Ukraine War Thread Part 2 [Archive] - Page 39

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 11:51

More on the Kyiv strikes.

(2) Igor Sushko on X: "Russian fascists launched several hypersonic missiles from occupied Crimea. They covered the distance of 580 km to Kyiv in 3 minutes at an estimated speed of 11,600 km/h (7,200mph). Hence the air raid siren system did not turn on in time. Suspected to be Zircon cruise missiles. https://t.co/yJqNW8KL72" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1772200543840088540)

(2) Igor Sushko on X: "Russian fascists launched several hypersonic missiles from occupied Crimea. They covered the distance of 580 km to Kyiv in 3 minutes at an estimated speed of 11,600 km/h (7,200mph). Hence the air raid siren system did not turn on in time. Suspected to be Zircon cruise missiles. https://t.co/yJqNW8KL72" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 12:39

More on the amount of refineries hit by Ukraine, it is almost forming a supply barrier for Russia, meaning fuel has to be shipped in from further afield to support their war efforts.

(2) The Ukrainian Review on X: "🔥💥 AFU hit almost all Russian refineries in the European part of Russia and temporarily occupied part of Ukraine. https://t.co/JvJDEwps9N" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/UkrReview/status/1772169412994343312)

(2) The Ukrainian Review on X: "🔥💥 AFU hit almost all Russian refineries in the European part of Russia and temporarily occupied part of Ukraine. https://t.co/JvJDEwps9N" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 12:41

Satellite views of the oil storage depot in Crimea damaged in the latest attacks.

(2) Ukraine Battle Map on X: "Ukrainian 🇺🇦 kamikaze drones destroyed at least three fuel tanks at a fuel depot in Hvardiis’ke, Crimea https://t.co/oCfFvLT9wS" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/ukraine_map/status/1772161824214897060)

(2) Ukraine Battle Map on X: "Ukrainian 🇺🇦 kamikaze drones destroyed at least three fuel tanks at a fuel depot in Hvardiis’ke, Crimea https://t.co/oCfFvLT9wS" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 12:49

One of the ships hit in the Sevastopol raid appears to be leaking fuel and is being towed to a dry dock.

(2) 🇺🇦Ukrainian Front on X: "⚡️ Satellite image of the consequences of a missile attack on the Large Landing Ships of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in Crimea One of the boats with no visible damage is being towed to a dry dock. The second one was not critically injured due to a missed… https://t.co/6Zj5dmuy2P" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1771975558773051421)

(2) 🇺🇦Ukrainian Front on X: "⚡️ Satellite image of the consequences of a missile attack on the Large Landing Ships of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in Crimea One of the boats with no visible damage is being towed to a dry dock. The second one was not critically injured due to a missed… https://t.co/6Zj5dmuy2P" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 12:55

It looks like they hit the workshops of the ship repair plant as well

Tim White on X: "Still on #Ukraine's successes in #Crimea, Astra says a ship repair plant was also hit in #Sevastopol. It's the second time the plant has been damaged. #CrimeaIsUkraine #SlavaUkraïni https://t.co/vmn2JiRxiG" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1772180315835895991)

Tim White on X: "Still on #Ukraine's successes in #Crimea, Astra says a ship repair plant was also hit in #Sevastopol. It's the second time the plant has been damaged. #CrimeaIsUkraine #SlavaUkraïni https://t.co/vmn2JiRxiG" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 12:57

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia dam after the missile strikes the other day.

Tim White on X: "Meanwhile in #Zaporizhzhia, the best video I've seen so far to show the damage to the dam and Dnipro HEP (Hydro Electric Plant) #RussiaIsATerroristState https://t.co/snnRGkadAQ" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1772192736294133902)

Tim White on X: "Meanwhile in #Zaporizhzhia, the best video I've seen so far to show the damage to the dam and Dnipro HEP (Hydro Electric Plant) #RussiaIsATerroristState https://t.co/snnRGkadAQ" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 13:06

Russia's latest attempts at anti drone protection, well either that, or they have a serious pigeon problem. It does appear to make sense but then surely you would tailor your attack to suit the conditions, I.e. vertically or on the lower extremities, unless they have horizontal spikes as well.

Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "Strange experimental protection against FPV drones on the Russian BMP. Along with the usual anti-drone cage, there are pieces of metal wire installed here. https://t.co/2HH580MhUO (https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772171613993042001) https://t.co/Exh6jVHFV4" / X (twitter.com)

Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "Strange experimental protection against FPV drones on the Russian BMP. Along with the usual anti-drone cage, there are pieces of metal wire installed here. https://t.co/2HH580MhUO https://t.co/Exh6jVHFV4" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 13:14

Lol

Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "Russian sits by the river on the Avdiivka front and looks at his sunken armored personnel carrier https://t.co/RLRihMjm4s" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1770721285124813124)

Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "Russian sits by the river on the Avdiivka front and looks at his sunken armored personnel carrier https://t.co/RLRihMjm4s" / X (twitter.com)

meleagertoo

25th Mar 2024, 13:24

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 14:39

Russian wire strike, you think the pylons would give him a clue.

Slava 🇺🇦 on X: "RUSSIAN PLAIN DODGING A FLOCK OF BIRDS, HIT A POWER LINE IN VORONEZH, RUSSIA. PART OF THE CITY WAS LEFT WITHOUT ELECTRICITY FOR SOME TIME. https://t.co/ZvxW7yaPy9" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/Heroiam_Slava/status/1772226336334963139)

Slava 🇺🇦 on X: "RUSSIAN PLAIN DODGING A FLOCK OF BIRDS, HIT A POWER LINE IN VORONEZH, RUSSIA. PART OF THE CITY WAS LEFT WITHOUT ELECTRICITY FOR SOME TIME. https://t.co/ZvxW7yaPy9" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 14:40

Sooo lucky.

Slava 🇺🇦 on X: "mine detonation against branches - Russians https://t.co/gJIonJXTLg" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/Heroiam_Slava/status/1772271223323410719)

Slava 🇺🇦 on X: "mine detonation against branches - Russians https://t.co/gJIonJXTLg" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 14:51

A Russian decoy set up, it's the pringles that gave it away ;)

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦 on X: "The Russian position is bait #Ukraine️ #ukrainecounteroffensive #UkraineWar #UkraineWillWin #UkraineRussiaWar #Ukraina #Ukrainian #UkrainianArmy #Wagner #Russia #Crimea https://t.co/tSCO3F4D0c" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/tungphat1/status/1771029928450068935)

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦 on X: "The Russian position is bait #Ukraine️ #ukrainecounteroffensive #UkraineWar #UkraineWillWin #UkraineRussiaWar #Ukraina #Ukrainian #UkrainianArmy #Wagner #Russia #Crimea https://t.co/tSCO3F4D0c" / X (twitter.com)

NutLoose

25th Mar 2024, 14:53

Good to see the old Stormers are still doing their job

The Ukrainian Review on X: "🇬🇧🇺🇦 The British "Stormer" is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. https://t.co/vT79QHMxf3" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/UkrReview/status/1772254471273210081)

The Ukrainian Review on X: "🇬🇧🇺🇦 The British "Stormer" is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. https://t.co/vT79QHMxf3" / X (twitter.com)

@BlogUkraine on X: "#761dayofwar ⚡Combat work of the Stormer Air Defence Vehicle Video by AFU StratCom #Ukraine #UkraineWar https://t.co/3sv2DXQdSN" / X (twitter.com) (https://twitter.com/BlogUkraine/status/1772224994191323240)

@BlogUkraine on X: "#761dayofwar ⚡Combat work of the Stormer Air Defence Vehicle Video by AFU StratCom #Ukraine #UkraineWar https://t.co/3sv2DXQdSN" / X (twitter.com)

ORAC

25th Mar 2024, 23:27

https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1772233173809627598?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Polish authorities plan to build surveillance towers on the border with Belarus

This was announced by the chief commandant of the border guard service of the Republic, Brigadier General Robert Bagan.

"It is about towers 70 meters high, which will be equipped with modern optical and electronic devices," Dziennik Gazety Prawnej newspaper quoted him as saying.

The towers will provide an accurate view of what is happening on both sides of the Polish-Belarusian border within a radius of 10 kilometers, the newspaper said.

West Coast

26th Mar 2024, 04:14

Polish authorities plan to build surveillance towers on the border with Belarus

This was announced by the chief commandant of the border guard service of the Republic, Brigadier General Robert Bagan.

"It is about towers 70 meters high, which will be equipped with modern optical and electronic devices," Dziennik Gazety Prawnej newspaper quoted him as saying.

The towers will provide an accurate view of what is happening on both sides of the Polish-Belarusian border within a radius of 10 kilometers, the newspaper said.

Guess we know what the first target of the bad guys will be.

Winemaker

26th Mar 2024, 04:26

Guess we know what the first target of the bad guys will be.
At least they will provide an early warning system....

dead_pan

26th Mar 2024, 08:08

Any Brits using this thread may want to watch the documentary 'Enemy in the woods' aired on BBC2 last night. Brutal stuff

51bravo

26th Mar 2024, 08:44

Russian Cruise Missle violated for a minute Polish Airspace. At an interesting corner: Oserdow (heading to Lviv region). Released obviously from a long range bomber.

Any ideas where from it could have been fired off? Belarus? Anyway not a DCT as it seems, but I dont know anything about cruise missle routing tactics..

https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/24/russian-missile-headed-for-ukraine-briefly-enters-polish-airspace

(sorry, it was on Sunday, so no breaking news here)

here with a map (Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/24/poland-activates-air-force-as-western-ukraine-and-kyiv-come-under-massive-russian-attack

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 10:32

:E

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1772422685156368519

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1772422685156368519

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 10:53

Iranian officers in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories killed

https://twitter.com/TreasChest/status/1772506254830633422

https://twitter.com/TreasChest/status/1772506254830633422

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 10:59

Why stop? crawling fwd at a snails pace would soon shift them, they need to fit a snow plough to the front... or simply arrest them.

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1771857034763186332

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1771857034763186332

ORAC

26th Mar 2024, 11:59

https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1772523412046422131?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

The AFU hit the ship "Konstantin Olshansky" with "Neptune" subsonic cruise missiles. Damage to the vessel is being specified.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x756/image_8cfe603d08322c30b4219dd78cc0adcd8e29ec1a.png

ORAC

26th Mar 2024, 12:15

https://x.com/albafella1/status/1772515257916752262?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

You don't see this often. Elimination of enemy UAV pilots along with their position and equipment.

They are so relaxed that they don’t wear body armor or helmets. They think they are safe if they work from the basement.

A Ukrainian kamikaze drone with a landmine weighing 2 kg flew straight into the basement and detonated. It is impossible to survive after this.

📹 The Strike Drones Company of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura"

ORAC

26th Mar 2024, 12:17

https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1772534440641585390?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Russia's ambassador to Poland refused to go to the Polish Foreign Ministry, where he was invited about the missile that violated Polish airspace

"Warsaw has not provided an evidentiary basis," - Sergei Andreev said.

Polish Foreign Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in response that further steps would be taken in this regard in the near future.

The minister called the Russian ambassador's decision erroneous: "This is an expression of contempt and we cannot remain indifferent to it," he said.

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 12:48

Simply deport him, end off.

Lonewolf_50

26th Mar 2024, 12:51

:Ehttps://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1772422685156368519 Poland doesn't need anyone else's permission to defend their own airspace.
I suspect that their engagement geometry may have risked the engagement / impact / intercept happening outside of their airspace and thus into Russian airspace...so they chose not to shoot.
Iranian officers in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories killed Good news.

Tartiflette Fan

26th Mar 2024, 13:59

FUMR

26th Mar 2024, 14:40

Iranian officers in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories killed

https://twitter.com/TreasChest/status/1772506254830633422

No real proof of that though!

golfbananajam

26th Mar 2024, 15:15

Why stop? crawling fwd at a snails pace would soon shift them, they need to fit a snow plough to the front... or simply arrest them.

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1771857034763186332

Perhaps they'd like to enlist as Orcs to help their leader.

Recc

26th Mar 2024, 16:09

I suspect that their engagement geometry may have risked the engagement / impact / intercept happening outside of their airspace and thus into Russian airspace...so they chose not to shoot.

Closest Russian airspace to where this incident occurred is nearly 400km. I doubt that this would have been a factor in their decision making

Lonewolf_50

26th Mar 2024, 17:46

Closest Russian airspace to where this incident occurred is nearly 400km. I doubt that this would have been a factor in their decision making OK.
What I looked at on the map with the story I saw of the event, it appeared to be an "at the edge of the border airspace" ... but if that impression was wrongly interpreted by me, thanks for the correction. :ok:

Ninthace

26th Mar 2024, 17:55

Of course Belorussian airspace is much closer and I doubt if they would dare say anything if a missile routed via their airspace in an effort to outflank the defences on its way to a target in western Ukraine.

