Ukraine OOB New and Old Toys

[luigim]

As you can see, there is a frozen conflict going hot now in East Ukraine, so my interest for Russia and Ukraine OOBs is going up. The next patch IMHO should include these toys. ( I love this game and its OOB research)

1. Seems that Ukraine has developed a new ATGM to replace the old soviet ones. It is roughly comparable to Metis. This is KORSAR ATGM

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/corsar-anti-tank-missile-system/

http://www.military-today.com/missiles/korsar.htm

http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/vooruzhenie-i-boepripasi/137-legkiy--protivotankoviy--raketniy--kompleks--korsar

2.But there isn't only this.

There is SKIF ATGM, roughly equivalent to Kornet.

http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-weapons-systems-and-simulators/skif-man-portable-antitank-missile-system

http://www.military-today.com/missiles/skif.htm

http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/vooruzhenie-i-boepripasi/31-nosimiy-protivotankoviy-raketniy-kompleks-skif

3. Ukraine has fielded 203mm Malka/Pion Heavy Artillery, the same unit Russia has in OOB, and in game there is only an older 203mm cold war era gun.

They need unit 807, 813 and 914 from Russian OOB

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/2s7_pion.htm

http://warforukraine.com/weapons/artillery/ukrainian-artillery/41-2s7pion.html

http://armamentresearch.com/ukrainian-government-returns-2s7-pion-self-propelled-artillery-to-service/

https://twitter.com/raging545/status/766687835827175424

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_Y9qmHFWQ

http://liveuamap.com/en/2015/4-january-ukrainian-artillery-the-heavy-howitzer-2s7-pion/comments

4. In Ukraine OOB there is an error: Ukraine has destroyed with American assistance all its Tu-22M Backfire ( unit 541) bombers since 2002-2004, according to strategic force reduction treaties

http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/ukraine_bomber.pdf?_=1317244859

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/tu-22m.htm

https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/ukraine-dismantles-last-strategic-tu-160-bomber-tu-7277.html

http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/tu-22m/tu-22m.htm Bottom of the page


Best Regards

[luigim]

I made further web search and seems that Skif fires the same missile of Barrier ATGM, which equips new APCs BTR-3E1 and BTR-4, and the upgraded BMP-1M because Konkurs is Russian-made!

http://en.reporter-ua.ru/ukrainian-anti-tank-guided-missile-rk-2c-certified-to-nato-standards.html

http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/vooruzhenie-i-boepripasi/34-protivotankoviy-raketniy-kompleks-barer

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product4339.html


From Jane’s International Defence Review April 2005:

"Both the Bar'Er vehicle-mounted anti-tank missile system and the Skif man-portable system use the new R-2 semi-automatic laser-beam guided missile. It weighs 61 kg, including its 9 kg tracking sight and two missile canisters. Skif, with its single-round remotely controlled tripod launcher, has a system weight of 56 kg, including its 8 kg operator's control station.

The R-2 missile is 1.27 m long and has a diameter of 130 mm. It weighs 16 kg and is packed into a 160 mm-diameter RK-2 canister to create a complete round weighing 26 kg. The missile has cruciform wings and small cruciform tail surfaces. The wings have a curved profile that allows them to the stored folded against the missile body while the round is in its canister.

The tandem-charge warhead is credited with a minimum penetration of 800 mm of rolled homogenous armour (RHA) when the latter is protected by explosive-reactive armour (ERA). Effective range is 100-5,000 m and time of flight to maximum range is 23 seconds."



And from Jane’s Missiles & Rockets June 2007:

"Skif is intended for use against stationary and moving armoured targets, and fixed targets such as small bunkers and weapon stores, or even against helicopters.

The remotely controlled version consists of a tripod; an azimuth and elevation training mechanism; an electro-optical module consisting of a sight and automatic target tracker; a missile housed in a transporting launching container; and a remote-control unit.

The launcher weighs 27 kg, while the combined sight and automatic-tracking device add a further 15 kg, and the remote-control unit and a 50 m connecting cable weigh 12 kg. The remote-control unit allows the operator to be positioned well away from the launcher, which improves survivability. When Skif was first shown in its original form two years ago, the remote-control unit could be located only 5 m from the launcher.

The system uses Luch Design Bureau's R-2 anti-tank missile. Folding wings and control surfaces allow the missile to be mounted in an RK-2 transporting-launching container. RK-2 is 129 cm long and 140 mm in diameter.

Two versions of Skif are being promoted a simpler and cheaper variant without a laser rangefinder or thermal imager and a more expensive system fitted with both."


Here some GOLD INTEL about Ukrainian MIC and Army

http://bintel.com.ua/en/article/opk1/

http://bintel.com.ua/en/article/opk2/

http://bintel.com.ua/en/article/opk3/

http://bintel.com.ua/en/article/opk4/

http://bintel.com.ua/en/article/opk5/

[luigim]

This the Ukraine replacement for Invar and Reflex:

KOMBAT ATGM

http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/vooruzhenie-i-boepripasi/33-protivotankovie-vistreli-s-upravlyaemoy-raketoy-kombat-i-konus

http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-guided-missiles-and-guidance-systems/kombat-round-comprising-antitank-guided-missile

http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/ARM/atgm/ammo.html

[blazejos]

Looks like war in Eastern Europe in Ukraine comes very close.

So Ukrainians starts to improve their military equipment as fast as possible here info about what they itroduced in last months.

They start to build new military transport airplanes and in December first new Antonow An-128 was ready and handed to airforce

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3376621-an178100r-aircraft-presented-in-kyiv.html

I especially look on video with Antonow looks like arrived many ordinary peoples.

Canadian special forces are already on Ukraine
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3386856-canadas-specops-unit-deployed-in-ukraine-media.html

Latvia and Estonia provide military help to Ukraine
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3381078-latvia-will-send-weapons-to-ukraine-defense-minister.html
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3378320-estonia-plans-to-provide-javelin-missiles-howitzers-to-ukraine.html

Turkish Bayraktar Drones are already build on Ukraine
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3375530-ukraine-launches-production-of-bayraktar-drones-yermak.html

And British At weapon arrived also
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3387545-antitank-weapons-delivered-to-ukraine-from-britain.html

Here is also info that Ukraininians modernising already their fleet of T-64 with modern gear in famous Kharkiv armoured plant.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3360266-kharkiv-armored-plant-upgrades-t64-tank.html

Czech Republic also
sold Ukraine modernised BMP-1 and in 2020 New 152 mm Dana-M2 the same which are now itroduced to Polish army after modernisation from older variants.

[blazejos]

Poland will send MANPAD's to Ukraine in Febuary 2022
propably new incarnation of "Igla" called "Piorun" and also 60mm mortars from polish arsenal.

https://kyivindependent.com/national/poland-to-provide-ukraine-with-defensive-weapons/
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/02/poland-to-send-air-defense-weapons-ammo-drones-to-ukraine/
https://zbiam.pl/mozdzierze-bezzalogowce-amunicja-i-gromy-polska-bron-dla-ukrainy/

What is intresting Polish MANPAD "Grom" were already on ukraine in 2014 in hands of... Separatist in Donbas who obtain them via Russia from som numbers captured from Gorgian Army in 2008
https://armamentresearch.com/polish-ppzr-grom-manpads-seized-from-pro-russian-separatists-in-ukraine/

[blazejos]

Here is a portal with military news from Ukrane
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense

we can read there that they recived Stinger MANPAD's from Lithuania https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3403426-ukraine-gets-stinger-air-defense-systems-from-lithuania.html

MANPADs, drones, granade lanucher's & mortars from Poland
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3400468-polish-government-approvei-the-provision-of-free-defense-aid-to-ukraine.html

AIRBUS H125 from France for border guard
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3398377-ukrainian-border-guards-receive-three-more-airbus-helicopters-from-france.html

[miq]

I've got a problem with formation #209 (Light APC MGs) when selecting 12.7mm NSV. Three squads of four men each will not fit into BPM or some more modern BTR either. Should probably have just two machine gun squads per vehicle?

Formation #066 has the same problem, I think.

ed. also #067

[DRG]

Thanks. I'll look into it. For now, only use the MT-LB for the HMGs in both

EDIT
That has been like that from day 1 I think but strangely enough, both formations are the same in the Russian and Ukrainian OOB but the Ukrainian OOB draws from a different MG Unitclss and that MG Unitclss has a HMG and the Russian one only MMG

I will sort this out and get it fixed

[miq]

Another weird thing is that I cannot select APC for machine guns when using formation #099 BMP Bn Spt Co B (see screenshot).

Same problem occurs with formation #103 BTR Bn Spt Co B.

[DRG]

I suspect I know why and it will be fixed

Any particular year? I will assume right now

This is what happens when an OOB that nobody has any interest in suddenly everyone's interested in

One issue ---there is no formation 103 and 102 does not have the same APC class as #99

[miq]

Sorry typo, I meant #102. Cannot see the APC-wheeled options on either page.

[DRG]

This was a real puzzle then I spotted the problem but we're not sure why it caused the problem that you and we saw

The command unit didn't have a "ride". Once I gave him one and moved the Hy Mortar Bty/T it's all good now

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16654&stc=1&d=16477252021

Now you have a choice of APC-Tracked to choose from

That one was a *BIT* unusual. Will look at the other one you mentioned next

[DRG]

Sorry typo, I meant #102. Cannot see the APC-wheeled options on either page.


They are on the next page on mine and that formation has not been touched that I am aware of besides adding one more BTR to the MG platoon

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16655&stc=1&d=1647725360

[blazejos]

If your carious what happens with captured Ukrainian equipment NLAW, Jevelin, Striela and Piorun is given to separatists army here confirmation.

https://eng.mil.ru/en/special_operation/news/more.htm?id=12413212@egNews

[DRG]

Interesting. On all my browsers that link shows

403 Forbidden

even with ProtonVPN running ( US based IP)

EDIT: Interesting, disturbing and annoying not necessarily in that order

If I set the VPN to a Netherlands IP I can see it

I am feeling the cold dead hand of the nanny-state at work here...

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Interesting, seeing the same here in U.S. with Bitdefender VPN with no suspicious activity being blocked or reported. Propaganda for Poland? :re: Have seen the same on CBS News here this past week as well with their war trophies' the Russians captured.

That's OK the Ukrainians won't need Tanks or APC's, ATGM or RPG 's for a while either as the Russians seem to be happy to turn them over or "lose" them as well. Just watched an interview with a Ukrainian officer on CNN showing off the same as just stated. Nobody covers a war like them all day every day.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[blazejos]

So you have confirmation that some sources are blocked by ISP I don't support Russian propaganda but is interesting to see their main source and how in some way primitive is their broadcast and of course as you can see (or not thanks to nanny state) this broadcast in English too.

In some way this Russian Ministry of Defence website videos access is a Freedom-meter in your own country you can see If your own politician see you and all the citizens grown enough to have critical eye and responsible enough to see such point of view. Or rather you and your fellow citizens are treated like children who shouldn't see such propaganda.

[Karagin]

The new trend is to block anything that is not against Russia, Google, Duck Duck, etc...are all doing it.

[DRG]

So you have confirmation that some sources are blocked by ISP I don't support Russian propaganda but is interesting to see their main source and how in some way primitive is their broadcast and of course as you can see (or not thanks to nanny state) this broadcast in English too.

In some way this Russian Ministry of Defence website videos access is a Freedom-meter in your own country you can see If your own politician see you and all the citizens grown enough to have critical eye and responsible enough to see such point of view. Or rather you and your fellow citizens are treated like children who shouldn't see such propaganda.

TRUST ME...... I am no fan of the clowns in power here right now in any way, shape or form.

[blazejos]

OOB's with militarny aid send to Ukraine April-June 2022 together with their Big transport planes and technicals vehicles etc... with lbm's

[blazejos]

Other interesting prototype build on Gaz 6x6 truck chassis APC Owod already send to front-line

https://v.wpimg.pl/M2I4MjcxYlMoVjtZTANvRmsObwMKWmEQPBZ3SExOfQIxB35STB 4kXixGKBoMVipAPEQsHRNWPV5mVT0DTA58HS1dPhoPGTQdLFkv DwdXfwNwAH1ZB0FgAnEFf0dXTX0HZFV0WlBVfQIrAX4IW0p6Ay gCbxc

build in 2015
https://t.me/horevica/4334?single

[blazejos]

In subject of improvisation on front-line

Ukrainian MT-LB with S-8 helicopter pod's https://twitter.com/i/status/1520811605872754688

Ukrainian Brimstone AT-rockets fired from ordinary light truck https://twitter.com/Blue_Sauron/status/1524775132413280256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1524782972515368960%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftech.wp.pl%2Fbrimstone-w-ukrainie-wiadomo-jak-z-pociskow-korzysta-ukrainska-armia6768697256745888a

Ukrainian 4 tubes from Grad mounted on light truck Unimog https://twitter.com/i/status/1538077156667969537

Ukrainian KRaZ with 2B9 Vasilek as improvised mobile gun
https://twitter.com/i/status/1544514046006890496

[troopie]

New stuff is going into that orbat all the time. I recommend getting the stats and upgrading it yourself.

troopie

[blazejos]

In case of Kamikaze drone's on Eastern front

In Poland is already fundraiser for WB Warmate loitering munitions which Ukrainians used since 2018 during earlier war in Donbas

https://en.defence-ua.com/events/poles_raise_money_to_buy_warmate_loitering_munitio ns_for_the_armed_forces_of_ukraine-3650.html

Here is also Ukrainian article in English about performance of Phenix Ghost on front-line
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/what_is_the_phoenix_ghost_drone_new_details_reveal ed-3654.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/the_pentagon_commented_on_phoenix_ghost_performanc e_in_ukraine_and_reported_an_increase_in_their_num ber-3679.html

And Ukrainian DIY loitering Munition drone build probably locally name not know.

https://video2.magnet.kiev.ua/html5/html5lib/v2.74.4/mwEmbedFrame.php/p/104/uiconf_id/23448223/entry_id/0_p9kifbme?wid=_104&iframeembed=true&playerId=kaltura_player_1657218123&entry_id=0_p9kifbme

And info about usage of WB FlyEye FO drone on front-line
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/stealth_aircraft_helps_the_ukrainian_armed_forces_ destroy_enemys_tor_air_defense_systems_and_other_e quipment-3687.html

And on end Russian loitering munition vehicle Lancet
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/russias_lancet_loitering_munition_downed_by_ukrain es_small_arms_fire-3691.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/illustration/articles/cf862e0f94a568ef.jpg

[MarkSheppard]

There's also a rumor that there may be a reusable disposable drone -- capable of loitering and firing multiple (2 or more) smart munitions at enemy vehicles; before returning to be reloaded -- in operation in Ukraine.

