MTQ News

The U.S. Department of Defense on February 24 published that one year ago, Russia launched an unprovoked and indefensible full-scale invasion of its peaceful and democratic neighbor Ukraine. One year on, the commitment of the United States, together with some 50 countries who have rallied to rush urgently needed assistance to Ukraine, has only strengthened. Read full news at this link... Switchblade 600 loitering munition at the front and Switchblade 300 loitering munition in the background (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/0RzEeIx via IFTTT

According to information published by "The Kyiv Independent" news website, Italy will provide Ukraine with air defense missile systems Spada and Skyguard in addition to SAMP/T promised a few days ago by France and Italy. Read full Defense News at this link ... Italy to provide Ukraine with Spada and Skyguard air defense systems. Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NrzZ24m via IFTTT

Saab has signed a framework agreement with a Government of a Western country and received orders within the agreement for a number of defence systems. The total order value is approximately SEK 8 billion with deliveries planned for 2023–2026. Read full news at this link... Carl-Gustaf M4 (Picture source: Saab) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Sb3HX9t via IFTTT

Iranian military ship Iris Makran navigates on the coast of Rio de Janeiro as a Brazilian flag flutters in Copacabana Beach, Brazil, February 27, 2023. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes   Reuters: Brazil allows two Iranian warships to dock in Rio despite US pressure   RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Two Iranian warships docked in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government granted permission despite pressure from the United States to bar them.  The IRIS Makran and IRIS Dena warships both arrived on Sunday morning, Rio's port authority said in a statement.  Reuters earlier this month reported that Brazil had bowed to U.S. pressure and declined Iran's request for the vessels to dock in Rio in late January, in a gesture from Lula as he flew to Washington to meet U.S. President Joe Biden.  However, with Lula's trip over, the ships have been allowed to dock. Vice Admiral Carlos Eduardo Horta Arentz, the deputy chief of Brazil's Na...

Southern California is bracing for storms that will bring wind and rain, China says it is seeking dialogue and a peaceful solution for Ukraine despite U.S. warnings that Beijing might be considering supplying weapons to Russia, and more. 5⃣ stories you need to know pic.twitter.com/jb9vWeNL79 — Reuters (@Reuters) February 27, 2023 • Israeli settlers set cars, homes on fire in West Bank after two Israelis killed by Palestinian gunman • Migrant boat breaks up off Italian coast, killing more than 60 • Putin claims Ukraine allies plan to 'dismantle Russia' in TV interview Today's top stories in 1 minute: pic.twitter.com/DFonUsMCoo — DW News (@dwnews) February 27, 2023 China on Monday accused the U.S. of "outright bullying and double standards" in leveling what it called "illegal" sanctions on Chinese companies as part of U.S. actions against Russia's Wagner Group and related companies and individuals. https://t.co/70Cjurq4cY — The Associated...

According to a statement published by the Polish Ministry of Defense, Polish army soldiers of the 1st Mazurian Artillery Brigade conducted for the first time live firing exercises with the new K9 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. Read full Defense News at this link ... Polish army conducts first live firing exercises with K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers. (Picture source Poland MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Qj90YHX via IFTTT

On February 24, 2023, Poland delivered the first four Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks to Ukraine. Citing information from Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, another batch of Leopard 2A4 tanks will be supplied in the next few weeks to the Ukrainian armed forces. Read full Defense News at this link ... The first Leopard 2A4 tanks donated by Poland arrived in Ukraine on February 25, 2023. (Picture source Twitter PortalMilitarny.pl) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/wnSWJRk via IFTTT

Beriev A-50U Mainstay. (Russian MoD) Now this is big. Belarusian Partisans reportedly blew up a Russian A-50 early warning and control aircraft at Machulishchy airfield near Minsk. According to the BYPOL initiative, the front and central parts of the plane, avionics and radar antenna were damaged. pic.twitter.com/IGFAx00973 — Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) February 26, 2023 Warzone/The Drive: Claims Swirl Around Supposed Strike On Russian A-50 Radar Jet In Belarus   One of Russia’s most prized military aircraft, an A-50 Mainstay, is claimed to have been struck at its forward base in Belarus.  There has been quite the buzz this Sunday on social media about a supposed attack on a Russian A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft that is forward deployed to Machulishchy Air Base south of Minsk, in Belarus.  We cannot confirm that this attack actually happened or the nature of the damage, if any, to the A-50 — the type has been a staple at the bas...