IlyaMuromets

26th Mar 2024, 18:04

Peter_K

26th Mar 2024, 18:08

At least they will provide an early warning system....Unless someone flashes a cheap laser pointer at them ;)

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 18:08

At least they will provide an early warning system....

Precisely, it will allow them to monitor the likes of illegal aliens attempting to cross the border and target Polish forces to the areas where they have been seen. Thus preventing them being pushed through by Belarus.

NutLoose

26th Mar 2024, 18:15

Closest Russian airspace to where this incident occurred is nearly 400km. I doubt that this would have been a factor in their decision making

Another possibility is you do not want it falling on a Polish built up area, better to let it pass than cause injuries on the ground.

IlyaMuromets

26th Mar 2024, 18:32

OK.
What I looked at on the map with the story I saw of the event, it appeared to be an "at the edge of the border airspace" ... but if that impression was wrongly interpreted by me, thanks for the correction. :ok:
That was not a map in the cartographic sense if the word. Try this instead:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1080x1988/screenshot_20240326_182912_50ba69620c2c7967b446501bede02e4f4 bba33a7.jpg
Extract from Soviet military mapping showing Oserdòw/Осердув and the Polish Ukrainian border.

Peter_K

26th Mar 2024, 18:47

Poland doesn't need anyone else's permission to defend their own airspace.
I suspect that their engagement geometry may have risked the engagement / impact / intercept happening outside of their airspace and thus into Russian airspace...so they chose not to shoot. ...or that the debris would fall over Poland and causing potential hazard to local infrastructure and population.
On the side note, very tasteless animation and post, IMHO, considering that in November 2022 Ukrainian missile fired into Poland killed two people, innocent husbands and fathers of their families. To this day Ukrainian side refused to take any responsibility, participate in the investigation or offer some compensation to the families of the victims.

NutLoose

27th Mar 2024, 02:47

Well, if you put it like that.. :ok:

https://twitter.com/iEndure_4evr/status/1772757408667853214

https://twitter.com/iEndure_4evr/status/1772757408667853214

NutLoose

27th Mar 2024, 03:13

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1772745407694528886

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1772745407694528886

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 09:33

Might have been useful in a nuclear war, but not a cheap drone….

https://x.com/afvrec_/status/1772732087616835789?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Out of all the vehicles that have been pulled out of storage and used by Russia in this war, this is one that was really at the bottom of my list to even see in theatre, never mind be destroyed.

The video shows what appears to be a Ladoga protected command vehicle, I won’t talk too much about it here as I made a whole post on the vehicle, so check below for the full info on it, in short it was designed to move senior Kremlin staff around under safety in the event of a nuclear attack, it was trialled in 1986 at the Chernobyl NPP.

https://x.com/afvrec_/status/1695401211589976563?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x761/image_d92ca16207923456f25858b70442455406209215.png

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 09:40

https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1772644046621536298?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

France plans to adapt high-precision AASM bombs for F-16 aircraft, which will be sent to 🇺🇦Ukraine by Western allies - French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x808/image_15f089759be635711d0766fa505c6891639fc735.png

Timmy Tomkins

27th Mar 2024, 09:49

Russia's ambassador to Poland refused to go to the Polish Foreign Ministry, where he was invited about the missile that violated Polish airspace

"Warsaw has not provided an evidentiary basis," - Sergei Andreev said.

Polish Foreign Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in response that further steps would be taken in this regard in the near future.

The minister called the Russian ambassador's decision erroneous: "This is an expression of contempt and we cannot remain indifferent to it," he said.
Shades of Ruzzia infringing Turkish airspace a few years back and ignoring warnings about continued infringments. The Turks resolved that when they shot down the next Ruzzo aircraft to do so and the transfomation of relations with Putrid was instantaneous. Some hints there for all concerned.

DogTailRed2

27th Mar 2024, 11:01

France plans to adapt high-precision AASM bombs for F-16 aircraft, which will be sent to 🇺🇦Ukraine by Western allies - French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x808/image_15f089759be635711d0766fa505c6891639fc735.png

You would think that NATO countries would collaborate to make these weapons universal across NATO aircraft?

NutLoose

27th Mar 2024, 11:08

More on the belarus border, good to see he has brought his ermmm pet sheep with him. ;)

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1772748422300250447

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1772748422300250447

Beamr

27th Mar 2024, 11:26

here's the same with english subtitles.
.

https://twitter.com/Belsat_Eng/status/1772944093477224799

https://twitter.com/Belsat_Eng/status/1772944093477224799

Lonewolf_50

27th Mar 2024, 12:14

More on the belarus border, good to see he has brought his ermmm pet sheep with him. ;)
https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1772748422300250447 I guess you have to have goals.
I wonder at the loyalty that his army will demonstrate in the case of invading Poland versus defending Belarus.
Hopefully that will remain an unknown.

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 12:27

Hopefully ones with a decent battery life and a charger pack….

Video.

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1772679741994041669?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
"Ukrainians have put 8,000 cell phones with microphones to poles across the country to help track the direction of the Shahed drones," General James B. Hecker, commander of United States Air Forces in Europe.

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 14:40

Knock knock… Wonder who was home.

https://x.com/osinttechnical/status/1772994085218849132?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Kherson Oblast, the Ukrainian Air Force conducts a precision strike on a Russian-occupied building with a pair of standoff bombs.

Both arrive at nearly the same time, leveling the structure.

https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772983994344177664?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Sue Vêtements

27th Mar 2024, 14:53

"Ukrainians have put 8,000 cell phones with microphones to poles across the country to help track the direction of the Shahed drones

an updated version of this (https://www.andrewgrantham.co.uk/soundmirrors/) then

SoundMirrors on the Kent coast if you don't want to follow the link. I didn't know about these.

melmothtw

27th Mar 2024, 14:54

You would think that NATO countries would collaborate to make these weapons universal across NATO aircraft?

They have and they did. The AASM was tested on an F-16 as far back as 2014, with the international F-16 export market in mind. It already is compatible.

Sallyann1234

27th Mar 2024, 14:57

Hopefully ones with a decent battery life and a charger pack….

Video.

"Ukrainians have put 8,000 cell phones with microphones to poles across the country to help track the direction of the Shahed drones," General James B. Hecker, commander of United States Air Forces in Europe.
Easy enough to fix if they are on lamp posts. But should this really have been broadcast to the enemy?

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 15:07

https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-32-ukrainian-pows-executed-in-russian-captivity-during-winter-un-commission-says/

UN: At least 32 Ukrainian POWs executed in Russian captivity during winter

At least 32 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW), recently captured by Russia, have been executed between Dec. 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, a report by the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on March 26.

Reports of Ukrainian POWs (https://kyivindependent.com/ombudsman-russian-troops-executed-at-least-7-ukrainian-pows-near-bakhmut/) being tortured or killed while in Russian captivity have been surfacing since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. As of late February, the Prosecutor General's Office said (https://t.me/pgo_gov_ua/22009) 19 criminal investigations were underway regarding the execution of 45 Ukrainian POWs.

OHCHR said it had recorded 12 cases of executions of at least 32 captured Ukrainian POWs during the winter, suggesting that some of them presumably were killed in groups.

"OHCHR has verified three of these incidents in which Russian servicemen executed seven Ukrainian servicemen hors de combat," reads the report (https://ukraine.un.org/en/264355-report-human-rights-situation-ukraine-1-december-2023-29-february-2024), which is based on interviews with 60 Ukrainian soldiers released from captivity.

Their accounts confirmed the previously documented facts of widespread torture (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-torture-of-ukrainian-pows-widespread-and-systematic-un-commission-says/), inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment of Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity, as well as detention conditions that do not comply with international law, OHCHR said.…

Thrust Augmentation

27th Mar 2024, 15:24

an updated version of this (https://www.andrewgrantham.co.uk/soundmirrors/) then

SoundMirrors on the Kent coast if you don't want to follow the link. I didn't know about these.

Operation Igloo White also comes to mind, although I bet the phone method is somewhat cheaper.

DogTailRed2

27th Mar 2024, 16:22

Perhaps the Russians will implement their own version of tinsel?

vascodegama

27th Mar 2024, 16:34

ORAC

27th Mar 2024, 17:14

https://x.com/colbybadhwar/status/1772962802874925530?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

🇪🇺🇬🇷🇺🇦 New radars for Ukrainian F-16s?

Yesterday we learned that Greece is looking to sell their F-16C/D Block 30 fighter jets. Further to that, they are also looking to sell the APG-68(V9) radars from their F-16C/D Block 52, which are being upgraded to Viper standard.

Though the F-16A/B Block 15/20 MLUs which Ukraine is slated to receive were upgraded to Block 50/52 standard, the one thing that was not, is their radars. They still have the less powerful APG-66(V)2A.

Thanks to @Doha104p3, it is confirmed that the original A/B airframes can in fact accept the larger and heavier APG-68 radar.

So the remaining questions are:

1. If these radars are purchased for the Ukrainian F-16s, are there contractors and facilities available to do the replacement work ASAP.
2. Can funding be secured to finance this endeavor?

Acquiring these radars and purchasing these additional F-16s for Ukraine should be a top priority. It is a logical use of some of the money from the €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund in the European Peace Facility.

Lonewolf_50

27th Mar 2024, 17:41

Money well spent, if that's where it goes.

macmp419

27th Mar 2024, 17:54

How about spending some of the interest accrued from seized Ru assets in the EU / wider West on these F-16s?

Lonewolf_50

27th Mar 2024, 18:40

If you want to wait a few years for the legal shenanigans to be completed to allow access to those funds, sure.
At the moment, spend the money that's available.

Tartiflette Fan

27th Mar 2024, 20:39

If you want to wait a few years for the legal shenanigans to be completed to allow access to those funds, sure.
At the moment, spend the money that's available.

I believe that it has been agreed to seize the interest on the Russian funds, but banks are resisting the seizure of the capital, ans that may take years to decide. It was originally envisaged to use the interest for Ukrainian reconstruction, but it is now being argued that Ukraine needs it now for weapons.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/03/20/war-in-ukraine-eu-considers-using-russian-frozen-asset-revenues-for-military-aid-to-kyiv_6638963_4.html

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 04:02

France to deliver 78 Caesar artillery units to Ukraine shortly and increase shell deliveries to 80,000.

PARIS (AP) — France will soon be able to deliver 78 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine and will boost its supply of shells to meet Kyiv’s urgent needs for ammunition to fight Russia’s full-scale invasion, the defense minister said Tuesday.

Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at a news conference that an agreement was reached among France, Ukraine and Denmark to finance the Caesar self-propelled 155 mm howitzers, which will enable France to “quickly deliver” them.

France has also set a goal to deliver 80,000 shells for 155 mm guns to Ukraine this year — up from 30,000 delivered since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24, 2022, he said.

In addition, Lecornu said, France is participating in an effort to identify available stocks of gunpowder and ammunition that could be bought from countries outside the European Union, a plan initiated by the Czech Republic (https://apnews.com/article/czech-france-ukraine-pavel-macron-b406a2450e3bc8fd2ae1db2a016d8a92) to further support Kyiv.

https://apnews.com/article/france-ukraine-ammunition-howitzers-af44ababeef42de98170660cc1753b77

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 04:25

Russian bomb production.

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 04:27

:sad:

https://twitter.com/Yarochenko/status/1773101413700083937

https://twitter.com/Yarochenko/status/1773101413700083937

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 04:31

Ukrainian version of the Lancet tested.

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1773086588773285929

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1773086588773285929

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 04:44

https://twitter.com/Beefeater_Fella/status/1772421276260266455

https://twitter.com/Beefeater_Fella/status/1772421276260266455

uffington sb

28th Mar 2024, 05:06

Let’s hope there’s some careless smokers in that bomb factory.

just another jocky

28th Mar 2024, 05:41

Russian bomb production.

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075
Unguided? Freefall? Target overflight required?

DogTailRed2

28th Mar 2024, 08:28

Russian bomb production.

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075
Unguided bombs that make large holes. WW2 all over again.

GeeRam

28th Mar 2024, 09:27

Russian bomb production.

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075

Seen articles elsewhere saying that these FAB-3000 glide bombs, don't actually glide that well (compared to the glide kits fitted to FAB-500, FAB-1000's etc) and so will need to be dropped closer to the target............and it seems unlikely that they can fit under a Su-34, which means they are likely getting stocks ready for when they think they have suppressed enough Ukraine AD (they are two Patriot launchers down now after that Iskanker strike) so as to be able to safely use Tu-22M's loaded up with these things......