This system may be the Phoenix Ghost -- and the name itself may be a reference to the drone; a semi-stealthy (the Ghost in the name) loitering kamikaze style munition that can return to base to be rearmed and relaunched a few times (the Phoenix in the name)

[blazejos]

Just found name of Ukrainian Launchers build from parts of destroyed Grad's They are called Witcher and made in longer series than only one piece. Still that is small scale welding in garage but looks quite professionally. There are
versions on pick-up's and on own wheels.
https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/YPXk9kpTURBXy84MDllZjc4NTU5NDU0YzRkZDc2MTUxNGViZGJ hM2I5OC5qcGeSlQLNAxQAwsOVAgDNAvjCw4GhMAU

[MarkSheppard]

Posting this here for this so that we don't have 50,000 threads on the War in Ukraine.

Apparently a former RU paratrooper has written a 141 page memoir of his service in Ukraine and posted it on VK.com

I'll summarize the things that stood out for me from a twitter thread going through it:

https://twitter.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1560022545356791810

19/ Parachute jump practice finally took place in November 2021, but it was another fiasco. Several days were wasted packing parachutes "from morning until 21:00," as it turned out that half of the company did not know how to do it.

20/ The soldiers set off for their jump practice at 02:00 in sub-zero conditions, travelling on open-top trucks. They spent five hours "jumping on the spot ... to warm up somehow". When they jumped, Filatyev found that the drop zone had mistakenly been centred on a cemetery.

21/ Fortunately, Filatyev writes, "it's good that the weather was good, everyone taxied out, no one landed on a cross or anyone's grave." But after he got back to base, he found that he had contracted pneumonia in both lungs, with many comrades also falling ill.

22/ He was sent to a military hospital where he spent a week recovering. While there, he found that his company commander had attempted to cover up his stay in the hospital, presumably to avoid awkward questions about why so many of the unit's members fell sick at once.

23/ By this time, Filatyev was fed up. He wrote a detailed complaint to the Russian Ministry of Defence (MOD) outlining the many violations of regulations and the poor military ethos that he saw, as well as the almost complete lack of training provided to the troops.

24/ "An atmosphere of apathy reigns among contract servicemen," Filatyev complained, "and 90% of them are discussing in the smoking rooms how to finish their contract as soon as possible ... I also heard from a number of officers that they don't want to serve here."

25/ There was also little esprit de corps among the men. "The Russian and airborne unit flags [looked] as if they had gone through a war (only a fortnight ago they were replaced) and the unit staff ... patched them up because there was already a hole in the hole".

26/ The unit raised the flags every morning accompanied by the Russian national anthem, but as Filatyev notes sardonically, "half the servicemen do not sing it". He wrote that "the duty and anti-terrorist units are on duty only on paper" and did not attend morning roll calls.

27/ Filatyev told the MOD that what he had observed over the past 3.5 months "horrifies me ... in fact, I see complete anarchy, there is only a faint hint of combat readiness, [and] I hear a lot of ridicule among the local population about Feodosia VDV [airborne troops]."

28/ Things got worse when Filatyev's unit was reorganised just before the war (in December 2021), becoming the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment. But it was a regiment only in name, consisting of 2 battalions and a reconnaissance company equivalent in numbers to a platoon.

...

The units were grossly undermanned on the eve of the war. His own 2nd Airborne Assault Battalion consisted of three companies of 45-60 people each (165 in total), and the amphibious assault battalion also consisted of 165 people. But on paper they had 500 people.

:shock:

[MarkSheppard]

I downloaded the original 141 page memoir through the link to VK.com given by ChrisO on Twitter; and OCRed the PDF; it's now up as a 1.9 MB HTML file that you can hit "Translate" on your phone or browser here:

Link to ZOV - HTML version (http://alternatewars.com/Ukraine2022/ZOV.htm)

it's a fascinating look into readiness and preps before the war.

[DRG]

CNN and other covering the story

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/22/europe/pavel-filatyev-ukraine-russia-paratrooper-interview-intl/index.html

[MarkSheppard]

Footage of a Russian quadcopter drone dropping explosives onto an Ukrainian Trench and mortar position.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1562534535153487872

[MarkSheppard]

https://twitter.com/am_misfit/status/1562901386018590720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"More on the "carpet-bomber" drones, as I like to call them that Taiwan is sending to #Ukraine (800 of them!).

Officially the "Revolver 860", can drop eight 60mm mortar bombs, by default."

...

The Revolver 860 weighs 42 kilograms (93 pounds) and can fly for 40 minutes up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) with a full payload, according to the manufacturer.

Although the drone’s weapons bay is designed to carry eight 60mm mortars, it can be customized for other munition

https://i.imgur.com/BypNC0i.jpg

===========

As others have pointed out...if Taiwan has 800 (!!) of these things to donate to Ukraine...just how many of these does Taiwan have??!?!?!?!?

[MarkSheppard]

Slovenian-donated BVP-80As have been photographed service with the Ukrainian 24th Mech. Brigade

[Wdll]

Anyone can tell what tank is at 0:11 0:12 and a bit further ahead?
It almost looks like an Armata, but I doubt it is. Someone with a better set of eyes?

The footage is I think several months old, outside of Kiev.

https://twitter.com/Arslon_Xudosi/status/1511376081407905793?s=20&t=9ZCcIsZpCURK9OqfBF1vsg

[DRG]

If you mean the one with the smoke pouring out the commander hatch I would say T72/T90
https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16790&stc=1&d=1661868787


If there had been an Armata there, the world would have heard about it in a heartbeat

[Wdll]

If you mean the one with the smoke pouring out the commander hatch I would say T72/T90
https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16790&stc=1&d=1661868787


If there had been an Armata there, the world would have heard about it in a heartbeat


Thank you. It just didn't look like either a T-72 or T-90 to me, at least from this angle, but I believe you. It makes more sense.

[blazejos]

Here story of improvized "Kraken"

MT-LB + 100mm MT-12 Rapira = improvized mobile artillery

https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/ukraines_kraken_unit_uses_the_mt_lb_mounted_with_t he_100mm_mt_12_rapira_anti_tank_gun_video-3883.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/illustration/articles/39d62f8fd67d23fa.jpg

[blazejos]

Articles about other model this time SP-AT gun build on MT-LB chassis with shields for the crew. In this case that isn't SP-Gun but tank hunter vehicle.

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/gas_company_remade_a_captured_mt_lb_armored_vehicl e_into_a_handmade_howitzer-4357.html

https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrtransgaz-zajmayetsya-shreshhuvannyam-mt-lb-z-mt-12/

https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/ukrtransgaz_from_ukraine_develops_new_mobile_anti-tank_gun_using_soviet_mtlb_and_mt-12_100mm_gun.html

<iframe width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-qwlwtPNnY" title="“Укртрансгаз” займається схрещуванням МТ-ЛБ з МТ-12" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And here about M-240 "Museum" Mortar
still used by Ukrainians on quiet parts of eastern front. https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainian_army_uses_the_m_240_museum_mortar_to_des troy_russian_occupiers_in_the_south_photo-4366.html
https://en.defence-ua.com/media/contentimages/2a0633487f6b8bdf.jpg

[blazejos]

Two interesting findings
Usage of 57mm S-60 AA guns on truck vehicles as improvised Gepard like. They are use to protect against aerial threats, drones like Orlan or Cartographer, Helicopters. Against ground vehicles usually light armoured so very usefully vehicles even is that only KRAZ truck with gun.

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/how_successful_soviet_s_60_anti_aircraft_guns_in_u kraine-4385.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/contentimages/a0d6336b49f5e722.jpg

And here Photos and list of western manufactured vehicles used in last counteroffensive with original photos from front-line.
https://mil.in.ua/en/articles/western-armored-vehicles-in-offensive-operation-in-the-kharkiv-region/

[DRG]

What I found interesting in that link was the use of the white cross for identifying Ukrainian vehicles.
https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screen3shot_1.jpg
This is the first time I have noticed that being used

[Pibwl]

Interesting drone HQ video, reminded me SP at once
https://twitter.com/nowakkmichal/status/1577366047480741888

[DRG]

What I found interesting in that link was the use of the white cross for identifying Ukrainian vehicles.
This is the first time I have noticed that being used

It would appear the vehicles marked with the cross *MAY BE" captured Russian equipment though I do not have definitive proof about that besides one reference to the Russian Markings removed and the Ukrainian White cross applied .

Minor point though

[Pibwl]

Interesting HQ footage of destroying of BMP-2M https://twitter.com/Teoyaomiquu/status/1578896065176096768?

[blazejos]

New vehicles of Russia here described
Т-62М model 2021
Modernisation of this classical tank which include some modern stuff like laser rangefinder and new reactive armour
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russia-plans-to-return-800-t-62-tanks-to-service/ inside this article is also mentioned new version of Soviet BRDM-2 now rebuild by Russian army since 2016 to BRDM-2MS variant here additionally article about this BRDM-2MS with improved devices described
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/russias_mobs_to_use_serbian_brdm_2ms_scout_cars_in _ukraine-4459.html

New variant is also used by Serbia and Myanmar (Burma)

Ukrainians has now enough classical T-62M captured without modernisation to equipping two companies of this tanks https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukraines_armed_forces_of_seized_rare_russian_tanks _as_trophies_enough_for_two_tank_platoons-4439.html

[blazejos]

Interesting articles from Ukraine side

T-72B3 captured and Now used on Captors side in article are photos videos from inside and opinions of Ukraine tankers about this vehicle from practical point of view thir performance on battlefield
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/once_russian_t_72b3_tank_now_helps_ukrainian_army_ to_destroy_the_occupiers_for_six_months_already-4535.html

Czech RM-70 Vampire in Ukraine
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukraines_servicemen_apply_the_czech_rm_70_vampire_ mlrs_to_destroy_invaders_in_donetsk_oblast_video-4582.html

And theory about OSA-P and Shaed-136 drones
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/poland_could_have_contributed_to_the_destruction_o f_shahed_136_drones_with_its_osa_p_air_defense_sys tems-4547.html

German Bergpanzer's for Ukraine
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/ukraine_gets_another_package_of_military_aid_from_ germany-4587.html

BTR-4MV1 APC prototype which is intensive used on front-line since February
https://mil.in.ua/en/articles/chronicle-of-the-btr-4mv1-apc-battles-during-the-liberation-of-the-kharkiv-region/

2S22 Bohdana prototype which was used to shelling Snake island
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/experimental-2s22-bohdana-self-propelled-howitzer-is-destroying-the-invader-forces/

BARS-8MMK mobile mortar developed in 2021 but if we look on photos is used in bigger numbers interesting is that unit of this devices meaby in use since February 2022

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/bars-8mmk-mobile-mortar-systems-began-operational-service-tests-with-the-ukrainian-armed-forces/
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-army-received-first-bars-8mmk-mobile-mortar-systems/

[MarkSheppard]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FftFsz6X0AIGIw7?format=png&name=900x900

#Ukraine: A Polish-supplied T-72M1R tank spotted in #Bakhmut that's an excellent example of local Ukrainian modifications- as well as Kontakt-1 ERA, additional rubber sheet armour has been added to the turret/hull, as well as slat armour to the rear of the turret. pic.twitter.com/tga30V8pR4

— \uD83C\uDDFA\uD83C\uDDE6 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) October 22, 2022

[blazejos]

Here I also found ordinary T-72M1 also from polish deliveries older variant. I my assume that Ukrainian repaint them to dark green and rebuild with Kontak-1 bricks before sending to front (myth said that Kontakt-1 they are taken from Russian wreckages of T-72 and recycled in that way)

https://d-art.ppstatic.pl/kadry/k/r/1/73/db/62a1a85802d4e_o_large.jpg

[miq]

A few minor issues:

Formation #107 should be using trucks (unit #598), not jeeps.

Formation #194 has extra space in title.

Territorial companies #997, #998 have extra "Pl" in title.

[MarkSheppard]

So supposedly Ukraine should be getting AMX-10RC; no idea of quantities; but France has 200+ of them they could give.

[DRG]

Let's wait and see on this one......

[MarkSheppard]

I realize this may not be the place for it; but these apparently are going to be AMX-10RCR (AMX-10RC Renove).

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/amx_10rcr.htm
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMX-10_RC

Between 2005 and 2010 a total of 256 vehicles were upgraded to the AMX-10RCR standard in order to keep them operational until 2015-2020.

Upgraded AMX-10RCR vehicles were also fitted with Galix self-protection system and LIRE infrared jamming system.

I checked the French OOB; and I think the following unit represents the AMX-10RCR:

French 041 AMX-10RC sbd

It arrives 1/2010, has VIRSS, etc.

[DRG]

I have it in the OOB but as the AMX-10RC. Up to release I can change it if better info is available......IF it shows up


Macronite (Макронити)

The French president may have given his blessing to Ukraine’s bid to join the EU during a visit to Kyiv last week, but Emmanuel Macron still isn’t going to win any popularity contests in the war-torn country.

Ukrainians have taken to using the term “Macronite” — no prizes for guessing its origins — to describe someone who makes a big show of being very concerned about something but refuses to do anything tangible to help.

