MTQ News

According to a tweet from Cloooud dated August 30, 2023, the Ukrainian Kozak-2M1, an Armored Personnel Carrier, has been spotted near the frontline. This vehicle, equipped with a remote-controlled machine gun turret, is a testament to Ukraine's ongoing efforts to produce and improve its own combat vehicles, even amidst conflict. It has been specifically designed for airborne brigades and special operations forces. Read full news at this link... Ukrainian Kozak-2M1 Armored Personnel Carrier near the frontline (Picture source: Twitter account of Cloooud ) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/seFQg1S via IFTTT

Based on information circulating on Russian social media as of August 28, 2023, there are indications that Russia might be in the developmental stages of a 6x6 Multiple Launch Drone System (MLDS) intended for the latest iteration of Lancet kamikaze drones. Read full defense news at this link... Russia develops a Multiple Launch Drone System for the latest Lancet drone (Picture source: Russian social media) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/hpCFSGO via IFTTT

From evacuations amid Hurricane Idalia's landfall in Florida to the latest in the ongoing war in Ukraine, these are the 5⃣ stories you need to know today pic.twitter.com/W3dkrOmc1m — Reuters (@Reuters) August 30, 2023 • Gabon army officers announce coup after president declared vote winner • Kyiv targeted by 'most powerful' aerial attack since spring • Hurricane Idalia strengthens to Category 4 storm as it nears Florida Today's top stories in 1 minute: pic.twitter.com/ghVp5x5H9D — DW News (@dwnews) August 30, 2023 BREAKING: Gabon's military says President Ali Bongo Ondimba is under house arrest and others in government are being held on various charges. Some people have taken to the streets of Libreville to celebrate, singing the national anthem with soldiers. https://t.co/u7dQnlAkCE — The Associated Press (@AP) August 30, 2023 Gabon's President Ali Bongo appealed to the international community to ‘make noise’ to support him and his family. Bong...

Ep. 20 Hungary shares a border with Ukraine. We traveled to Budapest to speak with the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. pic.twitter.com/LOzpMrQNIz — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 29, 2023 WNU Editor : Here is an easy prediction. In the current environment Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's remarks that the US drop its “bad policy” of military confrontation with Russia and seek peace instead will be ignored by Washington. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/VnCc3Yh via IFTTT

WNU Editor : Kyivstar is a major telecom provider in Ukraine ( link here ). In their promo Kievstar said “400 thousand heroes will never answer the phone again”. The video has been removed, but this Reddit page was able to save it ( link here ).  I think what they wanted to say was 400,000 Ukrainian casualties not 400,000 soldiers killed. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/5d8ejgr via IFTTT

In the near future, the Ukrainian military plans to integrate ground-based robotic systems into active service, capable of engaging in combat operations to provide fire support and execute various tasks. This declaration was made by Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mikhail Fedorov, and was echoed by a report from topwar.ru. Read full news at this link...  A total of 25 robotic platforms were unveiled, equipped to fulfill a spectrum of roles, including delivering fire support, transporting ammunition, facilitating the evacuation of wounded personnel from the battleground, and executing demining operations (Picture source: via topwar.ru) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/d8uflXZ via IFTTT

In a tweet from Ukrainian Front published on August 29, 2023, it was revealed that the German Boxer RCH155 155mm self-propelled howitzer is currently in production for Ukraine. The first units are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2024, with additional orders to be announced soon. Read full news at this link... Self-Propelled Howitzer Boxer RCH155 (Picture source: KNDS ) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/AT6w1bm via IFTTT

Based on the observation of the course of battles in Ukraine, Spanish strategists conclude that a deep reform of the army structure was necessary, topwar.ru reports, echoing defensa.com: "The lesson of the Ukrainian conflict was the conclusion that changes at the front are happening very quickly", the Spanish Ministry of Defense believes. Read full news at this link... "King Alfonso XIII" brigade of the future will be equipped with Dual EIMOS 81mm Onboard Mortar Systems (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/lgLKzd4 via IFTTT

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's President Erdogan meet on the sidelines CICA summit in Astana © Thomson Reuters #Turkish President #Erdogan will reportedly meet #Russia 's Putin next week. ▪️Erdogan could possibly go to Russia on Sept. 8, before traveling to India to attend the Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi, officials said. pic.twitter.com/ASgvefFol1 — EHA News (@eha_news) August 28, 2023   Bloomberg: Erdogan Plans to Meet Putin Next Week to Discuss Grain Deal   Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet Vladimir Putin in Russia next week to discuss reviving the Black Sea grain deal.   Erdogan could possibly go to Russia on Sept. 8, before traveling to India to attend the Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi, according two Turkish officials familiar with the matter. The Turkish presidency declined to comment.  Erdogan wants the deal, which allowed Ukraine to export grain via the Black Sea and which Russia pulled out of la...

