Mil News Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus, South Caucasus, Central Asia Military

[Soldier35]

English armored vehicles "Saxon" AT-105 Ukraine bought a long time ago, back in 2014. The Saxon AT-105 was developed on the basis of the AT-104 police armored car and was produced from 1976 to 1995. In 2006, the British military replaced them with Warior armored vehicles. The Ukrainian army purchased 75 of these armored vehicles for 51,000 euros apiece, the vehicles were restored and sent to the troops. Saxon armored vehicles have a V-shaped bottom and good armor, which allows them to withstand shelling from weapons with a caliber of 7.62 mm. The machine can withstand a mine explosion with a capacity of up to 9 kg in TNT equivalent. In the 1990s, armored cars armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun were used in Bosnia. During operation, it turned out that the installation of a machine gun raised the center of gravity of the vehicles and they began to roll over. Despite this, the Ukrainian army speaks well of the car. The machines are equipped with a 160 hp engine. with and are capable of speeds on the highway up to 60 km / h. Crew car 2 people and 8 people landing. Machine weight 10 tons.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

Ukraine has begun using the American DroneHunter F700 interceptor drones, with six units reportedly purchased. Drone interceptor DroneHunter F700, developed by Fortem Technologies and equipped with a network for intercepting drones. According to the company, the drone can intercept Russian UAVs Orlan-10, Shahed-136, as well as other drones weighing up to 500 kg and with a flight altitude of no more than 5500 meters. UAVs captured using networks can be delivered to the operator or dropped by parachute. After returning, the interceptor drone can be charged with new networks in 3 minutes. The upgraded version of the DroneHunter F700 received improved sensors that made it easier to operate. The drone operator can see the weight and type of the intercepted UAV. DroneHunter F700 is equipped with a radar and uses it to detect targets. According to the manufacturer, during the tests, the efficiency of the drone was 85%. The interceptor drone is capable of speeds up to 100 km/h.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[BravoZulu]

Ukraine:
On Wednesday, 1 February 2023, French defence minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Reznikov met at the Thales site in Limours, south of Paris, a centre of excellence for air defence in Europe, to sign a contract for the delivery of a complete short-range air defence system, including a Ground Master 200 radar, to help protect Ukraine

As a recognised European leader in systems-of-systems integration, Thales draws on its air defence expertise to help nations guarantee their sovereignty and protect their citizens and territorial interests.

Thales's air defence technologies provide protection from all types of air threats at all levels of the airspace and cover the entire decision-making chain, from detection and identification to neutralisation.

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worl...try-signs-contract-thales-and-french-ministry

• Instrumented range:
  • 250 km Surveillance
  • 100 km Engagement
• Ceiling: up to 80,000 feet
• Elevation coverage: 70°

 

[BravoZulu]

^^
Ukraine announced it is sending service members to train on the Franco-Italian Samp-T air defense system after the countries announced its delivery.

Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram that personnel are “already on their way” to training.

“I sincerely thank the governments of France and Italy for the decision regarding the provision of SAMP/T-Mamba anti-aircraft systems to protect Ukraine from Russian missile terror and strengthen the country’s air defense system,” Oleshchuk said.

 

[BravoZulu]

Almost one year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war is entering a new phase. Following the failed attack on Kyiv last year and the Ukrainians’ stunning counteroffensive that liberated Kharkiv in the north and Kherson in the south, Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on a punitive campaign targeting civilians and energy infrastructure with drones and missiles. Stymied on the battlefield, Putin is seeking to maximise the number of Ukrainians forced to spend the northern winter in the cold and the dark.

The front line has not moved much in recent months. But the fighting remains fierce (with many casualties) and Russia seems to be preparing for a major spring offensive. The Russian economy is on a war footing, and the Kremlin propaganda machine has gone into overdrive, peddling a mix of apocalyptic threats and imperial delusions. Russia’s last independent news outlet, Meduza, and its last human-rights organisation, the Sakharov Center, are being forced to close. The mood in Moscow is defiant.

Under these circumstances, Ukraine’s allies are right to scale up their military assistance, including by providing battle tanks. The goal is for Ukraine to prevail against its aggressor. But we cannot wish for that end without giving Ukraine the means to achieve it. The alternative is a prolonged war of attrition, leading to more deaths in Ukraine, greater insecurity for Europe and continued suffering around the world (owing to Russia’s weaponisation of energy and food supplies).