[DRG]

Brimestones In Ukraine have been mentioned. Apparently, they have been in country since the end of last year and have been tested but IDK if they have actually been used in combat yet

It appears to be used from light trucks from a twin mount and fired in pairs and how they would be classified in game terms is like the Spike NLOS that's in the South Korean OOB.

From what I have seen so far this ground-launched use for the limestone has been under investigation for a few years in various nations so ground launching is not a new Ukrainian innovation and I have found CGI proposed launch vehicles that could carry many of them. I have yet to confirm if they are indeed NLOS but the indicators are that they are.

So this is a "field testing" exercise

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

On the opposite side of the "spectrum" since at least June of last year Russia has been using their active versions of the S-300 to attack land targets by adding a GPS component to the warhead.
https://defence-blog.com/russia-uses-soviet-era-air-defense-missiles-to-engage-ground-targets/
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/russia-now-firing-s-300-surface-to-air-missiles-at-land-targets-in-ukraine-official
(Claims the system can also attack to at 10km min. range.)Russian
https://naviny.by/rubrics/politic/2011/10/17/ic_articles_112_175478/
(This from Belarus in OCT. 2011.)

Also, since about December last year, the same has been adapted for the S-400 series both of which provides for a long-range capability of at least 120-150km or more depending on missile type used. The S-400 missiles can hit targets out to 400km.
https://eurasiantimes.com/russia-using-mighty-s-400-air-defense-missiles-to-strike-ukraine/

The same has been adapted for the Russian Navy launched Anti-Ship missiles this to would only require a minor reconfiguration to be made.

The accuracy would fall in the category of "Close enough for Government Work" against soft targets in a wider space "bombardment" mode.

And of course, this causes for us further headaches. Brought to us by the Russians due to the shortages in multiple type Land Attack missiles.

The "coin" does have two sides.

BRIMSTONE 2:
Looks like the first shipment arrived in May last. These are additional shipment received in Nov last.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/6779552/uk-sends-brimstone-2-missiles-ukraine-war/
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-received-brimstone-2-missiles-from-uk/
https://news.yahoo.com/uk-confirms-transfer-brimstone-2-164900128.html

UKRAIANIAN launcher:
https://sofrep.com/news/ukrainian-forces-have-made-an-improvised-truck-mounted-brimstone-missile-launcher/
(Dated in May '22.)
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/improvised-truck-mounted-brimstone-missile-launcher-emerges-in-ukraine

I like the use of what appears to be a non-descript delivery truck. MOST EXCELLENT! ;)

The NEW DEAL:
UK to send 600 more BRIMSTONES.
https://www.politico.eu/article/ben-wallace-united-kingdom-ukraine-war-send-extra-600-brimstone-missiles-to-russia-battlefield-estonia-western-vladimir-putin-london-nato/
(Typical of the rest NOTE what it says about Ukrainian training goals for '23.)

We're doing the same now,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/pentagon-s-top-general-meets-ukrainians-training-with-u-s-troops/ar-AA16pQDP?bncnt=BroadcastNews_BreakingNews&ocid=UCPNC2&FORM=BNC001&pc=U531&cvid=1b7a026b6b194fa3a30a9dcac9c75b29

UK LAUNCHER TESTING:
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/gdls-uk-unveils-proposal-for-ajax-armed-overwatch-variant-in-partnership-with-mbda
https://ukdefenceforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=1126
(Also had an article showing a test launch from an M270 series launcher which of course I can't find now. But these are a way off especially for the AJAX.)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

The two missile rig they have set up in the sea demonstration vid is, I believe, exactly what they are bolting to the back of those trucks

The Russian-converted missiles are not so much a battlefield tactical application so beyond the scope of the game

[blazejos]

Some improvised Ukrainian vehicles but they looks better than total improvisation and build in series so near serial production

Pickub MRLS with S-5 from aircrafts/helicopter
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/sumy-region-border-strengthened-by-mobile-mlrs-with-s-5-missiles/

Pickup MRLS (miniature Grad but with rotational launcher)
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/ukrainian_workshop_set_up_a_production_of_multiple _launch_rocket_systems_on_pickup_chassis-5433.html

Ukrainian 2S9 Nona guns on BMP-1
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainian_forces_use_an_interesting_hybrid_weapon_ discarded_in_the_1980s-5252.html

Here Russian also Nona but on MT-LB
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/russians_mixed_a_2s9_nona_mortar_with_the_mt_lb_ch assis_and_here_is_what_they_got_photo-3645.html

BRM-1K with turret from BMD-2 Ukrainian
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/the_ukrainian_air_assault_forces_showed_an_unknown _modernization_of_the_brm_1k_armored_vehicle-4917.html

MT-LB with DshK turret
Build in 2015 for war in Donbas in 2018 went into storages and now again in usage
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/a_rare_version_of_the_mt_lb_with_a_dshk_machine_gu n_was_used_while_liberating_kherson-4915.html

Bożena-5 (Slovak remote demining vehicle)
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/bozena-5-helps-to-demine-the-de-occupied-territories-of-kharkiv-region/

Ukrainians also now build static defence fortifications along border with Belorussia

They start with improvised bunkers
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/fortifications-are-being-constructed-at-the-border-with-belarus-in-the-rivne-region/
but now they are fully professionally build from concentrate even some of them have anti RPG cages
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/reinforced-concrete-fortifications-being-built-in-the-kyiv-region/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/photo_2023-01-23-14.03.45-1.jpeg

[MarkSheppard]

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/437455/ustranscom-sends-more-than-60-bradley-fighting-vehicles-ukraine

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2022)– U.S. Transportation Command is delivering the first shipment of Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine as part of the United States’ $2.85 billion military aid agreement announced earlier this year.

The shipment — containing more than 60 Bradleys — left the shores of North Charleston, South Carolina, last week, and will provide the Ukrainian forces with additional offensive and defensive capabilities to protect their borders against Russia’s illegal invasion.

Lots of pictures in there to figure out which Bradley model we're sending.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

That's easy it's the BRADLEY M2A2 ODAS and Don will love this, the only one I could find was "ODAS E" which doesn't look correct. Was going to modify one of the M2A2 ones from around 1996. This was and is the most prolific one of the M2A2 series and it had MAJOR revisions done to it. Currently makes up about 50% of the current Bradley in service. Was the last M2A2 type before the transition to the M2A3.

It was the last BRADLEY (M2A2) type "JAKE" severed with in in both Iraq Wars and finally in South Korea. He was very helpful on some issues I had in past submissions concerning BRADLEY and ABRAMS as he was assigned to them as well for a time early in his career.

RIP my friend!

Sometimes referred to as the "Digital BRADLEY" a lot of ANALOG equipment was removed, so much so to allow CARRY 7.

Already have my sources ready, thought I'd have "a little time" to pull it together YOUR CALL.

Right now, after dealing with a retired pay issue all day so far, I'm going back out to replant shrubs!!

Let me know PM or otherwise also had some notes on how to deal with ODAS CAPIBILITIES.


Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

What I already had in the UKR OOB is an M2A2 "upgraded" to the same FC / RF Stab numbers as the M2A2 ODS-E
20
22
5
4

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

A couple of things before I get "beat up" I have to bring up Jake here as he served in the BRADLEY for so many years so in an "encapsulated form" is...
1. The only reason the M2A2 and up to the latest version doesn't have the same FCS as the ABRAMS is due to space limitations; however, several components are actually used and as the electronics and miniaturization have improved we're seeing more of it filter into the BRADLEY more i.e., BRADLEY BUSK as I recall was the first we got beyond TI/GSR 40, which I believe we have at TI/GSR 50 when submitted.

2. We need to ADD it to the USA OOB as well whether as a new build or modify an existing unit as I already mentioned. The numbers don't lie as to how make up our current operational units.

3. We already have AT versions, and the refs suggest the M2A2 only carried to include the following 3 TOW and 2 JAVILAN ATGW's onboard.

4. Since this came up work here had stopped because of a couple of tank issues with South Korea I've started to include a K2 export version. The article I recently posted on DU export restrictions talks of other "home country" non-DU armor applications.

But I'm sure most stopped reading it after the DU part of the article was finished. Going back to K2 their composite armor package is classified per just about all the refs I have currently.

5. Here is where I'm at for the build I was attempting to get done I looked at the M2A1, M2A2, M2A2 ODAS-E and M2A3.

We needed for the USA and Ukraine one that can fight during Maneuver Operations which means having sufficient troops on board so...
CARRY 6 I'm dubious of the CARRY 7 I've seen in a couple of refs.

WEAPON TOW 2B 6/or *8* (I can see *8* as ODAS-E UNIT 686 has CARRY 4/WEAPON TOW 2B 12)

FC 25 or 30either works here easily enough, this is the JAKE/ABRAMS factor here.

We profess having equipment that are fully protected in the game, so with that in mind, sadly that was my stopping point. The numbers.

HOWEVER, M2A2 with full armor package it has PROTECTION against RPG's and 30mm AP ALL AROUND and the refs pretty much concur with this evaluation.

SURVIBILTY LEAVE SAME UNLESS ABOVE PROTECTION ALLOWS FOR INCREASE TO 5. CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG (I STILL LIKE TO THINK I CAN LEARN OUT HERE.), BUT I BELIEVE A 5 MIGHT BE "BORDERLINE" HERE?

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

We can play these games over and over and over... How about we just go with what I have until we have better information ??

Sound " reasonable"?

It's in the UKR OOB and "close enough" for now. The real world in game terms are negigable

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Not playing games I don't like you have the time for such "childish things" if everything had worked out as I wanted, I would've got this to you much sooner but, they didn't and it's "crunch time" I get it.

I will continue the work in the background, and post what I have when I'm done.

Life is a circus and like you I feel like a "Juggler" as well.

Besides with CINCLANTHOME's help we dug a lot of holes and moved a bunch of dirt and the Azelia bush's we planted, and the backyard are looking really good right now. Always good to be outside and once in a while it's good to get some dirt between your fingers with an "honest" sweat.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Pat , just one question for now in regards to "HOWEVER, M2A2 with full armor package it has PROTECTION against RPG's and 30mm AP ALL AROUND and the refs pretty much concur with this evaluation."


"full armor package" as in BUSK values?

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Actually, I was really looking hard at M2A3+ BRADLEY UNIT 065 to fit the bill for M2A2 BRADLEY ODAS.

1st The timing of UNIT 065 matches perfectly for the introduction of the M2A2 ODAS.

2nd You have to keep in mind that the ODAS was a TRANSITIONAL BRADLEY from what came before it (i.e., UNITS 063 M2A1 & 064 M2A2 (Note END date DEC 1996-which also fits the timeline for ODAS introduction.)

3rd And obviously it would act as the bridge to the M2A3.

4th When we built the "BUSK" the "BEAST" it is as it should be but, too much for the ODAS. Also consider this picture or similar for our BUSK units. But more importantly might act a reminder of what it looks like compared to the existing pictures.
16823

5th Concerning UNIT 686 ODAS-E it already has the same armor (With exception of the shovel HEAT HF.) as UNIT 065 M2A3+ w/o ERA (ADD).

Whether UNIT 065 meets that "ALL AROUND" RPG & 30mm protection I'm not sure but, I think it's close?

Time to ready for you know what. ;)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Pat.

The definition of "ALL AROUND" RPG & 30mm protection " needs to be defined precisely specifically the "RPG" part but also the 30mm because in the previous post it was 30mm AP

The 30mm cannon used by the BMP in service now has an 8 AP pen and a 10 Sabot pen and if we use USA unit 65 as the base it fails the all-around 30mm test on the hull sides and rear *IF* sabot is considered. If it is only AP that is then it passes and what I now have on the Ukrainian version ( USA unit 65 minus the ERA )

Then it gets more "complicated" with "RPG"........ if "RPG" is considered RPG-7 then 65 does not pass the all-around test and if "RPG" includes the RPG-28 then even the M1A2C-THV doesn't pass as you need >90 to beat that thing

This is reportedly a photo of some of the Brads being shipped..

https://en.defence-ua.com/cdn-cgi/mirage/240742a4277c750f36a7e241239e5111cf99898215da6893f4 b3d0757ac0a6b1/1280/media/contentimages/38f63d8be3f0184c.jpeg

There is NO reactive armour on those ( not to mention the first thing that need to happen when they arrive is a coat of green paint ) and note the side armour on those does not match the thickness o the side armour on the photo used for unit 65 though the icon used for 65 might be closer than the one I'm using now

The ones being loaded look more like this
https://www.defencetalk.com/military/photos/us-army-m2a3-bradley-infantry-fighting-vehicle.52214/full?d=1537238214

and this....
https://en.defence-ua.com/media/contentimages/9db63b9c8ad4f610.jpg
is one of the photos used in this article
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/pentagon_reveals_which_version_of_bradley_ifv_ukra ine_is_about_to_get-5370.html
( and the one I am using now for Ukraine

Which, I might be wrong, is what an ERA equipped one looks like without the ERA blocks

So MAYBE the blocks are being shipped crated to be installed there or the Ukrainian are going to apply their own ERA or this is what they get..... we don't know and as usual all we can do is guess and my "guess" is what I have now and is unit 65's armour package minus ERA and the ODS FC+5 is "good enough" until hard data is released and if I were the US or Ukrainian Military I wouldn't want that exact knowledge known

[DRG]

And look what else I found

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/419151/us-army-equips-first-unit-with-modernized-bradley

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The “Hound Battalion,” 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is the first unit to complete field-level maintenance and operator new equipment training on the modernized M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle

and what that write up says is

Front arc of the M2A4 withstands 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. All-round protection is likely to be against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I'm fine with that for UNIT 065 for ODS. Also correct on ERA. M2A3 standard package? .

Yeah ODS NOT ODAS. :doh:

Also went back to my refs and re-read them it appears from them those protection levels were due to solely a new armor package ODS and early subsequent versions received. From the below ref.