Most voters are willing to commit U.S. naval and air power to defending Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, but draw the line at sending ground troops to fight in such a conflict https://t.co/mvytXosOm0 pic.twitter.com/5JG2KtmGKb — Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) February 26, 2023 EurAsian Times: ‘No Boots On Ground‘: Majority Of US Voters ‘Chicken Out’ From Sending Soldiers To Taiwan To Battle China   In an interesting reflection of American society, a recent survey found a massive majority of likely voters backing intervention in support of Taiwan – but without boots on the ground.  They agree that the US should militarily intervene, but with only jets and warships and not with soldiers, which entails higher casualties.  The findings in the survey by Rasmussen Reports put the figure at 79% who would support the United States imposing economic sanctions on China for invading Taiwan, including 60% who would ‘Strongly Support’ sanctions. Only 12% would oppose ...

Axios: CIA director: China has doubts whether it could accomplish invasion of Taiwan   Chinese President Xi Jinping and his military leaders likely have some doubts as to whether China could accomplish a successful invasion of Taiwan after witnessing the trajectory of Russia's war in Ukraine, CIA Director Bill Burns told CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday.  Driving the news: While U.S. intelligence indicates that Xi has instructed his country's army to be ready for a potential invasion by 2027, Burns stressed that a decision has not yet been made.  * "I think we need to take very seriously Xi's ambitions with regard to ultimately controlling Taiwan. That doesn't, however, in our view, mean that a military conflict is inevitable," he added.   Read more ....  WNU Editor: I see no indications that Chinese President Xi or from his military leaders that they have some doubts as to whether China could accomplish a successful invasion of Taiwan aft...

ZELENSKY HAS SOME CHOICE WORDS FOR AMERICANS WHO DO NOT SLAVA UKRAINI pic.twitter.com/SkGNpmjjyE — The_Real_Fly (@The_Real_Fly) February 25, 2023 Zero Hedge: Zelensky Berates, Threatens Unsupportive Americans   This is an example of how not to win over the American people: shame and berate them while claiming Washington's 'global leadership' is in peril.  "If they do not change their opinion…they will lose NATO, they will lose the clout of the United States, they will lose the leadership position they are enjoying in the world," Zelensky said at a press conference late last week, in reference to the US public... As if the average American struggling to get by amid soaring food and cost-of-living prices stays awake at night worrying about US global "clout":   Read more ....   WNU Editor: U.S. support for Ukraine is softening .... Ukraine aid support softens in the US: AP-NORC Poll (AP). More here .... Fox News Poll: Half say US should support...

  VOA: G20 Finance Ministers Fail to Bridge Differences Over Ukraine   The finance ministers of the Group of 20 countries wrapped up a two-day meeting Saturday in India without issuing a joint statement after China and Russia objected to references that other members wanted to make on Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.  With no consensus, India, which holds the G-20 presidency this year, said in what is called a “chair’s summary” that "most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed that it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy."  Stating that it is essential to uphold international law, the summary said that “the use of or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue are vital. Today’s era must not be of war.”   Read more ....  G20 Finance Meeting Ends In Discord As China Refu...

Boeing's Super Hornet family. Front to back: a single-seat F/A-18E, a two-seat F/A-18F, and an EA-18G.  Boeing Warzone/The Drive : Boeing To End F/A-18 Super Hornet Production In Two Years   Boeing says a potential foreign contract could prolong Super Hornet production for two years, but the writing is on the wall for the line.  Boeing says that it expects to end production of new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in 2025. It has left open the possibility that it could still be building Super Hornets two years after that for an unspecified "international customer," which is very likely a reference to a potential Indian Navy contract. No matter what, by all indications, the company is expecting to stop making new F/A-18E/F before the end of the decade.  The company announced its timeline for shuttering the F/A-18E/F production line, which is located within its facility in St. Louis, in a press release today. As it stands now, the only orders for Super Hornets that Boeing ...

  Daily Mail : Fire 'involving URANIUM' breaks out at Tennessee National Security Complex where America's first atom bomb was developed, forcing evacuation of 200 staffers   * The Oak Ridge complex was home to the Manhattan Project for research and development during World War II  * An NNSA spokesperson confirmed that the fire started at 9.15am at the federal facility  * Authorities confirmed that the material involved in the fire was a metal compound of uranium.  A fire 'involving uranium' broke out at a National Security Complex in Tennessee with all staff being evacuated from the site.  The National Nuclear Security Administration said that an emergency response responded to the blaze on Wednesday morning at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.  All of their 200 employees were accounted for, with other buildings next to the site being evacuated as a precaution.   Read more ....   Update #1 : Fire at Y-12 contained; n...

