiir

May 3rd, 2016, 03:31 AM

As you say Russia tends to be a little on the paranoid side due to the number of times it's been invaded. Their mania for buffer states is totally justified and reasonable from their perspective. As are their recent aggressive aerobatic and naval displays, can't have the neighbors thinking you're weak! The problem is I don't think some (many?) members of their government realize that no one in the West has any particular interest in invading them anymore.

##########

As to the claim that one of the people on Suribachi has been misidentified all these years ...
The three survivors (Bradley, Hayes, and Gagnon) never commented on the matter once they themselves were correctly identified, and I tend to give someone that was actually there and knew the men involved a lot of credibility.

DRG

May 3rd, 2016, 07:15 AM

##########

As to the claim that one of the people on Suribachi has been misidentified all these years ...
The three survivors (Bradley, Hayes, and Gagnon) never commented on the matter once they themselves were correctly identified, and I tend to give someone that was actually there and knew the men involved a lot of credibility.

Here is a very detailed account of the claim..........

http://dataomaha.com/media/news/2014/iwo-jima/

DRG

May 3rd, 2016, 03:02 PM

I'm interested in your take on this when the evidence is reviewed some of it is compelling, others not so much

There were LOTS of marines around during the second flag raising.....the "Gung Ho" shot proves that but "clue #2" that Bradley's helmet does not show a soft cap inside and there isn't one on his head during the "Gung Ho" shot proves nothing since you don't see his left hand and that could easily have the cap in it OR when he raised the helmet the cap fell out and is on the ground when the shot was taken OR if you look at the second group shot under clue #4 he is holding his helmet by the right side of the brim and his thumb could easily be holding his soft cap tight against the inside of the helmet

BUT

The cuffed / uncuffted pants is significant and "Clue No. 4: Sousley's helmet, belt and uncuffed pants " is very significant and I am inclined to think that is Sousley not Bradley.... but Bradley WAS there during the raising of that there is no doubt

Suhiir

May 3rd, 2016, 07:38 PM

Given the information in the detailed account you provided I have to agree it's probable that wasn't Bradley on the flag.
With two flags being raised and a battle raging at the time I'd say it was an honest mistake on his (and everyone's) part.

DRG

May 4th, 2016, 07:03 AM

Every Marine on Suribachi that day " helped raise the flag " and Bradley was there for both of them. Given Hayes reluctance ( to put it mildly......) to be named initially and what seems like a general lack of interest by any Marine there to step into the spotlight it seems posssible ( this is conjecture on my part ) that Sousley and Bradley agreed it would be Bradley named since he was there for both and leave it at that as nobody I'm aware of ( I admit limited knowledge ) involved ever went on to make a big deal out of their participation in the events that day . ( The Marines......the goverment and media are another matter...)

EDIT......I have seen this " I don't want to talk about it.........the past is past" attitude personally. I had an uncle who was a DonR ( motorcycle dispatch rider ) wounded in Normandy when a truck full of infantry he was following hit a big AT mine and he just happened to move when the following troops were sorting through the resulting carnage and he spent the rest of the war in hospital...... I tried once to talk with him about it ....I was curious what bike he rode most....and he refused to talk about it so I can see how someone might tell a battle comrade " Leave me out of this please" and that's where the matter ends for them.

It's significant as well that both of the guys who initiated this have no axe to grind....they just both noticed things that didn't add up and came forward with their findings. What's far less impressive is the reaction of some of the "historians" unwilling to even look at the evidence.

Don

FASTBOAT TOUGH

August 16th, 2016, 02:53 AM

Well I just found where the Iwo Jima went I was looking for when the final results of the USMC review board found Schulz was at the 2nd flag raising and not Bradley. Much like the below ended up in the Venezuela Thread just below this in Thread order. So I award myself (And the Olympics are on after all. ;)) another Gold Medal in the :doh: category. Michael Phelps eat your heart out, I now have more "DAaaa" "DOHhhh" combined Gold Medals then you have Olympic ones. Guess I showed him!?! :D

Anyway...

"Don't worry I'm not advocating for Russian armored trains to be entered in the game, but this next is after all something you don't hear about everyday. Note the look of the soldier on the right in the picture, I wonder is he thinking "I'm not feeling as protected as my comrades inside the train!?!" Probably he's just bored! Anyway...
http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html"

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

P.S.
Maybe it was just this...:typing: or :pc:? Nah,definitely the above.

Suhiir

August 16th, 2016, 04:00 PM

http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html"
404 error.

dmnt

August 16th, 2016, 06:52 PM

I think the correct link is http://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/two_armoured_trains_will_be_used_by_russian_army_i n_a_logistical_exercise_tass_11508161.html

Suhiir

August 17th, 2016, 12:41 AM

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 5th, 2016, 08:25 PM

I wanted to get this out there because of the possibilities this will raise in the next couple of years but basically Vietnam is going Indian. When you see what the value is in American dollars as compared to the local currencies this is huge in currency vs potential buying power for the Vietnamese Govt. Though it's still a lot of money it could be less if this is of course structured on the U.S. Dollar. Bottom-line I see the potential to see the ARJUN, HAL TEJAS and their new 155mm/52 field arty gun being possibly exported which India has considered doing for some time now.
http://www.janes.com/article/63444/india-extends-usd500-million-credit-to-vietnam-for-defence-equipment

For me it'll be interesting how they'll struture the deal and what gets bought.
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/arjun.htm
http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/hal_tejas.htm

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

IronDuke99

September 6th, 2016, 03:43 PM

Suhiir

September 6th, 2016, 06:20 PM

Also parts and ammo would probably be easier to get from India then the US, both logistically and politically.