Design and Protection

"The protective cover was omitted from the M240C machine gun and a semicircular shield was attached to the turret rear to add more stowage space as well as act as spaced armor. These armor and internal improvements have resulted in an increase in weight for the Bradley from 25 to 33 tons. The new armor protects the Bradley against 30 mm APDS rounds and RPGs (or similar anti-tank weapons) . The infantry squad was increased again to seven men, six of which sat facing each other on two 3-man benches in the passenger compartment. The seventh man sat just behind the driver like in the M2 or M2A1 seating arrangements. "
https://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_american_army_light_armoured_vehicle/bradley_m2a2_ods_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicl e_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.htm l

ORIGINAL M2A2 BACKGROUND

"M2A2, developed in 1988. This variant was fitted with an uprated Cummins VTA-903-T600 engine, developing 600 hp. Vehicle has a strengthened suspension and improved armor protection. Firing ports were removed (M1A0/1 feature.) from the hull sides due to the added armor panels. Add-on explosive reactive armor blocks could be fitted for protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. Hull floor was reinforced with steel plates for improved protection against mines. Interior was lined with spall-liner. Front arc of the M2A2 withstands hits from 30 mm armor-piercing ammunition. All-round protection was against 14.5 mm heavy machine gun fire. Due to significantly increased weight this vehicle ended up being underpowered. Maximum road speed was just 56 km/h. Unrefueled range reduced to 400 km. Off road mobility was also negatively affected. Some sources report that delivery of the Cummins VTA-903-T600 engine began in 1991. By 1999 Cummins had delivered well over 11 000 engines for the upgraded Bradleys and various versions of this vehicle."
https://www.military-today.com/apc/m2_bradley.htm
(Also supports CARRY 7.)

Then ODS came along ten years later. Armor applications in that time frame would've reached a level of generational change.

I knew I had some issues with BRADLEY in general which started showing up during the ABRAMS revisions. I started to think just like I found with ABRAMS in some cases, we're looking at game legacy issues with BRADLEY as well. It's REALLY starting to look as though the ARMOR values are too low.

We have absolutely no need to worry the M2A4 at this time. It's now OPEVAL time SOP for USA just like M1A2C and look how long that's lasted.

Didn't want anyone to think I pulled this info out of my hole(s) I dug in the backyard on Monday. :D

BRADLEY is on my back burner, except for ODS we're sending them to Ukraine. Also seems ODS is what Lebanon was also sent so we might have some further ramifications to deal with LATER.

My Priorities based on current information I have, are Export K2 and LEOPARD 2A7 versions.

From before last year, in the last patch we took a stop gap measure for Jordan and added the UAE LeClerc.

However, now I need to try to build two UAE modernization project LeClerc tanks that were done to the original. The newest one of those is what the UAE sent to Jordan.

The other thing I need to do is say GOOD MORNING NIGHT!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

GB is sending AS90 and FV432's along with the Challengers and they will reportedly be active before mid 2023

We'll see but for now I have used a 6/23 for all three

Also, read GB has thousands of Ukrainians in training in Britain so they *may* roll off the boat ready to go

Again......we'll see......

....and Germany is sending mineclearing tanks

one report

Ukraine Receives Military Equipment To Counter Russia’s Expected Surge In Landmine Usage
https://www.forbes.com/sites/vikrammittal/2023/01/26/ukraine-receives-military-equipment-to-counter-russias-expected-surge-in-landmine-usage/?sh=13e76db14f7a

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Posted last week in MBT Thread about Germany sending 4 mine clearing tanks. MBT Thread for that.

Also last week posted article that UK goal is to train 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. As you might remember I subscribe to the Australian MOD "ARMY NEWS" this week's edition reported their top performing unit (Based on Army wide yearly competition.) is sending a large contingent to assist in that training process which should be on the ground now. Canada already has a unit there for the same.

I use ARMY NEWS to track equipment issues as they report on then regularly so that in mind BOXER LANCER is still in IOC which it accomplished in OCT. 2022. Was a big help with M1A1 ABRAMS leading up to arrival etc. Paper was recommended to me when I made successful contact MOD as you might remember (Posted the emails as well I believe, still have them if needed.) to also answer "someone's" question concerning Vietnam era tank T0&E.

MOD was very helpful UNLIKE the French MOD!?! :p

EDIT: German Mine clearing engineering tank posted on JAN 15 Post #1467 MBT Thread. Going for my walk now.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Posted last week in MBT Thread about Germany sending 4 mine clearing tanks. MBT Thread for that.



Yeah you did ....it was the lead into a huge post about the AMX which is what mainly concerned me the Keiler it got lost and forgotten about and YES IT's IN THE GERMAN OOB and has been since April 2015 and now it's in the Ukraine OOB as well

Sometimes too much information is counterproductive and I have 39,591 (and counting...) units in MBT alone to deal with

[blazejos]

In subject of 40mm L70 guns from Sweden in CV90 Lithuania also send to ukraine stand-alone version AA gun which received some time ago from Sweden
https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=44189&page=60

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/anusauskas-lithuania-has-sent-l70-anti-aircraft-guns-and-ammunition-to-ukraine/

underground modules used as a shelters buy Ukrainians on frontline
https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayinski-vijskovi-otrymaly-spetsialni-metalevi-ukryttya-dlya-oblashtuvannya-pozytsij/
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/engineers-are-setting-up-positions-using-underground-modules/

Here movie and article about usage of WB warmate drones in fights on banks of Dniepr river somwhere on south parts of eastern front
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/warmate-drone-of-the-border-guards-destroyed-a-group-of-invaders/

[blazejos]

In Ukraine Special Service branch of Army has a new birds :D

https://scontent.fpoz4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/332494106_1165602407483613_499232193437839780_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=E7ewszJwzPMAX-Ldy4h&_nc_ht=scontent.fpoz4-1.fna&oh=00_AfARl0uc_-HNSSoEOD8MNsARuDreIZx7eWzNezv51uTBxA&oe=63FA8C69

https://www.facebook.com/DefenceIntelligenceofUkraine/posts/512733251038100

Also transport Mi-8 which never was consider strike helicopters in USSR are now adapted to use S-5 , S-8 and S-13 unguided rockets and use as Heli technical. Pilot said that they will wait for Apache but now that is better than nothing on this long eastern front.

https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/how_ukraines_military_use_the_mi_8_transport_helic opters_for_the_attacks-5826.html

https://en.defence-ua.com/media/contentimages/34663f515ef6862c.jpg

Here about JDAM-ER for aircrafts
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-usa-handed-over-the-gps-guided-jdam-bombs-to-ukraine-bloomberg/

And this are pictures which may be usefully for icon creation how new serial production Bohdana looks like :)

https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/na-idex-2023-predstavyly-ukrayinsku-sau-bogdana/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FpkEHm1XgAATOat.jpg

Usage of American rounds in captured 2B16 Nona-K towed mortar and 2S23 Nona-SVK self-propelled they mus have some number of them if such modification to ammunition was made?
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/captured-nona-mortars-received-american-rounds/

Here also about French and their Akeron MP AT rockets which will be also delivered

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/france_supplies_a_mysterious_weapon_to_ukrainian_s oldiers_and_considers_sending_new_ifvs_as_well-5785.html
And also about heir Leclerc tanks
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/french_tanks_and_aircraft_for_ukraine_symbolism_of _leclerc_and_fears_of_mirage_bombing_bases_in_russ ia-5786.html

Italy also consider send more various SAM than before three systems SAMP-T mentioned earlier plus Skyguard and Spada
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/italy-to-provide-air-defense-equipment-as-part-of-sixth-military-aid-package/
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/what_other_air_defence_systems_italy_transfers_to_ ukraine_in_addition_sampt-5827.html

[blazejos]

BTR-60М Khorunzhiy totally rebuild of ageing BTR-60 which will made this vehicles similarly to modern APC like IVF Patria in many parameters which is probably an inspiration. This vehicle was in prototypes stage in 2021 so is possible that now they starts to rebuild next vehicles and this is how they appears on frontline.

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-btr-60m-khorunzhiy-first-seen-on-the-front-line/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MyCollages-2-4-e1676921984661-1.jpg

[DRG]

In fact the Patria icon and the BTR-60pm icon hulls are dimensionally, within a pixel so for now, that will be used

There is only a 1.5" difference in actual RL width 2.83 m vs 2.8 m

A better photo of it that shows off the similarities better

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/btr1.jpg


OTOH it doesn't take me long to build one.......

https://i.imgur.com/UwrClgG.png

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Prototype in 2021.

War in 2022.

March of 2022 every defense production facility in the country were hit very hard. And some completely destroyed.

The following site was Ukraine's main design and production facility for tanks and other heavy armor. Please click on this from my favorites file.
https://morozov.com.ua/en/bronetankovaya-tehnika-i-vooruzhenie/

Yeah, been that way since the end of March.

We need pictures or videos for proof of life.

ORNX has not reported these to date. Which by the way is updated daily or as required. I clearly made this point in my first Patch submission.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

The Khorunzhiy is tucked right in beside the Kevlar-E in the OOB. Both are radio code 3, both are marked (P)

[blazejos]

On Dnipro river was created an riverine flottila first time since WW2. This units was setup in March
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-naval-forces-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-have-set-up-the-first-division-of-the-river-flotilla-on-the-dnipro-river/
now is even armed in new ship Gyurza-class gunboat named "Bucha"
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/bucha-gyurza-class-gunboat-to-lead-kyiv-river-flotilla/

[Mobhack]

First 4 leopoards actually handed over to Ukraine by Poland:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-64750118


DRG EDIT.... note the story below that link

"Demonstrators have placed a burnt-out Russian tank in front of the Russian Embassy in Berlin, its gun pointing at the front entrance."

[DRG]

It may turn out that the French are sending both RC AND RCR versions

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2023_global_security_army_in dustry/france_sends_to_ukraine_a_first_batch_of_14_amx-10rc_anti-tank_armored_vehicles.html


"wait, and see........."

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I literary just watched it, here it is.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-tank-dumped-by-moscow-s-embassy-in-berlin/vi-AA17TxsI?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=e60c6b71355547a08961e399eca09404&ei=6

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

It's interesting that the reactive tiles on the roof of that tanks are obviously chard then rusted but seem still intact ( no bulging) and did not " react" from exposure to high temperatures........... UNLESS they are actually NERA

[blazejos]

The Khorunzhiy is tucked right in beside the Kevlar-E in the OOB. Both are radio code 3, both are marked (P)

Don if is not there ;) don't forgotten about third prototype which was used in fights BTR-4MV1 during Kharkiv area counteroffensive this Fall :angel which itself is an upgrade / evolution of BTR-4E already in use.

https://mil.in.ua/en/articles/chronicle-of-the-btr-4mv1-apc-battles-during-the-liberation-of-the-kharkiv-region/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/02ac75c3-58d6-43eb-b0b5-1401b2ca5cb7.jpg

[DRG]

Unit 208 has been there since 2018 !

This does provide more info though

[MarkSheppard]

First of the Italian M109L SPHs have arrived in Ukraine:

https://twitter.com/BuschModelar/status/1633910041727193095

First images of OTO Melara M109L 155mm self-propelled guns delivered from Italy to Ukraine appeared today.

Despite Italian government keeping aid to Ukraine under secrecy, reportedly around 20-30 M109L were to be delivered to Ukrainian military.

[MarkSheppard]

https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-crowdfunding-buys-101-cvrt-armored-vehicles/

A Ukrainian crowdfunding campaign has successfully raised more than $6,4 million to buy 101 CVR(T) tracked armored vehicles for Ukrainian Army.

According to a press release from Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, the first batch – 24 vehicles – is already in Ukraine.

The armored vehicles were repaired in the UK and are prepared for modern communication and armament installation.

“We immediately transfer all armored vehicles to the Command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for further distribution. Among these 101 vehicles, there are 8 models: FV103 Spartan, Samaritan, Sultan, Stormer, Shielder, FV432, FV434, Samson,” the foundation said on Twitter.

https://i.imgur.com/QLvevAp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zdcZ3vG.jpg

[zovs66]

None look like they have weapons, no?

[DRG]

The spartan and 432 are already in..... that's "good enough" to cover all that

[blazejos]

More in subject of Ukraine riverine navy. On south near Dnipro estuary they used

40 Defiant Boats
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainian_navy_uses_40_defiant_boats_against_russi an_raptors_and_kamikaze_boats-6035.html

Mark VI patrol boats
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraine_already_got_defiant_patrol_boats_what_happ ened_to_unneeded_mark_vi_patrol_boats-5401.html

[MarkSheppard]

AFU is apparently forming UAV companies now:

https://t.me/NeoficialniyBeZsonoV/23353

ВСУ создают штатные БПЛА-роты

Украинское командование формирует БПЛА-роты в составе каждой новой бригады ВСУ. По возможности операторами БПЛА хотят укомплектовать каждый взвод.

Использование FPV-дронов началось с подразделения национальной гвардии «Омега». Этим проектом занимались с марта 2022 года. На данный момент, украинские волонтеры закупили для ВСУ до тысячи FPV дронов и продолжают массово закупать, в Украине отменены ввозные пошлины и ввозной НДС на дроны.

У ВСУ в настоящее время нет недостатка в беспилотниках. В грядущем наступлении планируется задействовать целый рой БПЛА.

Чтобы наш ответ был достойным, надо уравнять возможности наших волонтеров с украинскими. Нужно на дроны, тепловизоры, цифровые рации отменить ввозную пошлину и НДС.
С помощью ДОСААФ, общественных организаций и волонтеров организовать широкую сеть подготовки операторов БПЛА и особенно FPV-дронов.
В штатных подразделениях, МО и других силовых ведомств, участвующих в СВО, нужно ввести должности операторов БПЛА, а также необходимо создание отдельных спецподразделений БПЛА.
Со стороны государства необходимо полное содействие развитию собственного массового производства FPV беспилотников.
Здесь мы в роли догоняющих, но у нас есть достойный научный и технический потенциал.
Для решения этой задачи придётся поработать в авральном режиме!