  CNN: Chinese fighter jet confronts US Navy plane with CNN crew aboard as tensions simmer in the South China Sea   Kadena Air Base, Japan CNN — The US Navy reconnaissance jet flies at 21,500 feet over the South China Sea, 30 miles from the contested Paracel Islands, a group of about 130 small atolls, the biggest of which are home to Chinese military bases.  A voice, saying it’s coming from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) airport, crackles over the radio of the US Navy P-8 Poseidon as a CNN crew, given rare access aboard the US flight, listens in.  “American aircraft. Chinese airspace is 12 nautical miles. Not approaching any more or you bear all responsibility,” it says.  In a few minutes, a Chinese fighter jet armed with air-to-air missiles intercepts the US plane, nestling in just 500 feet off its port side.  The Chinese fighter jet was so close, the CNN crew could see the pilots turning their heads to look at them – and could make out the red st...

Awkward moment in UN Security Council just now. Ukraine FM asked members to stand for a moment of silence in memory of lives lost to Russian aggression. Russian diplomats refused to stand saying they will only do so if it is in memory of all victims since 2014. Watch the rest. pic.twitter.com/U84Poslyrx — Bahman Kalbasi (@BahmanKalbasi) February 24, 2023 WNU Editor: All lives matter. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/b8zsuEf via IFTTT

Busy with personal chores today. blogging will return this evening. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/NA2Zi3f via IFTTT

Ukraine President Zelensky   Yahoo News : Zelensky plans to meet with China's Xi on proposed peace plan   On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry announced a 12-point proposal that called for a resumption of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.   LONDON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said he planned to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping about China's proposed peace plan, released on the first anniversary of the war.  “China started talking about Ukraine, and I think this is a good thing,” Zelensky said at a news conference one year after Russia’s invasion. “But it actually begs the question, what will these words be followed with? The steps next are important.”    Read more ....   Update: Ukraine's Zelensky says he plans to meet China's Xi (Jerusalem Post)   WNU Editor: I will be surprised if this meeting happens. But if it does happen, the Russian offensive that everyone has been talking about for the past two ...

  CNBC: U.S. unveils $2 billion in Ukraine aid, new sanctions as G-7 countries push to punish Russia for a year of war   * The U.S. announced a new $2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, along with sanctions and tariff increases on Russia, on the first anniversary of Moscow’s invasion.  * The weapons package announced by the Department of Defense includes funding for contracts for HIMARS rockets, drones and counter-drone equipment, mine-clearing devices, 155-millimeter artillery ammunition and secure lines of communication.  * President Joe Biden met virtually with leaders of the G-7 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday morning to mark the occasion, one year after the group first met to discuss aid.  * Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv on Monday ahead of his trip to Warsaw, Poland where he delivered a speech marking the anniversary.  WASHINGTON — The United States marked the one-year anniversary of Russ...

Zero Hedge/Statista: How US And Russian Nuclear Arsenals Have Evolved   Over 75 years have passed since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and more than 12,000 nuclear warheads are still scattered across the world from silos in Montana to isolated corners of European airbases and even to the ocean depths where ballistic missile submarines lurk as a deterrent nearly impossible to detect.  Hiroshima was the first of two atomic bombings in 1945 and it involved a 15-kiloton device while the weapon used in the attack on Nagasaki three days later had a 22 kiloton yield. Modern nuclear warheads are far more powerful with the U.S. Trident missile yielding a 455 kiloton warhead while Russia's SS ICBM has an 800 kiloton yield.  Read more ....   WNU Editor: It is hard to believe that the world had over 61,000 nuclear weapons in 1987. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/lSYXkMG via IFTTT

  The Guardian/Reuters: North Korea test-fires four missiles to show ability to launch nuclear attack   Strategic cruise missiles hit a target after travelling 2,000km, says state media, to demonstrate ‘war posture’ of nuclear force North Korea test-fired four strategic cruise missiles during a drill designed to demonstrate its ability to conduct a nuclear counterattack against hostile forces, its state media said.  The exercise on Thursday involved an apparently operational strategic cruise missile unit of the Korean people’s army, which fired the four Hwasal-2 missiles in the area of Kim Chaek city, North Hamgyong province, towards the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula, the news agency KCNA said.  Other units conducted firepower training at hardened sites without live firing.   Read more ....  North Korea Says It Test-Fired Four Long-Range Cruise Missiles   North Korea says it test-fired long-range cruise missiles -- AP ...

