Category: Militarnyi-usa my life

To complicate the operation of Ukrainian air defense, Russia began to use black Shahed drones.

Photos of the wreckage of the destroyed Russian UAVs that attacked the Kyiv region and the capital of Ukraine on the night of November 25 were published on social media.

The spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat, said that the drones contain a radar-absorbent liner.

By using Shahed-136 drones, which the Russians call “Geran-2,” the invaders want to reduce the efficiency of Ukrainian mobile air defense teams, the main task of which is to counteract Russian drones.

Debris of the downed Russian “black” Shahed UAV, November 25, 2023. Photo credits: Telegram/Sternenko

The representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the Russians cover Shaheds with carbon or repaint them black.

Debris of the downed Russian “black” Shahed UAV, November 25, 2023. Photo credits: Telegram/Sternenko

“Now we see that we used carbon fiber. Carbon, which is the absorbing material for the radar signal, and black – it is clear why.

The downing of the Russian Shahed drone over Ukraine. November 2023. Photo credits: Reuters

This will complicate the operation of air defense, namely the visual reference to the target to mobile air defense teams,” said Yurii Ihnat on the telethon.

At the same time, he noted that this did not prevent the Ukrainian Defense Forces from destroying nearly all of the Russian Shahed UAVs fired that night.

Debris of the downed Russian “black” Shahed UAV, November 25, 2023. Photo credits: Telegram/Sternenko

Danger from updated drones

Ukrainian mobile air defense teams use floodlights and thermal imagers to visually detect and track the flight path of Russian drones at night.

Photo on the topic: mobile air defense teams of the Defense Forces of Ukraine

Therefore, the use of black paint or a special material or liner that absorbs signals from radar or dissipates heat to reduce visibility in the thermal imager is designed to help Shahed drones overcome Ukrainian air defense.

Mobile air defense team. Photo credits: National Guard of Ukraine

However, it is worth noting that only over time will it become clear whether these measures are really effective. Or this will not affect the effectiveness of the Ukrainian mobile air defense fire teams operation.

Iran’s Shahed-238 drone in three versions, November 2023

Recall that Iran recently showed a new Shahed-238 jet drone. It is a jet modification of Shahed-136. The new drone was introduced in three versions with different guidance systems.

Ukraine will escort cargo ships in the Black Sea, which will go along the “grain corridor.”

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Grain from Ukraine Conference.

To do this, Ukraine has already agreed with several countries to receive naval military boats.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine considers the creation of a “grain corridor” in the Black Sea without Russia’s participation one of the greatest achievements of the year. Ukraine is also working to ensure the safety of cargo ships that follow this corridor.

“We have agreed with partners and will accompany the ships at sea to ensure their safety. We already have concrete agreements with several states,” the president said.

Zelensky stressed that the needed boats are already being transferred to Ukraine. Deliveries of such boats will continue in the future.

The head of state also added that the Odesa region will be protected by additional air defense systems, on which Ukraine has already agreed with partners.

It is currently unknown how many and what type of boats Ukrainian sailors will receive to ensure the safety and convoy of cargo ships “along the grain corridor.”

The Ukrainian Navy plans to create a full-fledged mine countermeasures division. Which is needed, in particular, to ensure the safety of civil shipping.

“Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy” minesweepers went to sea under the Ukrainian flag, January 2023. Photo credits: Dave Cullen

Currently, the Navy already has two minesweepers of the Sandown-class “Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy,” now temporarily located in the UK.

According to the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Oleksiy Neizhpapa, “Chernihiv” and “Cherkasy” will be the first to take part in operations on mine safety in the Black Sea and the sea demining to protect civilian shipping.

Alkmaar-class HNLMS Haarlem (M853) minehunter of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Photo from open sources

In its turn, the Netherlands will transfer two Alkmaar-class minesweepers to Ukraine for mine disposal. The Ukrainian Navy is expected to receive these ships in 2025.

The Russians are using Ukraine’s mobile phone network to coordinate drone attacks and bypass Ukrainian air defense.

The photos were shared on social media.

The invaders used a homemade module based on a router connected to the Ukrainian mobile network to display the location of the modified drones.

In this way, the Russian military is trying to identify weaknesses in Ukrainian air defense. To do so, they track the places where drones prematurely “stop” their advance and send the next wave of drones on a different route in an attempt to find a safe “corridor.”

Shahed-136 in the sky over Kyiv, October 2022. Photo from open sources

Modified Shahed-136 drone

The additional superstructure that provides new functionality is makeshift. This is evidenced by the fact that all the elements are taped to the fuselage.

The taped module consists of a plastic container printed on a 3D printer, which contains an Alcatel 3G modem with a SIM card of a Ukrainian operator. Two antennas are connected to it for signal transmission.

The module is not connected to the on-board power grid and is powered by a nearby household charging battery.

All the electronics in the container are filled with explosives. In addition, a wire runs from the module to the nose of the fuselage, presumably to the warhead. All of this looks like a means of self-destruction in the event of a drone crash to prevent Ukrainian engineers from analyzing the wreckage. However, the explosives were not triggered.

It seems that the creators of this design intended that during the flight, the wing-mounted module should transmit its location to the Russians via a mobile communication network. In the event of a standstill, the drone’s “mark” on the map would stop, signaling that it had been shot down.

This decision was intended to address one of the main drawbacks of Iran’s Shahed-136 drones – a fully autonomous guidance system that does not transmit any information to its operator after launch.

There is also an alternative assumption online that the new module can be used to navigate the terrain using signals from communication towers or to control the drone through the Ukrainian network. This version is unlikely due to the lack of visible connection of the new add-on to the drone’s control system.

It is worth noting that this solution is still being tested and is unlikely to be available on all drones in the near future.

Ukrainian military engineers have been supplied with M1A3 Bangalore charges to fight against barriers.

The NMFTE Telegram group released photos capturing these charges in Ukraine.

Bangalore is to help the Ukrainian military create passages in wire and mine barriers.

It is produced as a blasting kit for infantry and engineer troops.

An explosive charge can clear a lane of traffic approximately one meter wide.

A M1A3 Bangalore of the Ukrainian military. 2023, Ukraine. Photo credits: NMFTE

Bangalore can be used by a single soldier or a team of several people.

First, the place where Bangalore is to be used is checked for tripwires and booby traps.

The soldier then connects the required number of sections and pushes it through the minefield.

An electric or non-electric capsule is used to initiate the detonation.

M1A3 Bangalore charge. Photo credits: i.namu.wiki

The US Army also uses Bangalore torpedoes under the designation M1A2 and M1A3.

Back in World War I, the Bangalore torpedo was mostly used to clear barbed wire before an attack.

As previously reported, Ukraine is actively using M58 MICLIC mine clearance systems to create passages for troops.

The Russian Navy received the Alexander III nuclear submarine and the Krasnoyarsk multipurpose nuclear-powered submarine.

The Russian media reported on this.

The Russian Navy received the seventh Project 955 Alexander III submarine and the fourth Project 885M Krasnoyarsk submarine.

Both vessels have yet to undergo a flag-raising ceremony to officially enter service with the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Nonetheless, they have actually been handed over.

Launch of the Project 885M Krasnoyarsk multipurpose nuclear-powered submarine, July 2021. Photo credits: Sevmash

Project 885 submarines

The Krasnoyarsk is a multipurpose nuclear-powered submarine of the modernized Project 885M Yasen-M submarine, which was laid down in 2014 and launched in July 2021, followed by factory trials.

The Yasen-class submarines are designed to be armed with Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles. In addition, Russia plans to integrate 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles into the submarines of this project.

The nuclear power source allows the boat to reach a speed of 16 knots above water and move at a speed of 28 to 31 knots underwater. The maximum immersion depth is 480 meters.

With a length of 130 meters and a width of 13 meters, the underwater displacement of this submarine is 13.8 thousand tons. Its crew consists of 90 people.

A model of the Project 885M submarine

Project 955A submarines

The Alexander III is a Project 955A Borei-A strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. It was laid down in 2015 and launched in December 2022.

Borei-A class submarines are strategic nuclear weapons carriers, namely 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. In addition, the submarine has 533-mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes and cruise missiles from underwater.

With a length of 170 meters and a width of 13.5 meters, these submarines have an underwater displacement of 24 thousand tons.

All Borei-As are characterized by a reduced level of physical fields, including electric, acoustic, infrared, and magnetic. This makes them difficult to detect.

A model of the Project 955A submarine

Alexander III and Krasnoyarsk are fourth-generation submarines. Meanwhile, Russia is developing two fifth-generation submarines at once: the nuclear-powered Husky and the non-nuclear Kalina.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense orders Sirtap drones from Airbus to enhance the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Force.

Airbus reported on this.

The signed contract, with an announced value of €500 million, includes nine systems, each of which includes three drones.

In addition, the contract includes the transfer of a ground control station and primary logistical assistance from the manufacturer. Initially, Spain will receive two simulators that will be used to train future Sirtap UAV operators.

Rendering of the Sirtap drone. Photo credits: Airbus

According to the published schedule, the first flight of the drone is planned for 2025, and the first operational readiness for adoption in 2026.

“This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment together with the Spanish Ministry of Defence will reinforce national sovereignty. SIRTAP will be fully developed in Spain, integrating national capabilities. However, due to its versatility and the use of ITAR-free components, we also expect it to play a key role in the international market,” Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, shared.

The exact value of the contract is EUR 494,910,035 million and is to be paid in several tranches until 2030. In addition, it is noted that the actual cost of the UAV may be higher in case of problems in the development and additional funding to fix the problems.

SIRTAP, with a payload of over 150 kg, has been designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions, both over land and at sea. A range of more than 2,000km and an endurance of more than 20 hours will provide high flexibility and reactivity.

Sirtap drone by the Airbus company. Photo credits: Airbus

In the future, the platform may become a carrier of light weapons to support infantry or destroy surface targets in patrol areas.

Militarnyi previously reported that the American Mojave drone made a test landing and takeoff from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

The Royal Navy started testing on November 15, 2023, after leasing the Mojave UAV for a seven-month period to confirm the ship’s design capabilities to operate such drones.

Already on November 17, 2023, Mojave made a test landing and takeoff from an aircraft carrier, which confirms the ship’s ability to operate as part of an aircraft carrier wing.

The Ukrainian military received a volunteer-developed medical evacuation vehicle based on the HMMWV military SUV.

The news was announced on social media.

Within the Kabul project, Ukrainian engineers from the Iron Nuts team created an armored medical evacuation vehicle based on the HMMWV military SUV.

The vehicle is designed to transport the wounded directly from the battlefield to the evacuation point, where an ambulance will meet it.

In view of the purpose, the vehicle is equipped with minimal medical equipment but received protection of the cabin and the med bay.

According to the developers, a two-layer Hardox 500 Plate armor was installed on the vehicle, which should withstand shelling from 7.62 caliber machine guns.

HMMWV converted into a medevac vehicle, 2023. Photo credits: Iron Nuts

Also, an armored glass was installed on the vehicle, and the interior was sheathed with Kevlar canvas to protect against debris.

The developers noted that despite the high weight of the welded armor and equipment, they managed to “fit” the weight limits declared by the vehicle manufacturer. In particular, the vehicle is equipped with a reinforced rear axle from the manufacturer to transport the heavy loads.

The medical compartment of the vehicle can accommodate two lying wounded and one medic who will accompany them. It is equipped with a heater, special lighting, and all the necessary connectors to power the equipment.

Compartment for the wounded in the HMMWV-based medevac vehicle. Photo credits: Iron Nuts

Inside, there is also a monitor that will display the indicators of medical equipment, such as oxygen supply to the wounded.

It is reported that the vehicle was transferred to one of the units of the Ukrainian Marines and has already been used to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

HMMWV-based medevac in use by Ukrainian marines, November 2023. Photo credits: Iron Nuts

The Ukrainian Research and Production Association «PRACTIKA» is also developing a medical evacuation vehicle for the Ukrainian military based on the Kozak-2M1 armored vehicle.

The Come Back Alive Foundation has launched the Target Designation (Цілевказання) project to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Marine Corps.

The Foundation announced this on its social media pages.

Together with JSC Ukreximbank, the Foundation is raising UAH 18 million. This amount will be used to buy 25 sets of thermal imaging aerial reconnaissance equipment to meet the needs of the marines.

“Such unified systems give the units more options due to interchangeability. Drones with a thermal imaging camera are very effective in winter, when the contrast between warm and cold objects is higher, and the darkness of the day is longer,” the serviceman with the callsign “Hlib,” Head of the UAV instructor department at the Come Back Alive Foundation, shared.

Illustration of the fundraising. Photo credits: Come Back Alive Foundation

Each kit will include three DJI Mavic 3 Thermal drones, a signal booster, a tablet, a Jackery power station for charging, additional batteries, and memory cards.

These drones perform well in winter, as they are needed to adjust fire, detect enemy positions, and find safe ways to evacuate our wounded.

On October 27, Militarnyi reported that the Come Back Alive Foundation handed over 75 drones with thermal imaging optics to the Ukrainian military.

The value of the 75 transferred drones is UAH 9,652,500. The drones were purchased with funds from donors.

On August 17, it was reported that the Come Back Alive Foundation had purchased 208 UAVs worth over UAH 22 million for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

A representative of the Come Back Alive Foundation with UAVs. Photo credits: Foundation’s social media page

A total of 104 DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise UAVs were purchased, the other half being drones in the Enterprise Thermal version with night optics.

DJI Mavic 3

The DJI Mavic 3 is a civilian UAV designed and manufactured by the Chinese company DJI.

The maximum flight radius of the drone is 30 km, and its flight autonomy without wind is about 45 minutes. Both sides are widely using civilian drones from this manufacturer on the battlefield.

Their main tasks are reconnaissance of the terrain directly on the contact line, adjustment of artillery fire, and dropping light ammunition.

Operators of the Special Operations Forces, operatives of the Security Service of Ukraine, and marines of the 140th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion of the Ukrainian Navy discovered and destroyed TOS-1A Solntsepyok.

The press service of the SOF reported on this.

It is reported that the enemy used a heavy flamethrower system for the daily fire at the positions of Ukrainian troops at the bridgehead in Krynky on the left bank of the Kherson region.

The enemy heavy flamethrower system was destroyed with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles, the type of which is not reported.

Militarnyi has repeatedly reported on the destruction of rather small numbers of Russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems.

For example, on November 4, it was reported that the Security Service of Ukraine’s special forces had destroyed a Russian Terminator armored fighting vehicle and a TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system.

FPV kamikaze drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles were used to destroy enemy equipment, dropping ammunition on the Russian soldiers.

Previously, on October 30, the Security Service of Ukraine reported the destruction of TOS-1A in the Avdiyivka sector.

On October 20, the 59th Brigade destroyed another Solntsepek near Avdiyivka in the area of Pisky. An FPV drone with a cumulative warhead was also used to hit a moving target.

Destruction of the Russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system, October 30, 2023

A total of 10 systems were documented destroyed during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. According to some reports, as of 2022, the Russians had about 45 systems.

The Russians also use a wheeled version of the TOS-2 Tosochka system.

The launcher is based on the Ural-63706 6×6 truck. Unlike TOS-1 and TOS-1A, which use tracked chassis of T-72 or T-90 tanks, respectively.

The Netherlands will provide Ukraine an additional €2.5 billion aid package in 2024.

The TRT World reported on this.

The additional package demonstrates the strong and unwavering support of the Dutch government for Ukraine and will continue for as long as it is needed.

The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine with whatever it takes and as long as it takes. The Netherlands “is pleased to announce that we will support Ukraine with an additional €2.5B support package for 2024, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said.

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot. Photo.

It should be noted that the announcement of a new aid package for 2024 came after Dutch Defense Minister, Kajsa Ollongren, said the military aid to help meet Ukraine’s ammunition needs and maintain platforms and systems had already been delivered to Ukraine.

The Netherlands was one of the first countries after the full-scale invasion to start formulating financial and military aid packages.

Since February 2022, the Netherlands has provided Ukraine with firearms, sniper rifles, Patriot air defense systems, F-16 fighter jets, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.

In addition, the country and the Kingdom of Denmark have begun to establish a training center in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots will be trained to operate F-16 fighter jets.

F-16BM J-065 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force during take-off. Photo from the network

As Militarnyi previously reported, the Netherlands plans to increase the number of F-16 fighter jets in Romania to speed up and increase training intensity for Ukrainian pilots.

By the end of the year, the country aims to deploy up to 18 F-16 fighter jets to the Romanian air base. Before that, the government did not give an exact figure concerning F-16 quantity in Romania; it varied from 12 to 18 aircraft.

The Chief of Defence of the Netherlands Armed Forces, General Onno Eichelsheim, emphasized that the increase in the number of these fighter jets will have a positive impact on the quality and speed of training for Ukrainian pilots.

While the F-16s are in Romania, they will remain the property of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. According to him, training for Ukrainian pilots should begin early next year.