ORAC

28th Mar 2024, 09:52

https://x.com/mrkovalenko/status/1773173947346878654?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

#BREAKING

Polish Lieutenant General Jaroslaw Gromadzinski, a commander of Eurocorps, a joint military group of some EU and NATO states, has been removed from his post after a counter-intelligence investigation found proof of his work for Russia.

He was responsible for NATO military supplies to Ukraine.

Link (in Polish): https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/komunikat-mon14

Google translation:

Statement of the Ministry of National DefenseMarch 28, 2024

The Military Counterintelligence Service initiated inspection proceedings regarding the personal security clearance of Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński in connection with obtaining new information about the officer.

Therefore, a decision was made to dismiss Lieutenant General Gromadziński from his position as Eurocorps commander and his immediate return to the country.

This decision is made in accordance with the Homeland Defense Act of March 11, 2022, Art. 199, section 2. with the following content: "A professional soldier may be dismissed from his official position in the event of: 1) the needs of the Armed Forces; 2) initiation of inspection verification proceedings referred to in the provisions of the Act of August 5, 2010 on the protection of classified information (Journal of Laws of 2023, items 756, 1030 and 1532) and section 3. with the following text: "In the case referred to in section 1 and section 2 point 1, a professional soldier is appointed to an equivalent or higher service position or transferred to his disposal. The possibility of being appointed to a higher position does not apply to a soldier dismissed from his official position in the case referred to in section 1 point 3".

To ensure the continuity of the functioning of the Eurocorps Command, another officer will be immediately appointed to the position held by Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński.

Janusz Sejmej
Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense

AP: https://apnews.com/article/poland-eurocorps-military-commander-investigation-9f89bf21cf1e3d518e224255852ddd4d

Poland dismisses the Eurocorps reaction unit commander who faces a counterintelligence investigation

ORAC

28th Mar 2024, 10:09

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/27/czechs-bust-major-russian-propaganda-network-a84656

Czechs Bust Major Russian Propaganda Network

Czech intelligence has busted a Moscow-financed network that spread Russian propaganda and wielded influence across Europe, including in the European Parliament, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.

The group used the Prague-based Voice of Europe news site to spread information seeking to discourage the European Union from sending aid to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion since February 2022.

Fiala said the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) discovered that the pro-Russian network was indulging in activities that "would have a serious impact on the security of the Czech Republic and the EU."

"This group sought to carry out operations and activities on EU territory aimed against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," Fiala told reporters. "The group's activity... also reaches the European Parliament," he said, refusing to disclose further details.

Czech authorities have sanctioned some of those involved but the Voice of Europe continues to publish articles.

The BIS said the network was financed from Russia and operating on Czech territory. "The BIS operation unveiled how Russia is wielding influence on the territory of EU member states and how it is trying to affect political processes in our countries," it said on X, formerly Twitter.

Fiala's government has added the Voice of Europe and two pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politicians — Viktor Medvedchuk and Artyom Marchevsky — to its sanctions list in relation to the network's activities.

The Denik N daily said the news site had published statements by politicians demanding the EU halt aid to Ukraine. Some European politicians cooperating with the news site were paid from Russian funds that in some cases also covered their 2024 EU election campaign, the daily adds.

The payments targeted politicians from Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Poland, Denik N said, citing a Czech foreign ministry source.

It singled out the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) as being involved.

Marchevsky was in charge of Voice of Europe content and communication with politicians, the daily said.

An EU and NATO member of 10.9 million people, the Czech Republic has provided substantial military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

henra

28th Mar 2024, 10:48

I guess you have to have goals.
I wonder at the loyalty that his army will demonstrate in the case of invading Poland versus defending Belarus.
Hopefully that will remain an unknown.
Errrmm, The Belarussian Army would struggle with the Polish Boarder Police. They even wouldn't have to wake up the Army for that. I don't know what Lukashenka is smoking but it must be good stuff.

Tartiflette Fan

28th Mar 2024, 11:22

Unguided? Freefall? Target overflight required?

Like the JDAM they have a guidance-system

"he FAB–UMPK combination likely was first introduced on the Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback, with the aircraft often seen in footage carrying four wing-kit equipped FAB-500 (https://t.me/mod_russia/36489) bombs. The UMPK kit includes satellite navigation and an inertial-measurement unit for guidance. The UMPK glide bomb may have a range of around 40 kilometres when released from medium altitude. Recent videos also suggest Russia has integrated the kit with the heavier FAB-1500 (https://t.me/Aviahub34/1898) bomb and the RBK-500 (https://t.me/officer_alex33/2278) cluster munition."

https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/military-balance/2024/03/russian-glide-bombs-add-pressure-on-ukraines-diminishing-air-defences/

ORAC

28th Mar 2024, 11:44

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-might-requisition-arms-producers-speed-up-production-help-ukraine-2024-03-26/

France might requisition arms producers to speed up production to help Ukraine

PARIS, March 26 (Reuters) - French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday he was prepared to use his powers to requisition industrial capacities or impose priorities to weapon makers to speed up production of arms and shells needed on the battlefield in Ukraine and elsewhere.

"These questions ... are clearly on the table", Lecornu told a news conference, adding stocks and production lines were particularly strained with regard to anti-air missiles and artillery shells.

Lecornu said he could requisition stocks or tell companies to give priority to certain orders, citing Aster missiles produced by MBDA as a potential case for such a move.
Foreign demand for French-produced arms was high, especially for anti-defence, artillery and radar systems exposed in Ukraine, Lecornu said, but the country's defence industry is struggling to keep up.

"We have missed out on certain contracts with Eastern Europe countries for whom the criterion of delivery deadlines is more important than the price," Lecornu said.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/30172

France Doubles Down on Weapons to Ukraine, Top Official Says Russia Leaves No Option but Arms Build-Up

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 12:48

Update on the fronts

https://twitter.com/ripeworldnews/status/1773324156119236630

https://twitter.com/ripeworldnews/status/1773324156119236630

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 12:53

Russian ICBM out for a drive..

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1773270050859823284

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1773270050859823284

ORAC

28th Mar 2024, 12:53

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1773280919408755122?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Yesterday Russia hit my native Kharkiv using the new aerial bomb "UMPB D-30 SN" for the first time. One person was killed, dozens injured, four kids among them. The youngest injured child was three months old - Kharkiv authorities.

Unlike conventional glide bombs, the "UMPB D-30 SN" has a threefold increased range, is an analogue of the American GBU-39/B SDB and has a range of up to 90 kilometers.

What does this mean for Kharkiv and other Ukrainian territories? Basically, it means that if our Allies do not provide us with at least 8 Patriot systems, then Kharkiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and other cities close to the combat lines will get attacked with massive Russian aviation strikes that will use such long-range glide bombs.

The only effective countermeasure is destroying the Russian carrier aircraft as they get ready to launch the glide bombs 80-90 km away from their targets. This can only be done by Patriot systems that have already proven themselves highly effective in destroying Russian military aircraft.

Otherwise, we are facing an enormous increase of threats to civilians population of these cities as Russia will make new Mariupols out of them.

https://www.armedconflicts.com/UMPB-D-30SN-t276985

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1144x683/image_7a6e04016b7a9122dd51fa0c3f580002a3e6dfff.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1348x683/image_1ad19acc5113fa750d6319e015e6701ad348dad0.png

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:01

The remains of an arms depot hit by Himars

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770497601248358597

https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770497601248358597

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:04

Russia has apparently modified a version of the aerial FAB 250 glide bomb to be fired from a ground based Tornado S rocket launcher.

https://twitter.com/distant_earth83/status/1772677909657825520

https://twitter.com/distant_earth83/status/1772677909657825520

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:11

Kharkiv are getting hot meals shipped in by train while there are power issues... Good on them :ok:

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1773269601628946919

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1773269601628946919

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:18

What a bunch of absolute muppets, Russian's mining the left bank of the river in Kherson plant one mine, then as they are preparing another the current pushes them onto their already planted mine and guess what..... yup, BANG!

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1773292761900253390

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1773292761900253390

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:21

That has got to hurt.

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1773299175959990446

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1773299175959990446

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 13:33

Post the hit on the aft end of the intelligence ship, I would imagine it has lost all power as the attack is close to the engine room etc and could be flooding, do you think the other ship now docked along side is providing power to it, stability and pumps? I.e keeping it afloat.

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772585265527144780

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772585265527144780

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772585265527144780

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1772585265527144780

Lonewolf_50

28th Mar 2024, 13:51

Russian bomb production. https://twitter.com/banderafella/status/1770900559719023075 About 20 years ago, the aircraft supporting operations often flew with the JDAM (GBU-32) which was a 2,000 pound/1 ton bomb. Yes, it makes a big hole.
Unguided bombs that make large holes. WW2 all over again. The ones I refer to were guided. Still made big holes.

Lonewolf_50

28th Mar 2024, 14:06

F-16's become another part of the war of words.
Vladimir Putin has said that Russian forces will destroy any F-16s delivered to Ukraine from its NATO allies "wherever they are," while at the same time insisting that Moscow had no intention of attacking any country in the alliance (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putin-issues-f-16-warning/ar-BB1kGvKh). Last August, Washington finally authorized allies to give Kyiv the U.S.-made planes, whose more modern avionics and radars hand extra capabilities to Ukraine's Air Force which relies on Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi jets.

A group of 14 countries has pledged to deliver the aircraft (https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-f-16-aircraft-russia-front-war-1863138) and help with training. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wednesday the aircraft should arrive in Ukraine in the coming months. During a visit to the 344th Army Aviation Centre where combat pilots are trained, in Torzhok, 160 miles northwest of Moscow, Putin was asked if Russian pilots would be "allowed to hit these targets at NATO airfields."

Putin replied: "Of course, if they are used from airfields of third countries, they become a legitimate target for us, no matter where they are. "We will destroy their planes in the same way that we destroy their tanks, armored vehicles, and other equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems," he said, according to a transcript on the Kremlin website.

"The F-16s are also carriers of nuclear weapons, and we will also have to take this into account when organizing combat work," but he insisted that the aircraft delivery "will not change anything on the battlefield."

During the same question-and-answer session, Putin appeared to contradict this by rejecting the prospect of Russia attacking a NATO country. President Joe Biden (https://www.newsweek.com/topic/joe-biden) warned in December (https://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-nato-countries-war-ukraine-joe-biden-1853113) that Putin would strike at NATO, a sentiment shared by other Western leaders and chairman of the alliance's military committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, who spoke in January about the inevitability of war with Russia.

On March 17, Putin said that Russia could face NATO in a full-scale conflict and that "anything is possible in today's world" but the mixed messaging continued when he rejected such a prospect on Wednesday.

"It's complete nonsense the possibility of an attack on some other countries, on Poland, the Baltic states, and elsewhere," Putin said. Russia has framed the full-scale invasion as a proxy war between Moscow and NATO, and Putin rehashed Kremlin rhetoric about the alliance causing the war, although he again rejected Western statements that he would look to attack other countries after Ukraine. (source) Putin Issues F-16 Warning (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putin-issues-f-16-warning/ar-BB1kGvKh)

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 14:23

"It's complete nonsense the possibility of an attack on some other countries, on Poland, the Baltic states, and elsewhere," Putin said. Russia has framed the full-scale invasion as a proxy war between Moscow and NATO, and Putin rehashed Kremlin rhetoric about the alliance causing the war, although he again rejected Western statements that he would look to attack other countries after Ukraine.

That reads rather like the rhetoric in Feb 2022, of course we are not going to invade Ukraine... and how is that going?

GeeRam

28th Mar 2024, 14:24

Update on the fronts

https://twitter.com/ripeworldnews/status/1773324156119236630

Looks like another tactical withdraw soon, before an encirclement happens.

Tartiflette Fan

28th Mar 2024, 17:44

Unlike conventional glide bombs, the "UMPB D-30 SN" has a threefold increased range, is an analogue of the American GBU-39/B SDB and has a range of up to 90 kilometers.

Otherwise, we are facing an enormous increase of threats to civilians population of these cities as Russia will make new Mariupols out of them.

https://www.armedconflicts.com/UMPB-D-30SN-t276985

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1144x683/image_7a6e04016b7a9122dd51fa0c3f580002a3e6dfff.png

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1348x683/image_1ad19acc5113fa750d6319e015e6701ad348dad0.png

Three-fold increase . This seems to imply that Russia has found ways to transcend the bounds of physics. Am I wrong, or simply a victim of nonsensical psyops ?

Ninthace

28th Mar 2024, 17:58

Beats me how that flies with an empennage

Thrust Augmentation

28th Mar 2024, 18:23

Three-fold increase . This seems to imply that Russia has found ways to transcend the bounds of physics. Am I wrong, or simply a victim of monsensical psyops ?

