MTQ News

The British Army has deployed its latest generation of AJAX and ARES reconnaissance tracked armored vehicles for the first time during a military exercise, as revealed by photographs released by the British Ministry of Defense. These state-of-the-art combat vehicles are set to replace the older CVRT reconnaissance armored vehicles that have been in service with the British army for years. Read full Defense News at this link ... British Army conducted the first military exercise with AJAX and ARES new generation of tracked reconnaissance armored vehicles. (Picture source MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xQ8Za2U via IFTTT

The Australian Defence Force’s MRH-90 Taipan helicopters will not return to flying operations before their planned withdrawal date of December 2024. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Government was focused on the introduction into service of the new fleet of UH‑60M Black Hawks. Read full news at this link... An Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter takes off from Evans Head, New South Wales, during Operation Flood Assist 2022 (Picture source: Australian MoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/f7isouT via IFTTT

 According to information published by the UK MoD on September 29, 2023, Romania has acquired two notable minehunters from the UK's Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA). Read full news at this link Sandown class minehunter HMS Blyth. (Picture source: UK MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/u3tkR9s via IFTTT

As demonstrated by the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia, the landscape of modern warfare is currently undergoing a significant shift, driven by the increasing utilization of loitering munitions (kamikaze drones). These unmanned aerial systems, such as the new Serbian OSICA, purpose-built for locating and neutralizing enemy targets, are rapidly gaining importance in the military market. Read full defense news at this link... The OSICA loitering munition showcased at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5YTlWDE via IFTTT

On September 28, the European Defence Agency (EDA) hosted the final meeting of the PILUM project, which focuses on a disruptive concept for an electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) – a future complementary artillery system with the potential of significantly higher projectile velocities and long-range effect. Read full news at this link... All seven partners from four European countries working together on this study agreed that significant advancements in the three key areas of electromagnetic artillery were made (Picture source: EDA) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/zaqhoSE via IFTTT

Amazing and sad chart from NYT on how virtually nothing has changed from 9 months of tragically deadly and expensive fighting in Ukraine throughout 2023: Pink zones show parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia since January. Blue shows gains by Ukraine. Red shows gains by Russia. pic.twitter.com/5y9oc7ZbOJ — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 28, 2023 Seattle Times/New York Times: Who’s gaining ground in Ukraine? This year, No one   The front line in Ukraine changed little in the winter. Russia aimed to capture the entirety of the Donbas, but it only inched forward.  Ukraine has made minimal gains in its counteroffensive. Dense Russian minefields and fortifications have made every attack extremely costly.  Despite nine months of bloody fighting, less than 500 square miles of territory have changed hands since the start of the year. A prolonged stalemate could weaken Western support for Ukraine.  Both sides started the year with lofty ambitions: Russia...

  CNN: A NATO country could soon have a pro-Russian leader   Slovakia is getting ready to elect its fifth prime minister in just four years, and with Kremlin sympathizer Robert Fico’s opposition party leading the polls, it is one being watched with alarm in the West.   Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, Slovakia has been one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies. The two countries share a border, Slovakia was the first country to send air defenses to Ukraine and it welcomed tens of thousands of refugees.  But all that could change if Fico comes to power. The former prime minister makes no secret of his sympathies towards the Kremlin and has blamed “Ukrainian Nazis and fascists” for provoking Russia’s President Vladimir Putin into launching the invasion, repeating the false narrative Putin has used to justify his invasion.   Read more WNU Editor: Since the start of the Russia - Ukraine war a number of European governments have been defeated in nation...

Visitors walk near exhibits, which are on display at the Army-2015 international military-technical forum in Kubinka, outside Moscow, Russia, June 17, 2015.   Moscow Times/AFP : Russia said Thursday that it plans to raise defense spending by almost 70% next year   Russia said Thursday that it plans to raise defense spending by almost 70% next year, funneling massive resources into its Ukraine offensive to fight what it calls a "hybrid war" unleashed by the West.  With Moscow's "special military operation" now dragging through its 20th month, both sides have been digging deep and procuring weapons from allies in preparation for a protracted conflict.  The announcement came as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and the defense ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defense systems.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: It is not only defense spending that is seeing a increase .... Russia plans 26% rise...

  FOX News: US officials say Travis King is in American custody after months of detainment in North Korea   A US official confirms to Fox News Digital that US Army Private Travis King is safely in US custody  The North Korean government has released a U.S. serviceman after holding him in detainment since July, Fox News Digital has confirmed.  The North Korean government returned U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King to U.S. custody in mainland China on Wednesday following months of imprisonment, according to North Korean state outlets and the U.S. National Security Council.  "The relevant organ of the [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] decided to expel Travis King, a soldier of the U.S. Army who illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK, under the law of the Republic," state media outlet Korean Central News Agency wrote early Wednesday, according to translations provided by Yonhap News Agency.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : There was no "up...

