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Defense News ,Pakistan :-  The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) wants to upgrade its planes, and they're looking at getting help from China.They're really interested in a new fighter jet called the FC-31. They even made a video about it!More Than Just Buying: They Want to Make Jets TogetherPakistan isn't just thinking about buying these jets. They're talking about making them in Pakistan, with China's help. They might use a place called the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), where they already make another type of fighter jet called the JF-17.Getting Rid of the Old F-16s Pakistan has about 60 old F-16 jets from the USA. They want to replace them with the FC-31. They haven't said exactly how many FC-31s they'll get, but people think it might be around 100.Keeping Up with India's New JetsThe PAF started thinking more about new planes when Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu took charge. They recently got 25 J-10CE jets from China to keep up with India, who got 36 new Rafale jets.Some people are saying there might be some problems with how they bought these planes, though.Big Plans: Only New Jets by 2050The PAF has big dreams for the future. They want to have only the newest type of jets by 2050. But what about the JF-17 jets they already have? People are curious about that.Saying Goodbye to Old PlanesThe PAF is planning to say goodbye to over 100 old Mirage-III/V jets. These planes have been around for more than 50 years! They're also going to retire some Chinese F-7P jets, which are like old MiG-21 planes.Lots of Changes Coming UpIn the next ten years, the PAF wants to get rid of or replace about 200 planes. They'll use the new J-10CE and FC-31 jets more.Still Some QuestionsEven though Pakistan is excited about getting new planes, there are still things people are wondering about. They want to know more about how they'll make the FC-31 with China. And there are some concerns about how they got the J-10CE jets, too.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-24 05:18:07

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Defense News ,France :-  In the Red Sea, a big French Navy ship called Alsace did something amazing on March 21. It used special rockets called Aster 30 to destroy three Ballistic missiles flying towards it.The Alsace ship is part of a group of ships working together in a place called the Red Sea. Their job is to keep other ships safe, especially from bad people who might try to attack them.A group called EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, which is like a team that plans and does military work, shared the news on a social media platform. They said the French ship stopped three Ballistic missiles that were sent by a group called the Houthi rebels in Yemen.The Alsace ship has special rockets on it, called Aster 30. These rockets can hit things that are far away and keep the ship safe.This is the first time these special rockets were used to stop Ballistic missiles like this. The company that makes the rockets, MBDA, says they can hit things that are more than 100 kilometers away.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-24 04:54:40

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Defense News ,India :-  The Chief of the Indian Navy, Admiral R Hari Kumar, stated on Saturday that the Indian Navy is taking strong steps to make the Indian Ocean Region safer and more secure. He highlighted the anti-piracy efforts carried out by the Navy in the last 100 days.During a press conference at the newly constructed Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Kumar responded to questions by saying that no Indian-flagged ships had been targeted by the Houthis while at sea.Earlier that day, the INS Kolkata, carrying 35 pirates captured in a recent operation off the coast of Somalia, arrived in Mumbai. These pirates were handed over to the Mumbai police to face legal action under Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022.Admiral Kumar mentioned a significant mid-sea operation conducted by the Navy along with the Indian Air Force. This operation ended a three-month hijacking of a cargo ship. It involved the deployment of the warship INS Kolkata, long-endurance Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and elite MARCOS commandos being airdropped from a C-17 plane.During this operation, the Navy seized the former Maltese-flagged vessel, rescued 17 hostages, and captured 35 armed pirates. Experts consider this operation the first successful takeover of a cargo ship from Somali pirates in about seven years, marking the largest operation in the past decade where the Indian Navy apprehended 35 pirates.Admiral Kumar praised the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022 as a significant asset for security forces, especially the Indian Navy involved in anti-piracy operations. He emphasized the Navy's increased capability due to this legislation and highlighted their continued efforts to counter piracy attempts.When asked if these actions have enhanced the Indian Navy's image as the primary responder, Admiral Kumar remarked that India is progressing towards becoming a major power. He stressed that with great power comes great responsibility, affirming the Indian Navy's commitment to protecting national interests in the maritime domain.Regarding the duration of these operations, Admiral Kumar stated that they would continue until the Indian Ocean is safe and secure. He assured the protection of Indian nationals and vessels, emphasizing the Indian Navy's role as the largest resident naval power in the Indian Ocean.Admiral Kumar reiterated the Indian Navy's responsibility to maintain the safety, security, and stability of the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order.In simpler terms, Admiral R Hari Kumar, the leader of the Indian Navy, spoke about how they are working to make sure the Indian Ocean is safe. He mentioned their recent efforts against piracy and how they rescued hostages and captured pirates. He also talked about a law helping them in these operations.The Admiral emphasized that the Navy will keep working until the Indian Ocean is secure and assured that they will protect Indian people and ships. He also highlighted the Navy's responsibility in keeping the region safe and stable.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-24 04:42:52