FASTBOAT TOUGH

November 13th, 2016, 03:25 AM

Just a little something about two "old friends" one is rising and one is just trying to maintain itself.
http://www.army-technology.com/features/featureis-the-british-army-keeping-up-with-putins-troops-5645850/

An easy understanding of modern armor options.
http://www.army-technology.com/features/featurearmoured-vehicle-manufactures-look-on-the-light-side-to-shed-weight-4939190/

The "bumpy" road of the Boxer's journey to the UK Army.
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/mrav

A different kind of fat is "eating away" at the military.
http://www.army-technology.com/opinion/opinionfat-fighters-can-tech-tackle-the-global-military-obesity-problem-4951081/

NATO the current issues (Minus what might be our future role in it.) from this years main conference.
http://www.army-technology.com/opinion/opinionnato-summit-2016-common-interests-take-sharp-focus-4990357/

Note the sites new look.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Aeraaa

November 13th, 2016, 01:51 PM

Greece, white paper for the armed forces: http://www.resdal.org/Archivo/d000007e.htm

While this one is a bit old (1997), the general premise hadn't changed much.

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 27th, 2017, 02:15 AM

Came across this this while reading my "newspapers", though the data is a couple of years old, it is telling on the state of the Russian defense industry from the numbers taken from 2014. This doesn't bode well for their military certainly in the early to the mid term goals in the modernization and development of equipment. It's a "cautionary tale" to definitely follow that will/or could affect when these pieces of equipment actually get into the field.
http://tass.com/infographics/7274

Long "day at work" so good night/morning and enjoy your weekends!!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

June 8th, 2017, 09:00 PM

Common cause for two countries that don't want to revisit the past. Much stronger ties and cooperation for the common good has been in play for the last 2-3yrs in particular and are expanding currently to the benefit of both.
http://www.defence24.com/453755,ukroboronprom-and-its-cooperation-with-the-polish-industry

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 8th, 2017, 12:04 PM

Tried something didn't work. Any help to get PDF document from my files to here without paying ADOBE would be great! I'm sitting on some good stuff I'll otherwise just have to delete from my PC as I can look them over only so many times myself. THANKS!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

October 8th, 2017, 03:33 PM

zip it up and post it as an attachment

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 8th, 2017, 06:12 PM

Alright, first thank you Don. Second hope I did this right. So hopefully first up as I remember, this from JANE's a look at some of the challenges Russian was/is facing in modernizing their ground forces.
14942

Next up is a very good understanding how defense issues are looked at from the top. In this case the UK from the end of WWII through 2010 (Which many at the time was a defense killer. Has since been modified however the cuts still are deep.)
14943

Finally a simple but very good look at APS and other protective armor systems out there. If you didn't know already, Russia was the first to have them onboard later versions of the T-55. Though the assessment was done in 2006, you'll find it very current on the systems as are used now. You'll also find an APS system I never knew the U.S. was trying to develop. I don't know (Though likely.) if it was one of the five or so systems tested that would lead the USA to chose the TROPHY system already currently mounted on a handful of M1A2 SEP V2 tanks. The contract as it stands now is to retro fit 145 of those tanks with the system to be completed by 2019.
14944

Time to delete some files. Well not until someone tells me it works anyway.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 22nd, 2019, 02:07 AM

Just reading my "papers" and I found this a most interesting ref. on the current status of Polish weapons systems as far as upgrades, new equipment and where they are with the Germans concerning the development of the Euro LEOPARD.
https://www.defence24.com/president-of-the-hsw-company-borsuk-ifv-and-unmanned-turrets-among-our-priorities

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

anlubue

April 22nd, 2019, 09:37 AM

15738

15739

Hello Pat, it was made with:
https://en.pdf24.org/creator.html

Free software of about 70MB, it is uncomplicated and honest.
I'm not sure if it's okay to leave this link here? Somehow it looks like marketing. That's why I exchanged the download link for an informational link.

I just wanted to say that you can use it to manage all possible images and text sheets of different endings in a simple user interface, merge and what else.

Boah this sounds even more advertising.

FASTBOAT TOUGH

July 22nd, 2019, 11:44 PM

I feel this a good place for the next. This item has been reported by the AP News Agency (Seems to be the first.) within the last 50 minutes or so. Time wise (12:29pm/+13hrs from me.) in Seoul S. Korea now.) it seems sometime this morning local time, South Korean jets fired "warning shots" at several Russian jets that had violated their airspace. It also appears the Chinese did the same later in the morning.

