Category: Militarnyi-usa my life

Russia plans to release the first prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate fifth-generation light fighter in 2025.

The Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, reported on this.

The Russian Minister announced the start of preparations by aircraft manufacturers to launch production of the fighter jet.

“Based on the work performed, changes were made to the project, which adjusted the timing of the first flight. Today, the design documentation has been handed over to the manufacturer, and preparations for the production of the first samples have begun,” said Manturov.

A prototype of the Su-75 (left) and Su-57 (right) fighter jets. Photo from open sources

The manufacturer positions the new fighter jet as a simpler and less expensive alternative to the American F-35A, which is now in mass production and is used by the United States and the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance.

In particular, at the time of the presentation, the intention was announced to bring the contract value of the new fighter to $30 million, while the price of the American “classmate” is about $80 million.

In addition, to promote the export potential of the new aircraft, the manufacturers reported the possibility of integrating Western components of the customer’s choice, such as radar, into the aircraft design.

However, it is unclear whether the Russians will be able to meet the timeframe and price target under international sanctions.

Checkmate

The Su-75 Checkmate is a Russian single-engine aircraft positioned by the manufacturer as a fifth-generation fighter. It was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

According to the presentation materials, the aircraft will weigh up to 18 tons and will be able to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8-2. The range of the aircraft is 2800 km.

The Russians have announced the implementation of a short takeoff and landing from a 400-500 meter-long runway. This was achieved due to the high thrust capacity and integration of the engine with a controlled thrust vector.

Su-75 fighter engine. Photo from open sources

The maximum payload weight is about 7,400 kg. Part of the weapons (presumably air-to-air missiles) will be hidden in under-fuselage niches to reduce radar visibility. In addition, the aircraft is armed with a 30mm automatic cannon.

A facility of the Russian manufacturer of missile weapons, “KB Mashinostroyeniya” in Kolomna near Moscow, was attacked by a drone.

This was reported by the ASTRA Telegram channel.

It is reported that the attack happened on the night of November 11. The drone fell on the territory of the Design Bureau “KB Mashinostroyeniya”, and the explosion damaged two buildings of the enterprise.

As a result of the explosion, the facades of the buildings were damaged, and an explosive wave broke out the windows. No damage to the production or scientific facilities of the Design Bureau has been reported.

Recall that the “KB Mashinostroyeniya” is a leading Russian manufacturer of missile weapons. Its products are the Iskander SRBM and the Kinzhal ballistic missile.

The company is part of the holding “High Precision Systems” of the Rostec State Corporation.

On November 11, Militarnyi reported about an explosion and fire at a gunpowder plant in the Tambov Oblast.

According to Russian Telegram channels, the fire began at about 23:30 local time. Locals suggest that the explosion could have occurred in the fifth workshop of the enterprise.

Given the reports of a drone attack, it can be assumed that the explosion at the gunpowder plant occurred as a result of a drone hit.

Fire at the Tambov Powder Plant in the Russian Federation. November 11, 2023. Photo from social media

Earlier, on October 31, an explosion was reported at the Solikamsk “Ural” Powder Plant.

It should be noted that the Solikamsk Ural Plant is one of the largest military-industrial plants in Russia, producing all brands of gunpowder, metal charges, explosives, and more.

The company is part of the “Spetskhimiya” Concern of the Russian Rostec Corporation.

Germany will send two more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of the year.

German diplomat, German Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger said this during a special event on Ukraine’s Formula for Success.

According to Jäger, Germany’s support for Ukraine is largely focused on air defense, including the supply of Gepard, IRIS-T, and Patriot systems.

“We are very pleased to have been able to join this project, and now we are looking at the near future, namely winter. We will be providing additional air defense systems, both Patriot and IRIS-T, five of them are planned – I mean full-fledged separate systems with radar, command posts, etc.,” the ambassador said.

The diplomat emphasized that three IRIS-T systems are currently deployed in Ukraine, and five are planned for the end of this year.

Martin Jäger. Photo credits: Getty Images

According to Jäger, this should be a guarantee for even greater security of Ukrainian cities to protect them from Russian attacks.

The ambassador added that Germany is also making a significant contribution to strengthening the security of Ukraine’s energy systems, including support for energy capacities.

“We believe it is very important that this winter passes without outages,” the diplomat summarized.

In October 2023, Germany handed over the IRIS-T SLM air defense system to Ukraine.