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Defense News ,Spain :-  The Spanish Government has decided to give 19 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to Ukraine's Armed Forces. These tanks will be fixed up and made ready for use at the General Dynamics European Land Systems - Santa Barbara Sistemas place in Sevilla before being sent over.These 19 tanks are coming from the Spanish Armed Forces' supplies, as confirmed by Spanish authorities.General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) mentioned in a social media post that each tank will go through a thorough repair. This includes taking them apart, changing any broken parts, and putting them back together to make sure they work well in battles.Starting from February 24, 2022, Spain has already given 10 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to Ukraine. Now, with these 19 more tanks, Ukraine has received or been promised over 100 Leopard 2 vehicles.Before this, Ukraine had gotten at least 71 Leopard main battle tanks from different Western European countries. It's known from public sources that the Russian Armed Forces have damaged at least 14 of Ukraine's Leopard 2 tanks in battles.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-24 04:31:54

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Defense News ,Ukraine :-  On March 22, Ukraine got a gift from Lithuania. It was some equipment to jam drones. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence said they're always helping Ukraine with military stuff.Lithuania has given Ukraine lots of things before. Like weapons, bullets, drones, anti-drone gear, training, fixing heavy equipment, and whatever else Ukraine needs.Lithuania has a plan to keep helping Ukraine for a long time. From 2024 to 2026, they'll give Ukraine 200 million euros worth of help. That's what the ministry said.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 16:04:20

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Defense News ,Poland :-  The Polish army got 15 new big tanks from Hyundai Rotem, a company from South Korea. They got this news from the Armament Agency on March 20.The Armament Agency said that all 15 tanks arrived in Poland between March 17 and March 19. This comes after they got 3 tanks on March 11. So far, Hyundai Rotem has given Poland a total of 18 tanks this month.Right now, the Polish army has 46 K2 tanks. They got 10 tanks in 2022. Hyundai Rotem signed a big contract worth $3.37 billion with Poland's army in August 2022. This deal was to provide 180 K2 tanks.According to the deal, 38 more tanks will come in 2024. Then, by the end of 2025, the rest of the tanks, which is 96, will be given to the Polish army.About K2 Main BattleThe K2 Black Panther, originating from South Korea, stands as a pinnacle in main battle tank technology, boasting cutting-edge specifications:Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem [Image of Hyundai Rotem company logo]Crew: 3 (consisting of a commander, gunner, and driver)Weight: 55 tonnes (combat weight)Length: 10.8 meters (hull: 7.5 meters)Width: 3.6 metersHeight: 2.4 metersArmament:  Main gun: 120 mm smoothbore cannon (L55)   , Secondary armament: 1x 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 1x 12.7 mm heavy machine gunEngine: MTU Friedrichshafen 883 Ka-500 diesel engine (providing 1,500 horsepower)Transmission: Renk automatic transmission (incorporating 5 forward gears and 3 reverse gears)Maximum speed: 70 km/h (on road)Operational range: 450 kmFire control system: Comprising gunner's primary sight, commander's panoramic sight, ballistic computer, electric gun and turret drive system, dynamic muzzle reference systemThe K2 Black Panther integrates composite armor technology, offering formidable protection against diverse threats, including anti-tank missiles and tank shells. Additionally, the tank boasts advanced functionalities, such as an active protection system capable of intercepting incoming rockets and missiles. Moreover, its digital fire control system significantly enhances target acquisition and engagement precision for the gunner.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:44:41