It looks like a bit of oral urination is going on with the info.

The UMPB-D-30SN is a FAB-250 that "received deployable wings, an additional rocket motor and a guidance unit" & it's an "analogue of the American GBU-39/B", range is quoted at 95km

The GBU-39/B doesn't have a rocket motor & has a quoted range of over 111km

I guess the Kremlin have been fudged yet again, this time with chocolate rocket motors!

Wokkafans

28th Mar 2024, 18:26

Scratch one Russian SU-27 - likely to be another own goal.

https://twitter.com/Kiborgzzz/status/1773383867010875733?s=20

https://twitter.com/Kiborgzzz/status/1773383867010875733?s=20

Another angle of the SU-27 loss.

https://twitter.com/LoveWorld_Peopl/status/1773410033931272440?s=20

https://twitter.com/LoveWorld_Peopl/status/1773410033931272440?s=20

DogTailRed2

28th Mar 2024, 18:37

Another angle of the SU-35 loss.

https://twitter.com/LoveWorld_Peopl/status/1773410033931272440?s=20
From IFF to FFS.

Peter_K

28th Mar 2024, 18:49

#BREAKING

Polish Lieutenant General Jaroslaw Gromadzinski, a commander of Eurocorps, a joint military group of some EU and NATO states, has been removed from his post after a counter-intelligence investigation found proof of his work for Russia.

He was responsible for NATO military supplies to Ukraine.

Link (in Polish): https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/komunikat-mon14

Google translation:

Statement of the Ministry of National DefenseMarch 28, 2024

The Military Counterintelligence Service initiated inspection proceedings regarding the personal security clearance of Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński in connection with obtaining new information about the officer.

Therefore, a decision was made to dismiss Lieutenant General Gromadziński from his position as Eurocorps commander and his immediate return to the country.

This decision is made in accordance with the Homeland Defense Act of March 11, 2022, Art. 199, section 2. with the following content: "A professional soldier may be dismissed from his official position in the event of: 1) the needs of the Armed Forces; 2) initiation of inspection verification proceedings referred to in the provisions of the Act of August 5, 2010 on the protection of classified information (Journal of Laws of 2023, items 756, 1030 and 1532) and section 3. with the following text: "In the case referred to in section 1 and section 2 point 1, a professional soldier is appointed to an equivalent or higher service position or transferred to his disposal. The possibility of being appointed to a higher position does not apply to a soldier dismissed from his official position in the case referred to in section 1 point 3".

To ensure the continuity of the functioning of the Eurocorps Command, another officer will be immediately appointed to the position held by Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński.

Janusz Sejmej
Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense

AP: https://apnews.com/article/poland-eurocorps-military-commander-investigation-9f89bf21cf1e3d518e224255852ddd4d

Poland dismisses the Eurocorps reaction unit commander who faces a counterintelligence investigation
A subtle difference between truth and half-truth.
From the Ukrainian source:
(...)counter-intelligence investigation found proof of his work for Russia.

From the official source of the Ministry of National Defense:
The Military Counterintelligence Service initiated inspection proceedings(...)No proof, as this would mean that the charges have been laid and this is not the case. He is being investigated. “Russia” was not mentioned. This is just an invention of a dude and an X account. General made a statement that he intends to clear his name. This is all that is known for now.

Wokkafans

28th Mar 2024, 19:24

Russian S400, or Pantsir S1 air defence system located near Inkerman at 44.60668893, 33.59506617 - likely responsible for taking down the SU-27.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/510x680/22ed9148fc73e05c819acbf80cb5f5117bd95deb9366770d2533d563fc26 d203_11c2992ce706f07d545b17831704ba55f4a78a11.jpg

Wokkafans

28th Mar 2024, 19:29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDIwFc6E6s

ORAC

28th Mar 2024, 19:40

Reference the purchase of the Greek F-16 radars by Ukraine…. And possibly the aircraft as well….

https://x.com/colbybadhwar/status/1773388459748536761?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

🇺🇦🇬🇷 Kathimerini reports that Ukraine has in fact expressed interest, via intermediaries, in acquiring both the APG-68 radars and the fighter jets that the Greek MND is looking to retire.

Around 10 radar sets and other systems from the Block 52s should be available so far.…

NutLoose

28th Mar 2024, 21:11

The Operator that downed their own fighter has been identified.

https://twitter.com/osint_69/status/1773378100455186589

https://twitter.com/osint_69/status/1773378100455186589

Winemaker

28th Mar 2024, 22:27

Russian S400, or Pantsir S1 air defence system located near Inkerman at 44.60668893, 33.59506617 - likely responsible for taking down the SU-27.

That's some pretty significant digits on the geo-location! ± 4 microns I'd guess.

Luc Lion

28th Mar 2024, 22:39

Three-fold increase . This seems to imply that Russia has found ways to transcend the bounds of physics. Am I wrong, or simply a victim of nonsensical psyops ?
If launched from an altitude of 30000 ft that's a glide ratio of 10, similar to the glide ratio of a small aircraft.
No physical impossibility.
Just a matter of increasing substantially the aspect ratio and improving the quality of the wet surface (no protruding rivet).

Luc Lion

28th Mar 2024, 22:48

That's some pretty significant digits on the geo-location! ± 4 microns I'd guess.
0.00000001 degree of latitude is 1.11 millimeter

Winemaker

29th Mar 2024, 03:19

0.00000001 degree of latitude is 1.11 millimeter
Ah, I stand corrected! So I was off by 2775 microns; not bad for a blind stab.

NutLoose

29th Mar 2024, 06:10

To a Pantsir, IFF obviously stands for “I Fire First”.
Did the pilot get out as I haven’t seen a chute?

jolihokistix

29th Mar 2024, 07:22

It was reported (somewhere) that he was safe.

ORAC

29th Mar 2024, 08:55

ISW assessment 28th March.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-28-2024

…..Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with CBS News published on March 28 that Ukrainian forces managed to hold off Russian advances through winter 2023–2024 and that Ukrainian forces have stabilized the operational situation…. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces are not prepared to defend against another major Russian offensive effort expected in May or June 2024….

Russian forces will likely continue to maintain the tempo of their offensive operations through spring 2024 regardless of difficult weather and terrain conditions in order to exploit Ukrainian materiel shortages before the arrival of expected limited Western security assistance…..

Pervasive shortages may be forcing Ukraine to prioritize limited resources to critical sectors of the front, increasing the risk of a Russian breakthrough in other less-well-provisioned sectors….

The continued degradation of Ukraine’s air defense umbrella provides one of the most immediate avenues through which Russian forces could generate non-linear operational impacts.

…. Intensified Russian drone and missile strikes are likely once again placing pressures on Ukraine to prioritize the allocation of sparse air defense assets to defending population centers, critical infrastructure, and industrial facilities in the rear over positions along the frontline.

Kuleba stated that Russia’s widespread use of glide bombs along the frontline gives Russia a major battlefield advantage and that the only way to counter these tactics is for Ukrainian forces to shoot down the Russian aircraft conducting the strikes, which requires a sufficient number of air defense systems along the front….

Ukrainian and Western officials have increasingly warned of a critical shortage of air defense missiles in the coming months, and the further degradation of Ukraine’s air defense umbrella would not only limit Ukraine’s ability to protect critical elements of its war effort in the rear but would also likely afford Russian aviation prolonged secure operation along the frontline.

This security would allow Russian forces to significantly increase glide bomb strikes at scale and possibly even allow Russian forces to conduct routine large-scale aviation operations against near rear Ukrainian logistics and cities to devastating effect…

Zelensky stated on March 28 that five to seven additional Patriot air defense systems would allow Ukraine to protect population centers, industrial facilities, and the Ukrainian military.

Kuleba also noted that Patriot air defense systems are needed to defend Ukraine against intensified Russian ballistic missile strikes, as Ukraine’s Soviet-era air defense systems are unable to intercept these missiles….

ORAC

29th Mar 2024, 09:12

https://x.com/ralee85/status/1773610050826694660?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

The Ukrainian Air Force says Russia launched 99 missiles and UAVs over night, including:
-60 Shahed drones
-3 Kinzhal
-2 Iskander-M and 4 Iskander-K
-9 Kh-59
-21 Kh-101 / Kh-555

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/683x683/image_2853a98fac42bafc9f4d05be62eecbc23eed63b5.png

ORAC

29th Mar 2024, 09:20

https://kyivindependent.com/poland-scrambles-jets-during-russian-missile-attack/

Poland scrambles jets during Russian missile attack

Polish and other allied aircraft were scrambled on March 29 in response to reports of a massive Russian missile attack against Ukraine, the Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces announced.

Ukraine's Air Force warned that Russia had launched multiple waves of missiles overnight and that an aerial alert was in effect throughout the country.

Explosions have been reported in multiple cities, including Dnipro (https://t.me/suspilnenews/30759) and Ivano-Frankivsk (https://t.me/suspilnenews/30761), at the time of this publication……

Locked door

29th Mar 2024, 09:57

FPV drone takes down Russian drone in flight.

https://www.forces.net/ukraine/drone-wars-ukrainian-first-person-view-uav-destroys-russian-counterpart

NutLoose

29th Mar 2024, 10:42

Oh dear never mind.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1773641691959886295

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1773641691959886295

NutLoose

29th Mar 2024, 10:57

I thought he was dead?

https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1773485843778351171

https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1773485843778351171

Spunky Monkey

29th Mar 2024, 11:34

I thought he was dead?

https://twitter.com/JuliaDavisNews/status/1773485843778351171

If not when we thought he was....it's only a matter of time.
Hopefully at the hands of the Russian population when they rise up.

DogTailRed2

29th Mar 2024, 12:47

albatross

29th Mar 2024, 14:37

The Operator that downed their own fighter has been identified.

https://twitter.com/osint_69/status/1773378100455186589

Such events always remind me of this WW2 Cartoon
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1760x2000/img_5551_d39a41e9d368d2305274f4bc3b1c161a68c6719a.jpeg

GlobalNav

29th Mar 2024, 16:35

It was reported (somewhere) that he was safe.

And perhaps hunting for the monkey that shot him down?
perhaps Russian pilots should be attacking Russian AA sites for their own survival

tdracer

29th Mar 2024, 17:18

ISW assessment 28th March.
The continued degradation of Ukraine’s air defense umbrella provides one of the most immediate avenues through which Russian forces could generate non-linear operational impacts.

…. Intensified Russian drone and missile strikes are likely once again placing pressures on Ukraine to prioritize the allocation of sparse air defense assets to defending population centers, critical infrastructure, and industrial facilities in the rear over positions along the frontline.

Kuleba stated that Russia’s widespread use of glide bombs along the frontline gives Russia a major battlefield advantage and that the only way to counter these tactics is for Ukrainian forces to shoot down the Russian aircraft conducting the strikes, which requires a sufficient number of air defense systems along the front….

Ukrainian and Western officials have increasingly warned of a critical shortage of air defense missiles in the coming months, and the further degradation of Ukraine’s air defense umbrella would not only limit Ukraine’s ability to protect critical elements of its war effort in the rear but would also likely afford Russian aviation prolonged secure operation along the frontline.

This security would allow Russian forces to significantly increase glide bomb strikes at scale and possibly even allow Russian forces to conduct routine large-scale aviation operations against near rear Ukrainian logistics and cities to devastating effect…

Zelensky stated on March 28 that five to seven additional Patriot air defense systems would allow Ukraine to protect population centers, industrial facilities, and the Ukrainian military.

Kuleba also noted that Patriot air defense systems are needed to defend Ukraine against intensified Russian ballistic missile strikes, as Ukraine’s Soviet-era air defense systems are unable to intercept these missiles….

I wonder how long it takes to manufacture a new Patriot system - or better yet a whole shipload of the things...

Wokkafans

29th Mar 2024, 20:17

Ukraine: The Problem with Mine-Clearing Tanks

(not a bad channel, with many other interesting videos on the limitations of equipment and tactics in the war in Ukraine).

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

Low average

29th Mar 2024, 20:36

The realities of sending high tech weaponry. Translation:

Russia thanks the West for any intact weapons it can recover from the Ukrainians.

“We are working on technologies to neutralize them,” explains an engineer methodically dismantling a British Storm Shadow missile.

https://twitter.com/silvano_trotta/status/1773682338544722224?t=8gYRfOhBLEzZaKphsiBtow&s=19

ORAC

29th Mar 2024, 20:45

We are working on technologies to neutralize them,” explains an engineer methodically dismantling a British Storm Shadow missile.
Note Storm Shadow is obsolete and being replaced by the FC/ASW*- which is why the RAF is looking to the Israelis and Germans for a stop gap for 4-5 years until it enters service so the remaining stocks can be sent to Ukraine.