Aren't you glad we keep the OOB's updated? Now you have some game options you can exercise, which I hope is the "only place" that option gets exercised.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/south-korea-fires-warning-shots-at-russia-warplanes/ar-AAEIHvN?ocid=mailsignout

Story starting to hit the web now. For me, chalking it up to a test of S. Koreas response and capabilities.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

July 23rd, 2019, 06:46 AM

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/23/asia/south-korea-russia-military-intl-hnk/index.html

FASTBOAT TOUGH

June 22nd, 2020, 02:39 PM

With a long history of conflict, it seems the relations with Pakistan (Over Kashmir) of late is "a walk in the park" compared to what's currently going on between India and China where blood has already been shed earlier this month. Will this flare up into a small war such as happened in 1964, I believe it's hard to say, but at the same time plausible. From "Broadsword" a series of articles are provided. I hope you'll note the "escalation" from May compared to June in the number of them written. Also for the reader, I posted about 2 or 3 articles on armored exercises going on in Tibet by the Chinese.
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/05/a-new-and-worrying-chapter-ladakh.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/05/after-changing-galwan-claim-line-thrice.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/05/rajnath-singh-speaks-to-us-counterpart.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/echoes-of-kargil-china-intrusion-can.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/rajnath-admits-sizeable-intrusion-by.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/ladakh-border-standoff-chinese-refuse.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-talks-china-takes-hard-line-claims.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/army-claims-border-situation-cooling.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/chinese-dig-in-deploys-artillery-and.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/galwan-valley-clash-20-indian-soldiers.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/india-china-border-dispute-capable-of.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/tackling-china-in-ladakh.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/06/how-china-and-india-came-to-lethal-blows.html

The last from today, I believe that's 14 articles in a month. This bears some watching as we also prepare to step up Naval Operations in the South China Sea region and surrounding area ourselves.

Though plenty above for a developer, my concern is focused on the potential real world implications of all this activity in the region.

Older articles and some newer ones:
Belgium: Rearming and expanding with change in doctrine.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2018_global_defense_security_armynews_indust ry/belgium_ambitious_rearmament_plan.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_in dustry/inauguration_of_the_belgian_motorized_brigade_a_de ep_doctrine_change.html

China: As discussed above.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_indust ry/chinese_armys_type_15_light_tanks_deployed_in_tibe t_for_exercises.html

NATO: Deploying to the East and a continuance of outside events influencing Defense Budgets. Norway looking into new tanks, currently still ongoing.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_indus try/cold_war_2_nato_continues_to_deploy_more_troops_to _east_europe.html
https://www.army-technology.com/features/trump-brexit-will-defence-landscape-look-like-2018/
https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2018_global_defense_security_armynews_indust ry/norway_new_main_battle_tank_acquisition_project.ht ml

Romania: Increasing Defense Budget through 2023 on 5 year plan.
https://www.army-technology.com/news/report-romanian-defence-spending-reach-7-6bn-2023/

Russia: Defense hardware delivery day 2019!
https://www.armyrecognition.com/analysis_focus_army_defence_military_industry_army/russian_mod_holds_defense_hardware_delivery_day_20 19.html

UPDATED EDIT/SOUTH AFRICA: Major multi-year projects. What's missing (And needed.) is any mention to improving or replacing their MBT's. With ABRAMS and more recently the VT-4 being present in Africa, South Africa's tanks are going to fall behind if the trend continues with the other African countries in updating their own military capabilities.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/denel-outlines-its-main-south-african-projects-and-programmes/

Sweden: Rearming to counter Russian threat.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industr y/fearing_russia_sweden_is_rearming.html
That picture clearly shows what I've been talking about concerning the additional "top armor" they had KMW add on their new built custom LEOPARD tanks.

Ukraine: The Ukraine takes a "big step" with NATO.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_indust ry/nato_recognises_ukraine_as_enhanced_opportunities_ partner.html

USA: Well could we be that "stupid" again!?! I hope not, but, then again nothing would surprise me at this point. :rolleyes:
https://www.defence24.com/gen-hodges-the-us-withdrawal-from-germany-a-colossal-mistake-and-a-gift-for-kremlin

Well that completely cleaned out that folder!! I wish that could happen to a couple of others, however, I'm an "optimistic realist" ;) so that'll never happen!! :D

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

June 23rd, 2020, 11:42 AM

Just cleaning up my "FAVORITES" section where I have some "unassigned" items I never got into an appropriate folder. These are both concerning DENMARK. The first is a "status of forces" article to include dispositions etc., it's an "easy" but through review. I believe this was meant to support a scenario involving the invasion of Denmark by Russia I believe at the time.

This status of forces is from the 2011/2012 timeframe.
https://www2.forsvaret.dk/eng/About/Facts/Documents/Facts_And_Figures_UK.pdf

The next is from the Danish Defense website. The reason I had was for an article by them in which they had completely reorganized their artillery force makeup and organization around 5-7 years ago, unfortunately I don't think I had posted it and now might be lost. It would've caused changes to have been made in the OOB. I'll have to search for it (Even though I can hear Don saying...Please don't...!

What is useful and current is that it shows current units and locations and force structure, in this case for the Army.
https://www2.forsvaret.dk/eng/Organisation/TheDanishArmy/Pages/TheDanishArmy.aspx

Back to the grind, have a good day!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 27th, 2020, 01:07 PM

A couple of issues that I've brought up here and in the other threads.