The Armed Forces of Ukraine create full-time UAV companies

The Ukrainian command forms UAV companies as part of each new brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. If possible, they want to staff each platoon with UAV operators.

The use of FPV drones began with the Omega National Guard unit. This project has been engaged in since March 2022. At the moment, Ukrainian volunteers have bought up to a thousand FPV drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and continue to buy them en masse, import duties and import VAT on drones have been canceled in Ukraine.

At the present time, there is no shortage of drones in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In the upcoming offensive, it is planned to use a whole swarm of UAVs.

In order for our response to be worthy, it is necessary to equalize the opportunities of our volunteers with Ukrainian ones. It is necessary to cancel the import duty and VAT on drones, thermal imaging cameras, and digital walkie-talkies.

With the help of DOSAAF, public organizations and volunteers, organize a wide network of training for UAV operators and especially FPV drones.

It is necessary to introduce the positions of UAV operators in the staff units, the Ministry of Defense and other law enforcement agencies participating in the SVO, and it is also necessary to create separate special UAV units.

On the part of the state, it is necessary to fully support the development of its own mass production of FPV drones.

Here we are playing catch-up, but we have a decent scientific and technical potential.

To solve this problem, you will have to work in an emergency mode!

[blazejos]

Here article about usage of Maxim M1910 in Ukrainian Army

they use them in that versions:
one M1910
two M1910
four M1910

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainians_using_maxim_guns_is_a_problem_for_the_a llies_yet_to_solve-6061.html

Next article is about improvised guns and vehicles on frontline this article is a form of a summary with photos
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/how_ukrainian_military_get_more_effect_while_using _the_same_soviet_weapons_as_russians-6106.html

Oshkosh M-ATV recived by Ukraine
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-receives-american-oshkosh-m-atv-armored-vehicles/

Oncilla armored vehicle which Ukrainians have around 30 of them on frontline
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/polish-company-donates-funds-for-oncilla-armored-vehicle-to-ukraine-s-intelligence/
https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bronetransporter-Oncilla-mizhnarodni-vystavtsi-IDEB-2016.jpg

NASAMS first photos from frontline
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-air-force-reveals-nasams-air-defense-system-in-first-public-release-highlights-efficiency/

AN/TWQ-1 Avenger also first photos in Ukrainian service
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/avenger-air-defense-systems-came-in-service-with-the-ukrainian-army/

Kub SAM from Slovakia
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/slovakia-to-transfer-kub-sam-to-ukraine/

An-178 for Peru build by Ukrainians so they became secound operators of this transport aircrafts
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/an-178-for-peru-epilogue/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Polot-litaka-An-178-e1679053334493.png

[blazejos]

On Oryx site is now nice list of all equipment in possesion of both sides nice to check photos and what we have in OOB's and what is forgoten or not so important.

Ukraine
https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/03/attrition-in-action-list-of-ukrainian.html

Russia
https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/03/counting-down-list-of-russian-army.html

[DRG]

The Pentagon is speeding up its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, opting to send a refurbished older model that can be ready faster, with the aim of getting the 70-ton battle powerhouses to the war zone in eight to 10 months, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.



I had 9/123 but I just changed it to 10.......eventually we'll know the correct date because under the circumstances telling the world they won't be delivered until late fall is just giving too much info away. If you want to play head games with the other side tell them something is going to take longer then make it quicker
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-abrams-tanks-94294a9c1e1acc50098afa440bcb4d40#:~:text=WASHINGTO N%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Pentagon,officials%20 told%20The%20Associated%20Press.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Ethier way M1A1/M1A2C Exports are ready to go as we had already in particular for the M1A1 broken done those numbers in a separate post in the MBT Thread or maybe this one a couple of months back.

Hurry up and wait. In the meanwhile I have bad news to post elsewhere.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[MarkSheppard]

Looks liek they're trying to slide things in under the wire for the 2023 updates as well..

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

CHALLENGER 2 EXPORT has been completed for this next patch. Where it concerns any Export tank we've developed thus far the only action taken was to do the best we could to configure the armor levels w/o DU or stated Classified Armor as with CHALLENGER 2) which has covered quite extensively already in the Forum/Threads.

By the way of a reminder, we did this last year with both M1A2P and M1A2T (USA M1A2C/SEP 3 Export variants.) the same principle applies to all other export tanks you'll see submitted as well with exception of the "older" tanks such as LEOPARD 2A4 as they are generationally not irrelevant as much as less current.

All of this has also been covered under the "umbrella" of the DU Armor issue and just as extensively.

Not last year or in the coming Patch submission have we seen anything to suggest that if a country supplying tanks using DU Ammo saying they're not sending the same ammo as their tanks are using.

The only country I know of with an Ammo restriction is South Korea regarding KSTAM, I've covered that already in regard to the K2PL. That's out in the web.

This a classified weapon and if you look at a map, you'll understand why they won't send them out the country.

And finally, where is Mr. Xi as we speak right now? Moscow, Russia since yesterday in direct talks with Mr. Putin. I believe the talks will on going for a couple of more days.

Main topics Ukraine and Taiwan and what's the best price per barrel of Russian oil for Chinese export VT-4A tanks (Or other weapons.)? China, I believe I saw is now maybe Russia's #1 oi importer oil or very close to it.

So, tank ammo the skies almost the limit. Besides look at all the Artillery and SAM "AMMO" we've given the Ukraine EXCALIBUR, BONUS, NASAM and STAM-T etc. etc.

Russia has been using them for a few years now.

This might be useful.
https://www.icbuw.eu/depleted-uranium-weapons-state-of-affairs-2022/#:~:text=Russia%20has%20a%20significant%20number%2 0of%20different%20DU-rounds,T-80BVM%20tanks%20were%20modernized%20during%20the%2 0last%20years.(You might just find the importer list VERY INTERESTING.)

Bottomline our only real concern unless we have other information (KSTAM), is Classified Armor which is readily available concerning web data on tanks.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[blazejos]

Ukraine aircraft's photos in two types of camo
Early 90's camo in some way similar to soviet one and then digital camo from 2010 ...

[Suhiir]

This might be useful.
https://www.icbuw.eu/depleted-uranium-weapons-state-of-affairs-2022/#:~:text=Russia%20has%20a%20significant%20number%2 0of%20different%20DU-rounds,T-80BVM%20tanks%20were%20modernized%20during%20the%2 0last%20years.(You might just find the importer list VERY INTERESTING.)

Kind of a classic case of the weapon vs armor progression that plagues BOTH tanks and navies.

One day armor is essentially useless then someone invents a new type ...
Then the weapons are near useless ...
Then someone invents a new weapon/type of ammo ...
Then armor is essentially useless ...
Then ...
Then ...
Then ...

Blame the guy that invented bronze as a replacement for flint and made leather armor near useless :D

[DRG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tKN9b88-h4

[blazejos]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tKN9b88-h4

Two soliders against 12 and a tank excelent material for mini scenerio on small trenches map :)

[Suhiir]

Two soldiers against 12 and a tank excellent material for mini scenario on small trenches map :)
Problem is if you use default weapons you have about a 1% (or slightly higher) chance of your two soldiers hitting the 12 whereas they have 12x1% chance to hit.

[DRG]

It is not the kind of engagement the game was designed to simulate

[zovs66]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tKN9b88-h4

Two soliders against 12 and a tank excelent material for mini scenerio on small trenches map :)

Not for SP games. Battalion sized is what the game is designed for.

[Suhiir]

And it's the only game I've found that allows you to command a fully reinforced battalion.

Some come kind of close BUT have pre-set formations (which are semi-accurate, at best), and are usually RTS (which is not to my taste at all). I play "Wargame Red Dragon" quite a but and have some hopes for "Broken Arrow" when it releases (tho the demo significantly undermined those hopes).

[Aeraaa]

And it's the only game I've found that allows you to command a fully reinforced battalion.

Some come kind of close BUT have pre-set formations (which are semi-accurate, at best), and are usually RTS (which is not to my taste at all). I play "Wargame Red Dragon" quite a but and have some hopes for "Broken Arrow" when it releases (tho the demo significantly undermined those hopes).

Combat mission lets you do that, although it is more of a company size game.

[blazejos]

15 MR-2 Viktor anti-aircraft guns send to Ukraine
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/15-viktor-anti-aircraft-guns-are-being-delivered-to-ukraine-from-the-czech-republic/
https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Polish_20230330_094017767.jpg

Leopard 2A6 from Germany delivered
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/germanys_leopard_2a6_tanks_and_marder_ifv_already_ in_ukraine-6207.html

Strykers And Cougars on Ukraine with photos
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_first_test_of_ukrainian_stryker_and_cougar_veh icles_video-6243.html
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-receives-stryker-equipped-with-protector-rws-remote-weapon-stations/
Mine clerance modules for styrkers
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/mine-clearance-capability-for-ukraine-s-stryker-apcs-on-the-way/

JADAM bombs acording to this article were alredy used on frontline
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-already-uses-jdam/

[DRG]

I had put them in for 4/123 and that's the way they will stay. I will add the mine clearing stryker for May for now

[blazejos]

old KS-19 AA guns refurbished starts to be used against ground tragets by Ukraine

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-ukrainian-military-demonstrate-firing-from-ks-19-guns/

RBS-56 ATGMs also on Ukraine
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-military-received-swedish-rbs-56-atgms/

[DRG]

I didn't see the need for a new thread for this

https://apnews.com/article/nato-finland-ukraine-b056e7e0f12520e85ea2d81cd30eabc9

Finland to join NATO Tuesday, military alliance chief says

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday Finland will become the 31st member of the world’s biggest military alliance on Tuesday, and that he hopes its neighbor Sweden can join in coming months.

The development comes as Finnish voters gave a boost to conservative parties in a weekend election, depriving left-wing Prime Minister Sanna Marin of another term.

[Suhiir]

Seems Russia can't stop antagonizing it's neighbors.
Tho the recent improvement in relations with the PRC is "interesting".

[MarkSheppard]

Last night, there was a major leak of a TOP SECRET classified briefing deck dated around 1 March 2023.

This time, it wasn't WAR THUNDER forums; but someone on 4CHAN who leaked them to prove a point in a 4chan thread.

I won't be posting the images I found; since they're plastered with all sorts of classification marks -- interestingly enough, the Russians have already tried to use this leak to their advantage by photoshopping casualty figures to reverse casualties taken - i.e. the original says Ukraine has suffered 16 to 17.5K dead -- the photoshopped one says UA has like 60K dead.

Anyway, here's the MBT summary of info that might be useful (I'll post more later, I have to go to work)

US PATRIOT Training ends 27 March
Various Stryker BTG collective training ends 19 to 28 March (Different BNs)

A large amount of LEOPARD 2s are assigned to the 33d Brigade:

14 x LEO 2A4 (DEU) - Delivery by April
4 x LEO 2A4 (CAN) - Delivery by April
14 x LEO 2A4 (POL) - Delivery by March

The AMX-10RC are assigned to the 37th BDE, and as of 1 MAR; 9 out of 14 were on hand, with the rest delivered through March.

31 x PT91 Twardy are assigned to the 117 BDE with all scheduled delivered by 3 APR.

40 x MARDER are assigned to the 82ND BDE, estimated to arrive in April.
14 x CHALLENGER are assigned to 82nd BDE, estimated to arrive in April.
90 x STRYKER is assigned to 82nd BDE, est arrival of all 90 was 6 to 10 March to Dobra.

And for Bradley, 99 x M2 were assigned to 47 BDE, arrival somewhere between 6 to 19 MAR to Zamosc. (Training of Bradleys in that Brigade was 15 JAN to 29 MAR scheduled).

[DRG]

Any bit of "leaked" data from an internet source should be both considered possibly accurate AND suspect

This for instance

4 x LEO 2A4 (CAN) - Delivery by April

"Delivery" where ? To Ukraine or to units?

There is video online weeks ago showing at least one loaded on an air transport for Ukraine

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/first-tank-sent-by-canada-for-ukrainian-forces-arrives-in-poland-1.6261115

First tank sent by Canada for Ukrainian forces arrives in Poland

That was Published Feb. 5, 2023 9:32 p.m. EST

TWO months ago

I suppose it's possible they have been in Poland and used for Training and they are going to Ukraine this month......... could be ( maybe )


Then there is this

The AMX-10RC are assigned to the 37th BDE, and as of 1 MAR; 9 out of 14 were on hand, with the rest delivered through March.

I suppose someone somewhere may have dropped the final "R" from RCR... or France only sent the RC Or they sent both.......

"The truth is out there"........... we just have to wait for it to arrive but in the meantime look for that needle in the haystack only the haystack is a pile of manure


That said, this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeN-xgocI_c

Does appear to show an RCR

as does this

https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-receives-tank-killing-vehicles-from-france/

even though the caption is "The Ukrainian military has received the first AMX-10RC armored reconnaissance vehicles from France."

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

And to make matters worse, then there's this.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2023_global_security_army_indus try/ukraine_has_already_received_68_european_tanks_out _of_the_282_promised.html

Upper right is pictured the AMX-10 RCR but it's labeled as an AMX-10 RC. :doh:

The article is discussing it as the AMX-10 RC. :doh:

I've posted articles with pictures showing the AMX-10 RCR (Just a week ago or so I posted one in this category showing Ukrainian Crews training in France on maneuvers.) and I also see more of what this ref did above.

Didn't want to post it but, the "door was opened" it's very frustrating.

CONCUR YOURS ARE THE AMX-10 RCR.

HOWEVER, THE YOU TUBE VIDEO OPENS IN THE CAPTION SAYING IT'S AN AMX-10 RC THAT DESERVES ANOTHER...:doh:

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE DEALT WITH THIS OVER THE YEARS!?! MORE THEN WE'VE CARED TOO.

I feel bad for the AMX-10 RCR it's going to get an "Inferiority Complex". :D


Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Well......... "to be fair"........ the RCR *IS* a sub variant of the RC so *technically" it's an RC.