Ukraine’s partners had already committed to provide advanced air defences like the US-made Patriot missile system, more capable howitzers and additional armoured combat vehicles. But before the recent big breakthrough, there was an intense debate about whether to supply tanks like the German-made Leopard 2 or the US-made M1 Abrams. I, for one, have long argued that we must provide Ukraine with the means to push Russia out. Tanks are necessary for Ukrainian forces to break through the current stalemate of trench warfare and to regain the momentum they had last year when they retook Kharkiv and Kherson.

Reaching the ‘tank agreement’ took time and intense discussions, including at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council. The breakthrough came when Germany agreed to deliver Leopard 2s, in coordination with the United States, which will provide some 30 M1 Abrams. Although delivery of these assets will take time and require intensive training and maintenance, the result is not confined to the battlefield. We have sent another powerful signal to Russia that Putin was wrong—once again—to doubt our resolve.

Of course, some will argue that more weapons will prolong the war and risk further escalation, and that diplomatic negotiations are the only solution. But while Europeans will always remain open to anyone who is serious about seeking a negotiated and just end to the war, Russia so far has made clear that it intends to persist with its war crimes. Everyone who has tried to negotiate with Putin has come back emptyhanded. Until that changes, we must conclude that the only way to end the war is to give Ukraine the means to drive out the invader.

The EU’s task, therefore, is to do everything in its power to support Ukraine. And that is what we are doing. Together with EU member-state governments, we have already mobilised €12 billion ($18.5 billion) worth of weapons and related supplies for Ukraine, €3.6 billion of which is coming from the European Peace Facility. When also accounting for macro-financial and humanitarian aid, our total support comes close to €50 billion.

The EU is now the leading provider of military training for Ukrainian personnel. Through the EU Military Assistance Mission in Poland and Germany, we are on track to have trained 15,000 troops by April, and we are prepared to double the effort and train another 15,000—including in the use of tanks such as the Leopard 2.

The EU is also working on a 10th package of sanctions, having already cut our dependence on Russian energy imports within the space of just a few months. And make no mistake: the sanctions are working. Russian oil is selling at a US$40 per barrel discount to Brent, and its daily energy revenues are expected to fall from around €800 million to €500 million after our latest measures kick in this month. The war is costing the Kremlin dearly, and these costs will only rise the longer it lasts.

Last January, just before the invasion, I visited the Donbas region and saw the front line. For obvious reasons, that trip has stuck with me. On my way back through Kyiv, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal acknowledged that ‘the invasion is coming, and we know you will not come to fight on our side’. But, he hastened to ask, ‘Will you give us the weapons we need to defend ourselves?’

Frankly, I was not sure how to respond, because I did not know how strong European resolve would be. Today, the answer comes easily. Ahead of today’s EU–Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, no one doubts that Europe has risen to the occasion. Now, we must continue to give Ukraine the means to defeat the aggressor, restore its sovereignty and find its place in the European Union.
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/m...or&utm_term=Making Ukrainian victory possible
Josep Borrell is EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and a vice president of the European Commission. This article is presented in partnership with Project Syndicate © 2023

 

[Soldier35]

Ukraine will receive American tanks M1A2 Abrams, the United States plans to transfer 31 tanks, the timing of the transfer is not yet clear. The United States will transfer Abrams M1A2 tanks without secret depleted uranium armor, it is worth noting that if such armor is damaged, it is dangerous to be near the tank without a gas mask. A lot has been said about the Abrams tank today, from laudatory articles to critical ones. Tank version M1A2 Abrams appeared in 1992, after which it was repeatedly improved, the tank participated in many conflicts. In 1991, in Iraq, the tanks of the M1A1 Abrams version performed well, the number of losses of 23 pieces for such a conflict is considered small, the tanks fought in the desert and showed themselves well. The M1A2 Abrams tanks participated in the second conflict in Iraq in 2003, as a result of guerrilla battles, the tanks were vulnerable in urban conditions. Tanks were hit from hand grenade launchers in the turret and side lower part, the upper part of the turret and the vehicle hull were also vulnerable. By the end of 2006, irretrievable losses amounted to 34 tanks, most of them from the use of the RPG-7 grenade launcher. From all this we can conclude that the tank is strong enough in frontal battles in open areas, in a city or wooded area the tank is vulnerable, it is worth noting that any tank is vulnerable in a city. The frontal armor of the tank is multi-layered, in the latest modifications of the M1A2SEP armor of the third generation is used, earlier versions of the frontal armor are vulnerable to anti-tank systems, it is not known what kind of armor tanks in Ukraine will have. The armor of the tank was reflected in its weight, it is 62 tons, in full body kit it reaches 72 tons, special units will be created to evacuate the tanks. The tank is equipped with an independent panoramic thermal imaging sight for the commander and a thermal imaging observation device for the driver, as well as an IVIS combat information and control system. The tank is equipped with a German smooth-bore 120 mm M256 gun, the rate of fire with an experienced loader is 10 rounds per minute, the tank's ammunition is 42 rounds. Tank engine power 1500 hp which allows him to reach speeds on the highway up to 66 km / h. The crew of the tank is 4 people. The average cost of the M1A2 Abrams tank is $6 million.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