A vehicle of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system. Photo credits: Bundeswehr

It also became known that Germany’s Diehl Defense plans to significantly increase the production of IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for them.

Diehl Defense plans to produce three to four systems in 2024 and at least eight in 2025.

Sections from Sener Aeroespacial for IRIS-T missiles

At the same time, the production of missiles for IRIS-T is being tripled this year, with the company planning to produce about 400-500 missiles a year starting in 2024.

The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has handed Ukraine a winter aid package to equip military personnel with appropriate clothing for the cold weather.

This was reported by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence on its official X page (former Twitter).

The published list of assistance includes:

• 82,000+ helmets;
• 25,000+ sets of winter clothing;
• 10,000+ sets of body armor;
• 70,000+ MREs.

Slides with the amount of assistance provided. Photo credits: UK MoD

This assistance is aimed at equipping the Ukrainian military with new uniforms on the eve of winter.

In addition to military aid, the UK government is encouraging local defense companies to work more closely with Ukrainian arms manufacturers to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and increase the production of military equipment.

For example, the Babcock company is looking for ways to implement a project to create a repair base in Ukraine to repair and restore British-made military equipment.

The company will also undertake to train Ukrainian specialists and military personnel who will work with this equipment. In addition, the company will provide spare parts for this equipment of British origin.

Osprey Mk.4 bulletproof vest and Mk.7 protective helmet. Photo from the network

The plans of the United Kingdom are aimed at preparing more significant military assistance packages that will include military equipment, air defense systems, and other equipment.

In addition, the Ministry of Defenсe does not make public the supply of some weapons and does not consider them in its reports. For example, Ukraine received from the UK ASRAAM short-range air-to-air guided missiles, as well as Storm Shadow cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, without any announcements.

As Militarnyi previously reported, the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom announced the transfer of air defense systems to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence signed three contracts to supply Ukraine with air defense equipment worth $115 million.

The Ministry signed the largest $56 million contract with the Norwegian Kongsberg. The company is to provide Ukraine with anti-drone systems that can search for, detect, disrupt, and destroy drones.

The British side did not offer more detailed information on the other two contracts. They only noted that the funding comes from the International Fund for Ukraine.

In addition to foreign products, the United Kingdom has its own capabilities in the production of air defense systems and missiles for them.

Ukrainian troops repelled a massive Russian attack near the occupied village of Novodonetske.

The 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade said that the invaders launched an assault at dawn.

The Russian infantry was covered by armored vehicles, artillery, and aviation.

Their command sent units of the 37th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade to attack.

The invaders’ task was to capture a part of a forest west of the village of Novodonetske in the Donetsk region.

First, the invaders sent a convoy with armored personnel carriers and a tank at the head, which paved the way for the landing with a mine trawl.

Russian assault west of the village of Novodonetske. November 2023. Ukraine. Footage from the video of the 58th Brigade of Ukraine

Then the Russian infantry disembarked from the armored personnel carriers and took up positions in the landing zone.

Some of the armored personnel carriers pressed the Russian military when they tried to drive away. The armored vehicles did not return for the wounded.

“But tanks and armored vehicles, as well as artillery and aviation support, did not help <them>. In a few hours, the invaders fled in disgrace,” the Ukrainian soldiers said.

An MT-LB armored personnel carrier crushes Russian infantry west of the village of Novodonetske. November 2023. Ukraine. Footage from the video of the 58th Brigade of Ukraine

The Brigade representatives added that not everyone managed to escape – about fifty bodies of Russian soldiers remained on the battlefield.

Infantrymen, gunners-operators of automatic grenade launchers and ATGMs, drone pilots, and other military personnel have achieved the greatest success in eliminating the invaders.

The battlefield on the unofficial map of the hostilities

Soldiers of one of the mechanized battalions of the Presidential Brigade of Ukraine also took part in the battle.

The invasion forces of Russia began to use on the territory of Ukraine the Desertcross all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) of the Chinese manufacturer.

Analysts from The Dead District showed a video using these ATVs in Zaporizhzhia.

The Russians use Desertcross-1000-3 made by the Chinese company Shandong Odes Industry.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that more than 530 such vehicles have already been transferred to the troops.

Now a contract is being prepared for the purchase of about 1,600 more units. In particular, 500 in December, and the rest in the first quarter of 2024.