According to a recent post on LinkedIn, Osprea Logistics has dispatched an additional shipment of Mamba MK7 vehicles to an undisclosed country in West Africa. This nation intends to utilize the Mamba MK7 to enhance the protection of its soldiers and security personnel against various threats, including insurgent groups and security challenges. Read full defense news at this link... Osprea Logistics sends a batch of Mamba MK7 MRAP to an undisclosed African country. (Picture source Osprea Logistics) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Lp4OCY9 via IFTTT

 According to information published by the U.S. DoD on August 25, 2023, the U.S. Navy recently christened the Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, the USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6) in a ceremony. Read full news at this link Navajo class towing salvage and rescue ship USNS Navajo. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ChUQHWu via IFTTT

Eight months after its introduction to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Lavr APC has apparently showcased its effectiveness in the ongoing conflict, as detailed in an ArmyInform article dated August 19, 2023. It's noteworthy to mention that it's a rare occasion for Ukrainian troops to speak about equipment delivered just prior to the Russian invasion. Read full defense news at this link... The Lavr APC apparently showcased its effectiveness since the start of the Russian invasion (Picture sources: ArmyInform) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/yZp8U64 via IFTTT

Rheinmetall has welcomed the signing of a German-Australian letter of cooperation for the planned production of Boxer combat vehicles in Australia for the German Army’s “schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie” (heavy weapon carrier infantry) project, deepening the close cooperation and defence partnership between the two nations in the land domain.  Read full news at this link... Boxer configured for Australian Land 400 Phase 2 (Picture source: Wikipedia /Graham Robson-Parker) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/X8H6MFi via IFTTT

  On August 22, 2023, Spain announced a substantial investment of over €2 billion in its ground forces, the Ejército de Tierra, with a specific budget of €208 million earmarked for the maintenance and modernization of its Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster Spain's military capabilities, which also includes the purchase of 348 VCR Dragón 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles and the launch of the €1.95 billion VAC (Vehiculo de Apoyo de Cadenas) program, as reported by Army Recognition on August 23, 2023. Read full Defense News at this link: Spanish Leopard 2A4 main battle tank, locally known as the 2 E. (Picture source: Wikimedia ) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/DuYdL9n via IFTTT

  The Guardian: Syrian protests enter second week with calls for Assad to go   Demonstrations have grown steadily throughout the south, centring around the province of Suwayda  A spate of protests and strikes across government-held areas in southern Syria have continued into their second week, with demonstrators increasingly unafraid to call for the removal of the president, Bashar al-Assad.  Protesters gathered in the southern city of Suwayda on Monday, closing provincial roads. The province of Suwayda has remained under government control since Syria’s 2011 uprising and is home to much of the country’s Druze minority.  Video shared by the activist-led organisation Suwayda24 showed several hundred people gathered in a central square waving Druze flags and chanting “long live Syria, and down with Bashar al-Assad”.   Read more ....   Update: Protesters demand end to authoritarian rule in Syria (Reuters)   WNU Editor : The protests ste...

The U.S. Defense Department is instituting a forward-leaning, whole-of-department approach in accomplishing its top priority of maintaining the world's foremost nuclear deterrence capability, a top Pentagon official said on August 25. Joseph Clark, US DoD, reports. Read full news at this link... Concept rendering of the U.S. Air Force's LGM-35A intercontinental ballistic missile (Drawing source: U.S. Air Force) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/6MexEpv via IFTTT

  Washington Post: Zimbabwe opposition cries foul after leader Mnangagwa wins second term   NAIROBI — Zimbabwe’s opposition on Sunday accused the ruling party of “blatant and gigantic fraud” after authorities declared the incumbent president the winner of last week’s election, despite allegations of voter intimidation and a crackdown on government critics.  The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, whose members are chosen by the president, announced late Saturday that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had won a second five-year term with more than 52 percent of the vote.  According to the commission’s results, opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa garnered just 44 percent.  The elections were held on Wednesday and extended into Thursday after some regions, including the capital, Harare, did not receive their ballots on time.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: Elections commission says Mnangagwa won 52.6 percent of the vote compared with 44 percent for challe...