The Ukrainian army has received American M88A2 HERCULES armored recovery vehicles, one of which has already been seen on video. The M88A2 Hercules military evacuator was adopted in 1997 and based on the popular M88A1 military equator developed in 1975. The M88A2 Hercules tow truck is designed to evacuate heavy military equipment weighing up to 63 tons; in Ukraine, it will be used in evacuation units to evacuate M1 Abrams tanks. Compared to the M88A1, the modifications of the M88A2 strengthened the armor of the front of the hull, installed a more powerful 1050 hp engine. The hull of the M88A2 is welded from rolled steel armor plates. This provides protection for the crew of 3 from fragments of shells and bullets; a 7.62 mm machine gun is used as defensive weapons. The tow truck has a crane with a lifting capacity of 31 tons. Tow trucks were used in military conflicts and have proven themselves well. The mass of the equator is 63.5 tons, the cruising range is about 480 km. The price of the M88A2 Hercules tow truck is about $3.5 million.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

Published footage of firing active-rocket shells of the Ukrainian self-propelled guns Panzerhaubitze 2000 of German production. Presumably, the firing is carried out by American corrected M982 Excalibur projectiles with a range of hitting targets up to 57 km, the price of these projectiles is from 50 to 80 thousand dollars. ACS PzH 2000 is considered one of the best, but it also has weaknesses, one of them is the need to maintain the barrel temperature to ensure the declared accuracy and range. When manually loaded, the self-propelled gun has a record speed of releasing the first 3 shells, it takes just 9 seconds.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

Footage of the engine launch of the French VAB armored personnel carrier, which is now in service with the Ukrainian army, we previously talked about it. The armored vehicle is equipped with a 6-cylinder Renault MIDR 062045 diesel engine with an HP 300 power.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

One of the Ukrainian artillery crews showed the rare 120mm 2B16 Nona-K towed gun they were using. The gun was produced from 1986 to 1989, a total of 188 pieces were produced. The rate of fire of the gun is up to 10 rounds per minute, the range of hitting targets is up to 12,800 meters. According to the servicemen, they took the gun from the museum

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Conhoon]

Training of Ukrainian soldiers is underway in Poland. The training carried out in the Polish 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade includes, among others: training of Leopard tank crews. The training of Ukrainian tankers in Poland is also supported by tankers from Canada as instructors.

The 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade is part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Division. The Leopard Training Center was established in 2007. It is a specialized facility, equipped with a modern simulation base of the modern battlefield, which conducts training based on the base of simulators and other equipment at its disposal.

 

[Conhoon]

Training of Ukrainian soldiers is underway in Poland. The training carried out in the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade includes, among others: training of Leopard tank crews. The training of Ukrainian tankers in Poland is also supported by tankers from Canada as instructors.

The 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade is part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Division. The Leopard Training Center was established in 2007. It is a specialized facility, equipped with a modern simulation base of the modern battlefield, which conducts training based on the base of simulators and other equipment at its disposal.