Chinese Desertcross-1000-3 all-terrain vehicle of the Russian military on the territory of Ukraine. November 2023. Ukraine. Freeze frame from @TheDeadDistrict video

The cost of the basic configuration for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation amounted to RUB 1.58 million, with modifications – RUB 2.1 million.

Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicles are equipped with a gasoline engine with a capacity of 72 horsepower, and a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters.

The total weight of the all-terrain vehicle is 916 kilograms; it can carry cargo weighing up to 300 kilograms, which is quite enough for transporting towed mortars with little ammunition.

Desertcross 1000-3 allows off-road to solve logistical issues, evacuate the wounded, carry out raid measures, and conduct sabotage and reconnaissance missions.

Characteristics of the Desertcross-1000-3 all-terrain vehicle. Photo credits: @TheDeadDistrict

Russians used to order specialized Chinese vehicles before Desertcrosses. In particular, Chinese Tiger armored vehicles arrived in Russia in June 2023.

Then Chinese-made military equipment first appeared in service with Russian units.

Chinese Tiger armored vehicles are in service with the Chechen unit Akhmat, which is part of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya). June 2023. Russia. Footage from the video of local government officials

Nevertheless, Chinese representatives denied supplying Russia with armored vehicles for the war in Ukraine.

In the Donetsk region, the Russian Pion 203mm self-propelled guns were finished off by Ukrainian soldiers due to the American HIMARS multiple rocket launcher.

Footage of the hit was recorded from a drone of the Territorial Defence Forces` Asgard reconnaissance group.

The soldiers from the 120th Separate Brigade initially tried to hit the Russian installation with an FPV drone.

However, they installed the wrong warhead on the drone and could not destroy the 2S7 Pion.

“Mixed up the warhead and did not finish off the lost enemy “Pion 2s7″ installation, you’re not mistaken. S***t happens,” the soldiers said.

They immediately asked for help from Ukrainian gunners with М142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.

“Fortunately, a HIMARS rocket flew nearby and hit the stricken. Thanks to fellow comrades for the safety net,” the TDF soldiers added.

This MRL fires rockets weighing 110 kg for tens of kilometers.

The destruction of 2S7 Pion self-propelled installations makes it easier for the Defense Forces to hold their positions.

2S7 Pion of the invasion forces of Russia in Ukraine. 2022. Photo credits: Russian media

The Ukrainian Defense Forces also continue to destroy the Russian MSTA-S 152mm self-propelled howitzers, which are capable of visual and unobserved fire from indirect-fire positions, including operations in mountains.

Recently, the 27th Pechersk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine destroyed the MSTA-S using only a drone and explosives that were dropped from a drone.

Recall that in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian gunners received French Renault GBC 180 military trucks to support Pion 203mm self-propelled guns. Renault GBC 180 trucks are used to transport 3OF43 high-explosive shells that weigh 110 kilograms.

Ukrainian businesses and volunteers launched an engineering online course called “People’s FPV” to teach Ukranians how to assemble and set up FPV drones.

The course was launched by the Victory Drones project team together with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Vyriy Drone.

For two weeks, experts will share their knowledge of how to assemble and configure 7-inch strike FPV drones. After verification, these drones will help the military on the frontlines. Participation is free, but listeners must purchase the necessary components at their own expense.

What the online course involves:

• participating in Zoom lectures live with Q&A;
• access to educational materials and videos;
• access to the list of components and necessary tools/materials (they will need to be purchased independently);
• access to a community of engineers where you can consult, ask questions, share success.

Participants of the course will receive a working scheme, support and supervision.

FPV drone in Ukraine. Photo credits: s.dou.ua

“You will be sure that the drone you assemble will be able to successfully burn the invaders’ equipment,” the organizers said.

Video recordings of classes and additional materials will be available to all graduates.

After completing the course, participants will be introduced to the online community of engineers, in which they can exchange experience and receive advice.

Lecture topics:

• 1. FPV drone structure and main components.
• 2. The ‘Must have’ tools and materials for assembly. Soldering technique.
• 3. Configuration of a 7-inch kamikaze drone and overview of popular components from various manufacturers.
• 4. Workshop: frame assembly, drone design, and motor soldering.
• 5. Workshop: pinout and soldering of electronic components.
• 6. Final assembly, software and settings, motor check.
• 7. Common build errors. 7-, 8- and 10-inch bombers, dropping mechanisms, antennas and repeaters, 3D printing for FPV.