  WNU Editor : A lot of updates today. Ukraine is throwing everything including the kitchen sink in its southern counteroffensive. My sources in Ukraine tell me that the casualty numbers are enormous, and all hospitals are beyond full. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/iJu8M9U via IFTTT

Iran's defense industry is set to make a significant leap with the forthcoming unveiling of its new unmanned stealth fighter aircraft, the "Qaher-313" (Conqueror-313). Afshin Khajehfard, the chief of the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), confirmed that the aircraft is in its final stages of development and will be displayed in the coming months. R ead full Defense Aviation News at this link ... Iran has developed a new unmanned version of its Qaher-313 stealth fighter aircraft.  (Picture source: Iranian media) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/45yOMvH via IFTTT

Dealing with a family emergency since last night. Everything is going to be OK, and blogging should return this evening. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/c9CyV1F via IFTTT

A video published on the "Ukraine Weapons Tracker" Twitter account on August 26, 2023, revealed that Russian armed forces have destroyed a second CAESAR 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer using a Lancet loitering munition near Veselyi Hai, Donetsk Oblast. This marks the second confirmed destruction of a CAESAR howitzer out of the 30 that have been delivered by France to Ukraine since May 2022. Read News Russia - Ukraine War at this link ... Russian forces have destroyed a second Ukrainian CAESAR 155mm 6x6 self-propelled howitzer donated by France. (Picture source Screen Shot Twitter Video) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/m6iILX2 via IFTTT

Zero Hedge : Visualizing The BRICS Expansion In 4 Charts   BRICS is an association of five major countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Distinguished by their emerging economies, the group has sought to improve diplomatic coordination, reform global financial institutions, and ultimately serve as a counterbalance to Western hegemony.  On Aug. 24, 2023, BRICS announced that it would formally accept six new members at the start of 2024: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).   Read more ....   WNU Editor: So much for the Western dream of the New Global Order. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/1A64xqd via IFTTT

 Busy today doing a number of chores. Blogging will return this evening. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/y7uvNzp via IFTTT

Stocks rallied Friday as traders cheered comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that point to stronger-than-expected economic growth. The Dow rose 0.73%. The S&P 500 gained 0.67%. The Nasdaq jumped 0.94%. https://t.co/qBhdb06oRG pic.twitter.com/4YcRBcXUNi — CNBC (@CNBC) August 25, 2023 The continued strength of the U.S. economy could require further interest rate increases, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Friday. pic.twitter.com/9Xj2gWKwHb — The Associated Press (@AP) August 25, 2023 Foreign poll observers on Friday said Zimbabwe's presidential and legislative elections failed to conform to regional and international standards, placing in doubt the credibility of the tense vote. https://t.co/OZyiMXQ0AO — AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 25, 2023 BREAKING: Niger's junta has asked the French ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours. The move further escalates an international crisis stemming from last month's coup. https://t.co...

New York Daily News : At least 24 women claim sexual abuse at the CIA has been covered up   A sexual assault case involving a CIA officer trainee has sparked a movement among female agency employees, with at least two dozen already claiming instances of misconduct and suppression.  Officer trainee Ashkan Bayatpour was convicted Wednesday for an incident that took place in 2022, during which he attacked a colleague in a secluded stairwell, wrapped a scarf around her neck and tried to kiss her on the mouth.  The case was notable for the surprising way it displayed the CIA’s covert inner-workings in a public courtroom, and has since led to a flood of women stepping forward to make new accusations.   Read more ....   Update #1: CIA stairwell attack among flood of sexual misconduct complaints at spy agency (AP)   Update #2: Ashkan Bayatpour is convicted of sex attack on female CIA colleague as agency is accused of harboring perverts (Daily Mail) ...