Bradleys, Storm Shadow and so much kit the Russians seem to look at as if came from the future - it just shows how far, and fast, they’re falling behind.

It would be even more amusing if they now divert their R&D funds to develop a defence against it….

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Cruise/Anti-Ship_Weapon

Stuck On The Ground

29th Mar 2024, 20:45

Flap Track 6

29th Mar 2024, 21:41

ORAC

29th Mar 2024, 23:34

https://x.com/noelreports/status/1773812014684438960?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

President Zelenskyi delivered a stark message to US Congress as Russian missiles were pounding southern Ukraine: Give us the weapons to stop the Russian attacks, or Ukraine will escalate its counterattacks on Russia’s airfields, energy facilities and other strategic targets.

"The reaction of the U.S. was not positive on our attacks on oil refineries," he confirmed, but Washington couldn’t limit Ukraine’s deployment of its own home-built weapons. "We used our drones. Nobody can say to us you can’t," Zelenskyi said.

fdr

30th Mar 2024, 01:07

More on the belarus border, good to see he has brought his ermmm pet sheep with him. ;)

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1772748422300250447

"Who is the puffed up fancy bitch?"

Dog: "I think it's name is Lukashenko or something like that."

fdr

30th Mar 2024, 01:21

All is coming down to what "data" or data are allowed to be presented to Putin. After 20+ years of yes men gathering around him we may doubt his ability to take rational decisions, hence the "three days SMO". We simply don't know and anything is on the table. We may expect, based on history, that such dictators usually go all in, total war, regardless of casualties and costs. For me, the most frightening part will be at the very end.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x846/potkan_putin_bda6cfa85e8739485a3f2142676096f862e4c448.jpeg

"my precious!"

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 02:00

U.K. Assessment of the strikes on Sevastopol.

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1773784435495760281

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1773784435495760281

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 02:23

Another cog in the irrelevance and ineptitude of the UN in modern times.
They are rapidly showing themselves to be toothless and to be honest pointless, their latest demands on to Israel to cease their war just shows up how irrelevant they have become as they are simply ignored.
The whole system needs an overhaul where a majority decision becomes the over riding factor and one country cannot cripple the UN’s ability to serve the World.
They are rapidly becoming an over paid, over budgeted, bunch of self serving blowholes, who serve themselves and not the World that funds them.

Russia has shut down a panel of UN experts that have for years monitored sanctions against North Korea.

The panel last week said it was probing reports that Russia violated rules by buying North Korean weapons like ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.

The UN's Security Council has imposed a series of sanctions on Pyongyang since 2006 for its nuclear weapons programme.

Those restrictions are still in force - but the experts group set up to monitor violations will now be disbanded.

In a Security Council vote on Thursday, Russia used its veto power as a permanent member to block the renewal, while 13 of the other 14 member states present voted for it. China, Pyongyang's closest ally, abstained.

Russia's block triggered a wave of condemnation from the US, UK, South Korea and other Western allies and comes after a year of high-profile public meetings between Moscow and Pyongyang leaders.

This is the first time Russia has blocked the panel - which has been renewed annually by the UN Security Council for 14 years.Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on social media Russia's veto was tantamount to "a guilty plea" that it was using North Korean weapons in the war.

The US, UK and France all told the Council that Russia was silencing the watchdog because it had begun to report on Moscow's own violations of the rules- specifically purchasing weapons from North Korea for the battlegrounds in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, South Korea's representative at the UN criticised Russia's "blind self-centeredness" and said it had no justification "for disbanding the guardians" of the sanctions regime.

"This is almost comparable to destroying a CCTV to avoid being caught red-handed," Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said.

Russia has consistently denied using North Korean weapons and its representative at the UN again dismissed the accusations on Thursday.

Vasily Nebenzia also argued that the panel of experts had no added value.

"The panel has continued to focus on trivial matters that are not commensurate with the problems facing the peninsula," said Mr Nebenzia, who also added that sanctions had imposed a "heavy burden" on the North Korean people.

Since 2019, Russia and China have sought to persuade the Security Council to ease sanctions.

The Security Council first imposed sanctions in 2006 in response to a North Korean nuclear test, and has since passed 10 more resolutions strengthening them as Pyongyang's nuclear activity has continued.

However Kim Jong Un's regime has largely ignored the sanctions- despite their impact on the economy. The North Korean leader has rapidly continued nuclear weapons development and has pursued a more aggressive and dangerous military strategy in recent years.

The UN experts say North Korea continues to flout sanctions through increased missile test launches and developing nuclear weapons. The regime launched a spy satellite this year - with technology believed to have been provided by Russia.

In breach of the sanctions, it also continues to import refined petroleum products and send workers overseas, and the UN panel's most recent report detailed a campaign of cyber attacks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68691417

Lonewolf_50

30th Mar 2024, 03:19

Nutty, that isn't news.
North Korea has been flouting sanctions for as long as there have been sanctions against them. They get top cover from two Security Council members, Russia and China.

Where have you been for the last 50 years?

Back on topic: read a news bit that said about half of the NK Artillery ammo provided to Russia was defective.
That's good news, after a fashion, for the folks in Seoul.
NK may have some issues with QC in their ammo factories.
Even better news in Ukraine, since some of the incoming ... didn't.

ORAC

30th Mar 2024, 06:28

https://x.com/ralee85/status/1773929665058468010?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

According to Izvestia, Russia will stand up counter-UAV mobile anti-aircraft groups equipped with pick up trucks with HMGs, trucks with ZU-23-2, EW systems, and smoke producing vehicles. It sounds similar to Ukraine's successful development of mobile anti-aircraft units.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x919/image_514a73c653695606e1fa3f0364c89871e72b079f.png

ORAC

30th Mar 2024, 07:13

https://archive.ph/2024.03.29-053221/https://www.wsj.com/world/russia-doubled-imports-of-an-explosives-ingredientwith-western-help-fd8d18bc

Russia Doubled Imports of an Explosives Ingredient—With Western Help

U.S., German and Taiwanese firms made nitrocellulose that was shipped to Russia, much of it through one Turkish company, despite sanctions

ORAC

30th Mar 2024, 07:43

https://x.com/chriso_wiki/status/1773965716351221920?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Russian military personnel are reportedly paying bribes to be posted to Syria rather than Ukraine. As casualties mount in the 'Special Military Operation', Syria now appears to be seen as a much safer option for military service.

The VChK-OGPU Telegram channel reports on the case of three soldiers who paid 100,000 rubles ($1,080) each to a colleague, which he was to transfer to an official of the Russian General Staff to ensure that they were put on the list for a 'business trip' to Syria.

Perhaps not coincidentally, 100,000 rubles appears to also be the standard bribe for soldiers to be granted permission to go on leave. As it's the equivalent of a month's pay, it's probably a convenient amount for a bribe.

The practice of commanders demanding bribes for leave has been reported on previously. Interviews by Siberia.Reality (an offshoot of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) suggest that it's a widespread scam, and that Putin's promise of periodic leave is mostly being ignored.

The proposed deal fell through; none of the three ever went to Syria and the money was returned. However, the attempted bribery was detected and all three were tried and convicted for attempted bribery, and were fined 250,000 rubles ($2,700) each.

The sentencing memorandum acknowledged the desirability of Syria as an overseas posting, noting that the defendants were aware "of the positive impact of this kind of business trip on the level of material and social security of the serviceman."

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 07:45

:sad:

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1773969156221919393

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1773969156221919393

jolihokistix

30th Mar 2024, 09:03

Or in other words, the schoolyard bully gets to take your baseball cards, your money and your lunchbox too.

admikar

30th Mar 2024, 10:40

President Zelenskyi delivered a stark message to US Congress as Russian missiles were pounding southern Ukraine: Give us the weapons to stop the Russian attacks, or Ukraine will escalate its counterattacks on Russia’s airfields, energy facilities and other strategic targets.

"The reaction of the U.S. was not positive on our attacks on oil refineries," he confirmed, but Washington couldn’t limit Ukraine’s deployment of its own home-built weapons. "We used our drones. Nobody can say to us you can’t," Zelenskyi said.

:sad:

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1773969156221919393
Think before you open your mouth,

meleagertoo

30th Mar 2024, 10:43

Дарвин премия лауреат

What a plank!
Do they really permit people like this to breed in Ruzzia?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygljyLRCF7g

keith williams

30th Mar 2024, 13:31

Regardless of what Ukraine does or does not do, it is looking increasingly likely that the US is about to do to Ukraine, what it did to South Vietnam...Lose interst and leave them to their fate.

Sue Vêtements

30th Mar 2024, 13:48

Russia will stand up [snip] smoke producing vehicles

Finally, a use for all those old Trabants!

FUMR

30th Mar 2024, 14:49

Дарвин премия лауреат

What a plank!
Do they really permit people like this to breed in Ruzzia?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygljyLRCF7g

copied for the link

Tartiflette Fan

30th Mar 2024, 15:16

If launched from an altitude of 30000 ft that's a glide ratio of 10, similar to the glide ratio of a small aircraft.
No physical impossibility.
Just a matter of increasing substantially the aspect ratio and improving the quality of the wet surface (no protruding rivet).

Would this theoretical aircraft have anywhere near the kg to m2 wing area ratio of this 250 kg bomb ? There are also plenty of rivets, and flanges adorning this bomb.

Tartiflette Fan

30th Mar 2024, 15:20

Regardless of what Ukraine does or does not do, it is looking increasingly likely that the US is about to do to Ukraine, what it did to South Vietnam...Lose interst and leave them to their fate.
.
Possibly or possibly not. Yesterday Speaker Mike Johnson made the first significant noises that he will ( obviously unwillingly ) put the relevant Bill up for a vote after the Easter holiday .
.
WASHINGTON (AP) — For over a month, House Speaker Mike Johnson (https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/) has sat on a funding package that would send desperately needed ammunition and weaponry to Ukraine, mulling how best to gain a grasp of what is expected to be a difficult lift in the House.

The Republican speaker has indicated he will attempt to push for approval of tens of billions in wartime funding for Ukraine, as well as Israel, once the House returns in April. Yet it will be perhaps his most difficult task since he took the speaker’s gavel late last year.

“We’ll turn our attention to it and we won’t delay on that,” the Louisiana representative said of the Ukraine package at a news conference last week..

https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-congress-speaker-johnson-6ca638103f0286405144891604f92de3#:~:text=In%20private%2C%20h e%20has%20indicated,he%20intends%20to%20do%20it.

Uberteknik

30th Mar 2024, 16:07

Regardless of what Ukraine does or does not do, it is looking increasingly likely that the US is about to do to Ukraine, what it did to South Vietnam...Lose interst and leave them to their fate.
Except the US had already lost 50,000 Kia and >300,000 wia by that point. Compare that to spending roughly 5% of the annual defence budget in return for destroying half the Russian war machine, doubling NATO's border with Russia, setting Russia back many years financially and showing up the Russian military to be both inept and corrupt. It's not over yet.

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 22:13

Russian assault tactics explained.

https://twitter.com/PawelSokala/status/1773766271890551197

https://twitter.com/PawelSokala/status/1773766271890551197

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 22:18

Three years ago this was the stuff of dreams.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1773709394158428519

https://twitter.com/WarMonitor3/status/1773709394158428519

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 22:27

More heroes and the cost involved of fighting a war.

https://twitter.com/Igor_from_Kyiv_/status/1762178581117948405

https://twitter.com/Igor_from_Kyiv_/status/1762178581117948405

NutLoose

30th Mar 2024, 22:36

Bastards, plain and simple.

https://twitter.com/Igor_from_Kyiv_/status/1768357039305093410

https://twitter.com/Igor_from_Kyiv_/status/1768357039305093410

Winemaker

30th Mar 2024, 23:04

Bastards, plain and simple.

https://twitter.com/Igor_from_Kyiv_/status/1768357039305093410
This is sick. What possible reason did they have to murder these people? They're just shooting up anyone who drives by..... and the Ukrainians are the Nazis?

ORAC

30th Mar 2024, 23:37

https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2024/03/28/russias-air-force-is-hollowing-itself-out-more-air-defense-can-help/

Russia’s air force is hollowing itself out. More air defense can help.

wondering

31st Mar 2024, 04:41

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x1213/img_0132_861f9a48fea92e4d52212d98c37dc62b7ff060a6.jpeg
Not good. RU can probably afford to loose 30K a month for a long time.