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Defense News ,Russia :-  In a terrible incident near Moscow, a concert hall became a scene of tragedy when gunmen opened fire, leaving at least 143 people dead. Here's what happened and what's being done about it:For Video Visit Telegram Channel Link :- https://t.me/thedefensenewsThe Kremlin, which is like the headquarters of the Russian government, announced that they've arrested 11 people, including four suspected gunmen, in connection with the shooting. It happened on a Friday, and it's the worst attack Russia has seen in 20 years.A group called the Islamic State, which is known for violence, claimed they were behind the attack. However, there's also talk that the Russian authorities are looking into whether there's a link to Ukraine, another country nearby. The Ukrainian government says they had nothing to do with it.Russia's security service, called the FSB, said they caught the four suspected terrorists while they were trying to escape to Ukraine. They mentioned that these suspects had connections in Ukraine. The suspects are being taken to Moscow for further questioning.A spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry called the suspects "bloody bastards" and suggested they were planning to hide in Ukraine. This suggests tensions between Russia and Ukraine.A high-ranking Russian lawmaker, Andrei Kartapolov, said that if Ukraine had anything to do with the attack, Russia would respond forcefully.Russian state TV showed a video of one of the suspects, a young man with a beard, being questioned. They said the death toll had risen to 143, but they didn't say where they got this information.Russia's Investigative Committee, which looks into serious crimes, initially reported that at least 115 people had died in the attack. Gunmen dressed in camouflage clothes started shooting at people attending a concert in a hall called Crocus City Hall, just outside Moscow. Some died from the gunfire, while others perished in a fire that broke out during the chaos. It's said the gunmen started the fire using petrol they brought in backpacks.There was widespread panic as people tried to escape. A news outlet called Baza, which has good connections with Russian authorities, reported that 28 bodies were found in a restroom and 14 on a staircase. Heartbreakingly, they said many mothers were found hugging their children.The Kremlin stated that the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, told President Vladimir Putin that those arrested included "four terrorists" and that they're working to find out if anyone else helped them.A Russian lawmaker named Alexander Khinshtein said the attackers drove away in a Renault car. Police spotted them in a region called Bryansk, about 340 kilometers (210 miles) southwest of Moscow, but the attackers didn't stop when ordered. Two of them were caught after a chase, while the other two escaped into a forest. Later, it seems they were captured too.In the car, the police found a pistol, a magazine for an assault rifle, and passports from Tajikistan. Tajikistan is a country in Central Asia that used to be part of the Soviet Union and has a mainly Muslim population.This incident has shaken Russia, and authorities are working hard to ensure justice is served and prevent such tragedies in the future.U.S. Confirms Islamic State's Role in Shooting Near KremlinThe United States has found out that Islamic State is responsible for the shooting near the Kremlin. A U.S. official shared this information on Friday. They didn't reveal their name because they weren't allowed to. The U.S. had already warned Russia about a possible attack a few weeks ago.The shooting happened close to the Kremlin, about 20 kilometers away. This happened just two weeks after the U.S. embassy in Russia warned about possible attacks by extremists in Moscow.Just before the embassy's warning, the FSB, Russia's security agency, stopped an attack on a synagogue in Moscow. This attack was planned by Islamic State's affiliate group in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-K. This group wants to create a caliphate in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others.In 2015, Putin, the President of Russia, intervened in the Syrian civil war. He supported President Bashar al-Assad and fought against the opposition and Islamic State.Colin Clarke, an expert from the Soufan Center, says that ISIS-K has been targeting Russia for two years now. They often criticize Putin in their messages.Islamic State has carried out deadly attacks in many countries, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Europe, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.World Condemns Terrorist Attack in Russia, Tightens SecurityMany countries are upset about a terrible terrorist attack in Russia. The lady from Russia who speaks for their government said it was really bad and everyone should say it's bad too. The United States, Europe, Arab countries, and some places that used to be part of Russia said they were shocked and sorry. Even the United Nations said it was a very bad terrorist attack.Now, Russia is making sure their airports, train stations, and the big city are very safe because they don't want more bad things to happen. They cancelled all the big parties and events in the country.A while ago, Russia sent lots of soldiers into a country called Ukraine. Their leader, Putin, keeps saying that other countries, especially ones in the West, want to make trouble in Russia."