Wikipedia BBC: US government sues Elon Musk's SpaceX over hiring policy   The US Department of Justice has said it is suing Elon Musk's SpaceX, alleging the rocket firm discriminates against refugees and asylum seekers in its hiring practices.  The DoJ says SpaceX falsely claimed that it was not allowed to hire non-US citizens.  The investigation into SpaceX by the DoJ was prompted after allegations of discrimination from a foreign worker. The BBC has contacted SpaceX for comment.   Read more ....   Update #1 : Justice Department sues SpaceX for the claim it can hire only citizens (Washington Post)   Update #2 : DOJ sues SpaceX alleging hiring discrimination against refugees and asylum recipients (CNBC)   WNU Editor: This is just one more example on how out of control the US Justice Department has become. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/nDEsLg7 via IFTTT

Unconfirmed rumors that a Chinese nuclear-power submarine crashed near the vicinity of the disputed Taiwan Strait have been circulating online (file photo)  Daily Mail : Taiwan denies reports that a Chinese nuclear sub has crashed near the Taiwan Strait   * Unconfirmed rumors that a Chinese nuclear-power submarine crashed near the vicinity of the disputed Taiwan Strait have been circulating online  * Reports on Tuesday said that a Type 093 (Shang class) submarine had a major accident, killing everyone aboard  * The Taiwan military claimed there is no evidence to indicate a Chinese submarine collision and Beijing has not confirmed the incident  Taiwan officials have denied reports that a Chinese nuclear sub crashed near the disputed Taiwan Strait.  Rumors have circulated that a Type 093 (Shang class) People's Liberation Army nuclear-powered attack submarine had crashed in unknown circumstances at some point in the past few days, killing everyone aboar...

The Luxembourg Directorate of Defence has taken a step in modernizing its armed forces by ordering 80 Eagle V 4x4 vehicles from GDELS on October 25, 2022. Their production has started. This move aligns with the country's commitment to enhance its operational capacities and conduct all types of military reconnaissance missions. Read full news at this link... Eagle V 4x4 Vehicles (Picture source: GDELS ) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rtZNGUg via IFTTT

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on August 23 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this sale. Read full news at this link... Taiwanese F-16 Vipers (Picture source: Taiwan Military News Agency) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/wO28lGc via IFTTT

FILE PHOTO: Evgeny Prigozhin stands at a cemetery for fallen PMC Wagner fighters in Krasnodar, Russia, April 2023 © Telegram / @concordgroup_official   RT: Prigozhin plane crash: What we know so far   The Wagner Group chief was traveling on board a private jet that crashed in Russia with no survivors Russian authorities have confirmed that a private jet with Wagner Group founder Evgeny Prigozhin listed as a passenger crashed between Moscow and St. Petersburg on Wednesday, killing all on board. 1) What details have been confirmed?   The Russian Emergencies Ministry confirmed that the jet plunged to the ground in Tver Region, and that all three crew and seven passengers on board were killed.  The ministry said that the jet, an Embraer 135BJ Legacy 600, was traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg at the time of the incident. Rosaviatsiya, the Russian federal air transport agency, said that Prighozhin was on board, along with several high-ranking Wagner commande...

Greek firefighters battle a raging wildfire next to Athens for a second day, Thailand's billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalized on his first night in prison, and more. Here's a look at the top 5⃣ stories of the day pic.twitter.com/f3Gu0kV6Zu — Reuters (@Reuters) August 23, 2023 #UPDATE BRICS leaders have agreed to expand the club of major emerging economies and adopted conditions for entry, South Africa said Wednesday, as the bloc pursues greater clout to shape the world order https://t.co/Y2tdKbJQAv — AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 23, 2023 Two Philippine boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade to deliver food and supplies to Filipino forces guarding the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the supply boats were blocked. https://t.co/6f21IHqqd9 — The Associated Press (@AP) August 23, 2023 There are doubts that Zimbabwe's ruling party will allow a credible election. But that...

Journalist: “Are you able to forgive?” Putin: “Yes, but not everything.” Journalist: “What is impossible to forgive?” Putin: “Betrayal” pic.twitter.com/6zFmp4CQ0l — Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 23, 2023 WNU Editor: After watching this clip Wagner Group Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was the first thing that came to my mind. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/dEcVmjZ via IFTTT

  As part of an initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities, General James Hecker, representing the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, unveiled an innovative training plan for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 multirole fighter jets. Read full Defense News at this link: A U.S. Air Force F-16 assigned to the 121st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies over U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility during a mission in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, July 17, 2021 (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Taylor Crul) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/AbDSflT via IFTTT