Luc Lion

31st Mar 2024, 08:36

Would this theoretical aircraft have anywhere near the kg to m2 wing area ratio of this 250 kg bomb ? There are also plenty of rivets, and flanges adorning this bomb.
If one assumes that this bomb can glide at the speed of a cruising ATR-72 which has a wing loading of 370 kg/m2, that a simple wing with no flaps adds 10% to the bomb weight for a total weight of 275 kg, then a wing with a wingspan of 2 m and a wing depth of 37 cm will do the job.
If you manage to increase the wingspan to 3 m and decrease the wing depth to 25 cm you keep the same wing area of 0.75 m2 and you get the same aspect ratio of 12 as the ATR-72.
It's possibly not an easy engineering task but it is NOT physically impossible.

NutLoose

31st Mar 2024, 09:17

France increases deliveries of missiles and vehicles.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774352151306805253

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774352151306805253

NutLoose

31st Mar 2024, 09:25

They had previously hit a Russian oil facility in this region, so possibly a return visit?

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774342770691297682

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774342770691297682

The alternate is they shot down their own cruise missiles heading for Ukraine lol.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774356296638005364

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774356296638005364

ORAC

1st Apr 2024, 07:34

What are they made out of? I’m presuming it’s an off the shelf commercial item.

https://x.com/albafella1/status/1774582920612614346?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

SAW 🪚 2
Ruzzian Z military “correspondents”complain: “Ukrainians are dropping bombs with teeth from drones in the Avdiivka direction, which fly apart when they explode and cut our boys into pieces.”

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/603x1237/image_a3be6a5610aecfaee0f0e90fb6aeb0f2e91096e6.png

Geriaviator

1st Apr 2024, 07:55

They look like bicycle sprockets, laser cut from sheet steel? Starved of weapons by complacent West, Ukrainian ingenuity is matched only by their bravery.

DogTailRed2

1st Apr 2024, 08:13

France increases deliveries of missiles and vehicles.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774352151306805253
Why are we still giving materiel piece meal? Shouldn't we be pledging X vehicles per month?

Ninthace

1st Apr 2024, 09:52

Why are we still giving materiel piece meal? Shouldn't we be pledging X vehicles per month?
That would require a production run that may no longer exist.

DogTailRed2

1st Apr 2024, 10:52

That would require a production run that may no longer exist.
Does the West have any production capability?

Ninthace

1st Apr 2024, 11:54

Does the West have any production capability?
Well what we have got made somehow.

DogTailRed2

1st Apr 2024, 12:54

Well what we have got made somehow.
An ignorant and very trite response. Having made something does not confirm we have the capability to produce them now.

NutLoose

1st Apr 2024, 13:05

One of Russia’s endless attacks. Quote from elsewhere.

The very first footages of repelling the largest Russian tank attack of the entire war began to appear. The attack took place on March 30th on the Avdiivka front near the village of Tonenke. Russia gathered 36 tanks and 12 AFVs for this attack. 12 tanks and 8 AFVs were reportedly destroyed as a result. Now, 25th brigade of Ukraine published the first footages. The 25th Brigade itself destroyed 4 tanks and 2 BMPs.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774752952055365670

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774752952055365670

NutLoose

1st Apr 2024, 13:11

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1774746122457579976

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1774746122457579976

NutLoose

1st Apr 2024, 13:22

More Russian fires, this one takes out a machinery manufacturing plant.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1774737975231778876

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1774737975231778876

Uberteknik

1st Apr 2024, 15:02

An ignorant and very trite response. Having made something does not confirm we have the capability to produce them now.
Complex weapons are not easy to manufacture especially when production volumes are in the low thousands. There is a real issue with obsolescence when orders stop and production ceases but the march of technology continues. Most systems use just-in-time supply chains and hence starting these up is pretty much impossible once the lines are closed and machine tools etc. are scrapped. Then there is a small problem with skilled staff who are transferred onto other production tasks or simply laid off. So to answer, manufacturing had not stopped for the latest new products but once production ceases for that product it's very difficult or near impossible to restart.

DogTailRed2

1st Apr 2024, 15:14

Complex weapons are not easy to manufacture especially when production volumes are in the low thousands. There is a real issue with obsolescence when orders stop and production ceases but the march of technology continues. Most systems use just-in-time supply chains and hence starting these up is pretty much impossible once the lines are closed and machine tools etc. are scrapped. Then there is a small problem with skilled staff who are transferred onto other production tasks or simply laid off. So to answer, manufacturing had not stopped for the latest new products but once production ceases for that product it's very difficult or near impossible to restart.
Then lets hope the war ends before we run out. I can't see the West giving Ukraine our current equipment.

ORAC

1st Apr 2024, 16:37

Then lets hope the war ends before we run out. I can't see the West giving Ukraine our current equipment. We already have and are.

Just speaking for the UK we gave them all our AS90 artillery and are awaiting replacement Archers from the Swedes, plus a large percentage of our Starstreak, NLAW, Storm Shadow, Brimstone etc.

And we are far down the list compared to others....

https://svidomi.in.ua/en/page/denmark-gives-all-its-artillery-to-ukraine-and-calls-on-the-west-to-do-the-same

NutLoose

1st Apr 2024, 16:53

We already have some of the Swedish Archers and have a competition going to find the next artillery system. They got rid of the AS 90 because it had simply became obsolete due to its maximum range no longer being effective. An artillery piece is no good if the enemy can kill it while you cannot reach their artillery.
See
https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2023/10/british-army-s-first-archer-gun-has-arrived-on-uk-soil/

More Russian propaganda,

https://twitter.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1774724123429577049

https://twitter.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1774724123429577049

Ninthace

1st Apr 2024, 17:04

Then lets hope the war ends before we run out. I can't see the West giving Ukraine our current equipment.
We ran out of government surplus some time ago and have been raiding the store cupboard for a while now.

NutLoose

1st Apr 2024, 17:37

We didn’t run out, we’d flogged it off, war reserve appears to be something we no longer do. Tragic as it is, it is a short term financial gain for a long term loss.

B Fraser

2nd Apr 2024, 07:42

ORAC

2nd Apr 2024, 10:56

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1775041402767880212?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

BREAKING:

Ukrainian Cessna-type airplane drones are striking the ELAZ Naftoprodukt oil refinery in Alabuga, in the Tatarstan region of Russia.

A Russian suicide drone factory in the same town was also struck.

Ukraine is 1250 km away

https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775031501446357325?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1775053615834497514?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Russian media report one more drone attack in Russian Tatarstan - at TANEKO oil refinery plant in Nizhnekamsk.

TANECO includes a complex of oil refineries and petrochemical plants, including ones under construction in the city of Nizhnekamsk, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1775100391966855196?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

⚡️New details of the attack on the Tatarstan oil refinery: joint operation of the Security Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, sources say.

A Ukrainian long-range drone hit a primary oil refining unit at the Nizhnekamsk refinery, causing a fire. The capacity of this unit was 8 million tons of oil, which is 2.6% of Russia's total annual refining capacity. Moreover, this plant is one of the five largest refineries in Russia.

"We continue to work systematically to ensure that the Russian Federation has fewer opportunities to finance the war of conquest against Ukraine. We will continue to block oxygen to the petrol pumping country to minimize the flow of petrodollars to the Russian military budget," the SSU source said.

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 11:34

Early in the war there was a developed concept using a light aircraft modified as a drone to hit targets at greater distances, but it was not used, the drone you see looks very much like the ultralight twin seater they used which is a home built aircraft.

It does look very similar too their home built Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/474x316/th_2559028090_557d8e7ab62a46e9e86f9b1b26f8aebc12ec5526.jpg

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:00

Ukrainian low flying helicopters.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775125474064089347

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775125474064089347

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:02

Sort of ruins the decoy effect lol, or maybe it is a cunning plan, paint a Helicopter over it to make it look like a real one is there.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x900/gkj_othxcaavxja_b139d678519768fa4eb6c3fef87289da760cea0e.jpg

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:07

Aviation Content:

Mi-24 Hinds at work.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1774882037100388579

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1774882037100388579

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:09

A Jdam hit shot from the target area.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775079220797944062

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775079220797944062

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:14

Russia is now having to source fuel supplies from Belarussia, so prices are rising.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1775058611636428906

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1775058611636428906

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:17

Greece to supply artillery shells via the Czech Republic to Ukraine :ok:

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1774868135062945955

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1774868135062945955

GeeRam

2nd Apr 2024, 12:17

BREAKING:

Ukrainian Cessna-type airplane drones are striking the ELAZ Naftoprodukt oil refinery in Alabuga, in the Tatarstan region of Russia.

A Russian suicide drone factory in the same town was also struck.

Ukraine is 1250 km away

Russian media report one more drone attack in Russian Tatarstan - at TANEKO oil refinery plant in Nizhnekamsk.

TANECO includes a complex of oil refineries and petrochemical plants, including ones under construction in the city of Nizhnekamsk, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

⚡️New details of the attack on the Tatarstan oil refinery: joint operation of the Security Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, sources say.

A Ukrainian long-range drone hit a primary oil refining unit at the Nizhnekamsk refinery, causing a fire. The capacity of this unit was 8 million tons of oil, which is 2.6% of Russia's total annual refining capacity. Moreover, this plant is one of the five largest refineries in Russia.

"We continue to work systematically to ensure that the Russian Federation has fewer opportunities to finance the war of conquest against Ukraine. We will continue to block oxygen to the petrol pumping country to minimize the flow of petrodollars to the Russian military budget," the SSU source said.

Blimey, just looked at that refinery on Google.....its absolutely huge, covers an area about 6km by 5km ......:eek:

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:21

Germany to fund the purchase of 180,000 artillery shells for Ukraine via the Czech Republic :ok:

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775131640957677695

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775131640957677695

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:23

Blimey, just looked at that refinery on Google.....its absolutely huge, covers an area about 6km by 5km ......:eek:

But you only need to knock out small vital parts of it to disable a large part of it.

ORAC

2nd Apr 2024, 12:27

Better footage of that large drone attack.

https://x.com/wartranslated/status/1775069766291493118?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:31

More Russian... erm crap.

https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/status/1769757496011260305

https://twitter.com/francis_scarr/status/1769757496011260305

https://twitter.com/broe_jake/status/1626722457578270721

https://twitter.com/broe_jake/status/1626722457578270721

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/680x453/fpq_4y6xoaissbm_077ce89b89167accd18e2062dffa06f817706808.jpg

SWBKCB

2nd Apr 2024, 12:33

Clearer video - looks very like a Foxbat Microlight

BBC - Ukraine war: Deepest Ukraine drone attack into Russian territory injures 12 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68712158)

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 12:37

Bollocks... this could be bad.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774915341765808554

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1774915341765808554

ORAC

2nd Apr 2024, 12:54

Includes video footage of the production line.

https://x.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1775137156215853312?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Russian sources report that the 12 victims of the drone strike in Yelabuga are students. They were "forcibly" compelled to assemble Shahed drones - Dozhd Russian TV channel

▪️ Students are threatened with expulsion for refusing to work;
▪️ They are paid about 30-40 thousand rubles a month;
▪️ Among the students are citizens of South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Nigeria;
▪️ They have to work 24 hours a day, sometimes without breaks;
▪️ Disclosure of information about production is punishable by a fine of up to 2 million rubles;
▪️ In early 2023, two college students committed suicide.

In the video, Alabuga's CEO flashed the enterprise in one of the news stories a year ago.

InformNapalm, an international intelligence community, reminded Timur Shagivaleev, general director of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, who claimed that a peaceful dormitory was attacked, how a year ago he demonstrated to local journalists the production of attack drones at this location.

"Today, Shagivaleev is paltering with truth, telling us that a 'student's dormitory was attacked.' Students who have been assembling weapons to kill Ukrainians for a year. So it is important not to be confused about cause-and-effect relationships," InformNapalm analysts noted.

Winemaker

2nd Apr 2024, 12:59

Better footage of that large drone attack.
That reminds me of the Cessna flown from Germany and landing in Red Square; the Russkie air defense repeatedly identified it as a lost Russian friendly. Can't they see something as low and slow as this drone?

Lonewolf_50

2nd Apr 2024, 13:28

Russia is now having to source fuel supplies from Belarussia, so prices are rising. Heh, the worm has turned. When this "SMO" began in Feb of 2022, it led to substantial gas price rises where we live ...it took a while for the price to come down.
Payback's a bitch, tovarish.
Greece to supply artillery shells via the Czech Republic to Ukraine :ok: Great news.
Germany to fund the purchase of 180,000 artillery shells for Ukraine via the Czech Republic :ok:
Where was this support two years ago?
OK, better late than never.

GeeRam

2nd Apr 2024, 14:09

But you only need to knock out small vital parts of it to disable a large part of it.