  China Briefing: China’s Peace Plan For Ukraine, Russia, the European Union and United States   Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi is in Moscow holding extensive talks with Russian President Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and several high-ranking security officials. The release of a China proposed ‘Peace plan’ between Russia and Ukraine is expected on Friday.  To some extent, the contents are partially known in terms of statements that the Chinese side have previously made in terms of perceived support for Russia. These include a recognition of ‘Russia’s legitimate security concerns’, the ceding of the Ukrainian regions of Donbass to Russia, the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and that Ukraine will not join NATO.  On the opposite side, Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated that no Ukrainian territory will be ceded to Russia, that Crimea must be returned, and that Moscow must pay full reparations for the damage caused. The two sides therefore a...

5⃣ stories you need to know today: Ukraine says its forces have repelled Russian assaults along the length of the front line on the eve of the war's anniversary, musician R. Kelly set to be sentenced for child pornography and coercion, and more pic.twitter.com/mXS8m8YBI6 — Reuters (@Reuters) February 23, 2023 • Putin says Russia is fighting for its 'historical lands' in Ukraine • CCTV footage captures deadly coal mine collapse in China • Gaza, Israel exchange rocket fire following Israeli raid against militants in the West Bank Today's top stories in 1 minute: pic.twitter.com/7hLmvYlrUi — DW News (@dwnews) February 23, 2023 Iran is directly acknowledging an accusation attributed to international inspectors that it enriched uranium to 84% purity for the first time, which would put the Islamic Republic closer than ever to weapons-grade material. https://t.co/Q1mW4wTanj — The Associated Press (@AP) February 23, 2023 Just 40% of U.S. adults approve of how P...

Japanese deputy foreign minister Shigeo Yamada, second from right, speaks to Chinese vice foreign minister Sun Weidong, second left, during the Japan-China security dialogue on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in Tokyo [Shuji Kajiyama/pool via Reuters  CNBC/Reuters: China and Japan square off over arms and balloons at first security talks in four years   China said it was troubled by Japan’s military build up and Tokyo took aim at Beijing’s military ties to Russia and its suspected use of spy balloons during the Asian powers’ first formal security talks in four years on Wednesday.  The talks, aimed at easing tensions between the world’s second- and third-largest economies, come as Tokyo worries that Beijing will resort to force to take control of Taiwan in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, sparking a conflict that could embroil Japan and disrupt global trade.  Japan in December said it would double defense spending over the next five years to 2% of gross dom...

EBMX, as part of the Team Defence Australia industry delegation, is the leader in premium-quality, high-performance modifications to lightweight electric motorcycles around the world, distributing through an extensive dealer network of over 75 dealers spanning every continent. Read full news at this link... The EBMX product range features optimised motor controller units, enhanced Lithium-ion battery units that are fully encased, and improved braking kits that are purposely designed and built for extreme off-road all-terrain applications. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/4qBXVtc via IFTTT

Paramount, the global aerospace and technology company with a 29-year track record of developing defence solutions in challenging environments around the world, is proud to introduce an evolution of its brand at the International Defence Exhibition IDEX 2023. Read News IDEX 2023 at this link ... Paramount introduces its new brand at IDEX 2023, International Defense Exhibition in UAE. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/tSir0Mv via IFTTT

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks ahead of the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, outside the Royal Castle, in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday. (REUTERS)  Politico: Biden may not run — and top Dems are quietly preparing   The president no longer seems absolutely certain to go for a second term, leaving the party, his top aides and potential candidates unsure about '24 and very quietly mulling plan B.  Joe Biden’s closest advisers have spent months preparing for him to formally announce his reelection campaign. But with the president still not ready to make the plunge, a sense of doubt is creeping into conversations around 2024: What if he decides not to?  Biden’s past decisions around seeking the presidency have been protracted, painstaking affairs. This time, he has slipped past his most ambitious timetable, as previously outlined by advisers, to launch in February. Now they are coalescing around April.  Read more ....   WNU Ed...