On August 21, 2023, Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is set to receive its first batch of Abrams M1A2T tanks next year. This announcement was made by the President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen. Read full news at this link... Main Battle Tank Abrams M1A2 SEP V2 (Picture source: United States DoD ) Read more.. from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rc1oRGW via IFTTT

The U.S. Army took its next step in bolstering its top modernization priority with a successful launch of the Tomahawk cruise missile from its mid-range capability prototype system on June 27, showcasing the potential of its newest, ground-based missile launcher. Joe Lacdan, U.S. Army News Service, reports. Read full news at this link... The U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office's Mid-Range Capability Project Office, in conjunction with soldiers from 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, and the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, successfully demonstrated the launch of a Tomahawk missile from the Army's prototype Mid-Range Capability (MRC) system on June 27, 2023 (Picture source: U.S. Army/Darrell Ames) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/UjeTCgP via IFTTT

British soldiers on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million five-year contract that has been awarded to BAE Systems to design and manufacture a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) known as ‘Trinity’. The network will provide troops with a highly secure and state-of-the-art battlefield internet capability. Read full news at this link... Trinity, the next-generation network, will ensure land-based UK military personnel can interact faster with allies, operating as a single nation or as part of an international coalition, across different battlefield domains (Picture source: BAE Systems) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/EoqSQbG via IFTTT

Foreign assistance will always be vital to Ukraine's war effort. But with the looming threat of a second Donald Trump presidency, Ukrainians are increasingly taking matters into their own hands when it comes to weapons supply. https://t.co/pzGbZrr02s — POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) August 21, 2023 Zero Hedge: The 'Ukraine Failure' Script Is Already Being Written & Only One Man Will Be Blamed   Ukrainian forces are being offered unsolicited advice on wartime strategies now by The New York Times, apparently, while also being thrown under the bus. On Tuesday the below headline appeared at the top of the NYT's frontpage... Mainstream media has very quickly, in a span of two months, gone from euphoric "Ukraine is winning" & "Putin's demise imminent" statements, to now trying to explain just how it is that Kiev's counteroffensive is in shambles, despite billions in Western military hardware. Who's to blame?  Read more .....

Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin via Reuters © Provided by The Daily Beast  Daily Beast : Russia’s ‘General Armageddon’ Gets the Boot Weeks After Wagner Coup   Russia’s Gen. Sergei Surovikin has officially been relieved of duty after reportedly spending weeks on house arrest over his suspected involvement in June’s deadly military coup.  The news was first announced Tuesday by journalist Alexei Venediktov, who posted the text from a presidential decree ordering Surovikin’s dismissal as the commander of the Aerospace Forces on Twitter.  The decree was not publicly available. Several pro-Kremlin Telegram channels also shared news of Surovikin’s firing, writing that Vladimir Putin’s decree was signed last week but kept under wraps.   Read more ....   Update #1: Prominent journalist says Russia's Surovikin dismissed as head of aerospace forces (Reuters)   Update #2: Russia’s ‘General Armageddon’ sacked as head of aerospace forces (Politico) ...

According to an article by ArmyInform on August 20, 2023, Ukrainian engineers have introduced an electric ATV evacuation vehicle known as the Crafter HIMAKS (HIMAKS stands for "Evacuation Quadricycle" in Ukrainian). Currently, five HIMAKS are operational on the front lines, fulfilling the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and providing an efficient solution for evacuating wounded individuals from the battlefront. Read full defense news at this link... Ukrainian military adopt HIMAKS electric ATV for frontline medical evacuations (Picture source Emobili) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/1RUD8on via IFTTT

Nearly 50 plane flights in and out of the capital were disrupted. Image: Valery Sharifulin/picture alliance/dpa/TASS   Business Insider : Airport chaos continues in Russia as Ukrainian drones target Moscow for the second time this week   * All four Russian airports halted operations Monday after Ukrainian drones were shot down overhead.  * Ukrainian drones have been causing disruption in the airport district in recent weeks.  * On Friday, airports in the region were also closed due to another drone found in Russian airspace.  Ukrainian drones on Monday caused havoc at Moscow airports for the second time in a week, grounding flights and delaying operations for hours while Russia's missile defense system took effect.  On Monday, the Russian state media agency, Tass reported midmorning flights were delayed at the Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports in addition to more than 50 flights that had been diverted earlier in the day. ...