Yes, they are going after the vital bits that were supplied by western oil companies, and which they won't be able replace/repair very easily (according to a couple of ex-colleagues that used to work in O&G production design)

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 15:02

No, it was a case of returning money to the tax payer where the kit had expired, and there was a friendly market. When Putrid popped his head up, every cupboard was opened for Ukraine. You do know how all of those NLAW systems got there in time to slow the initial advance ?

Nope... disagree, this kit has NOT expired and would have once formed part of the war reserve. Examples.

These vehicles are one of the latest tracked armoured all terrain vehicles on the market today and are in excellent condition with some vehicles been reserve having never been operated

Support, training and spare parts are available to offer the complete package

These are available and offered subject to export licence and end user criteria

A total of 75 units are available ex stock laying at the rocket site, misson Doncaster

https://ljacksonandco.com/product/warthog-armoured-all-terrain-vehicles-atv/

Recently released direct from military reserve stores in excellent condition having done only 1,000-5,000 Kilometres.. 10 off

https://ljacksonandco.com/product/pinzgauer-vector-718-6x6-armoured-patrol-vehicles/

fdr

2nd Apr 2024, 15:34

We ran out of government surplus some time ago and have been raiding the store cupboard for a while now.

So did Vlad...

some point the opportunity to inert timex munitions on Vlad's place will remove the stocks that needed to be turfed. Allowing Vlad to be the recipient of the disposal seems fitting. The difference between Vlad and Vlod is that Vlad attacks civilians and their infrastructure, Vlod is disassembling Vlad's piggy bank and his emperor has no clothes Army, (2 halves of a conscript don't double your forces Vlad) Navy, (the submerged fleet is however expanding still), and Airfarce. The Russian Airfarce has provided x'lent ups killing opportunities for the Ruskie SAM systems, they have got a lot of kills, not all of which are of their own side unfortunately. Still, it follows the tradition of shooting down Korean Airlines, twice, Malaysian Airlines, once... and not a few of their own tactical forces. A kill is a kill.

UWAS

2nd Apr 2024, 15:39

More Russian... erm crap.

Our rivers and therefore sometimes consequently, many streets are nothing to write home about.

B Fraser

2nd Apr 2024, 16:25

Nope... disagree, this kit has NOT expired and would have once formed part of the war reserve.

I was talking specifically about kit that was perfectly serviceable but had expired. You will be well aware of the shelf life of "energetics" as a case in point.

The rather specialist vehicles in your links may neither be suitable nor wanted in Ukraine. See also for example.... Australia to lease five H135s from UK for Black Hawk pilot training | News | Flight Global (https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/australia-to-lease-five-h135s-from-uk-for-black-hawk-pilot-training/156820.article)

Perhaps we can discuss in 25 years time.

rans6andrew

2nd Apr 2024, 19:33

ORAC

2nd Apr 2024, 21:49

https://x.com/colbybadhwar/status/1775153015701262657?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Another 1.2 million artillery shells for Ukraine?

At the latest UDCG meeting, Estonia informed the coalition that they have identified €2 billion-€3 billion worth of artillery ammunition available on the global market *in addition* to the ammo sourced by Czechia.

🇪🇪 Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur tells newspaper Postimees that deliveries could begin in 2 months if funding is secured. The available ammunition includes 122mm Grad rockets, and 122mm, 152mm & 155mm shells.

How many shells this would translate to depends on the price. Postimees put the average global unit price at €2500, which is reasonable given the Czech estimate of €3 billion being required for 1.5 million shells, for a unit price of €2000.

The Estonian initiative could therefore source between 800,000 and 1,200,000 shells.

With the Czech initiative still not fully funded though, according to public information, it is imperative that the European Peace Facility's Ukraine Assistance Fund be tapped to finance these procurements. Ukraine can't wait for this ammunition.

ORAC

2nd Apr 2024, 21:52

https://x.com/realdaciandraco/status/1775200789704683872?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

BREAKING:

New law in Romanian parliament - the military will come to aid Romanian citizens abroad which find themselves in danger.

(In Moldova 53% have Romanian citizenship, including all the government & the president)

The risk of messing around with Moldova changed today…..

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 22:04

AeroPrakt A-22 modified to use as a drone, Nice one!

I hope they are able to build them a bit more quickly than I managed a few years ago, about 9 months of my spare time. I would be interested to know how much weight of explosives was carried and how much fuel as the airframe started as a 450kg MTOW microlight or a 475kg MTOW GA aircraft with an empty weight of about 260kg.. Later varients had a revised wing skin and could be flown at 600kg. These weights are fixed by the UK regs. It is entirely possible that the structure has been beefed up or more relaxed regs apply for drones!

Still, despite hating to see a perfectly good aircraft being deliberately destroyed I still think it is brilliant in this case.

Rans6.......

I think it was the company that built one to hit a target early in the war, they experimented and had sorted a remote to fly it, but another method was found to hit the target, so it wasn’t at the time pursued. The 600kg version has a range of about 520 nautical miles, but extra tankage could increase that.
You can also ditch the stuff such as instruments, the alternator, use a different battery to power the guidance, ditch the seats, harnesses, interior trim, lights and wiring etc to reduce the weight and then add a payload

NutLoose

2nd Apr 2024, 22:47

I was talking specifically about kit that was perfectly serviceable but had expired. You will be well aware of the shelf life of "energetics" as a case in point.

The rather specialist vehicles in your links may neither be suitable nor wanted in Ukraine. See also for example.... Australia to lease five H135s from UK for Black Hawk pilot training | News | Flight Global (https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/australia-to-lease-five-h135s-from-uk-for-black-hawk-pilot-training/156820.article)

Perhaps we can discuss in 25 years time.

THE H135 are brand new, purchased to replace the NI Gazelle's, but things changed and they became surplus to requirements. Ukraine IS operating a lot of the Warthogs, so they are in demand, especially in mud season.

Lonewolf_50

3rd Apr 2024, 01:51

New law in Romanian parliament - the military will come to aid Romanian citizens abroad which find themselves in danger. My goodness, Vlad ought to be very supportive of this initiative, it's right out of his rhetoric. :}
(In Moldova 53% have Romanian citizenship, including all the government & the president). The risk of messing around with Moldova changed today….. Interesting move, and perhaps it is a preemptive one. Keep an eye on this.

artee

3rd Apr 2024, 06:02

Can Ukraine pull off the destruction of the Kerch bridge? Or are they just trying to unsettle the Russians? My bold.

Third attack on Kerch bridge between Russia and occupied Crimea ‘inevitable’, say Ukraine’s military intelligence (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/ukraine-eyes-kerch-bridge-crimea-drone-attack)

...Senior officials from Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence service indicate it is plotting a third attempt on the bridge, after two previous attempts to blow it up, claiming its destruction is “inevitable”.

For Putin, the bridge is a tangible reminder of what he sees as one of his greatest political achievements: the peninsula’s 2014 “return” to Russia (https://www.theguardian.com/world/russia) using undercover Russian troops and a sham referendum.

For Kyiv, the bridge is equally a hated symbol of the Kremlin’s illegal annexation. Its destruction would strengthen Ukraine’s campaign to liberate Crimea (https://www.theguardian.com/world/crimea) and raise morale on and off the battlefield, where Kyiv’s forces are gradually being pushed back.

How any Ukrainian attack would unfold is unclear and there are serious doubts about whether the HUR is capable of pulling off a special operation against such a well-defended and obvious target. Russia has taken extensive measures to protect the bridge, strengthening anti-aircraft defences and deploying a “target barge” as a decoy for incoming guided missiles.

The HUR thinks it can disable the bridge soon. “We will do it in the first half of 2024,” one official told the Guardian, adding that Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the main directorate of intelligence, already had “most of the means to carry out this goal”. He was following a plan approved by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to “minimise” Russia’s naval presence in the Black Sea.

Over the past five months Ukraine has sunk seven landing boats and large ships belonging to Moscow’s Black Sea fleet. The latest, the Sergei Kotov, capsized earlier this month after a night-time raid (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/05/ukraine-russian-warship-occupied-crimea-sinking) involving 10 Ukrainian Magura V5 amphibious drones packed with explosives as it was on patrol south of the Kerch bridge (https://twitter.com/arturrehi/status/1765094091434676543?s=51&t=KcZqEmlVoX0VlHKSCVA8LA). HUR officials indicated this was a “shaping operation” prior to another attack on the crossing...

jolihokistix

3rd Apr 2024, 06:17

ORAC

3rd Apr 2024, 06:33

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/ukraine-military-draft-age-law

Ukraine military draft age lowered to boost fighting force

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (https://www.theguardian.com/world/volodymyr-zelenskiy) has signed a bill to lower the mobilisation age for combat duty from 27 to 25, a move that should help Ukraine generate more fighting power in its war with Russia.

The move expands the number of civilians the army can mobilise into its ranks to fight under martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The bill had been on Zelenskiy’s table since it was approved by lawmakers in May 2023, and it was not immediately clear what prompted him to sign it. Parliament has been discussing a separate bill to broadly tighten draft rules for months.

Zelenskiy separately signed a second bill requiring men who were given military waivers on disability grounds to undergo another medical assessment.

A third bill he signed aimed to create an online database of those eligible for military service. Both those bills could potentially help the military draft more fighters.….

The signing of the mobilisation age legislation was not immediately announced by the president’s office. Parliament merely updated the entry for the bill on its website to read: “returned with the signature of the president of Ukraine”.

Zelenskiy said late last year that he would sign the bill only if he was given a strong enough argument of the need to do so.

The Ukrainian leader said in December that the military had proposed (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/27/ukraine-change-conscription-policies-russia-war) mobilising up to 500,000 more Ukrainians into the armed forces, something he said the then-commander of the armed forces had asked for.

Since then, Ukraine has changed the head of the armed forces and the new chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said last week that the figure was no longer up to date and that it had been “significantly reduced” after a review of resources……

Uberteknik

3rd Apr 2024, 06:48

Russia now have their land bridge, something they had long wanted.
We have read here (?) recently that the Kerch Bridge is no longer being used to carry materiel as before, amid suggestions that it is already structurally weakened from previous attacks.
They may not cross in large convoys or trains instead using it for lighter duties. Taking the bridge out will still attract intense global attention and be a propaganda coup for Kyiv whilst causing more political damage to Putin at home and further military humiliation.

Beamr

3rd Apr 2024, 07:45

An important message to Kremlin from an Ukrainian fighter.

https://twitter.com/JayinKyiv/status/1775030544264483221

https://twitter.com/JayinKyiv/status/1775030544264483221

nomorecatering

3rd Apr 2024, 10:05

Beamr

3rd Apr 2024, 10:47

It seems that the russians have effectively no air defence detection capability accross Russia and they could not detect a C172 sized aircraft.

Now imagine if the Ukrainians could take a few clapped out airliners that were heading for the scrap yard. A 737 sized airframe could easily carry 10 tons of explosives and 50,000lbs of fuel. Now that would make one helova mess it it plowed into an oil refinery. Surely 5 or 6 barely airworthy airframes could be scrapped up around the world for one final flight.
and crew those with al-qaeda ISIS supporters, maybe?

jolihokistix

3rd Apr 2024, 11:11

It seems that the russians have effectively no air defence detection capability accross Russia and they could not detect a C172 sized aircraft.

Now imagine if the Ukrainians could take a few clapped out airliners that were heading for the scrap yard. A 737 sized airframe could easily carry 10 tons of explosives and 50,000lbs of fuel. Now that would make one helova mess it it plowed into an oil refinery. Surely 5 or 6 barely airworthy airframes could be scrapped up around the world for one final flight.

Putin might look inside his fireworks bag and select one of the large ones he has kept for the finale.
(As long as they are not damp.)

ORAC

3rd Apr 2024, 11:15

and crew those with al-qaeda ISIS supporters, maybe? Remote control and autopilot work as well for airliners as for smaller aircraft - in fact even better because, once airborne, they already have a built in autopilot...

Here's one they did years ago.....

https://youtu.be/m3CQCme95Ac?si=mx0_k8af2PT7DIpN

Tartiflette Fan

3rd Apr 2024, 11:54

Russia now have their land bridge, something they had long wanted.
We have read here (?) recently that the Kerch Bridge is no longer being used to carry materiel as before, amid suggestions that it is already structurally weakened from previous attacks.

What do you base this on ? Nothing has changed AFAIK except they are building a railway whucich is certainly not complete .

DogTailRed2

3rd Apr 2024, 11:57

Trying to fly a big aircraft by remote is problematic due to the size. Lag is the problem which is why the above aircraft missed it's marks. The crash was a fail as were other remote airliner style crashes.
Small aircraft are more nimble and can be placed on target a lot easier. Also r/c is not drone tech. Drones are autonomous.