1) Since I posted about the current tensions between India and China about a month ago (I'm leaving this last part, time is slipping by faster then I thought, as it was in June when I posted last on this issue. We need a race car E-M-E JOE! :D :doh:) , the situation is still tense, they've have one or two skirmishes, India has outmaneuvered China in taking a strategic area, effectively blocking China from any further moves in the disputed territories without causing a major escalation of military force.

I see a golden opportunity here a set of "what if" scenarios or a campaign, that has real world implications for another "mini-war" as occurred I believe it was in 1964 or worse. Make no mistake, SE Asia and the Pacific Rim countries are watching this very closely given Chinas recent actions in that part of the world. If you don't believe me, simply look to see what Vietnam and some of it's "neighbors" have been doing to modernize their respective militaries in the especially last 5yrs.

I've taken the liberty post the most recent articles from BROADSWORD. In the Western World (At least not publicly.), you're not seeing this being reported, some of the Asian sources are following this and locally the "tenor" of the articles below [speak for themselves.
https://www.army-technology.com/features/india-vs-china-indian-army-and-peoples-liberation-army-ground-force-plagf-compared/
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/china-links-troop-pull-back-with-indian.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/modi-xi-and-six-years-of-battle-for.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/rajnath-singh-tells-parliament-we-are.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/india-and-china-exchange-fire-on-lac.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/lessons-from-yom-kippur-war.html
https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/09/special-frontier-force-takes-its-first.html

2) Well the UK isn't calling it a "SDR" (Thank God as they've proved to be not good for the MOD.) but the following sure sounds on the surface like it is. As I noted in the APC/MBT Threads it could have far reaching consequences for their armor. From the ref...

"The Integrated Review has been billed as the ‘deepest’ review of the UK’s defence policy since the Cold War. It has so far seen rumours of deep cuts to the British Army’s personnel count, as well reported plans to mothball the UK’s fleet of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) which were recently denied by Wallace."

OK, maybe it is worst then the past SDR's!?! :shock:

The problem for me is this isn't the only place I've seen the word "rumour/rumours used.
https://www.army-technology.com/features/armed-forces-integrated-review/

3) Germany making a power play to "strengthen" NATO. Where are we? Well surprisingly more engaged then I thought we would be, but then we are talking about defense contractors in this article as well. :rolleyes:
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/09/21/germany-tries-to-forge-a-deal-on-who-can-play-ball-in-europe/?utm_source=clavis

4) I believe I posted these already, if not or just to empty out this folder, you're getting them again!!! :D :p
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/delayed-victory-day-parade-features-new-and-upgraded-russian-land-systems
https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/analysis_russian_army_armored_vehicles_air_defense _systems_missile_systems_at_victory_day_parade_202 0.html

Now to start enjoying my weekend, I hope you can enjoy the rest of yours.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

October 30th, 2020, 12:05 PM

Well another complication has been added to UK's current defense situation the loss of a multi-year budget. Also I wish to quote from the article as this is the first I've seen in a "simple" format of what the cost of COVID-19 has meant to a major government.

"The pandemic has wiped around 20 years’ worth of growth off of the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)."

These type of issues will "trickle down" into budgets of any government to where decisions will have to be made to best use the funds available. Defense as history has shown, is normally the first to suffer from them.
https://www.army-technology.com/features/global-britain-must-step-up-uk-defence-secretary/

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

November 21st, 2020, 07:32 AM

A glimmer of hope hope coming out of the UK, with also a delay of the Integrated Defense Review release from this month until January 2021 at earliest. So far the winners are their plans to set up a Space Command, Cyber Systems (w/Offensive Capabilities), RN TYPE 26/31 Frigate Program and the RAF TEMPEST Eurofighter replacement program.

No mention of the Army Land Programs (Armor) mentioned in this article. So we "punt" again and what else is new there!?! :rolleyes:
https://www.army-technology.com/features/uk-pm-pledges-16-5bn-defence-spending-increase/

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

February 8th, 2021, 09:39 PM

I found this very interesting...

From the Navy Technology website...

"9. 9DASHLINE’s tweet on discovery of Chinese submarine drone in the Indian Ocean
9DASHLINE, a website providing analysis on the Indo-Pacific region, shared an article on a Chinese submarine drone being discovered near the Selayar Island in South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. The drone was found by Indonesian fishermen and may have been assessing Indonesian waters to evaluate potential ways to penetrate into the Indian Ocean.

The glider drone was found near two strategic routes between the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, the Lombok Strait and the Sunda Strait. This raises concerns over the possibility of the Chinese Navy collecting significant information via the drones to utilize the two straits during future hostilities."

The next I'll call "The 2/3's you'll rarely see." USS Tennessee was the first Trident Submarine to come to NAVSUBASE KBAY in early 1990.

If you click on the "tweet" pictures they'll "blow up" for a better look.

However the above ones have a shot a little after Sunrise as it's about to transition to the Drydock controller.

In all the pictures you'll see the diesel is running to provide power (And not propulsion.) to the boat.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/photos-naval-base-kings-bay-offers-up-close-look-at-uss-tennessee/ar-BB1dt3lJ?ocid=hplocalnews#image=BB1dt3lJ_1|4

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 25th, 2022, 11:38 PM

Putin and his advisors had made another what will become a major political miscalculation when he invaded the Ukraine. For decades (Since 1949) Finland has been "straddling the fence" with its relationship with the West and Russia.