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:34:09

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Defense News ,U.S :-  In the upcoming year, the US Air Force is getting ready to add more power to its skies. They're planning to buy 51 F-35A fighter jets, which is more than what they initially planned for. This is all part of the government's budget plan for defense.Why This Matters:These jets are super important for the Air Force. They help them stay strong and updated in the sky. The F-35A jets are like the quarterbacks in a football game. They don't just fly around; they also gather important information about what's happening in the sky and on the ground.What's in the Budget:The government plans to give the Air Force over $5.2 billion to buy these jets. That's a lot of money! With this extra cash, they can get three more jets than they first asked for. It's a big step up from last year when they bought 60 jets.Why It's Important:These jets are not cheap. In fact, they're the most expensive planes the government buys, costing over $1.7 trillion! But they're worth it because they help keep the country safe.More Plans in the Works:It's not just the Air Force getting new toys. The Marines and Navy are also in on the action. They're getting money to buy 16 special F-35B jets and 19 F-35Cs for their aircraft carriers.What Else Is Being Bought:The Air Force isn't just getting jets. They're also getting new helicopters and tankers. This includes things like the F-15EX Eagle II fighters, MH-139 Grey Wolf patrol helicopters, and KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers.What's Next:There's still more to come. The government is also planning to spend money on other important projects. This includes things like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the Next Generation Air Dominance program. These are all part of keeping the military strong and ready.Final Thoughts:It's a busy time for the military planners. They're working hard to make sure the country's defenses are strong and up to date. So, when you see those fighter jets flying overhead, know that a lot of work and money went into keeping them there.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:08:19

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Defense News ,U.S :-  The United States Congress recently passed a very important bill about how much money the country will spend on defense in the year 2024. This happened early on a Saturday, and it's especially significant because it's already halfway through the year. The new budget amounts to $825 billion, which is a lot of money. This will help the Pentagon, which is in charge of the country's defense, to carry out its plans for this year.Before this bill was passed, Congress had been funding the Defense Department at the same levels as the previous year, which was 2023. They did this temporarily to avoid causing any problems, but it made it hard for the Defense Department to do new things or buy new weapons.The new bill includes money for different things that are important for the country's defense. This includes building eight new ships and buying 86 F-35 fighter jets, 24 F-15EX fighter jets, and 15 KC-46A tankers, which are all types of airplanes. It also provides funds for weapons like the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system.There's also money set aside for buying certain types of missiles. The Pentagon is trying something new by making long-term contracts for these missiles. Usually, such contracts are only made for very expensive things like ships and planes. By doing this, they hope to make sure there's always enough demand for these missiles, which will help companies that make them to plan better.The bill also includes $300 million to help Ukraine. This money will be used to buy equipment to help Ukraine defend itself. This is not as much as some people wanted, though. There was another bill earlier that wanted to give Ukraine $60 billion in support, but it didn't pass because some important people didn't want it to.There's been some disagreement among politicians about this bill. The Senate and the President both agreed on it, but some members of the House of Representatives weren't happy. They wanted to spend more money on Ukraine and other countries, but they couldn't agree with everyone else.One person who has caused some trouble in the House of Representatives is Mike Johnson. He is the Speaker of the House, which means he's in charge of organizing things there. Some members of his own party aren't happy with him because they think he's working too closely with the other party, the Democrats. One member even tried to get rid of him from his job, but it's not clear if that will happen.The situation in the House has been a bit chaotic recently because of disagreements between different members. Some Republicans are angry with their leaders for not doing what they want. This has caused problems in getting things done.One member of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has tried to get rid of Mike Johnson from his position. She's not the only one who's upset, but it's not certain if enough people will agree with her to make it happen.When Congress comes back from their break, they will have to deal with all these issues again. It's likely to be a tense time as they try to figure out what to do next.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:04:16