DuncanDoenitz

3rd Apr 2024, 12:15

Regardles of the technical challenges, I think part of the problem with a potential 7-drone-7 would be the PR fallout from mis-targetting. At the moment Russia, and to a lesser extent Ukraine, are suffering a percentage of missiles/artillery/bombs which are striking civiian buildings, whether due to inadequate care in targetting, deliberate intent, or premature encounters with air-defences.

However tragic the consequences for civilians receiving an unexpected Kinzhal, the outrage rarely persists in public consciousness beyond a day or 2. The image of a flak-damaged, explosive-laden, airliner flying into a high-rise however is going to remain like, well, you know .....

jolihokistix

3rd Apr 2024, 12:22

What do you base this on ? Nothing has changed AFAIK except they are building a railway whucich is certainly not complete .
I am not suggesting they should not take down the bridge, but that it may end up being more of a symbolic act, and a personal affront to Mr P.
The Russians know that destroyed railway lines can be more quickly repaired on solid land as opposed to on a bridge, which is why they are pressing ahead with the rail network throughout their newly-established land bridge joining mother Russia through Mariupol, around the Azov Sea to Crimea.

Tartiflette Fan

3rd Apr 2024, 13:28

I am not suggesting they should not take down the bridge, but that it may end up being more of a symbolic act, and a personal affront to Mr P.
The Russians know that destroyed railway lines can be more quickly repaired on solid land as opposed to on a bridge, which is why they are pressing ahead with the rail network throughout their newly-established land bridge joining mother Russia through Mariupol, around the Azov Sea to Crimea.

I am querying the land-bridge that you say they have. Yes, they do - and have had for most of the war - have a continuous strip of land between Rostov and Crimea, but this is just land and not the "land-bridge" which is referred toin reports. This would be a major supply route like a major rail or road -link outside of bombardment range and these links do not exist.

DogTailRed2

3rd Apr 2024, 13:56

Beamr

3rd Apr 2024, 13:58

My guess is that the orcs tried to steal the bricks and the roof sheets of some garden shed. Garden shed for I can't see no toilet seat inside.

https://twitter.com/astraiaintel/status/1775471014744363269

https://twitter.com/astraiaintel/status/1775471014744363269

Beamr

3rd Apr 2024, 14:06

Zelenskyy: "Russia is planning to mobilize additional 300k troops by June 1st"

How it started: "we have 190k men and we'll take Kyiv in three days"
How it's going: "we are on our third mobilization wave with yet another 300k men to make up for the already lost 450k troops on our third year of war and aren't any closer to Kyiv than on day 1"

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775519011729453455

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775519011729453455

Pali

3rd Apr 2024, 14:15

Putin might look inside his fireworks bag and select one of the large ones he has kept for the finale.
(As long as they are not damp.)

Do you mean this fireworks cracker?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/631x651/putin_samovrah_a_bomb_7edb300d1c5450e36521542997110c2a627868 84.jpeg

skua

3rd Apr 2024, 15:06

"Despite months of preparations and training, it seems that the western-supplied F-16 fighter jets due to arrive in Ukraine in July may be ‘no longer relevant’ in the fight against Russia. Speaking on condition of anonymity to Politico, a senior Ukrainian military official dismissed the impact that the aircraft would now have on the war effort. ‘Often, we just don’t get the weapons systems at the time we need them – they come when they’re no longer relevant,’ the high-ranking official said. ‘Every weapon has its own right time. F-16s were needed in 2023; they won’t be right for 2024.’Volodymyr Zelensky first campaigned for the West to supply his country with the US-made aircraft in the summer of 2022. In what has become a regular refrain among Kyiv’s western allies, the request caused many months of hand-wringing and infighting, notably in Germany, where politicians feared that supplying the jets could lead to an escalation in the conflict. In the end, however, around 60 F-16s were pledged by Nato members, but with training timelines adding to the delays caused by the West’s initial hesitation, which is why the first aircraft will only be delivered to Ukraine this summer.
Now reliant on sourcing weapons from Iran and North Korea, as well as dipping into supplies left over from the Cold War, Russia has consistently, but successfully, been forced to play catch up to match the western weaponry Kyiv is using. As such, the Ukrainians fear that the jets may no longer be effective as Moscow has the capability to counter them. Instead, the official said what Ukraine needs are more traditional weapons and drones: ‘We need Howitzers and shells, hundreds of thousands of shells and rockets.
Russia is expected to mount a major push in the coming months ahead of a summer offensive, after a recent surge in missile and drone strikes that have targeted Ukraine’s infrastructure. Among the weapons Ukraine wants are long-range Taurus missiles, capable of striking targets 310 miles away. With the West yet to make a conclusive decision on whether to send them, Ukraine may once again find itself in a race against the clock." [Spectator today]

All that Tutor time (taken from UASs I believe) in vain?

Tartiflette Fan

3rd Apr 2024, 22:04

There is also a bigger issue here. If Ukraine is resorting to using surplus civil aircraft as missiles it's running out of missiles.

A couple of unsubstantiated leaps too far I would say.

Ukraine has no missiles capable of 1 200 km , so they obviously can't run out of them. Most likely is they were able to convert this craft to carry extra fuel for the distance and then add whatever weight of explosives was still possible.

DirtyProp

4th Apr 2024, 06:22

It seems that the russians have effectively no air defence detection capability accross Russia and they could not detect a C172 sized aircraft.
.....

Now that brings some memories back.

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

GeeRam

4th Apr 2024, 07:20

It seems that the russians have effectively no air defence detection capability accross Russia and they could not detect a C172 sized aircraft.

Now imagine if the Ukrainians could take a few clapped out airliners that were heading for the scrap yard. A 737 sized airframe could easily carry 10 tons of explosives and 50,000lbs of fuel. Now that would make one helova mess it it plowed into an oil refinery. Surely 5 or 6 barely airworthy airframes could be scrapped up around the world for one final flight.

While their AD seemingly can't detect small light aircraft (as also proved all those years ago with the Mathias Rust flight) its highly likely it would be able to detect an airliner, especially given need for civil ATC etc.

Spunky Monkey

4th Apr 2024, 07:42

This talk of airliners being used as missiles is a little like Hitler and his Wunderwaffe.
There is no need to re-invent the modern battlefield - drones are doing that with aplomb.
What Ukraine needs is for the US to sort out its Congress nonsense and provide Bradleys, MLRS, F16s, Support Helicopters and more shells than can be fit into 10 Super Container Ships.
Its all there sitting in the desert anyway.
Mix in a few dozen Taurus missiles and the expected Russian Offensive will be a dampened to a stalemate again.
If the massing of mines worked for the Russians, I hope the Ukrainians have the same response to a Russian sojourn this summer.

uffington sb

4th Apr 2024, 08:31

Using large aircraft was tried out in WW2. It didn’t work then and killed a possible future US president, Joe P. Kennedy.

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

Tartiflette Fan

4th Apr 2024, 08:41

Using large aircraft was tried out in WW2. It didn’t work then and killed a possible future US president, Joe P. Kennedy.

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

Taking events and technology of 80 years ago and using it as a predictor for current situations ( as I think you are suggesting ) doesn't seem very valid to me.

Beamr

4th Apr 2024, 09:43

What can I say. These crews have heart and soul.

https://twitter.com/AlexBondODUA/status/1775752859394490434

https://twitter.com/AlexBondODUA/status/1775752859394490434

Spunky Monkey

4th Apr 2024, 10:15

What can I say. These crews have heart and soul.

https://twitter.com/AlexBondODUA/status/1775752859394490434

DAMN...I wish I was a Ukrainian Helicopter Pilot, balls of steel and heart of a Lion.
Russia will never win - Slava Ukraini!

Beer_n_Tabs

4th Apr 2024, 10:57

Ooooof.....that actually brought a tear or two to my eyes.

Those guys and all their compatriots are rock solid hero's, and that boy is a little legend,

That tw@t in the Kremlin reckons he can destroy spirit like that?.....haha not a chance

Wokkafans

4th Apr 2024, 11:08

"A small Ukrainian drone reportedly with a thermobaric explosive destroys a small house used by the Russians"

https://twitter.com/ukraine_map/status/1775798817406832772?s=20

https://x.com/ukraine_map/status/1775798817406832772?s=20

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775788767674003641?s=20

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:12

:sad:

My heart breaks knowing this daily pain is the fault of the Russians. A young firefighter cries at the scene of an attack in Kharkiv, where the Russians cynically killed his father, a 52-year-old rescuer. Father and son, together with other colleagues, went to the place of shelling after the first explosions. Vladyslav and Volodymyr worked not far from each other — literally a few houses away. The father died due to a hit by Shahed.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1775839208831172613

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1775839208831172613

.. (https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1775839208831172613)

Wokkafans

4th Apr 2024, 11:14

IR footage of a Ukrainian SAM (possibly UK-supplied ASRAAM) intercepting a Russian UAV

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1775636641467584560?s=20

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1775636641467584560?s=20

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:24

Apparently the Russians have been doing a double tap, hit a target then wait for the rescue services to attend before hitting it again :sad:

A strike on Kharkiv, just an ordinary apartment building. With three Shaheds.
A despicable and cynical attack, when the rescuers arrived at the scene of the strike, the terrorists attacked again.
As a result of the attack, 4 people were killed. Among them were our rescuers: Vladyslav Lohinov, Serhii Baidalinov and Volodymyr Matiushenko.
A civilian, Zoia Bondiukova, was also killed. My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
More than 10 people were injured, all of whom are receiving the necessary assistance. Russian terrorists will be held accountable for their actions in Kharkiv and for all acts of aggression against our people.
We are working with our partners to strengthen the protection of our cities and villages and to protect our citizens. Strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities directly translates into saving lives.
Zelenskyy

Massive drone attack in Kharkiv: 4 people died, including three rescuers

https://twitter.com/SESU_UA/status/1775714658214662458

https://twitter.com/SESU_UA/status/1775714658214662458

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:33

They really need air cover, be it ground missile based or airborne or the ability to take out the launch sites.

https://twitter.com/oncewasr/status/1775823635896492446

https://twitter.com/oncewasr/status/1775823635896492446

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:35

Let's hope they do not get to comfortable.

https://twitter.com/jacksonhinklle/status/1775580864287588803

https://twitter.com/jacksonhinklle/status/1775580864287588803

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:39

Laughitoff is still spouting his bile. This time about Bucha.

https://twitter.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1775818235981517261

https://twitter.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1775818235981517261

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:48

Nothing like a Russian moral booster... :}

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1775775208932102602

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1775775208932102602

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:54

More on the front.

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775846543460806798

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775846543460806798

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 11:55

NOT COOL

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775833766008705402

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775833766008705402

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 12:00

Ukrainian ground based kamakaze drones at work

https://twitter.com/tungphat1/status/1775852914722197581

https://twitter.com/tungphat1/status/1775852914722197581

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 12:02

A Russian watching the demise of his tank.

https://twitter.com/tungphat1/status/1775829010444104095

https://twitter.com/tungphat1/status/1775829010444104095

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 12:05

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x900/gktnqfkwkaadoxb_3cfdf30f3ea91fed7c19dc7c0f688591891b344d.jpg

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 12:07

:ok: An excellent use of them.

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775736049068548307

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1775736049068548307

NutLoose

4th Apr 2024, 12:18

Whooo, hold the front pages.... A game changer?

The most important advantage of this drone is its artificial intelligence, which allows it to penetrate Russian EW defenses.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1775432388379828591

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1775432388379828591

Lonewolf_50

4th Apr 2024, 12:35

Necessity is the mother of all invention ....

ORAC

4th Apr 2024, 17:38

https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1775842940214010042?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

The first photo of Ukrainian kamikaze drones E-300 "Enterprise" with a warhead of 300 kg, which were probably recently attacked the dormitory of the "Shahed" production plant in Tatarstan.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x749/image_fb82174280ff0226ae079b93d70e70596f087244.png

ORAC

4th Apr 2024, 17:54

Long thread covering the recruitment method, reception and much much more…..https://x.com/opolianichev/status/1775697889307533482?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1775697889307533482.html

Several Africans were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on Tatarstan. Russia is now exploiting the attack to spark anti-Ukrainian feelings. If anything, however, this incident can elucidate a gendered and racialized reality behind Russia's charm offensive in Africa…..

Specifically, they are invited to join the Alabuga Polytech college in the Tatarstan town of Elabuga. "Alabuga Start" participants are required to work more than study. In a nearby facility, students are involved in the mass production of what the college calls "boats."

The "boats" is just an euphemism for Shakhed drones, which Russia previously used to buy from Iran, but which it now produces itself in large numbers. Dozens of them are sent to Ukraine nearly every day, murdering people all across the country….

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1088x964/image_66e3f1391d7a64ae985149eaf380d0c8590cadee.png