They've pretty much maintained a position of neutrality with the exception of having become part of the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) formed in NOV. 2009 the member nations being Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. There were earlier attempts for such an organization, but they failed.

But I'm sure some of you realize that three of the above countries are in NATO already, Denmark, Iceland and Norway leaving Sweden as a neutral country and as noted above Finland being nominally neutral.

So, Russia invades the Ukraine, and no one is feeling safe in Europe any longer. For many the memory of WWII is not forgotten we see it in the interviews of the grandmothers of the Ukraine.

But in particular for Finland that has fought the Russians twice in the last century, have to wonder how safe they really are sharing over an 800-mile-long border with Russia.

This has been building for a while now but more so since the invasion along with the various threats from Putin of "don't think about it and don't do it" well Putin has galvanized Europe and NATO like no one has before for many decades along with the strong support of the U.S. It would seem having ARTICLE V in your back pocket is "worth its weight in gold".

So earlier today the decision has been made after many weeks of negotiations, Sweden and Finland have both applied together to formally join NATO, it is expected this process will be fast tracked and approved by the other NATO members by mid-May
First for context:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/here-e2-80-99s-why-finland-and-sweden-might-join-nato-e2-80-94-and-why-it-matters/ar-AAWbz18?ocid=uxbndlbing&msclkid=95545376c50f11ecb76683b90ba5ee4f.

Decision to join:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/25/sweden-and-finland-agree-to-submit-nato-applications?msclkid=a8c78d4ac50d11ec8f638c01b1d8b cc7
https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/sweden-finland-to-apply-for-nato-membership-together-in-may-reports-122042600067_1.html?msclkid=95544098c50f11ec8691c0 dd05a91ed4
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/04/25/sweden-and-finland-will-simultaneously-apply-join-nato-reports?msclkid=95544a07c50f11ecae2d0bdccb9c58c1

Germany working behind the scenes to recently allow some Baltic nations to supply artillery to the Ukraine. But there has been reluctance on the part of the German government to directly themselves to supply those same heavy weapons themselves.

We have recently in the last week seen Germany offer up heavy artillery the issue is what about armor. I've already reported on KMW offering the GEPHARD and Rheinmetall the MARDER and LEOPARD A1 tank. Specifically, the MARDER 1A3 and LEOPARD 1A5 (As I predicted.) can be CONFIRMED.

So now after both domestic and foreign pressure to do more a decision is forthcoming.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/germany-pledges-quick-decision-on-first-heavy-arms-delivery-to-ukraine/ar-AAWyDr9?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=c82106aabd7e4fe381ba432bc40a4daa
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_indus try/germany_company_rheinmetall_requests_approval_to_d eliver_marder_tracked_armored_ifvs_to_ukraine.html

Ukraine needs "Russian" ammo well, we got that covered too.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_indus try/ukraine_requests_us_for_ammunition_and_rockets_for _russian_equipment_used_by_ukrainian_army.html

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

April 26th, 2022, 08:24 AM

I knew the Brits has sent Starstreaks but there were hints, but I found nothing that confirmed that Stormer Starstreaks were included but a sidebar to that article you posted does confirm that

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_indus try/uk_confirms_delivery_to_ukraine_of_stormer_starstr eak_air_defense_missile_armored_vehicles.html

But the patches are locked down and in Shrapnel's hands and I am not rebuilding them again so anyone interested who does not PBEM or keeps a separate game for PBEM and another for personal use when the patches are posted ( likely tomorrow ) can copy UK unit 436 into the Ukrainian OOB into slot 299 and change the slot 1 weapon number to 129. The start date is 5/122 and that will match what I have already done.

And, as usual, the OOBs for both master games are already different than the ones not yet released but that is the nature of a constantly evolving situation

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 26th, 2022, 01:41 PM

Well, I guess Don is still "in the game" so I won't repost what he has already done. But yes, STORMER STARSTREAK is in with the appropriate START date as Don has suggested.

And as a further follow-up to Post #64 above and "proof" :doh: that the German Gov't follows my posts I give you this...
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_indus try/germany_to_approve_delivery_of_gepard_35mm_anti-aircraft_gun_systems_to_ukraine.html

UKRAINE/COPY/GERMAN/UNIT 093/GEPARD A3/START/MAY 2022/END/DEC 2025/50 UNITS TO BE DELIVERED//

Work!!!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

April 26th, 2022, 03:08 PM

The GEPARD in the Ukrainian OOB in the next patch starts 8/122 but that's the info I was working with when it went in so if anyone wants it in 5/122 needs to learn to use MOBHack

DRG

April 26th, 2022, 04:03 PM

Well, I guess Don is still "in the game"

Don't build your hopes up too high.......

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 16th, 2022, 04:09 PM

Potentially Russia will have a new 800-mile border with a NATO partner. Finland applied yesterday and Sweden earlier this morning east coast time. McDonalds to sell all 800 units they own in Russia but, they'll continue to pay all 60,000 employees until a buyer is found. Just not a good day for Russia.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-war-effort-runs-into-diplomatic-military-hurdles/ar-AAXjvP9?ocid=undefined&pc=U531&cvid=1f3524d50b244e8f80e4d8e24c6d08bb
(Covered by MSN reported by the AP)

You judge for yourselves.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukrainian-forces-say-they-seized-russian-commander-s-secret-notebook/ar-AAXl59w?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=0f72be0682014bba89c5255b1f161e3c
(Covered by MSN reported by NEWSWEEK)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Aeraaa

May 16th, 2022, 04:17 PM

Well, the Swedes/Finns have to pass through the Bosphorus straits first...