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Defense News ,U.S :-  The Space Force wants more than $1 billion for important projects. These projects are not part of its budget request for 2025. The list of projects is mostly secret, but some details were obtained by C4ISRNET.Most of the money, about $846 million, is for secret projects. The rest, about $305 million, will be used to make Space Force systems stronger and improve training.Every year, the military sends a list to Congress. This list includes projects they want to fund but weren't included in the budget request.Space Force wants to make sure its satellites and systems on the ground are strong enough to handle threats. They are focusing on making smaller satellites in large numbers for things like missile warnings and communications.The Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendall, who oversees the Space Force, said they have enough money to continue some projects. But they need more to work on other important missions like positioning, navigation, timing, and secret projects related to countering threats in space.Kendall said, "We need to find a way to make our positioning, navigation, and timing more resilient. And there are other communication things we need to do."They are asking for $159 million to buy commercial satellite communications. Another $9 million will be used to improve power at certain facilities that operate wideband SATCOM systems.Space Development Agency's project for demonstration and experimentation satellites needs $42.5 million. Without more money, this project might be delayed.They also want $60 million to make Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado more energy efficient. And $19 million will go to the National Space Test and Training Complex to increase the number of wargames they do every year.Another $59 million would allow them to do two more Rocket Systems Launch Program missions. These missions support science and technology work for the Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and the Missile Defense Agency.The Space Force said, "Restoring RSLP is not just about keeping projects going. It's crucial for reaching the goals set by the National Defense Strategy to innovate and keep space secure."

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:26:55

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Defense News ,Sweden :-  GKN Aerospace, a big company that makes airplane parts, got a job from Sweden's Defense group to think up new ideas for powerful engines and how to move planes. They're going to work on this for two years, starting in 2024. If things go well, they might keep working on it after that.The job is all about coming up with ideas for engines and systems that will make future fighter planes super strong and fast. They'll look at what technology we have now and what we might have in the future. They'll even try out some of these ideas to see if they work. GKN Aerospace will work closely with the Swedish military, along with other companies both in Sweden and around the world.This project is a big deal because it will help build the foundation for the fighter planes of tomorrow. It's also part of a long tradition of Sweden making its own cool fighter planes.GKN Aerospace is going to team up with other companies that are working on new types of engines and cool technology. These things are going to be really important for making future fighter planes.The Vice President of GKN Aerospace, Stefan Oscarsson, says they're really good at making engines. They make engines for a lot of planes, including the Gripen planes that Sweden uses. This new project will make them even better at what they do and give them the information they need to make even cooler planes in the future.Along with this project, GKN Aerospace is joining forces with Saab, another big company, to work on new ideas together. They want to make all sorts of new things for planes, especially for the next generation of fighter planes.Stefan Oscarsson says they're proud to be part of Sweden's defense team. Right now, they're upgrading engines for the Gripen planes and making sure they have everything they need to keep working well. The Gripen planes are super important for Sweden and lots of other countries too, and GKN Aerospace wants to make sure they keep flying for a long time.Trollhättan, a place in Sweden, is where GKN Aerospace is really good at using fancy technology to make airplane parts. They recently spent a lot of money to make this even better. With these improvements, they'll be able to make parts for engines that are better for the environment and can power the planes of the future.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:08:41

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Defense News ,Ukraine ,Russia :-   In a race to create unstoppable attack drones, developers from Ukraine and Russia are working hard. These drones are special because they can fly and attack even when their signals are jammed.Recently, Serhii Sternenko, a lawyer and activist from Ukraine, shared a video. In the video, a drone made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces' 60th and 63rd mechanized brigades targets and strikes a Russian tank.Sternenko explained that this strike happened despite the enemy trying to block the drone's signals using electronic warfare systems.How These Drones WorkOrdinary drones rely on signals from their operators to navigate. But radio jammers can block these signals, making the drones useless.However, these new drones use something called "machine vision." This means they can see and track their targets all on their own, without needing signals from an operator. This makes them immune to jamming.According to Forbes, Sternenko said, "They neutralize the work of the enemy’s EW [Electronic Warfare] in most cases and allow you to hit the enemy even more effectively."Ukraine's Ambitious PlansSternenko is urging people to support the development of this technology. His goal is to gather 50 million hryvnia (which is about $1.28 million) to build over 1,300 drones. These drones will include both quadcopters and fixed-wing models.More Independent DronesIn previous battles, Ukraine used drones that could operate independently. For example, the Saker Scout drones were reportedly used to attack Russian targets in 2023. These drones can identify different types of Russian military targets and resist radio jamming. They can fly up to 12 kilometers and carry munitions weighing up to 3 kilograms.Another group in Ukraine, AirUnit, was working on a First Person View (FPV) drone. This drone has a self-guided system. However, unlike the fully automatic Saker drone, the AirUnit drone needs a human to identify and highlight targets before it can attack.Similar Efforts in RussiaRussia is also busy developing its own advanced drones. One example is the homing version of the Ovod ("Gadfly") drone. Additionally, a company called ZALA, which is a subsidiary of Kalashnikov, plans to improve its automatic guidance system. This system was initially made for its long-range Lancet FPV drone, but it was withdrawn due to some issues.According to Forbes, Russian drone expert Samuel Bendett said, "Both sides are heavily investing in this capability and are trying to gain first mover advantage."The competition between Ukrainian and Russian developers to create advanced attack drones is intense. These drones are not just machines; they represent a new era of warfare, where machines can operate independently even in the face of electronic interference.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 04:56:33

