Russia’s MiG-31Ks with Kinzhal Missiles Use Air Refueling as Ukraine Expands Strike Range

On 11 October 2025, a fresh wave of imagery revived the question of whether Russia is keeping its MiG-31 Kinzhal carriers far from Ukrainian threat axes and using aerial refueling to shape optimal launch geometry, as reported by @Osintwarfare on X. The context is a two-year trend of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes against Russian airbases, Engels-2 in December 2022 and Soltsy-2 in August 2023 among the most visible, which has pushed Moscow to disperse scarce strike platforms deeper inside the country. At the same time, U.S. and Ukrainian officials have confirmed Patriot intercepts of Kh-47M2 Kinzhals, giving Russia an operational incentive to vary azimuths, timing and energy at launch. Together, these pressures make tanker support an attractive enabler for standoff Kinzhal employment from safer bases. Read Full Defense News At This Link.

The MiG-31K/I Foxhound variants were adapted as heavy missile carriers, and the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile was mounted on the centerline (Picture source: @Osintwarfare on X)

from World Defence News https://ift.tt/WV8N0TP
via IFTTT

Comments

U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

US approves $45 Million Hellfire missile sale for Denmark's MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

On January 8, 2026, the United States approved a possible $45 million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark for AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and related equipment, likely for use on MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters. The proposed sale includes missiles, launchers, training assets, and logistical support. No additional U.S. personnel are required for implementation, as the package maintains interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, with no impact on U.S. defense readiness. Read full defense news at this link... Within Denmark’s current force structure, the aircraft most likely to use the AGM-114R is the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter operated by the Royal Danish Air Force. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/dJe2WNz via IFTTT

Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security. Read Full Defense News at this link. The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XxVBQHy via IFTTT

MTQ News

Search This Blog