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/05/16/turkey-will-not-say-yes-to-finland-and-sweden-s-bid-for-nato-membership_5983746_4.html

FASTBOAT TOUGH

May 16th, 2022, 07:04 PM

I believe the following to be a very good appraisal of the situation and how Turkey will end up I believe supporting Finland and Sweden's applications to join NATO. I also like it's sourced from the Middle East; the perspective is valuable in that lest we forget, Turkey is a Islamic nation.
https://themedialine.org/top-stories/turkey-seeks-guarantees-over-potential-nato-membership-for-sweden-finland/

Another perspective but first, Humeyra Pamuk co-author of the next is from Turkey and in Ankara for Reuters.
https://news.yahoo.com/nato-expects-turkey-not-hold-152511980.html

Well, what are we doing? The normal diplomatic stuff but materially a whole bunch of new advanced F-16 fighters. "Uncle Joe" is already laying the groundwork for this and you can expect bi-partisan support for it.

And yes, the F-35 is still off the table since Turkey bought and has since fielded the S-400 system.

This vote could happen possibly by the end of this week.

The Baltic Sea and the strategic Gotland, Fårö and Gotska Sandön Islands are the major issues for countries like Norway and Germany and by extension-the U.S. and others (Like Finland and Sweden).

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

May 16th, 2022, 09:31 PM

I'm betting "The Transcarpathian Beavers." sounds better in Ukrainian......

Karagin

May 16th, 2022, 11:56 PM

I'm betting "The Transcarpathian Beavers." sounds better in Ukrainian......

Vol. 1 or Vol. 2?

DRG

May 17th, 2022, 02:38 PM

I believe the following to be a very good appraisal of the situation and how Turkey will end up I believe supporting Finland and Sweden's applications to join NATO. I also like it's sourced from the Middle East; the perspective is valuable in that lest we forget, Turkey is a Islamic nation.
https://themedialine.org/top-stories/turkey-seeks-guarantees-over-potential-nato-membership-for-sweden-finland/

Another perspective but first, Humeyra Pamuk co-author of the next is from Turkey and in Ankara for Reuters.
https://news.yahoo.com/nato-expects-turkey-not-hold-152511980.html

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

I wouldn't bet big money on it going either way.

I only have a urethral understanding of what the Swedes or Finns may have done to annoy the Turks but thinking perhaps it involves the Kurds in some way but........ the bigger and more diverse an alliance gets, the more chance of internal conflict arising. We'll have to wait and see how this plays out.

The range of possibilities is wide

Not that long ago in the big scheme of things Russian, Great Britain and the United States were "allies" too.......

FASTBOAT TOUGH

June 7th, 2022, 01:49 AM

I believe the following is a fair assessment of the current situation in the Ukraine.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-new-russian-offensive-is-intended-to-project-power-it-cannot-sustain/ar-AAY93cN?bk=1&ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=d3bb9e81050148a182f89d655015bef6

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

August 7th, 2022, 04:52 PM

I haven't posted anything on this story until I saw this one that supports some of what I've seen come out of the UK government sources. This is more about what is described in this article on what's going on "behind the lines" that I referred to above concerning the UK sources.

From the below as to the source of this article:
"Speaking with DW on Saturday, Nico Lange, a German lawmaker and chief of staff for the country's Federal Minister of Defense,"

Might be worth a look, the "dinner bell is ringing!!" :p
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-in-tremendous-military-difficulty-in-ukraine-war-lange/ar-AA10p9PS?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=9c2482b302724131ad34a0fbf742799e

UPDATE:

After dinner the following is reported to support what was posted above Russian appointed administrators are being assassinated in Russian held territory for some time now.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-ukraine-updates-russian-backed-official-dies-after-being-shot/ar-AA10or9M?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=fdf77f7623cc46a7b387eabbaaf484fe

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 11th, 2022, 10:10 PM

I find the following worthwhile in posting here as it represents a major shift to the situation in the Ukraine specifically in the Kharkiv region in the North. It appears a rout of Russian forces is at hand in that area as reported by MOD/DOD and some very well-known military thinktanks. If so; this is very bad news for the South and possibly Crimea (Though for now that might be a reach.).

What is important here is the clock has shifted in favor of the Ukraine. They need to keep pushing and maintain pressure on the Russian forces. And more importantly, it looks like they'll make it to Winter as this will allow them to train, resupply, rearm and more importantly reduce the OPTEMPO.

The "suspicious" or "contrarian" side in me is wondering if Russia is doing this on purpose. Maybe they might just want to consolidate some of their forces on the border and shift the rest to the South or just reenforce Crimea. As the article points out, "Amid the progress of Ukrainian forces, Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said on Sunday that Russia would be prepared to sit down for peace talks."

Russia's goal will be to sue for terms to reestablish the 2014 border. However, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President they intend to reclaim their rightful pre-2014 border which even Russia had approved after the fall of the Soviet Union by UN resolution.