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Defense News ,Russia :-  ISIS has claimed responsibility for an attack at a popular concert venue complex near Moscow Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 hospitalized after assailants stormed the venue with guns and incendiary devices.The terror group took responsibility for the attack in a short statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram on Friday. The group did not provide evidence to support the claim.Video footage from the site of the attack, the Crocus City Hall concert venue, shows the vast complex, which is home to both the music hall and a shopping center, on fire with smoke billowing into the air. State-run RIA Novosti reported the armed individuals “opened fire with automatic weapons” and “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire.” They then “allegedly fled in a white Renault car,” the news agency said.State media Russia 24 reported the roof on the venue has partially collapsed.The attack unfolded before the music group Picnic was set to perform, according to Russia 24. The band’s manager told state media that the performers were unharmed.The Russia Prosecutor General’s Office said: “Unidentified people in camouflage broke into Crocus City Hall and started shooting before the start of the concert,” according to TASS.Video footage showed panic as the attack unfolded, with crowds of people huddling together, screaming and ducking behind cushioned seats as gunshots started echoing in the vast hall. One group sheltering next to a large wall of windows outside the concert venue were forced to break them to escape the gunfire, video obtained by CNN shows.Footage geolocated by CNN shows an armed individual starting at least one fire inside the venue. The individual is seen carrying something in their hand and, as they walk off-screen, a bright flash of light from a large flame is seen in the video.Regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said everything was being done to save people in what is now the deadliest terror attack on Moscow in decades. A SWAT team was called to the area and more than 70 ambulance teams and doctors were assisting victims.One hundred and forty-five people have been hospitalized, TASS reported. Sixty people are in a “serious condition.”According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the attack and is being kept updated on measures on the ground.Putin on Saturday wished those were injured in the attack a speedy recovery, the state-run RIA-Novosti news agency. He also “conveyed his gratitude to the doctors,” RIA added.On Friday night, Moscow City Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov called on Moscow residents to donate blood to help treat victims, saying that “this is a matter of life and death for dozens of people.”Shaposhnikov listed several blood center facilities in the Moscow area that will accept donors throughout the weekend.Around 100 people were evacuated from the building by firefighters, TASS reported. Rescuers are still working to get people off the roof, according to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called the attack a “terrible tragedy.”“My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident,” Sobyanin said in a statement.Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend.Shaman, the singer of the band Picnic which was due to play the venue, said he would pay for the funerals of the victims and treatment for those injured.“We are all one big family. And in a family there is no such thing as somebody else’s grief”, the singer, known for his nationalistic views, said in a video posted on the Russian social media network Vkontakte to his more than 600,000 followers.“My people, any troubles and misfortunes have always united our country. They have made Russia tougher and stronger. It will not be possible to frighten and break us this time either”, he said.US had warned of potential attackEarlier this month, the US embassy in Russia said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings. On Friday, following what it said were “reports of an ongoing terrorist incident at Crocus City Hall,” it advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the US government had had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – and that this is what prompted the State Department to issue the public advisory.“The US government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.In a speech Tuesday, Putin had blasted the American warnings as “provocative,” saying “these actions resemble outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.”However, the attack at the concert venue comes near the end of a month in which a string of ISIS related incidents were reported by RIA.March alone, Russian authorities had thwarted several ISIS related incidents, according to RIA. On March 3, RIA reported that six ISIS members were killed in a counter-terrorist operation in the Ingush Karabulak; on March 7, it said security services had uncovered and “neutralized” a cell of the banned organization Vilayat Khorasan in the Kaluga region, whose members were planning an attack on a synagogue in Moscow; and on March 20, it said the commander of an ISIS combat group had been detained.A US official said Friday that Washington had no reason to doubt ISIS’ claim that it was responsible for the latest attack.International responseUkraine, which has been embroiled in a war with Russia for more than two years, denied having any involvement in the attack.“Ukraine has never resorted to the use of terrorist methods,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote, in part, in a post on X. He said he believed Russia would use the attack to justify the ongoing conflict and scale up operations as part of “military propaganda” in Ukraine.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres late Friday condemned “in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack” according to a statement released by his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq.“The Secretary-General conveys his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Russian Federation. He wishes those injured a speedy recovery,” the statement said.In a separate statement, the UN’s Security Council called the attack “heinous and cowardly.”French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack. “France expresses its solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people,” the Elysee Palace said, AFP and Reuters reported.For Video Visit Telegram Channel Link :- https://t.me/thedefensenews