Training under the Victory Drones project is ongoing. The next group will begin its work approximately in mid-November.

Shrike FPV drones for the Defense Forces of Ukraine as part of the “Army of drones” project, October 2023. Photo credits: Mykhailo Fedorov

The course lasts two weeks and provides seven thematic lectures. Next, the groups will start every two weeks. More details and registration – at the link.

Recall that Ukrainian volunteer engineers have developed a quadcopter control station for the military.

On the night of November 14, drones attacked an explosives plant and a facility of a Russian missile manufacturer in Russia.

Russian Telegram channels reported on this.

A video of a drone allegedly flying toward one of the aggressor country’s defense industry enterprises was also posted online.

The Baza Telegram channel reports that on Tuesday night, a UAV filled with explosives was allegedly found in the village of Seltsovo, on the territory of the Bryansk chemical plant.

“On the night of November 14, an unexploded UAV with an explosive substance was discovered in an unfinished workshop of the Bryansk Chemical Plant named after the 50th anniversary of the USSR, located in the village of Seltsovo,” the statement reads.

The building of the Bryansk Chemical Plant in the Russian Federation. Photo from open sources

It is noted that the roof of the workshop was pierced in three places. Russian special services were called to the scene. It was stated that no casualties were reported as a result of the drone crash.

According to official information, this company is currently engaged in producing industrial explosives and disposing of ammunition.

In addition, on the morning of November 14, Russian public media reported an explosion in Kolomna near Moscow, near the buildings of the KB Mashinostroyeniya, one of the Russian enterprises specializing in the production of missile weapons. According to Astra, the explosion occurred at about 7:30 a.m. local time.

Local reports of an explosion in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation. November 2023. Source: Telegram/Astra

“According to eyewitnesses, it was clearly heard in the houses on Okskiy Prospekt. Alarms went off in cars parked in the yards. Local residents report that special services vehicles were on their way to the KB Mashinostroyeniya,” the statement reads.

Subsequently, a video was posted on social media showing a drone flying at a low altitude at dusk over the water. According to the author of the video, the drone was allegedly flying towards the city of Kolomna, Moscow region, where the KB Mashinostroyeniya is located.

A column of smoke after an explosion on the territory of “KB Mashinostroyeniya” in Kolomna near Moscow. Source: ASTRA

The previous attack on this Russian company took place on the night of November 11. At the time, it was reported that a drone had crashed on the design bureau’s territory and damaged two enterprise buildings.

The KB Mashinostroyeniya is a leading Russian missile weapons manufacturer that is part of the “High Precision Systems” holding of the Rostec State Corporation. Its products are the Iskander SRBM and the Kinzhal ballistic missile.

Russia likely transferred its S-400 air defense systems from the Kaliningrad region to Rostov-on-Don.

Bellingcat investigators came to these conclusions.

This is based on the analysis of satellite images for the period between late October and early November.

The investigation reports that the elements of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems have been moved from at least two Russian air defense sites.

This regards several battalions. The exact site of their relocation remains uncertain. Nevertheless, observers suggested that these air defense systems were delivered to Rostov-on-Don.

S-400 anti-aircraft missile system. Photo credits: Dmitry Vinogradov/RIA Novosti

Journalists discovered that the movement of weapons coincided with the increase in flights of Russian An-124 and Il-76 military transport aircraft from Kaliningrad over the Baltic Sea towards the mainland of the aggressor country.

Moreover, while flying over the territory of the Russian Federation, the pilots turned off transponders that allowed tracking the aircraft’s route and landing site.

Elements of Russian air defense systems were redeployed in late October and early November.

After analyzing satellite images, Bellingcat discovered that at least some parts of the S-400 air defense system were moved from the air defense site near the town of Gvardeysk.

The yellow color marks the places in Kaliningrad region from where the Russians moved the S-400 systems. Source: Google Earth/Bellingcat

It is also assumed that some components of the air defense systems may have been moved from the site west of Kaliningrad near Primorskaya Bay.

However, it is not yet possible to accurately verify this information due to the poor quality of satellite images, which is related to the weather conditions during the period in question.

Destroyed 5P85SM2-1 self-propelled launcher from the S-400 anti-aircraft system, July 2023

The relocation of Russian air defense systems closer to the border with Ukraine is likely indicating that the Russians are trying to compensate for the losses of their air defense system from repeated Ukrainian strikes on the temporarily occupied territory.