However that is a mistake of regular media to make not armyrecognition

As I have said before I have both in the UKN OOB but the true "RC" is renationalize so it will not show up in the game BUT...... if the damn thing shows up in Ukraine it's a 2 second fix to activate it

[DRG]

and to make thingS so much more fun for what is really a VERY MINOR unit

This is an RCR with the SEPAR modification ( SystèmE de Protection EEI pour AMX 10RCR or IED Protection System for AMX-10RCR ) that replaces the side skirts from the front to the middle of the vehicle by heavy armor plates. This modification is designed for Afghanistan and offers a better protection against EEI ( Improvised Explosive Device). This kit represents the practical limit the suspension can carry. The tank weights now in total 22 t.



https://i.redd.it/p57b6fvqbc451.jpg

and allegedly so is this....... but WITHOUT THE SEPAR EEI

https://www.military-today.com/artillery/amx_10rcr.jpg

and this

https://www.military-today.com/artillery/amx_10rcr_l1.jpg

but this is touted to be an RC

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/AMX-10_RC%2C_nouvelles_couleurs_Arm%C3%A9e_de_terre_%2 814_juillet_2021%29_%282%29.jpg/1280px-AMX-10_RC%2C_nouvelles_couleurs_Arm%C3%A9e_de_terre_%2 814_juillet_2021%29_%282%29.jpg

as is this

https://militaryleak.com/ezoimgfmt/i0.wp.com/militaryleak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/french-army-amx-10-rcr-1.jpg?fit=1280%2C718&ssl=1&is-pending-load=1&ezimgfmt=rs:614x344/rscb1/ngcb1/notWebP

and this
https://www.n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Ukraine-Krieg-Wie-hilfreich-ist-die-Panzer-Lieferung-aus-Frankreich-article23825026.html

https://bilder4.n-tv.de/img/incoming/crop23825115/4591326318-cImg_16_9-w1200/imago0093679291h.jpg

claims......"AMX-10 RC are "not what Kiev hoped for"


AND WE DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT UPGRADES MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN APPLIED

The difference in game terms and to a certain extent in RL is the RC is amphibious and could, if need be added to BTR formations and that added fire support could go where he BTR's could go but the RCR WITH THE SEPAR KIT is not so cannot

The vehicle is WAY more useful working with BTR formations for the added fire support it can give

so........... IF WE SEE A PHOTO OF ONE IN UKRAINE and it does not have the SEPAR then it's amphibious ....... (maybe......)

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/nos-materiels-nos-innovations/nos-equipements-terre/nos-vehicules/vehicules-blindes-combat/amx-10-rcr-separ

The renovated AMX 10 RC tank SEPAR (EEI Protection System) is a powerfully armed armored reconnaissance vehicle, with very good mobility on the road and in any way, amphibious (except with overprotection), protected against light weapons from infantry.

[DRG]

Last night, there was a major leak of a TOP SECRET classified briefing deck dated around 1 March 2023.




https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Kiew-haelt-geleakte-Dokumente-fuer-Faelschung-article24040270.html

in part ( translated from German )

Allegedly secret documents about US military aid to Ukraine end up on the Internet. For Kiev, the matter is clear: It is a disinformation campaign - Moscow wants to unsettle the Ukrainians before the planned counterattack. The Kremlin, on the other hand, sees the threat from the West as confirmed.

Ukraine considers the leak of alleged secret documents about US and NATO plans to support the Ukrainian military ahead of the planned counter-offensive to be a Russian disinformation campaign. Moscow is trying to sow doubts about the planned counter-offensive, Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podoliak told Reuters news agency.

Accordingly, the data published by the "New York Times" contained "a large amount of fictitious information". Russia is trying to "take back the initiative in its invasion". Tactics like these are part of the standard repertoire of Russian intelligence, Podoliak explained. Moscow wants to intimidate Ukraine with false information about its knowledge of the Ukrainian offensive. The Ukrainian high command wants to discuss measures today to prevent the disclosure of military information.

The United States also suspects Russia is behind the alleged secret documents, as three US officials told the Reuters news agency. The documents appear to have been altered to reduce the number of casualties suffered by Russian forces, US officials said, adding that their assessments are informal and independent of any investigation into the leak itself , officials declined to give further details of the documents. The Pentagon declined to comment on the authenticity of documents dated March 1 and marked "Secret" and "Top Secret." When asked by the New York Times, NATO in Brussels also declined to comment. "

"The first casualty when war comes is truth". Hiram W Johnson

[DRG]

Then there is this knee slapper in that article

Moscow sees its hostile attitude towards the West confirmed by the reports on the leaked documents. "We have not the slightest doubt that the United States and NATO are directly or indirectly involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told CNN.

well DUH !

Maybe at the start.... maybe not, for sure a lot of people saw it coming and made contingencies but that is SOP for governments and military but to say that now there are NATO origin weapons and tanks in Ukraine is Ludacris

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

EDIT : READ THE WRONG PICTURE CAPTION :doh: That's because I'm still home :sick: and that's the story I'm sticking to!?! :p :D :angel

I identified your "what is this" AMX-10 RCR. It's a late model conversion known as the AMX-10 RCR SEPAR the following UNDER the Desert Storm section shows it as used in Operations in Mali in 2014.

See it in the last picture on the right Picture Gallery ABOVE the words Picture Gallery.

It's an add on armor kit.

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/france/amx-10-rc-rcr.php
(If bored cycle through the pictures in the Variant Section some where used some not.)
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/nos-materiels-nos-innovations/nos-equipements-terre/nos-vehicules/vehicules-blindes-combat/amx-10-rcr-separ
(Looks like the kit can be used with either version.)
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2023/03/21/france-delivers-amx-10-rc-wheeled-tank-to-ukraine/

I thought it might have been an ERA package at first glance which is why I dug into a little deeper. But it's possible France could've sent some of these packages as well.

Another something to look out for, I guess.

Oh, those articles are starting to "pop up" again about Putin not looking well or similar. I guess the FSB/GRU have nothing better to do.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Yeah Pat I know that's why I put the SEPAR info in my post and the link to globaldefensecorp

this whole RC/RCR thing is GETTING OLD

What I have in the game now is what's going out in the next release. It WILL be called "RCR" and it WILL BE amphibious unless we see SEPAR kits on them

[MarkSheppard]

Any bit of "leaked" data from an internet source should be both considered possibly accurate AND suspect

There's just so much information buried in this slide that if someone was faking it; it's just too much work.

I screwed up this morning; I put the German tanks as Leopard 2A4s, when the slide deck has them as 2A6s. I was trying to type out stuff quickly before going to work on a laptop.

The AMX-10 is only given as "AMX-10" in the slide not RC/RCR or any of that, so you can blame me.

[MarkSheppard]

From one of the leaked slides:

This slide was dated 28 Feb 2023 at 1800 EST; so everything in here is outdated somewhat.

=========

Based on known contributions, training pathways, and projections, (12) combat credible BDEs can be generated for the Spring Counteroffensive, (3) internally by Ukraine (not depicted], and (9) are trained and equipped by US, Allied & Partner (US/A&P). Of the (9) BDEs, (6) BDEs will be ready by 31MAR, and the final (3) BDEs by 30APR. Equipment delivery times will impact training and readiness in this timeline. Total equipment required for (9) BDEs is 253 x Tanks, 381 x Mech, 480 x Motor, and 147 x Artillery plus delivery of 571 x U.S. Up-Armored HMMWVs.

Brigade Loadouts:

UNK BDE - 90 x BMP, 13 x T-64, 17 x Tanks (UNK), 12 x AS-90 x 10 x 2S1

47 BDE = 99 x M2 Bradleys, 28 x T-55S, 12 x M109, 12 x D-30

33 BDE = 90 x MaxxPro, 14 x Leo 2A6, 18 x Leo 2A4, 12 x M119

21 BDE = 20 x CVR(T), 30 x Senator, 20 x Bulldog, 21 x Husky, 10 x M113, 30 x T-64, 10 x FH70

32 BDE: 90 x MaxxPro, 10 x T-72, 20 x Tanks, 12 x D-30, [illegible]

37 BDE: 30 x Mastiff/Husky, 30 x Mastiff/Wolf, 10 x Senator, 14 x AMX-10, 16 x Tanks, 12 x D-30, [illegible]

118 BDE: 90 x M113, 28 x T-72, 6 x M-109, 8 x FH-70

117 BDE: 28 x Viking, 20 x XA185, 10 x M113, 10 x Senator, 31 x PT-91 Twardy, 12 x D-30

82 BDE: 90 x Stryker, 40 x Marder, 14 x Challenger, 24 x M119

=============

Ongoing Collective Training:

5 x Armor Bns:

Challenger in England
Leopard 2 in Germany
Leopard 2 in Poland
T-72 in Ukraine
T-64 in Ukraine

7 x Mech Bns:

BMP in Poland by Czechs and Polish
M2 Bradley in Germany
M2 Bradley in Germany
M113 in Ukraine
Marder in Germany
Viking in Finland
XA185 in Finland

3 x Motor Bns:

MaxxPro in Ukraine
Stryker in Germany
Stryker in Germany

3 x Field Arty Bns:

M019 in Germany
M109 in Germany
FH70 in Ukraine

[MarkSheppard]

This is from several of the leaked slides:

========

Bakhmut Axis as of 0600 EST on 1 MAR 2023:

Russian Federation Forces:

35 Total MVR BNs

29,000 Total Russian Personnel
~7,000 Regular/Res, RLF, and TDF
~22,000 PMC Vagner

10 Combat-Effective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
0 Combat-Ineffective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
15 Combat-Effective RLF BNs
10 Combat-Ineffective RLF BNs
0 Combat-Effective TDF BNs
0 Combat-Ineffective TDF BNs
12 Wagner PMC DETs

Ukranian Armed Forces:
12 BDEs (61 MVR BNs), 15,250 - 30,500 Total Personnel

==========================================

Kharkiv Axis as of 0600 EST on 1 MAR 2023:

Russian Federation Forces:
160 Total MVR BNs ~48,600 Total Personnel
37 Combat-Effective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
44 Combat-Ineffective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
40 Combat-Effective RLF BNs
1 Combat-Ineffective RLF BNs
38 Combat-Effective TDF BNs
4 Combat-Ineffective TDF BNs

Ukranian Armed Forces:
6 BDEs (29 MVR BNs) 7,250 - 14,500 Total Personnel

==========================================

Donetsk Axis as of 0600 EST on 1 MAR 2023:

Russian Federation Forces:
91 Total MVR BNs, ~ 23, 050 Total Personnel
32 Combat-Effective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
11 Combat-Ineffective MVR BNs (regular and reserve)
33 Combat-Effective RLF BNs
7 Combat-Ineffective RLF BNs
7 Combat-Effective TDF BNs
1 Combat-Ineffective TDF BNs

Ukranian Armed Forces:
8 BDEs (40 MVR BNs), 10,000 - 20,000 Total Personnel

[MarkSheppard]

From one slide:

As of 0500 EST, 1 MAR 2023:

GMLRS expenditures:

9,612 total rounds expended
28 x Expended in Last 24 Hours
7 Day Burn Rate: 14

155mm expenditures:

952,856 total rounds expended
1,104 x Expended in Last 24 Hours
7 Day Burn Rate: 2,746

==========================

Freeze Favorable to Vehicle Maneuver (~16 Inches) Projections

slide summary:

Kharkiv Line
Mud from Late March to Mid-May
Favorable from Mid-May onwards

Donetsk Line
Mud from Mid-March to Early-May
Favorable from Early-May onwards

South of Donetsk Line
Mud from Mid-March to Early-May
Favorable from Early-May onwards

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Alright as part of Post Submission "cleanup" some might find this useful as it says it's Tanks 101 off my favorites (Don't even ask about set equip. folders.) files.

Anyway, it's not a bad video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0IbZGfTgUM
https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=854275
(They got a Scottish Koala alright Co-Host)

Just realized I put this in the wrong Thread. :doh:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Just realized I put this in the wrong Thread. :doh:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnaeIAEp2pU

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Don,
Well, you got me good there!?! ;)

The real :doh: would've been going to the gun range after only 1.5hrs. of sleep and having worked my normal evening shift the night before.

Going back to work tomorrow but it's my Friday so "8 and out the gate" to continue recouping Sun/Mon.

Shooting Wed. positive thoughts that I don't have a repeat of earlier this week. The "Qual Clock" is running out.

Will still be dealing with this for maybe another 2 weeks even though earlier today I was also told my lungs are clear. Turns out I have L. Armstrong & M. Phelps LUNGS W/O the talent!?!

Bronchitis what a "xitch", almost 5 weeks and counting and yes, the Dr. says this normal.

Great, but my lungs are clear. :re:

I have a video to finish watching! :D

A word about those "leaked documents" making the rounds on the internet concerning the Ukraine, the Pentagon is moving swiftly to bring down those sites. Some were classified Top Secret.

I'm not joking here. Be careful.

Carried on all our National News Channels.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[blazejos]

Don did you think about adding to Ukraininian or Green OOB famous "Tractor Corps" I know that they were famous during early stage of war especially during Russian retrat from Kiev but meaby are worth to be consider just for fun their tractors don't need any arms just towing power and best agricultural tractor from that area which was in USSR times manufactured and have even new version is Kharkiv Tractor Plant KhTZ Kirovetz

https://www.voanews.com/a/ukraine-celebrates-its-tank-towing-farmers-/6678720.html
https://gdb.voanews.com/01460000-0aff-0242-d499-08da7139f39e_w650_r1_s.jpg

Here modern version build propably before invasion now know XYZ because name Kirovetz is used now only by Russian plant in St. Petersburg
http://xtz.ua/en/tractory/


This is not LEGO set adversiment
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FO73uj9XwAQjx8u?format=jpg&name=small

[DRG]

No

You know how the game tows vehicles so aside from brief amusement what's the point?