Express: Test text message warning of world war to be sent to your mobile in weeks   A test of the UK's "national warning message" system will be conducted in the next few weeks.  A “national warning message” will be sent directly to every mobile phone across Britain later this month or in early March. Before the alert is sent a publicity campaign will warn people to expect it and not to panic when they get it.  Officials say the test may be the only time a nationwide message is sent but it will demonstrate that the new system is capable of reaching every part of the country.   Read more ....   Update: UK to test ‘national warning message’ of world war for the first time ever as Ukraine war could ‘only be the beginning’ (LLB)   WNU Editor: Make sure everyone knows that it is a test. You do not want a repeat of this .... 2018 Hawaii false missile alert (Wikipedia). from War News Updates https://ift.tt/juV4mYe via IFTTT

 Akinci UCAV is showcased by the Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar for the first time at NAVDEX, which began on February 20 and will continue till February 24. Read full news at this link Akinci UCAV at NAVDEX 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5noiHjY via IFTTT

Russia's president Vladimir Putin meets with China diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow. Photograph: SPUTNIK/Reuters   WNU Editor: No lone or big table for top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/M4e80BC via IFTTT

The UAE-based company IAG (International Armored Group) presents its full range of wheeled armored vehicles tailored for security and military forces during IDEX 2023, an International Defense Exhibition that takes place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Read News IDEX 2023 at this link ... The new IAG Light Patrol Vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/q9ZEpHw via IFTTT

  NAVDEX 2023 takes place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from February 20 to 25 at ADNEC. It is the largest Naval Defense exhibition in the MENA region. Read full news at this link Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/OorRmWT via IFTTT

The firm Highland Systems is taking the opportunity of the NAVDEX 2023 defense exhibition, held February 20-24, 2023, to exhibit the Kronos submarine. Read full news at this link Kronos submarine at NAVDEX 2023, Abu Dhabi. (Picture source: Navy Recognition) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/GueyYKC via IFTTT

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 21 February 2023 Find out more about Defence Intelligence: https://t.co/Xz8Pg92xcB 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/VdZmtYJGM8 — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) February 21, 2023 US President Joe #Biden visited #Kyiv on February 20 ahead of the first anniversary of #Russia ’s invasion of #Ukraine , signaling continued US commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to liberate its territory. https://t.co/xpY9JHGm4v pic.twitter.com/dA5vPTC5Iv — ISW (@TheStudyofWar) February 21, 2023 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken deplored Russia President Vladimir Putin's move to suspend its participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States as "deeply unfortunate and irresponsible." pic.twitter.com/PKt61PrCKw — The Associated Press (@AP) February 21, 2023 Speaking at a news conference held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, NATO Secretary-Gener...

  CTV News: 'We're talking about nuclear weapons', Kyiv mayor warns as war anniversary approaches   As the war in Ukraine nears the one-year mark, the mayor of Kyiv is highlighting what’s at stake, hoping to remind people the threat of nuclear war looms, and his country is fighting to defend not just itself, but every country that shares its democratic values.  Vitali Klitschko — in an exclusive Canadian interview airing Sunday with CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos — stressed that it is important for people to remember the war in Ukraine impacts everyone, not just Ukrainians, adding that it would be a “huge mistake” for people outside of Ukraine to think the war doesn’t affect them.  “Please don't forget, we're talking about nuclear weapons,” he said. “An explosion could touch everyone on our planet, and that is why we have to do everything we can to stop this war.”   Read more ....   Update: Kyiv mayor issues dire nuclear warning for ‘eve...

  WNU Editor : A lot of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war from the Military Summary channel. Alexander Mercouris gives his update on the war below.  from War News Updates https://ift.tt/8C4Vowf via IFTTT

Biden's visit to Ukraine, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he would call on major railroads to improve safety after a February 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Here’s a look at the top 5⃣ stories of the day pic.twitter.com/3O6dsMPJAi — Reuters (@Reuters) February 20, 2023 Here are 5️⃣ things you need to know today: 1️⃣ Biden surprise trip to Ukraine 2️⃣ Ohio train wreck 3️⃣ Mardi Gras shooting 4️⃣ North Korea ballistic missiles 5️⃣ Earthquake search and rescue operations https://t.co/xAB83307Cq — CNN International (@cnni) February 20, 2023 BREAKING: Another powerful earthquake has struck Turkey’s Hatay province, which was devastated by a massive tremor two week ago. The magnitude 6.4-earthquake caused some damaged buildings to collapse, according to early reports. https://t.co/woNTCV3Hiu — The Associated Press (@AP) February 20, 2023 Tens of thousands of protesters have rallied outside Israel's parliament as lawmakers loyal to PM Netanya...