 

[shonima]

Ukraine will receive American tanks M1A2 Abrams, the United States plans to transfer 31 tanks, the timing of the transfer is not yet clear. The United States will transfer Abrams M1A2 tanks without secret depleted uranium armor, it is worth noting that if such armor is damaged, it is dangerous to be near the tank without a gas mask. A lot has been said about the Abrams tank today, from laudatory articles to critical ones. Tank version M1A2 Abrams appeared in 1992, after which it was repeatedly improved, the tank participated in many conflicts. In 1991, in Iraq, the tanks of the M1A1 Abrams version performed well, the number of losses of 23 pieces for such a conflict is considered small, the tanks fought in the desert and showed themselves well. The M1A2 Abrams tanks participated in the second conflict in Iraq in 2003, as a result of guerrilla battles, the tanks were vulnerable in urban conditions. Tanks were hit from hand grenade launchers in the turret and side lower part, the upper part of the turret and the vehicle hull were also vulnerable. By the end of 2006, irretrievable losses amounted to 34 tanks, most of them from the use of the RPG-7 grenade launcher. From all this we can conclude that the tank is strong enough in frontal battles in open areas, in a city or wooded area the tank is vulnerable, it is worth noting that any tank is vulnerable in a city. The frontal armor of the tank is multi-layered, in the latest modifications of the M1A2SEP armor of the third generation is used, earlier versions of the frontal armor are vulnerable to anti-tank systems, it is not known what kind of armor tanks in Ukraine will have. The armor of the tank was reflected in its weight, it is 62 tons, in full body kit it reaches 72 tons, special units will be created to evacuate the tanks. The tank is equipped with an independent panoramic thermal imaging sight for the commander and a thermal imaging observation device for the driver, as well as an IVIS combat information and control system. The tank is equipped with a German smooth-bore 120 mm M256 gun, the rate of fire with an experienced loader is 10 rounds per minute, the tank's ammunition is 42 rounds. Tank engine power 1500 hp which allows him to reach speeds on the highway up to 66 km / h. The crew of the tank is 4 people. The average cost of the M1A2 Abrams tank is $6 million.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

IDK, is this a good idea or not. Leopard - Yes! Abrams - No! Logistics will be a big headache for UAF. I believe there’re way smart people in NATO HQ than myself, but still + it might hit our pocket harder(although I support Ukraine)

 

[BravoZulu]

Estonia & Latvia:
Estonia is basing its procurement of medium-range air defence systems on their price and capabilities; while excluding Russia and Belarus from the list of potential bidders, it will not be taking into consideration how a system's country of production has behaved during Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

"No country is excluded from the procurement, with certain exceptions such as Russia, Belarus and North Korea, as we're acquiring the most economically advantageous and technically capable system in the market situation," said Priit Soosaar, communications and radar category manager at the Procurement Department of the Estonian Center for Defense Investments (ECDI).

Asked whether Estonia would take into account in their selection whether a system's country of production has been receptive to authorizing the transfer of weapons to Ukraine as the latter fends off Russian aggression, Soosaar responded in the negative.
"This system is being acquired for the defence of the Estonian state, due to which the decision will not be impacted by how easy it would be to obtain authorization for the re-export of the system," he explained.

According to Soosaar, the medium-range air defence procurement is currently underway; six bidders have made it into the second round, and a decision will be made by spring.

As both Estonia and Latvia currently lack their own medium-range air defence systems, the two neighbouring countries decided late last June to launch a joint procurement for them. The ECDI confirmed to ERR on Friday that this procurement is still taking place in cooperation with Latvia.

At the end of July, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur (Reform) said that Estonia could be getting its own medium-range air defence system in three years' time.

The government decided the allocation of the funds necessary for the procurement when drawing up the state budget strategy in September.

Depending on the system, medium-range air defence can have a range of 20-75 kilometres. They are used in defence of forces' areas of presence or operations and sites or objects of military or economic importance as well as maintaining airspace control.

Estonia also currently has a joint procurement underway with Poland for PIORUN short-range man-portable air defence systems (MANPADs), the contract for which was signed in September. The first deliveries are expected in the second half of this year.

Estonia is already armed with Mistral very short-range air defence (SHORAD) missile systems as well as ZU-23-2 towed anti-aircraft twin-barrelled autocannons, nicknamed Sergei.
https://news.err.ee/1608881231/esto...e-air-defense-procurement-on-price-capability

 

[BravoZulu]

Lithuania has decided to provide assistance to Ukraine in the fight against Russian Geran kamikaze drones. To do this, Vilnius will transfer to Kyiv 36 automatic anti-aircraft guns 40mm L70 Bofors, decommissioned by the Lithuanian army. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of Lithuania Arvydas Anushauskas.