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 02:41:32

 World 

Defense News ,Russia :-  In a terrible event on the outskirts of Moscow, gunmen stormed a concert hall, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Reports from Russian security services indicate that at least 60 people lost their lives, with another 100 injured in the attack.The assault took place at the Crocus City Hall, a venue set to host a rock concert. Shocking footage verified by the BBC showed at least four attackers dressed in camouflage gear participating in the violent act. They barged into the foyer and then proceeded into the theater, where chaos ensued.Amidst the chaos, the building caught fire, leading to parts of the roof collapsing. Tragically, children were among the victims. The Russian foreign ministry condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.An online statement, though unverified, claimed responsibility for the attack, attributing it to the militant group Islamic State. US officials, speaking to CBS, revealed intelligence suggesting that IS had intended to target Russia.Responding to the crisis, Russia's National Guard deployed special units to hunt down the attackers, with top officials rushing to the scene. This assault came just weeks after the US embassy issued warnings to its citizens about potential threats to large gatherings in Moscow.The concert hall was filled with over 6,000 attendees awaiting a performance by the rock group Picnic. Witnesses recounted the horror unfolding just minutes before the band was scheduled to take the stage. Security guards described the attackers entering the venue, firing indiscriminately at people.Inside the auditorium, attendees scrambled for safety as gunfire erupted. Some sought refuge near the stage, while others attempted to hide wherever they could. Fire and smoke engulfed the building, with reports indicating that the attackers used incendiary devices.Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the ordeal, including scenes of panic and confusion. Amidst the chaos, some managed to escape to safety, while others sought refuge on the roof or in the basement.Emergency services rushed to the scene, with ambulances standing by to transport the injured. In response to the tragedy, Moscow's Mayor canceled all public events, with other regions following suit.As the world reacted to the horrifying attack, calls for condemnation echoed internationally. Meanwhile, Ukraine's government swiftly denied any involvement, emphasizing the need for resolution through peaceful means.The assault bore similarities to past tragedies, notably the 2002 theatre siege in Moscow, where Chechen militants held hundreds hostage. Security measures were promptly heightened across transportation hubs in response to the latest attack.In the aftermath, global leaders expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, denouncing the senseless violence. The White House spokesman described the images from the scene as "horrible and hard to watch," underscoring the gravity of the situation.As investigations continue and communities grapple with the aftermath, the world mourns the lives lost in this senseless act of terrorism.For Video Visit :- Telegram Channel Link :- https://t.me/thedefensenews

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 02:33:44

 World 

Defense News ,U.S :-  The United States has given the green light for Bahrain to buy M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. These tanks will cost $2.2 billion.Bahrain will get 50 tanks, which come with M240 Coaxial 7.62mm machine guns. Along with the tanks, they will also receive support vehicles like M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.The deal includes maintenance, training, and other services provided by the US. Companies like General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Leonardo DRS, Honeywell Aerospace, RTX, and Lockheed Martin will handle the sale.According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives. It aims to help a non-NATO ally in the Middle East, promoting stability in the region.The M1A2 Abrams is a powerful tank designed for modern warfare. It has strong composite armor for protection. The variant Bahrain is buying, called SEP v3, can weigh up to 138,000 pounds (69 tons). Despite its weight, it can go as fast as 42 miles (67 kilometers) per hour, thanks to its powerful 1,500-horsepower engine.Countries like Poland, Taiwan, and Ukraine also use these tanks, with some deployed in Ukraine as part of US military support.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 16:02:46