[DRG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P8Lei4E4mo


NO we are not going to add all of these to the OOB........

[blazejos]

Now what new in arms delivery to Ukraine

Romanian 122-mm MLRS APR-40 https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/it_seems_that_romanian_mlrs_are_already_hitting_th e_russian_invaiders_in_ukraine-6656.html
various british APC's https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/rearming_the_army_ukrainians_bought_a_hundred_apcs _for_the_military_protecting_the_country-6636.html
more French armoured vehicles AMX,VAB https://mil.in.ua/en/news/france-to-hand-over-dozens-of-armored-vehicles-to-ukraine-soon/
Istead using handmade MRLS they start to using standarised Croatian RAK-SA-12 https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/war_in_ukraine_revived_light_mlrs_which_may_prove_ as_the_best_weapon_against_russian_infantry_assaul t_groups-6688.html
L-159 Light Attack Aircraft is considered https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/czech_republic_considers_transfer_of_l_159_light_a ttack_aircraft_to_ukraine-6679.html
RM-70 MLRS founded totally by Czech peoples https://mil.in.ua/en/news/czech-volunteers-raise-funds-for-the-rm-70-mlrs-for-ukraine/

[blazejos]

Whole article about Dnipro river flotilla https://mil.in.ua/en/news/defense-forces-of-ukraine-training-to-capture-bridgeheads-on-the-banks-of-the-dnipro-river/

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FB_IMG_1684491370577.jpg

[DRG]

https://www.battleorder.org/post/rus-loss

Mapping Russia's Most Costly Tank Losses

[blazejos]

2S22 Bohdana from serial production are spotted on front-line. They have slighty different armored cabin and more automatic fire system than still used prototype

https://v.wpimg.pl/MTMwYzkyYjUsFS9JRAJvIG9NexMCW2F2OFVjWERBdWI1Q2BCRB 8kOCgFPAoEVyomOAc4DRtXPThiFikTRA98eykeKgoHGDR7KBo7 Hw9WeWB8QDgeUkFgZXkVbldfSi4yYBZvGQ1ULmZ1RWhJWxp0Zn UUewc

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able

[MarkSheppard]

https://twitter.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1769061078191763621

The first M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicles finally arrive in Ukraine, a year ahead of schedule!

The 425th Assault Battalion Skala posted a video on their social media of them using the vehicle in a training exercise.

The US Senate Defense Appropriations Sub-Committee had been pushing the DoD to figure out how to expedite the pending refurbishment work to get these vehicles ready. It's possible that Greece agreed to surrender some of their positions in the queue to facilitate this.

[DRG]

:D

We were only out by 2 months

[MarkSheppard]

Sweden just announced a day or so ago that they're giving Ukraine all of their Pansarbandvagn 302 (pbv 302) APCs.

[DRG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fn2wmeoUns

Worth Watching :up:

[Mobhack]

It certainly is.

These coop tanks really do need to have a flock of chickens installed, this one had forgotten that little detail, along with the main gun ammo and the filling for its ERA blocks. Then they could provide some useful service, by providing some eggs for the platoon's breakfast...

It may be a Russian attempt to make a British style Boiling Vessel, ie BV or "bivvie"??

And only a T-62 under that lash-up tin shed, I wonder are the models using the old war memorial T-34s coming in perhaps a month or two once they lever those off thier plinths?

Blyat-mobile is apparently a nickname for these things. Most suitable!:)

[Mobhack]

Oh, and chickens do have thier uses in modern warfare, as already proven by us cunning British!:doh:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Peacock

So perhaps adding a few chooks might provide the Russians with some additional electronic warfare potential, by keeping the jammers power supply hot in winter?

[MarkSheppard]

Great top views taken by Russian Drones of AFU Abrams with turret ERA and hull ERA (ARAT + Kontakt-1 ERA)

https://x.com/i/bookmarks/all?post_id=1815396419777307025

[MarkSheppard]

F-16s are now operational and have flown combat missions in Ukraine as of 31 July 2024.

So call them being available August 2024?

Meanwhile, what appears to be a North Korean Bulsae-4 M-2018 Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) ATGM vehicle has appeared near Kharkiv on an Ukranian UAV's cameras.

https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/north-korean-bulsae-4-missile-system-reportedly-spotted-in-ukraine-for-first-time

[DRG]

a North Korean Bulsae-4 M-2018 Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) ATGM vehicle has appeared near Kharkiv on an Ukranian UAV's cameras.

https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/north-korean-bulsae-4-missile-system-reportedly-spotted-in-ukraine-for-first-time

I built an icon for it yesterday and added it to the NK and Russian OOB's

That said what this means in RL is the Russians now have a missile that does the same job as a hunter-killer drone only a bit quicker and more efficiently than a drone and likely longer range. The downside is the launch vehicle is a bigger target for a hunter-killer drone than a drone launch site would be.........betting these things will become a priority target PDQ

[blazejos]

I just read some article from https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukraine_cannot_confirm_if_russia_used_nkorean_buls ae_4_on_the_frontline-11351.html and NK has also other version of Bulsae-4 M-2022 installed on small truck 6x6 which rather wasn't sent to Russia.
https://en.defence-ua.com/media/contentimages/77966a9433bef4e1.jpg

And since 2016 also Bulsae-4 mounted on Mi-2 helicopters. That is interesting story about Mi-2 in NK. They were imported from Poland in parts and are know locally as Hyŏksin-2. First appears in 1977 in the DPRK unarmed then were fitted with four 4x 9M14 Malyutka (Bulsae-1) 1980-1984 manufactured. Insted of Malyutka they can carry two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods or 4 Malyutka & and two 57mm pods. And now Malyutka were exchanged to Bulsae-4.
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/hyoksin-2/105004
https://forum-en-cdn.warthunder.com/original/3X/f/7/f79cf77022082b38167cc7f3550264544cf808e6.png

[DRG]

There is nothing in that article besides a vague reference to "TV-guided missile in development" so until better info is found I am not going to build that into the game. Global security has a similar vague reference..
"The footage of the missile shows an anti-tank guided missile launched from a Mi-2 helicopter. The footage follows the missile as it arcs upward before moving toward the ground.

That could be anything

[MarkSheppard]

https://x.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1828004862048555060

Challenger II moving at speed in Kursk oblast with a folded up cope cage.

[DRG]

https://x.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1828004862048555060

Challenger II moving at speed in Kursk oblast with a folded up cope cage.


The overhead cage is really not that folded up but what I found new and interesting is what appears to be a double-layer screen on the back rear hull


https://i.imgur.com/NnLVk2q.png


If you move that video frame by frame it eventually shows it to be a single layer standing what appears to be a couple of feet away from the rear of the vehicle


https://i.imgur.com/53QUOSC.png


REVISED
https://i.imgur.com/icf5vdm.png

[MarkSheppard]

https://x.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1827955596881993831

Marder 1A3 with cope cages

[Artaud]

https://x.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1827955596881993831

Marder 1A3 with cope cages

Can someone kindly explain what kind of website this is? Where is it based? Who has put this information together? I'm a bit paranoid about clicking on links to websites that I don't know very well. On the other hand, I would like more information on the weapons systems being used in Ukraine.

I'm especially interested in drone technology, but the library has few recent books on drones, and most of the websites I've seen are site I have never heard of.

[Artaud]

https://x.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1827955596881993831

Marder 1A3 with cope cages

Can someone kindly explain what kind of website this is? Where is it based? Who has put this information together? I'm a bit paranoid about clicking on links to websites that I don't know very well. On the other hand, I would like more information on the weapons systems being used in Ukraine.

I'm especially interested in drone technology, but the library has few recent books on drones, and most of the websites I've seen are sites I have never heard of.

None of my books cover newer weapons systems. I have a Jane's warship recognition guide published in 2006, and an armored vehicles recognition guide published around 2005, etc.

[DRG]

It's X ( twitter ) and all it's doing is showing the Marders with the added protection cages. Since it shows a moving vehicle and a crewman I would suggest it came from the Ukrainians in Kursk

That's just my opinion, I didn't post it

[Artaud]

It's X ( twitter ) and all it's doing is showing the Marders with the added protection cages. Since it shows a moving vehicle and a crewman I would suggest it came from the Ukrainians in Kursk

That's just my opinion, I didn't post it

Ah, I see. I don't use Twitter.

[Artaud]

And I apologize for the double post above. I tried to edit my original post, but somehow wound up creating another. Then the site would not let me delete the original post.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Artaud almost sounds like a "kindred spirit" I don't own a cell phone and never have, don't do META (Facebook), X (Tweeter) Tik Tok (As I have some nice clocks already. :D :rolleyes:) etc. etc.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Artaud almost sounds like a "kindred spirit" I don't own a cell phone and never have, don't do META (Facebook), X (Tweeter) Tik Tok (As I have some nice clocks already. :D :rolleyes:) etc. etc.

In my two tours at COMSUBGRU TEN (1989-92 (Plankowner)/1998-2002) OPCON.

I was a SEAC my first tour armed with a pager and STU-III phone on my nightstand with a "nifty" and ever-changing hiding place for my key with a 40-minute recall to get to the OPCON after I hung up or responded to a page. If say I went to Jacksonville, Fl (30-40 minutes away.) for a movie or a meal I had to notify the OPCON watch what movie and time we were going too along with the manager's office phone number as a backup.

On my second tour I moved up in the world and reported in and met my departing Division Officer (LCDR.) who had to come up with a unique job title specific to my past and current new responsibilities and was after a couple of minutes of deliberation I became the COMSUBLANT Alt Supervisor "Lofty Title" indeed that again promised long hours and no increase in pay commensurate with my "Lofty Title". I was introduced to my work Cell Phone and given another STU-III to again add to the decor of my bedroom nightstand.

I can assure you beyond a certain political ad from 2016 "Who do you want to answer the phone at 3 in the morning? " I can assure you most of them came to me at 0300 and all the other hours that started with a "0".

The STU-III was a pretty impressive piece of technology, but it had the added benefit that if I "whacked" someone who broke into the house with it they wouldn't be leaving the house on their own two feet. :D

It's absolutely WONDERFUL to be "Cell Free". ;)
https://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/usa/stu3/index.htm
(Hey, the one pictured on the top is the one I had on my nightstand!!) :eek:

Besides CINCLANTHOME is my COMMO extraordinaire. :p

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[MarkSheppard]

So there are rumors that North Korean "volunteer" units have been sighted in the region (on top of specialists who were assisting Russia in using the ballistic missiles they gave them).

Supposedly, the Russian 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade is having a "special Buryat battalion" attached to it (aka North Koreans).

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

To Marks post...
The Washinton Post (WP) is reporting that North Korean Officers are in Russia occupied Ukraine.
" A Ukrainian military intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive security matter, said “several thousand” North Korean infantry soldiers are undergoing training in Russia now and could be deployed to the front line in Ukraine by the end of this year."

" The official said North Korean officers are already on the ground in Russia-occupied Ukraine to observe Russian forces and study the battlefield, but Kyiv hasn’t seen any North Korean units fighting yet."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/11/north-korea-russia-ukraine-military-cooperation/

Looks like the "WP" scooped the rest. There are several more similar to this as reported within the time period from 2 to 24 hours ago.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-concerned-by-reports-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-russia-2024-10-15/
https://www.newsweek.com/russia-north-korean-battalion-ukraine-1969429
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/north-korea-sending-citizens-to-help-russian-military-fight-ukraine-zelensky-says/ar-AA1sfNBv?ocid=BingNewsSerp
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-concerned-about-reports-of-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-alongside-russia-in-ukraine/ar-AA1skyRW?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Though I haven't watched my TV News source yet, I've not seen any reports from any others yet either.

I hope someone recognizes the broad use of refs. above and you can do want you want based on them which leads directly to the next below.

I guess the Allie function is certainly in play now OR later. :p

EDIT: Saw nothing about North Korean troops in Ukraine on the National News networks concerning Ukraine as of 10/16/2024 0239.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[MarkSheppard]

https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1848487072366989362

Brads and Abrams do short range urban fighting. Of note is the miscolored armor package on the Brad.

[MarkSheppard]

xposted from the MBT Thread:

https://x.com/Jeff21461/status/1850923912097382857

Croatia and Germany are signing a Letter of Intent today for Croatia to procure 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks.

Part of the cost of this procurement is to be offset by the sale of 30 M84 MBT and 30 M-80 IFV to Germany, who will in turn donate them to Ukraine.

So two more slots may or may not go poof for 2025...

[DRG]

The M-84 has been in the OOB on hold for a couple of years... it would be nice to use it

I have the 2a8 in the German OOB but it's hard to keep track of who wants it and will pay for it and when

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17076&stc=1&d=1730158464

[MarkSheppard]

Russians have apparently converted captured Bradleys for their own use with custom "cope cage" netting.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comments/1gzlc2y/photos_of_a_captured_m2a2_odssa_bradley_ifv/

No idea if this is a widespread conversion or just a one off by a unit

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Don if you saw my last post in the MBT Thread early this morning, be advised that I edited it about two hours ago the final contracts were signed apparently within the last few days the T-85 and M-80 have just arrived in the Ukraine. START as I submitted should work and allow for transitional training as was posted per above MBT Thread.

Work, Work, Work!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[MarkSheppard]

https://x.com/PStyle0ne1/status/1882526640150094165

FPV drones attack a Russian UAZ with a WWII-era 45mm M-42 cannon on a trailer, Lyman

-------------------

https://x.com/trip_to_valkiri/status/1881399710398959834

KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft gun used for indirect fire role by Ukrainian forces, December 2024.

---------------

What's next? Dragging out a 88mm FLAK someone has been keeping in a shed for 80+ years?

[Pibwl]

818 2S22 Bohdana - according to an article by Ukrainian author, it made a front debut in 4/22 (now 6/22).
The vehicle has no AAMG.
Given a limited number of vehicles (until 7/23 a single prototype), maybe it should have radio x3?

589 2S4 Tulpan - according to the article on 2S4 by the same author (published in Polish nTW 7/24), Ukraine did not receive any Tulpans after 1991 (most were withdrawn eastwards after CFE treaty, and the only Soviet unit in Europe remained in Slaviansk-on-Kuban in Russia) - and it hasn't any now as well.

[Blazing 88's]

Ukraine Oshkosh M-ATV Armored Vehicle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONCeR7jgjhk

https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FtZ-v6SXgAAw0Ms-1.jpg

[MarkSheppard]

https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1889234220515537022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Russian modified T-72 tank without a turret and with an installed RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher destroyed somewhere at the frontline.

https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1749541793132396632

Russian experiments, RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers installed on the chassis of T-80. Previously some of these were seen on MT-LBs.

They sure like their RBU-6000s; but as you've previously said many times; the RU OBAT is getting pretty thin on room to put stuff in.

Perhaps compromise by putting the icons in and adding a note in the Design Notes?

"Russian Oddball Experimental AFVs seen in Ukraine:"

"RBU-6000 launchers on X,Y,Z; use icons X,Y,Z, with the following settings in scenario editor to represent these unique weapons {snip data}"

[DRG]

They sure like their RBU-6000s; but as you've previously said many times; the RU OBAT is getting pretty thin on room to put stuff in.

Perhaps compromise by putting the icons in and adding a note in the Design Notes?

"Russian Oddball Experimental AFVs seen in Ukraine:"

"RBU-6000 launchers on X,Y,Z; use icons X,Y,Z, with the following settings in scenario editor to represent these unique weapons {snip data}"


That's why we have added Russian and USA extention OOB's

............ BUT the А-22 Ogon attachment is easier and does the same job as FrankenWaffe----- and at this stage..... easier wins AND you can use Frag or incindary rockets with this one

The installation can use Soviet OF-45 fragmentation and ZZh-45 incendiary rockets with a range of 4.5 km. It is also possible to use new Russian OFD-45 fragmentation unguided rockets with a launch range of 9.5 km.


https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Polish_20230610_160322693.jpg

[Blazing 88's]

HX-2 combat drone—an AI-powered, autonomous, and affordable weapon developed by multinational drone manufacturer Helsing with German roots.

https://youtu.be/xYsnlmnKNAQ


https://helsing.ai/hx-2

[DRG]

Nice Tech

[Blazing 88's]

The German defence giant Rheinmetall just revealed new footage of its Skyranger 35, a highly capable 35mm AAA turret mounted on a Leopard 1 chassis.

Ukraine is expected to receive a number of these units, with significant interoperability with the country's Leopard 1A5 fleet.

https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1898216434653700277

Nice top-down drone shot @ .16 sec.


Rheinmetall Unveils Skyranger 35 Air Defense System on Leopard 1 Chassis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L_mjM6jAO8

Sorry if posted already.

[Blazing 88's]

Usage of drones to make smoke screens:
https://x.com/UKikaski/status/1906094611996545496

Surprised it took this long.

[Blazing 88's]

Ukraine unleashes “hide & strike” strategy after losing 1,000 tanks to Russian drones:
Ukraine’s reform involves:
Cut four large tank teams (some had up to 100 tanks each)
Spread tanks to form small, fierce 30-tank teams with foot troops
Switched tanks from main strike force to skilled support tools
Forged a lean, mean tank corps built to beat Russia’s drone threats
Full article:
https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/05/14/forbes-ukrainians-are-changing-tactics-of-using-tanks-after-losing-1000-tanks/


Prytula Foundation modernizes ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns with SkyLock systems:
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/prytula-foundation-modernizes-zu-23-anti-aircraft-guns-with-skylock-systems/

_

[Blazing 88's]

Belgium Tests Leopard 1 with Unmanned Turret in Ukraine: Potential Modernization of Over a Hundred Tanks

The Leopard 1A5BE fitted with the unmanned Cockerill 3105 turret presents a promising upgrade for extending the combat relevance of these tanks, and Belgium plans to test this configuration in Ukraine.

The upgraded variant now headed for Ukraine features the unmanned Cockerill 3105 turret, armed with a 105mm Cockerill HP gun. Although no official roadmap has been published, successful field testing and positive feedback from Ukrainian forces could pave the way for a large-scale modernization of the Leopard 1 fleet in Ukraine, which includes more than a hundred vehicles.

Leopard 1A5 with Cockerill 3105 unmanned turret / Open source illustrative photo

https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/belgium_tests_leopard_1_with_unmanned_turret_in_uk raine_potential_modernization_of_over_a_hundred_ta nks-14551.html

[Blazing 88's]

Varta 2 Approved for Use by Ukrainian Defense Forces After Successful Testing

The Varta 2 armored vehicle has completed the codification process and is ready to enter mass production.

The Ukrainian Armor company reported on this.

The Ukrainian-made wheeled vehicle can be equipped with a turret or a combat module.

The manufacturer stated that the Varta 2 armored vehicle has passed all necessary tests, completed the codification process, and has received authorization for delivery to the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor, announced that the company is ready to launch the vehicle into serial production. According to him, there is currently a demand on the front lines for equipment of this class. “Since the prototype presentation, we have received numerous inquiries from the military about the Varta 2, which indicates a high demand for armored vehicles of this class on the front line,” Belbas shared. “In addition to speed and mobility, which are essential in modern warfare, the Varta 2 has a high level of protection. The payload capacity, which allows for integrating a combat module, gives the Varta 2 unprecedented firepower for its class of armored vehicles, necessary for infantry support and destroying enemy armored vehicles,” Belbas noted.

Ukrainian Armor has also codified variants of the Varta 2 equipped with a turret and combat module.

Information about the prototype testing of the Varta 2 armored vehicle with the SICH combat module as part of the codification process by the Ministry of Defense was reported in early November 2024.

The combat module is equipped with a 30mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon (a copy of the 2A72), an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher, and a PKT 7.62mm machine gun. An operator remotely controls the system using a control panel from inside the vehicle. It can be used at any time of day or night due to its day and night thermal imaging targeting system, and it is capable of accurate fire while on the move.

Varta-2 armored personnel carrier at MSPO-2024 in Kielce / Defense Express / Ukrainian Armor LLC is Ready to Mass-Produce Varta-2 APC, Integrated With Sich 30mm Gun Turret

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/varta-2-approved-for-use-by-ukrainian-defense-forces-after-successful-testing/

Older article:
Ukrainian VARTA 2 armored vehicle has entered state testing
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukrainian-varta-2-armored-vehicle-has-entered-state-testing/

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

A short video to go with the above last on VARTA-2 w/ 30mm.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=varta-2&&mid=779B15153D9B7BAE5B05779B15153D9B7BAE5B05&FORM=VAMGZC

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

My issues with the Varta with the turret is when it was firing the recoil was flexing the suspension. Not idea for accuracy. Watch the video the barrel of the gun does not compensate for the muzzle rise so every shot after the first one is going to go high that can be seen within the first 6 seconds of the video. The chassis rocks back with every shot.

It might have a compensator built in but it does not appear so but this is just the start of it's testing so there may be "tweaks" down the line

[Blazing 88's]

My issues with the Varta with the turret is when it was firing the recoil was flexing the suspension. Not idea for accuracy. Watch the video the barrel of the gun does not compensate for the muzzle rise so every shot after the first one is going to go high that can be seen within the first 6 seconds of the video. The chassis rocks back with every shot.

It might have a compensator built in but it does not appear so but this is just the start of it's testing so there may be "tweaks" down the line

The article I posted did say this....
The Varta 2 armored vehicle has completed the codification process and is ready to enter mass production.

That bit seems to say testing is over (?).

Cool vehicle though.

:up:

[Blazing 88's]

Interesting read:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/louis-saillans_i-spent-over-100-hours-compiling-and-analyzing-activity-7336063693018857472-rhmm

Louis Saillans
French Navy Commando Officer, Askalon Industries co-founder.

I spent over 100 hours compiling and analyzing 5,000 videos of soldiers trying to escape UAV drones — pulling material from Telegram, Reddit, and other sources. Here is what i found out.

There are more videos available. But I had to stop at that stage because of the psychological toll.

I wanted to understand what factors affect survival when soldiers are targeted by drones.

Here’s what the data revealed:

A/ 67% survival rate in obstructed environments (buildings, dense forests).


Why? Drones are designed for speed and detonation, not collision avoidance. Many simply smash into walls, doors, windows, or get tangled in branches and detonate before hitting their target.

B/ 92% death rate in open fields.


No matter the escape method — running on foot, driving, riding a motorbike, or sitting on top of an armored vehicle — the drones outpace and outmaneuver almost every attempt to flee in open terrain.

C/ Armed vehicles provide some protection, but it’s limited.

If a vehicle withstands the initial attack and the crew dismounts, the soldiers’ survival rates revert to the numbers above (depending on the environment).

But here’s the biggest discovery I made:

=> Smoke increases survival rates by 32%.

Whether it’s using the smoke from a burning vehicle or deploying a smoke grenade to obscure a forest entrance, smoke acts as a critical cover. It confuses visual tracking systems and gives soldiers a vital edge when escaping drone pursuit.

[Blazing 88's]

Canada will provide Ukraine with new LAV series vehicles: Bison and Coyote armored personnel carriers
The Department of National Defense of Canada has announced a new military assistance package that will include the transfer of armored vehicles.

This was reported by the official website of the Department of National Defense of Canada.

Canada’s Minister of National Defense David J. McGuinty, who took part in the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) and the NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels, announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine.

First of all, he announced the transfer of armored vehicles to Ukraine from the Canadian army, including LAV 2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, which are known as Coyotes in the Canadian army.

The transfer of armored personnel carriers based on the LAV 2 – Bison was also announced. The difference between these vehicles is that the LAV 2 is equipped with a two-seat turret with a 25 mm cannon, while Bison has only machine guns and a landing compartment for transporting eight soldiers.

The total value of this military assistance package is $35 million. In addition to armored vehicles, it includes the supply of new equipment, ammunition and other gear to be supplied by Canadian companies.

In addition, $5 million of this package will be allocated for electronic warfare kits, which will also be manufactured by Canadian companies.

In addition, McGuinty reported on the advanced training of Ukrainian pilots that is being conducted in Canada. Canada has taken over the leadership of the Fighter Pilot Training (FLIT) element of the Air Force Capabilities Coalition (AFCC) within the UDCG.

The investment of $389 million over five years includes training for F-16 pilots, critical airfield equipment, and other support for Ukrainian air bases and fleet – all provided by the Canadian defense industry.

It should be noted that the delivery of this equipment can be much faster than the ACSV armored personnel carriers that Canada has been supplying to Ukraine for some time, and which are currently being manufactured in Canada.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that in June 2024, a batch of new LAV 6.0 ACSV armored personnel carriers had been shipped to Ukraine from the Canadian city of London.

At the time, it was reported that the first four of 50 new armored combat support vehicles were shipped.

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/canada-will-provide-ukraine-with-new-lav-series-vehicles-bison-and-coyote-armored-personnel-carriers/

[DRG]

I will need to dig into this in more detail but is this these are indeed the "LAV 2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, which are known as Coyotes in the Canadian army." Ukraine is getting the old version that is being phased out and replaced by the Lav 6 BUT it does seem they are getting the LAV6 AND the older LAV2


EDIT:doh:

I started the process of transferring the Coyote from Canada to Ukraine when I "discovered" I ALREADY HAD DONE IT.......apparently sometime before I had my excursion to the hospital. I double checked the entry and its OK I just need to tweak the delivery date a couple months

[Blazing 88's]

Latvia Prepares First Delivery of Brand-New Patria APCs to Ukraine:
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/latvia-prepares-first-delivery-of-brand-new-patria-apcs-to-ukraine/

The Latvian government has approved the transfer of 42 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers and other military equipment to Ukraine.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense reported that the armored vehicles destined for Ukraine were ordered earlier this year.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the first vehicles will be shipped very soon.

“We will continue to support Ukraine, both this year and next. We will provide military aid amounting to 0.25% of our GDP,” he emphasized.

Separately, the Latvian Ministry of Defense stressed that the delivery of 42 armored personnel carriers will not affect the needs or operational capabilities of the Latvian National Armed Forces.

Back in early February, the Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia was shown the production of the first batch of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers intended for Ukraine.

Patria’s manufacturing facilities in Latvia have the capacity to produce around 30 combat vehicles per year. At the same time, the factory is already fully engaged in fulfilling contracts for the Latvian National Armed Forces.

This modern multipurpose armored personnel carrier with a 6×6 wheel configuration was developed by the Finnish company Patria.

Thanks to its powerful engine and independent suspension on each wheel, the APC can navigate rough terrain, cross water obstacles, and travel at high speeds on highways.

The combat vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on roads and has a range of up to 700 km.

Crew protection is provided by modern armor that meets STANAG 4569 standards and can withstand small arms fire, shell fragments, and mine blasts. Additionally, the armored personnel carrier can be equipped with extra applique armor.

The Patria 6×6 features a spacious troop compartment that can accommodate up to 10 soldiers. Thanks to its flexible modular design, the vehicle can be outfitted with various types of weaponry, including 12.7 mm machine guns, grenade launchers, or combat modules with heavy armament.

[DRG]

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/germany-to-buy-patria-6-6-as-main-armored-personnel-carrier-for-army/


Germany will purchase the Finnish Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier as the main wheeled armored vehicle for the army.

This was reported by Hartpunkt.

Currently, the German Federal Ministry of Defense is seeking to submit the purchase of the first batch of armored personnel carriers in the amount of 300 units for parliamentary discussion as soon as possible.

This proposal must be approved by the Bundeswehr’s procurement department, which will give the green light to sign a contract and produce the vehicles for the Bundeswehr. As part of the future deal, Germany plans to purchase about 1,000 armored personnel carriers to replace the outdated Fuchs armored personnel carriers in the army.