Lithuania has prepared 36 L70 Bofors anti-aircraft guns for transfer, and also trained Ukrainian military personnel in the operation of these anti-aircraft systems. At the same time, the Lithuanians did not directly train the crews of anti-aircraft guns, but trained instructors who will train the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/def...s_to_fight_russian_geran_kamikaze_drones.html

 

[BravoZulu]

Norway will donate eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks and up to four support vehicles to Ukraine, the Norwegian Defense Ministry reported on Feb. 14. The "tanks package" will also include ammunition and spare parts, reads the report.

Norway will also contribute to the training of Ukrainian tank crews in Poland together with other allies, according to the country's Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram.

"The aim of Norwegian military support to Ukraine is to enable the country to defend itself against Russia's attacks and regain control over its territory," said Gram.

Norway announced its plans to send German-made Leopard 2A4 to Ukraine on Jan. 25 but didn't initially specify the number of tanks to be delivered. Norway has a total of 36 Leopard 2s in its arsenal.

According to Gram, the Leopard tanks could arrive in Ukraine as soon as the end of March.
https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/norway-to-send-8-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine

 

[BravoZulu]

The Austrian Ministry of Defense has announced that it will not provide Ukrainian soldiers with Leopard 2 tank training.

The announcement comes amid calls from the global community to help Kyiv’s forces as they receive the much-awaited Leopard tanks from Germany and other NATO allies.

Defence minister Claudia Tanner said in a written statement that the refusal to help the war-torn nation is a “sovereign decision” within the framework of Austrian law.
https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2023/02/13/7156054/

 

[Soldier35]

Italy and France are ready to transfer SAMP-T medium-range air defense systems to Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni announced this. The SAMP-T air defense system was developed jointly by Italy, France and Great Britain, the complex was put into service in 2006 and is designed to destroy air and ballistic targets. The standard SAMP-T SAM battery includes a command post, Arabel phased array radar, and four to six launchers with eight Aster 30 missiles each. The air defense system is compatible with NATO control systems and can operate as part of a layered air defense system, receiving data from third-party radars or command posts. The SAMP-T air defense system did not participate in battles, but during the exercises it showed good performance, hitting about 85% of targets. The complex was offered to be bought by Turkey, but she chose the S-400 air defense system. The SAMP-T has a high rate of fire, 8 missiles can be launched from a single launcher in just 10 seconds. The range of destruction of air targets of air defense systems is from three to one hundred kilometers. The height of the defeat reaches 25 thousand meters. The SAMP-T complex can detect tactical ballistic missiles at a distance of 600 kilometers and hit at a distance of 35 km. The complex is highly automated and is controlled by 2 operators. The approximate price of the SAMP / T air defense system is about $ 300 million. The complex is in service with several countries, in France it is called the Mamba air defense system.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

Footage of the use of Bulgarian-made M60CMA Commando mortars by the Ukrainian army has been published. The M60CMA 60mm mortar is designed for paratroopers and special forces and is suitable for use in difficult terrain. The mortar can be carried by one soldier, since its weight is 5.7 kg, the rate of fire of the mortar reaches 30 rounds per minute. The mortar is designed to achieve the best fragmentation and high-explosive action. Depending on the ammunition, the firing range of the mortar reaches 2250 meters, the minimum firing range is 50 meters.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Soldier35]

Ukraine received French fifth-generation Akeron MP anti-tank systems. ATGM. Akeron MP is a portable anti-tank system mounted on armored vehicles with a target range of up to 5 km. Such complexes entered service with the French army in 2017. The complex was designed to replace the MILAN and Javelin anti-tank systems in the troops. The ATGM has three methods of targeting, fire and forget, the second method is to capture the target outside the operator's direct line of sight after the missile is launched, and the third is manual guidance via a two-way fiber optic cable with the possibility of retargeting. The missile has an uncooled infrared homing head, thanks to which the operator does not lose a few seconds before firing, and the missile can be guided repeatedly. According to the test results, the complex was recognized as successful and is considered a rather formidable weapon for tanks and infantry. The ATGM warhead is multi-purpose tandem, depending on the selected mode, penetration of up to 1000-mm homogeneous armor behind dynamic protection, a concrete wall up to two meters thick, or infantry damage by tungsten fragments within a radius of up to 15 meters is declared.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies