Category: Militarnyi-usa my life

France will increase supplies of ammunition and purchase additional Caesar self-propelled howitzers for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this.

During a meeting between the Ukrainian and French delegations in Kyiv, Weapons Engineer General Jean-François Doc stated that France would continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine in 2024.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Dmytro Klimenkov, and Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The delegations discussed urgent military needs and types of weapons that France could provide to the Ukrainian army.

Meeting of the Ukrainian and French delegations. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

“This week we have already received the funds and will make a payment for an additional purchase of Caesar howitzers. I am grateful to France for the continuous supply of ammunition for these systems. Of course, if possible, we would like to increase the number of howitzers,” emphasized Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The parties also considered the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the defense sector and establishing logistics between the countries.

“France is making every effort to help Ukraine. Our Support Fund is trying to cover part of the costs of purchasing some spare parts and weapons for the Ukrainian side. We understand Ukraine’s needs, so next year France will increase the supply of ammunition,” said Jean-François Doc, Engineer-General for Weapons and Chairman of the Ukraine Support Fund.

Dmytro Klymenkov and Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk thanked their French counterparts for their continued support of the Ukrainian army.

Meeting of the Ukrainian and French delegations. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Militarnyi reported on November 8, 2023 that the French government announced the allocation of an additional €200 million for the Ukrainian army support fund, used to finance arms purchases.

Previously, on October 3, it was reported that France would provide Ukraine with six more 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Nexter.

Due to the increased demand for self-propelled howitzers, the manufacturer Nexter has increased the production rate of Caesar self-propelled howitzers to six units per month and proposes to improve this figure.

The Ukrainian military hit a Buk-M2 surface-to-air missile system at a distance of approximately 50 kilometers from the Ukraine-controlled territory.

The footage was posted in the Balu HUB Telegram group by a Ukrainian soldier.

The system was destroyed in the Kherson region, near the occupied village of Kalynivka.

The fire was adjusted by a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone, which managed to bypass Russian air defense.

The weapon used to hit the system was not disclosed.

It is possible that the invaders’ air defense equipment was destroyed by an AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile.

Location of the Russian system and distance to the liberated territory

This high-speed anti-radiation missile is capable of targeting high-frequency radars.

HARM calculates the location of the target and is able to hit it even if the radar has been turned off.

The AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile is designed for American combat aircraft and some European ones.

But now it is also being launched from Soviet-made fighter jets, which are in service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The MiG-29 and Su-27 are the carriers of the missile.

AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile on the Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter. September 2022. Ukraine. Frame from the video of Militarnyi

With the outbreak of a full-scale war, Russian air defense lost quite a few Buk surface-to-air missile systems.

In September, the Ukrainian Defense Forces hit five vehicles of the Russian Buk surface-to-air missile system division in the Zaporizhzhia region with precision strikes. Two more systems were recently reported to have been hit.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Strategic Industries, will increase the production of missiles, ammunition, weapons, and military equipment several times next year.

The Ministry of Defense published a statement on the issue on its website.

Manufacturing will focus on air defense equipment ranging from simple portable anti-aircraft missile systems to air defense systems with ranges exceeding 100 kilometers.

As an example of such systems, the Ministry of Defense cited the promising Coral SAM.

“In addition, the approved budget for 2024 provides that about 175 billion hryvnias are allocated for the purchase of missiles and ammunition so that our Defense Forces can adequately confront Russian aggression,” Lieutenant General Ivan Havrilyuk said.

Illustrative photo of Ukrainian-made anti-tank missiles. Photo from open sources

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stressed that the development of the local defense and industrial complex is a top priority.

Militarnyi recently reported that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense seeks to ensure the production of body armor, helmets, tactical equipment, clothes, and food for the Armed Forces within Ukraine.

One of the directions is the localization of UAV component production in Ukraine and cooperation with international investors, funds, and manufacturers.

Ukraine is actively negotiating with world arms manufacturers to localize their production in Ukraine.

Illustration photo of produced bulletproof vests. Photo from open sources

For example, the German defense concern Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom formed a joint venture to perform repair work on Western equipment.

It was also reported that Ukraine and the United States will jointly produce weapons, in particular air defense systems.

In addition, Ukraine seeks to increase the production of its own weapons.

Latvia has signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of euros for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems.

The Ministry of National Defence of Latvia said it had signed a contract with the German company Diehl Defense.

The contract is worth about €600 million, and the system will be delivered to Latvia in 2026.

By 2026, Latvia will have trained personnel and improved infrastructure to allow full use and maintenance of the system at the time of delivery.

At the moment, this will be the largest military procurement since the restoration of Latvia’s independence.

The IRIS-T system. Photo credits: Latvijas armija

Latvia and Estonia have jointly decided to purchase the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system.

“Today we have signed a contract for the supply of the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system. This is an important step in the development of Latvia’s echeloned air defense,” said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds.

The joint purchase of the same type of air defense system will allow Latvia and Estonia to save their own budget funds and will also facilitate mutual coordination of Baltic defense.

Latvia’s goal is to create a layered air defense system where short- and medium-range air defense systems will not only protect important ground targets but also cover each other from enemy attacks.

The IRIS-T system. Photo credits: Latvijas armija

The IRIS-T system has medium- and short-range modifications that are equipped with different types of missiles.

The IRIS-T SLM can engage air targets at a distance of up to 40 km, and the shorter SLS version – up to 12 km.

The IRIS-T system. Photo credits: Latvijas armija

In November, it became known that Germany would send two more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Ukrainian border guards received three Role 2 field hospitals and six Toyota Land Cruiser ambulances.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported about this on December 1, 2023.

The Hospitainer manufacturer provides these mobile hospitals as part of a government program coordinated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine to boost the medical capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces during Russia’s continuous aggression.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine emphasized that partners are constantly improving the equipment of mobile field hospitals, taking into account the real conditions of their use.

The three Role 2 mobile field hospitals provided this time (9 trucks and 6 trailers) are better suited for use in the cold season and have expanded capabilities for accommodating medical staff and patients.

Role 2 mobile field hospitals:

• 36 beds;
• active ventilation; water supply adapted to winter conditions;
• a unit for medical staff;
• they can be used as a stabilization point.

“This special-purpose medical equipment has expanded functions, namely, an increase in the number of beds. Also, an important technical component is the inclusion of new air conditioners that have an active ventilation method, which was not the case in previous models. In addition, a new and important element is a unit for medical staff. Moreover, the improved mobile hospital can be used as a stabilization point, which is extremely important in providing medical care to save the golden hour of a patient’s life,” said Dmytro Laitan, Head of the Polyclinic at one of the hospitals of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

It is worth emphasizing that, in addition to this assistance, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has received assistance from the Government of the Netherlands and Hospitainer since July 2023:

• 18 Toyota Land Cruiser cars,
• 10 Role 1 mobile field hospitals,
• 5 Role 2 mobile field hospitals,
• 5 refrigerated vehicles,
• 1 dental department,
• almost 90 cubic meters of medical supplies.

“This time we delivered three improved Role 2 field hospitals, including more beds and a tent for the personnel’s living conditions. This Role also includes a water supply system, including a shower. We have improved the gateways, which means that the transitions between tents have become more reliable and durable. In addition, the water supply system in these modules is adapted for the winter period,” emphasized Bar-Jop Cruijsen, Hospitainer representative.

Previous deliveries

This is not the first time that the Netherlands, alone or in cooperation with other countries, has donated mobile hospitals to Ukraine.

The Netherlands donated 4 mobile hospitals to the border guards. October 2023. Photo credits: SBGS

In October, the Netherlands handed over four mobile hospitals to Ukrainian border guards. The mobile hospital can be deployed at any location and provide medical care.

The Netherlands donates mobile hospitals to border guards. August 2023. Photo credits: SBGS

In August, the Netherlands handed over six mobile hospitals to Ukrainian border guards – two Role 2 modules and four Role 1 modules. With the help of these kits, military medics will be able to set up a full-fledged hospital in the field. At the beginning of July, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine also received a mobile hospital from the Netherlands.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has authorized new models of Ukrainian-made electronic warfare systems designed to counter UAVs for Army use.

Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk made this comment to ArmyInform.

The Ministry of Defense, together with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, completed testing of tactical radio jamming equipment developed by Ukrainian enterprises to counter loitering munition and FPV drones.

During the tests, the system proved its specifications in conditions close to combat.

Currently, these systems are recommended for supply to units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Illustrative image: Piranha EW system – AVD by Piranha-Tech

At the same time, in the near future, it is also planned to test electronic warfare (EW) systems with UAVs and drone detection equipment.

Among the systems that have recently been approved for use in the army is an electronic warfare system used to combat all types of enemy UAVs.

It is claimed to be capable of jamming control signals, transmitting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou satellite navigation data, and creating many false signals. It contains a passive mechanism for identifying and tracking enemy drones.

It is reported that two more samples of Ukrainian-made “trench electronic warfare” systems are currently being codified by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

It regards a system to counter Russian Lancet kamikaze drones and a system to protect against enemy FPV drones.

Previously, Militarnyi reported that Ukraine has created a compact electronic intelligence system called ETER. This system will help the military detect enemy EW systems and launch drones on a safe route.

ETER EW system. Photo credits: Mykhailo Fedorov

In addition, such a system can help to counter the EW systems more effectively, detect enemy positions and the location of artillery, and inflict target effects.

A Russian-made Mi-35 attack helicopter of the Nigerian Air Force crashed in Nigeria.

The BBC reported on this.

The crash occurred in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, where the Mi-35P attack helicopters received from Russia are deployed.

The helicopter was part of the 115th Special Operations Group and was used to support ground forces.

A Mi-35P helicopter of the 115th Special Operations Group. Photo from the network

Along with the Mi-35P, the unit includes Mi-24P/B, EC135 and T129 ATAK helicopters.

According to the spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, Edward Gabkwet, all on board survived.

The crash occurred after taking off for a combat mission against ‘economic saboteurs’ in Rivers State, at 7:45 a.m. local time.

Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff of Nigeria, flew to the crash site to personally assess the situation and visit the pilots, who are currently in hospital.

The crash site of the Mi-35 helicopter in Port Harcourt. Photo from the network

So far, the Nigerian Air Force has already lost two Mi-35P helicopters. In January 2019, a Mi-35 helicopter crashed in Damasak, Borno State, while providing support to troops from the 145th Battalion, which was engaged in fierce fighting with Boko Haram insurgents. All on board died in the crash.

As Militarnyi previously reported, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft overran the runway and crashed into the water in Hawaii.

The aircraft ended up in shallow water in Kaneohe Bay. The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Monday local time.

There were nine people on board the P-8A Poseidon, all of whom were safely evacuated to shore.

The weather was bad when the U.S. maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft landed on the island. According to local meteorologists, it was cloudy and raining on the day of the accident. Visibility was about 1.6 kilometers.

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the KNDS holding company (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) have signed a framework agreement for the purchase of up to 233 Dingo armored vehicles.

BAAINBw stated this in its press release.

The Bundestag Budget Committee has approved funding for the further purchase of 50 Dingo 2 A4.1 armored vehicles and related equipment for a total of €147 million. The purchased armored vehicles are to compensate for the supply of the same number of these vehicles to Ukraine.

It is reported that the first batch of 50 armored vehicles will be transferred to the Bundeswehr immediately, and the remaining 50 – by the end of 2026.

No information is available on the procurement and delivery dates of other armored vehicles under the agreement.

Dingo ATF armored vehicle of the German military. 2016. Germany. Photo credits: flickr.com

The BAAINBw adds that the Bundeswehr has more than 500 Dingo armored vehicles in service in various modifications.

It is known that the Dingo armored vehicle is used by the armies of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Norway, Ukraine, Pakistan, Iraq, and Qatar.

The main operator of Dingo in Ukraine is the Air Assault Forces.

Dіngo

The armored vehicle exists in two main generations: Dingo 1 and Dingo 2, which have been actively used since 2000.

Armored vehicles were produced in 16 versions that include reconnaissance, patrol, command and staff vehicles, radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance vehicles, sanitary vehicles, self-propelled workshops, ARVs, etc.

The 12.5-ton Dingo 2 is powered by a 215-hp Mercedes-Benz Daimler AG diesel engine and can reach a top speed of 90 km/h.

Dingo armored vehicles in Afghanistan. Photo from open sources

It can also transport a payload weighing up to 2.5 tons; the vehicle has a range of up to 1000 km.

In the configuration of the APC, the vehicle carries a crew of two people, including the driver and commander, and up to six people in the landing compartment.

The Dingo can be armed with a FLW-100/FLW-200 combat module with one 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the top.

Russian booms near the bridge across the Kerch Strait submerged.

OSINT analyst MT Anderson made the relevant satellite images public on his X (former Twitter).

According to satellite images taken in October, the structure, consisting of seven barges and a net stretched between them, was afloat.

Fresh satellite images dated November 28 show that three barges submerged, one partially submerged, two barges were completely washed away, and only one remained afloat.

The destruction of the defensive structure is related to the recent powerful storm that caused massive destruction of infrastructure on the Crimean coast.

Satellite image of the booms. Photo credits: MT Anderson.

This boom was intended to protect against Ukrainian surface and possibly underwater kamikaze drones.

It is known that SeaBaby drones with a warhead weighing 850 kilograms were used to attack the bridge.

Recently, the Security Service of Ukraine showed a video of a Russian bridge across the Kerch Strait being hit by SeaBaby drones in July this year.

During the attack on July 17, the Security Service of Ukraine launched five SeaBaby drones, which moved in two groups toward the Crimean Bridge, which was illegally built by Russia. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Ukrainian Navy.

Previously, on August 29, Militarnyi reported that Russians were building up booms near the bridge across the Kerch Strait using barges.

Booms near the bridge. Photo credits: H I Sutton.

Then it became known that the distance between the barges was approximately 200 meters. They were positioned between the island and Tuzla Spit, opposite the site of the impact that occurred on July 17, 2023.

The Russians also deployed a decoy target of project 436Bis (R) near the bridge, which was supposed to protect the strategically important facility from missiles with active radar homing.