German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems GmbH from Munich wins the FALKE tender from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw)., The company, manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, on September 26 signed a framework agreement with the BAAINBw for the delivery of Vector reconnaissance drones. The delivery of 14 unmanned aerial systems will begin at the end of 2024. Read full news at this link... Vector enables precise reconnaissance over a range of up to 30 km with a flight duration of up to three hours (Picture source: Quantum Systems) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ijGAPhe via IFTTT

Currently at the Partner 2023 expo, Serbia is showcasing a range of innovations. One such innovation is the Obad quadcopter, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by the Military Technical Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia. This quadcopter is designed for quick deployment and high-mobility military applications. Uniquely, this version is armed with two 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles that can be fired directly from the drone, a rather uncommon feature for a UAV. Read full news at this link... Serbian Obad quadcopter armed with 2 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles at Partner 2023 (Picture source: Army Recognition ) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/LqBpC7v via IFTTT

National Armaments Directors from more than 40 countries, the European Union, and NATO gathered on September 27 in Brussels, Belgium, under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to further ongoing efforts aimed at collaboratively solving industrial base and sustainment challenges in support of Ukraine. Led by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante, the session was the sixth meeting to date.  Read full news at this link... A Bradley fighting vehicle is loaded onto the ARC Integrity vehicle carrier at the Transportation Core Dock in North Charleston, S.C., on Jan. 25, 2023. More than 60 Bradleys were shipped by U.S. Transportation Command as part of the U.S. military aid package to Ukraine (Picture source: US DoD/Oz Suguitan, Transportation Command) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/WrXLK7F via IFTTT

  DW: Nagorno-Karabakh: Nearly half of ethnic Armenians flee   Yerevan said more than 50,000 ethnic Armenians have fled in fear of reprisal from Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Germany and the US are pushing to get independent observers into the breakaway region. The Armenian government said at least 53,000 ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh since Azerbaijan's operation last week to take control of the breakaway region.  Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday called on Azerbaijan to allow international observers into Nagorno-Karabakh, to show Baku's commitment to protecting the people living there.  US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has also underlined the need for international observers and humanitarian aid in the region in a talk with Azerbaijan's President Aliyev, Washington says.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: I said a few days ago that in the months to come much of the Armenian population will leave. I was wrong. ...

  WNU Editor : The big news that I have been hearing for the past two days from Russia is that the Russian Ministry of Defense believes if current trends continue, Russia will be well positioned to end the SMO (Special military Operation) by 2025.  I am not that optimistic.  In the past few days I have been reflecting on the war, and I do not see this ending in the next year or two. I see the opposite. This Ukraine counteroffensive has burned its best troops and thousands of pieces of Western equipment, and in any other situation a government would sue for peace. But the West, specifically the U.S. government and some of its allies, are hell-bent on continuing this war. They are going to continue the flow of monies and war equipment to Kyiv, even if it will mean the death of hundreds of thousands of more Ukrainians. And if President Biden is re-elected in 2024, God only knows where this conflict is going to end. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/QsjnW50 via I...

BAE Systems has received a five-year contract from Lockheed Martin to sustain the AN/ALR-94 advanced digital electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-22 Raptor. Under the contract, BAE Systems will continue to manage EW system repairs and upgrades, supplier logistics, test equipment maintenance, and provide depot-level spares and engineering support to maintain F-22 EW readiness and relevancy for today’s air dominance mission. Read full news at this link... F-22 Raptors prepare to receive fuel over Poland, May 20, 2023 (Picture source: US Air Force) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rml70tn via IFTTT

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, completed the first flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady's Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) program. Read full news at this link... First flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady's Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR)  (Picture source: Lockheed Martin) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/JqzVk01 via IFTTT

In a groundbreaking move, Serbian defense company Yugoimport has announced its ambitious plans to develop the world's lightest Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This innovative system will be based on the Milosh, a versatile 4x4 armored vehicle, and will be equipped with 28 launcher tubes. These tubes are designed to fire the S-8 KOM unguided rockets, known for their capability to decimate ground targets. Read full Defense News at this link ... Artist rendering of the Serbian-made Milosh MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source Yugoimport) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/WG4Usb1 via IFTTT

  VOA: Philippines Removes China’s Floating Barrier at South China Sea Lagoon   The Philippine coast guard said it removed a Chinese floating barrier that blocked access to a disputed South China Sea lagoon.  A coast guard statement said it conducted a “special operation” to remove the barrier, which China put in place last week.  The Philippine coast guard also released a video showing a diver using a knife to cut a rope attached to buoys.   Read more ....  Philippines Removes Chinese Floating Barrier In Disputed South China Sea Shoal   Philippines removes Chinese barrier at disputed shoal in 'special operation' -- Reuters   Philippines Removes China Floating Barrier in Disputed South China Sea Shoal -- Bloomberg  Moment Philippines diver armed with a knife removes enormous 1,000ft floating barrier installed by Beijing near disputed South China Sea island -- Daily Mail   Philippines executes 'special operation' to remo...

In an exciting collaboration with the Serbian State Defense Company Yugoimport, the Army Recognition editorial team provided in-depth coverage of Day 2 at the Partner 2023 defense exhibition held in Belgrade, Serbia. Read News Partner 2023 at this link ... Discover the defense technology of the Serbian defense industry at Partner 2023, a defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/2qOyVPo via IFTTT

At the Partner 2023 exhibition held in Serbia, the M120M is revealed to the public. The semi-automatic mobile mortar system, developed by the Military Technical Institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, is designed to serve as a close support weapon for infantry. The system aims to provide a versatile and robust solution for a variety of combat scenarios, ranging from artillery preparation to defense operations. Read full news at this link... Serbian M120M Mobile Mortar System at Partner 2023 (Picture source: Army Recognition ) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/W4FXlz9 via IFTTT

 According to information published by ABC on September 26, 2023, the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarine HMAS Farncomb experienced an electrical fire while at sea during its 25th year in service. Read full news at this link Collins class submarine HMAS Farncomb. (Picture source: Australian MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/86ulE4W via IFTTT

Northrop Grumman announced on September 25 that the U.S. Air Force has awarded the company an approximately $705 million contract to deliver the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), an air-to-ground weapon that accelerates the pivot to a new generation of air power. Read full news at this link... Northrop Grumman’s SiAW rapidly delivers state-of-the-art technology built into mature, low-risk, proven missile capabilities (Picture source: Northrop Grumman) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/j92tDFR via IFTTT

Belgrade, Serbia, September 25, 2023 - In a groundbreaking showcase at the Partner 2023 defense exhibition, the Serbian defense industry has unveiled the latest iteration of their locally-made M84 main battle tank, the M-84AS2. This state-of-the-art tank boasts a myriad of enhancements in firepower, mobility, protection, and situational awareness, setting a new benchmark in armored warfare. Read News Partner 2023 at this link ... New Serbian-made M-84AS2 MBT Main Battle Tank at Partner 2023, a defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jtVFRaB via IFTTT

In an exhilarating first day at the Partner 2023 International Defense Exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia, the Army Recognition editorial team provided an in-depth look into the latest advancements in defense technology of the Serbian Defense Industry. Read News Partner 2023 at this link ... Partner 2023 is a unique event showcasing the latest innovations and technologies of the Serbian defense industry. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/arSwZQi via IFTTT

 The Congolese Air Force recently acquired four units of the Paramount AHRLAC (Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft), according to a company announcement dated September 12, 2023. In doing so, the Democratic Republic of Congo joins Mozambique as the operator of this multi-role aircraft. Manufactured in South Africa, the AHRLAC is designed for use in a variety of roles and is being considered by smaller air forces in Africa. Read full Defense News at this link:   AHRLAC incorporates a high inverted swept wing, a twin fin tail, and a semi-retractable tricycle landing gear (Picture source: Paramount) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/cD6eXfP via IFTTT

The U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, known as RCCTO, has proudly announced the successful delivery of four state-of-the-art Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) prototype systems to the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment stationed at Fort Sill. This delivery of the prototype platoon represents a significant milestone for the DE M-SHORAD Project Management Office, led by Colonel Steven D. Gutierrez, and stands as a major achievement for the entire team involved, as reported by Venetia Gonzales, U.S. Army. Read full news at this link... U.S. soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment positioned in front of four Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) prototype systems (Picture source: 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/1DEpfH8 via IFTTT

An F-35 aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 and an F-35B instructor pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 perform preflight checks on an F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 20, 2023. US Marine Corps/Staff Sgt. Theodore Bergan   Insider: F-35 stealth fighter jets are only capable of flying missions a little over half the time, watchdog finds   * A new government watchdog report reveals that the F-35 program is plagued by maintenance issues.  * Because of these problems, the stealth fighters can only fly a mission just over half the time.  * "Maintenance challenges negatively affect F-35 aircraft readiness," the report noted.  The US military's F-35 fighters are only capable of flying missions just over half the time due to serious maintenance issues, according to a watchdog review of the Pentagon's long-term procurement plans for the stealth aircraft....

ABC News: Trump edges out Biden 51-42 in head-to-head matchup: POLL   The president's job approval rating is 19 points underwater.   President Joe Biden's job approval rating is 19 points underwater, his ratings for handling the economy and immigration are at career lows. A record number of Americans say they've become worse off under his presidency, three-quarters say he's too old for another term and Donald Trump is looking better in retrospect -- all severe challenges for Biden in his reelection campaign ahead.  Forty-four percent of Americans in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll say they've gotten worse off financially under Biden's presidency, the most for any president in ABC/Post polls since 1986. Just 37% approve of his job performance, while 56% disapprove. Still fewer approve of Biden's performance on the economy, 30%.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: The news media is downplaying this poll .... Washington Post says poll showing Trum...

London, UK, September 24, 2023 - At the DSEI 2023 International Defense Exhibition held in London, CTA International showcased its latest generation of 40 mm turret, a versatile weapon system designed for both land and naval platforms. This innovative turret is a testament to the evolving needs of modern warfare and the continuous push for technological advancements in defense equipment. Read full Defense News at this link ... The CTA International 40mm turret is mounted on the new British Ajax reconnaissance tracked armored vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Qkip9uX via IFTTT

Too many personal chores that need to be taken care of today. Blogging will return this evening. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/cWbwPqE via IFTTT

  CBC News: Russia's violence 'must not go unpunished,' Zelenskyy tells Canadian parliamentarians   Liberals announce $650M more in military aid for Ukraine, spread over several years   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an impassioned speech to parliamentarians Friday calling on Canada and other western allies to stick by his country through the long, bloody road to victory.  He addressed a joint meeting of the Canadian Parliament Friday following meetings in the United States, where he appealed for more weapons and rebuked Russia before the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.  "Life and justice must prevail," Zelenskyy told the House of Commons in a speech that received at least a dozen standing ovations.  Read more ....  WNU Editor: He got some military aid from Ottawa, but it is spread out over 3 years .... Canada pledges C$650 million in Ukraine aid during Zelensky visit (France24).  I was in Tor...

  NBC News: Biden tells Zelenskyy that U.S. will send Ukraine ATACMS long-range missiles   Some in Washington had resisted supplying the weapons system, known as “attack-ems,” out of fear that it would widen the war with Russia.   President Joe Biden has told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, that the United States will provide a small number of long-range missiles to aid the war with Russia, three U.S. officials and a congressional official familiar with the discussions told NBC News on Friday.  The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, did not say when the missiles would be delivered or when a public announcement would be made.  For months, Ukraine has asked for the Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, which would give Kyiv the ability to strike targets from as far away as about 180 miles, hitting supply lines, railways, and command and control locations behind the Russian front lines.   Read more .... ...

Zelensky is facing 'questions' from sceptics in Washington (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)   AFP : Diplomatic challenges multiply for Zelensky   President Volodymyr Zelensky, who once enjoyed enthusiastic support from his allies in the defence of Ukraine, is encountering more diplomatic setbacks than at any point since Russia's 2022 invasion.  Zelensky went to the US Congress on Thursday to face sceptical Republicans threatening to cut off massive aid for his country's fight against Russia and to reassure his American backers that Ukraine can win.  The United States has spearheaded Western support for Ukraine, with Congress having approved more than $100 billion in aid, including $43 billion in weaponry.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: The mood on supporting the war in the US is changing .... Zelensky’s mixed reception in Washington may be a taste of political storm to come (CNN).  On one hand Ukraine has the full support of Senators like Senator...

On September 20th, 2023, social media was abuzz with a video that appeared to capture cruise missiles soaring over Crimea. The missiles depicted in the video closely resemble the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG air-to-ground missile. During this event, missiles targeted and struck the Russian Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Crimea, coinciding with a leadership meeting. Read News Russia Ukraine War at this link ... Ukraine uses Storm Shadow Scalp missiles to target the Russian Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Crimea. (Picture source video footage social network) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/7hN4gTX via IFTTT

London, UK, September 23, 2023 - The British Army has begun receiving the advanced M270A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) launchers, marking a significant upgrade to its land fleet capabilities. The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to bolster the nation's defense infrastructure. Read full Defense News at this link ... British army displays its new M270A2 GMLRS Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System at the DSEI 2023 defense exhibition in London, UK. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/uyfovlM via IFTTT

Fort Campbell, KY, United States - In a significant advancement for the U.S. military's infantry capabilities, soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) have received the first Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) that includes the NGSW-R (Generation Squad Weapon- Rifle) and the NGSW-AR (Generation Squad Weapon- Automatic Rifle). This groundbreaking information was confirmed by the "Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team" via their official Twitter account on September 21, 2023. Read full Defense News at this link ... U.S. soldiers at Fort Campbell received the first Next Generation Squad Weapons NGSW. (Picture source Twitter Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Oau8IzB via IFTTT