My answer would be to take down that bridge from Crimea to Russia and "bottle up" their Black Sea Fleet North of it and isolate the rest to the South of it unless Turkey will allow them to withdraw the remaining ships through the Turkish Straits (the Bosporus and Dardanelles). Obviously, this would also cripple their ability to both reenforce and resupply their units. I would see what Russia offered, that being said if the terms aren't acceptable the bridge must go. :p

Of course, the last 3 paras are my simple analysis and opinion of the current situation. :D
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-front-line-in-kharkiv-collapses-in-major-victory-for-ukraine/ar-AA11FTVd?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=d7b7011dfd0b4c6bb37f123421faca73
And related to the above...
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-s-advance-in-northeast-renews-pressure-on-germany-to-help/ar-AA11HBej?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=2df3b9d58a0b41b2b79c5699240ee9df

In war you'll find out who your friends really are by the weapons they supply you.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

September 12th, 2022, 08:30 AM

That bridge from Crimea to Russia has been an obvious target from the start and I've thought that Ukraine must be waiting for just the right moment to render it unusable.

Timing is everything...

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 12th, 2022, 05:12 PM

Now that bridge is in range of their new missiles along HIMARS/MARS II/MLRS-E rockets.

"Great battles are won with artillery."

Napoleon Bonaparte

I would say"...with better artillery."

Russia had the advantage and instead of using it on the battlefield as they did to great effect in WWII, they chose to focus mostly on shelling cities beyond the front for no tactical or strategic purpose. It sure wasn't for "winning the hearts and minds" of the population living in those areas.

You have to keep your "eye on the ball" which is where the enemy is directly around you. Ukraine is showing us how a smaller focused force can be effective against a larger and "better" equipped one.

I'm certain some western armies will/have taken away many "lesson learned" from this war to date and beyond.

But it is too soon to say the Russians are completely out of this war. However, reports in the last 24hrs. are indicating great quantities of tanks and other vehicles and large stocks of ammo are just being abandoned on the battlefield.
https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-abandoned-russian-equipment/32029623.html

There's plenty more out there besides this above. This from 8hrs. ago.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

DRG

September 13th, 2022, 07:40 AM

That one photo of the Orlan-10 with duct tape on the horizontal stabilizer was "interesting" and the one showing "The vehicle was partly covered by a tarpaulin that would have helped to hide it from drones. "
........ had it been camo or netted maybe but a BRIGHT GREEN tarp only attracts attention and the way it's been set up seems to show it full of rainwater...........thinking something else was going on.....repairs maybe

DRG

September 13th, 2022, 08:11 AM

https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-counteroffensive-stuns-russia-victory-question/32028687.html

And while credit has been given to the tenacity of their soldiers, Ukrainians have also benefited from a firehose of powerful Western weaponry: U.S. long-range HIMARS artillery systems, M777 howitzers, high-speed anti-radiation missiles, French-made Caesar howitzers, and German-made Panzerhaubitze self-propelled artillery.

That has allowed the Ukrainians to fire, with pinpoint precision, at targets -- for example, bridges over the Dnieper River or command posts in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions -- from distances harder for Russian artillery to reach.

FASTBOAT TOUGH

September 15th, 2022, 12:31 PM

Well, it appears "Operation Deception"-Mine has thus far been a rousing success. According to the following article (Atlantic is a well-respected publication.) this was a well-planned operation and held close for quite some time.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/09/ukraine-russia-putin-kharkiv-kupyansk/671407/

The rest is further follow-up on Germany. Germany will and does hold the key to the heavy armor situation when it comes to the Ukraine getting Western tanks. We also do to a lesser extent but I'm not seeing happening at our end any time soon.

It'll take Germany to make the first move then maybe others will follow suit. By progression.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_i ndustry/germany_confirms_delivery_to_ukraine_of_20_gepard_ anti-aircraft_vehicles_and_16_biber_bridgelayer.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_i ndustry/bundestag_german_parliament_calls_on_german_govern ment_to_increase_arms_supplies_to_ukraine.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_i ndustry/rheinmetall_has_16_marder_ifvs_ready_for_delivery_ to_ukraine_army.html
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/opinion-why-germany-must-send-tanks-to-ukraine-%e2%80%94-and-fast/ar-AA11PH73

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Karagin

September 15th, 2022, 01:13 PM

Yeah, going to disagree with you on your stand on the Atlantic. I would trust the National Enquire before trusting them.

The rest is though is interesting.

DRG

October 8th, 2022, 09:36 AM

That bridge from Crimea to Russia has been an obvious target from the start and I've thought that Ukraine must be waiting for just the right moment to render it unusable.

Timing is everything...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VLADIMIR

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/breaking_news/article-11293851/Massive-explosion-destroys-key-bridge-linking-Crimea-Putins-Russia.html

Now, this raises a question......... WHY would there be a Ukrainian Truck allowed on the bridge ?..........IF indeed it was a "Ukrainian Truck"

EDIT 1
This could have just been a simple accident on the bridge that is being spun into a " Ukrainian Terrorist incident"...........if one of your ammo trucks blew up and rendered a critical supply route impassible would you blame your own people or the "enemy" ?

EDIT 2

OTOH.........

https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/08/europe/crimea-bridge-explosion-intl-hnk

Mute the talking heads and watch what happens between 10 and :13 seconds

It does not appear the explosion originated ON the bridge. It APPEARS to come from the right side under the bridge

FASTBOAT TOUGH

April 3rd, 2023, 11:17 PM

WE'RE GOING BACK TO THE "PI"!!

FOR NAVY IT WAS A "SAILORS PARADISE"!!

To more serious business we are GOING back for different reasons...
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/u-s-department-of-defense-announces-four-new-military-sites-in-the-philippines/ar-AA19qVo2?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=986eeffc5cda464b8b5bdb0284ce3665&ei=18

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Suhiir

April 4th, 2023, 06:31 PM

Hey!
I rather liked Subic Bay.
And Olongapo was certainly an "experience".

FASTBOAT TOUGH

November 17th, 2024, 11:34 PM

Well, I guess this will be my own "White Paper".

So far, the North Koreans are still in Russia and possibly be moving into Russian occupied territory in the Ukraine. It has already been confirmed that North Korean officers are training and getting the "lay of the land" in those occupied areas.

It is my belief IF the decision is made to use the NK troops I feel the blow will come from one of two directions...

1) An attack from the SE side of the KURSK Salient with the attack both to break the salient and with a strong task force to get behind/under the salient to cut off the retreat/or force it to occur with the mission to capture or destroy as much of the Ukrainian forces there.

2 With the current Russian offensive underway another option is to support a further offensive on the part of Russia to break the salient, that the NK to commit all their forces to either envelop the salient or cross the border to take Ukrainian territory adjacent to the salient to take territory but more importantly engage the Ukrainian forces protecting the Eastern flank of the border and salient. In this case it would not allow for reinforcements from that direction but more importantly force the Ukraine to make some hard decisions on how to allocate their limited forces.

3 I would think a "feint" in strength of a couple of divisions (Or more.) 200 - 300 miles further to the SE along the current battle front a week or so before the two above might draw off some Ukrainian forces from the above area. The 43rd Mech. Brigade can't be everywhere.

This is a race against time at best those forces if used for such an attack need to do it in less than two months before the weather turns everything to mud.

Not all is lost as the Ukraine will be getting almost two fully trained divisions notably from France along with Poland and I believe maybe Belgium or Denmark. They will arrive home fully equipped in transit (France) or be "mated up" with prepositioned equipment.

Whatever the case the "clock is ticking".

Why am I doing this? Just ask yourself when the last time in the modern era in a major operation sent infantry into action without its artillery.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/breaking-news-ukraine-intel-reports-north-korea-supplying-russia-with-240mm-mlrs-rocket-launchers
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/breaking-news-ukraine-intel-confirms-delivery-of-50-north-korean-koksan-howitzers-to-russia-following-troop-deployment

South Korea is now a player they have by now sent a team of military and intelligence advisors into the Ukraine. Also, they are not ruling out direct military equipment aid to the Ukrainians. South Korea is seeing this as a "redline" which could destabilize the peninsula if not confronted in the Ukraine.

Poland they've been on "higher level" of alert.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/poland-deploys-first-south-korean-k2-black-panther-main-battle-tanks-near-russian-border

Up to 10 to 15K troops are still believed to be on the border with Belarus the following is for context and does a good job to explain why.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66410230

Back to my "Sat." off.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

FASTBOAT TOUGH

November 19th, 2024, 02:30 AM

Well, this time I have a "Green Paper" I'm so thankful that Russia has such overwhelming pride in their Navy. Afterall if not for the Navy, Communist Russia might never have come into existence. It certainly has been debated on and off since its inception.

So, what has that "pride" got them? Well with what they've spent on the following I'll suggest it has cost them the finances to fix the problems with the T-14 ARMATA and Su-57 FALON for starters and around 4 highly modern and battle capable destroyers or since Russia likes their bigger "show the flag" type ships 2 maybe 3 Cruisers.

I fully agree with this article that the sanctions in place before the invasion and since are having an effect on their military. Some might remember I posted a couple of articles of "advanced" Russian jets shot down with store bought compasses mounted in the cockpits you can buy at Walmart at the beginning of the war.

The Admiral Nakhimov is certainly the "poster child" for corruption, inefficiency and again pride as displayed also by the above two other projects as well.

So, I say in the highest tradition of the Navy "Carry on! ".

I've seen this ship "somewhere" ;) and in their prime they were "Bad Asx" deserving of a cruise missile strike or spread of four Mk 48's if you can get into range to fire them. But that wouldn't make for a "fun day" though.

The second picture as you scroll down clearly shows forward of the super structure the various missile tubes it has. That's a "world of hurt" and back in the 80'S she probably carried some to use our terminology TLAM-N cruise missiles.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/kirov-class-battlecruiser-might-be-sunk-thanks-to-ukraine-war/ar-AA1uk6kv?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=7ec3141e3bae4a3e84995f7766d1516e&ei=44#

Somewhat declassified now I see. Had a couple of guys who were on there but typical for us, they never talked about what and where they were. :p
As you might notice in the below ref., we all understood this possibility existed another reason we are all volunteers.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/calling-tom-clancy-navy-uss-parche-spy-submarine-had-self-destruct-mode-208424

Regards,
Pat
:capt: