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Defense News ,Red Sea :-  A German navy ship, the "Hesse" frigate, nearly shot down a US drone while protecting commercial ships in the Red Sea, as reported by German media. The incident occurred on Monday, and the German defense ministry confirmed it without disclosing the country involved.Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained that the frigate opened fire when attempts to identify the unknown drone failed. Fortunately, the shots did not hit the drone, later identified as a "reconnaissance drone." The frigate launched two missiles, but they both crashed into the sea due to technical issues.According to Der Spiegel, the almost-targeted drone was a US Reaper, possibly part of an unrelated anti-terror mission. The German defense ministry clarified that the frigate attacked only after its allies reported no drone presence in the area.Military officials expressed concern about the incident, emphasizing the need for improved coordination between allies involved in missions around Yemen. The "Hesse" frigate had recently joined an EU mission to safeguard international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.Earlier, the frigate successfully thwarted an attack by shooting down two drones launched by the Houthis. The rebel group has targeted the vital shipping lane since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.The United States leads its naval coalition in the Red Sea, conducting strikes against the Houthis along with Britain. Reports suggest that American combat drones, unrelated to the Red Sea mission, are commonly used in the region. The incident underscores the importance of enhancing communication and coordination among allies engaged in various missions around Yemen.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 15:18:46

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Defense News ,Swiden :-  In a significant achievement, just two weeks after their initial meeting over Czech territory, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) successfully completed their first air-to-air (AAR) refueling mission with Czech JAS-39 Gripen on February 27, 2024. The Czech Air Force fighters joined the A330 Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) tanker for AAR training in the airspace over Pardubice, marking the end of an intensive certification process.The journey towards this success began with the first test flights with the Swedish company SAAB's fighter in October 2022, conducted in collaboration with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV T&E). Two modified Gripen aircraft were involved in these test flights, allowing the measurement of forces during air-to-air refueling and specific fuel pressures in the system. The tests took place over Swedish airspace, with the tanker departing from Eindhoven Airbase, the Main Operating Base of the MMU.The certification process for the NATO MRTT Fleet (MMF) is usually initiated by the receiver nations. The Dutch Military Aviation Authority carefully reviews documents in coordination with the MMU, determining if real testing is necessary. The MMU test pilot explains, "If there is an existing AAR clearance with an aircraft from different nations, we check for differences between them and decide whether further testing is required." Currently, the MMF is certified to refuel over 13 different aircraft types, with several others in the certification process.The Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Fleet (MMF) plays a crucial role by providing strategic transport, air-to-air refueling capabilities, and medical evacuation capabilities to its six participating nations: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Norway. The fleet, owned by NATO and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), consists of seven Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, set to expand to ten by 2026.Operated by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU), the fleet comprises military personnel from the participating countries and is based at the Main Operating Base (MOB) in Eindhoven (the Netherlands) and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Cologne (Germany). The NSPA provides support to participating nations through its MRTT Fleet Support Partnership, emphasizing the reliability and strength of the collaborative effort.In conclusion, the successful air-to-air refueling mission between MMU and Czech JAS-39 Gripen showcases the continuous efforts for improvement and the reliable partnership within the Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Fleet. This accomplishment adds another aircraft to MMU's portfolio of receivers, reinforcing the unit's capabilities and the effectiveness of NATO's collaborative initiatives.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 15:12:27

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Defense News ,Russia :-  President Vladimir Putin told Western countries on Thursday they risked provoking a nuclear war if they sent troops to fight in Ukraine, warning that Moscow had the weapons to strike targets in the West.The war in Ukraine has triggered the worst crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has previously spoken of the dangers of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, but his nuclear warning on Thursday was one of his most explicit.Addressing lawmakers and other members of the country's elite, Putin, 71, repeated his accusation that the West was bent on weakening Russia, and he suggested Western leaders did not understand how dangerous their meddling could be in what he cast as Russia's own internal affairs.He prefaced his nuclear warning with a specific reference to an idea, floated by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine - a suggestion that was quickly rejected by the United States, Germany, Britain and others."(Western nations) must realise that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilisation. Don't they get that?!" said Putin.Speaking ahead of a March 15-17 presidential election when he is certain to be re-elected for another six-year term, he lauded what he said was Russia's vastly modernised nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world."Strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness," he said, noting that new-generation hypersonic nuclear weapons he first spoke about in 2018 had either been deployed or were at a stage where development and testing were being completed.Visibly angry, Putin suggested Western politicians recall the fate of those like Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler and France's Napoleon Bonaparte who had unsuccessfully invaded Russia in the past."But now the consequences will be far more tragic," said Putin. "They think it (war) is a cartoon," he said, accusing Western politicians of forgetting what real war meant because they had not faced the same security challenges as Russians had in the last three decades.More Troops For Western BorderRussian forces now had the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine and were advancing in several places, Putin said. Russia must also boost the troops it has deployed along its western borders with the European Union after Finland and Sweden decided to join the NATO military alliance, he added.The veteran Kremlin leader dismissed Western suggestions that Russian forces might go beyond Ukraine and attack European countries as "nonsense". He also said Moscow would not repeat the mistake of the Soviet Union and allow the West to "drag" it into an arms race that would eat up too much of its budget."Therefore, our task is to develop the defence-industrial complex in such a way as to increase the scientific, technological and industrial potential of the country," he said.Putin said Moscow was open to discussions on nuclear strategic stability with the United States but suggested that Washington had no genuine interest in such talks and was more focused on making false claims about Moscow's alleged aims."Recently there have been more and more unsubstantiated accusations against Russia, for example that we are allegedly going to deploy nuclear weapons in space. Such innuendo... is a ploy to draw us into negotiations on their terms, which are favourable only to the United States," he said."...On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, they simply want to show their citizens and everyone else that they still rule the world."

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 14:58:07

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Defense News ,Israel Hamas War :- In a recent event, Israel carried out an airstrike close to the Lebanese border in Syria, taking down a Hezbollah fighter in the Qusayr area. This strike also targeted areas near Damascus, according to reports from a war monitor. The incident occurred just hours after similar attacks.Hezbollah, a powerful group with influence over Lebanon’s eastern border and some regions across the border, including Qusayr, was the focus of the strike. The attack, carried out by an Israeli drone on a truck, resulted in the death of a Hezbollah fighter, as confirmed by Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.Simultaneously, Israeli strikes were reported on Syrian air defense and radar sites near Damascus. The attacks were heard as far as Damascus, though Syrian state media did not report on them.Hezbollah, along with other Iran-backed groups, has been actively involved in supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces since the beginning of the civil war in 2011. Israel has launched numerous air strikes against its northern neighbor throughout the conflict, primarily targeting pro-Iran forces, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Syrian army.The frequency of these strikes has increased during the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been ongoing for almost five months.Notably, Israel rarely comments on individual strikes, but it has consistently expressed its opposition to Iran expanding its presence in Syria. Previous strikes by Israel near Damascus, including one on a truck near the Lebanese border last week, have resulted in casualties among Hezbollah members.It's crucial to understand that the Syrian war, ongoing since March 2011, has had devastating consequences, claiming over half a million lives and displacing millions due to the brutal repression of anti-government protests by the Damascus regime.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 14:52:05

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Defense News ,Iran :-  Iran made an announcement on Thursday that they successfully sent a remote sensing and imaging satellite, named "Pars-I," into orbit. This launch was done in collaboration with Russia, using the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher. The event was televised live in Iran.The satellite, "Pars-I," was developed entirely within Iran, as stated by the country's telecommunications minister, Issa Zareppur. He mentioned that Iran has accomplished a total of twelve satellite launches in the past two years. The launch took place from Russia’s Vostochny launch base, which is around 8,000 kilometers east of Moscow, according to the official IRNA news agency.It's important to note that Western governments, including the United States, have consistently expressed concerns about Iran's satellite launches. They argue that the technology used for satellites can also be applied to ballistic missiles, including those designed for nuclear warheads.Despite these concerns, Iran insists that its intentions are not related to nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are solely for civil or defense purposes. In January, Iran had reported launching three satellites into orbit simultaneously, and shortly after, the Revolutionary Guards launched a research satellite.Notably, in August 2022, Russia launched Iran’s Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan. This move stirred controversy, with some fearing that Moscow could enhance its surveillance of military targets in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Moscow has been working to strengthen its alliances with countries facing criticism from the West, such as Iran.In response to Iran's alleged support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has announced plans to impose new sanctions on Iran. However, Tehran denies these allegations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 14:45:44

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Defense News ,Denmark :-   Kraken Robotics Inc. has recently achieved a major milestone in its contract with the Royal Danish Navy Minehunting sonar upgrade program. The company completed all deliveries and successfully tested all systems related to its mine-hunting sonar equipment.The journey began in September 2020 when Kraken secured the contract through a competitive bidding process with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO). The contract involved delivering four complete turnkey mine-hunting systems, each consisting of a KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle Winch, Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS), topside command and control equipment, and remote operation and monitoring capability for standoff mine-hunting operations.Starting in 2022, Kraken integrated the KATFISH mine-hunting systems onto the Royal Danish Navy’s optionally uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) known as the MSF-class. Collaboration with MCM Denmark operators, workshop technicians, and the Danish shipyard JOBI played a crucial role in the successful installation of Kraken’s DNV design-approved ALARS onto the MSF-class during the planned mid-life refit. Additionally, Kraken integrated the KATFISH system with Saab’s Command and Control (C2) software, offering operators a seamless experience for mission planning and monitoring. The inclusion of Kongsberg’s Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) enabled the complete system to operate remotely, streaming full-resolution sonar imagery in real-time at ranges exceeding line of sight.In 2023, Kraken further solidified its commitment by entering into a 7-year sustainment contract with DALO, with options for two additional 7-year extensions, totaling a possible 21 years of sustainment. The sustainment program includes regular maintenance, repair, and overhaul, along with training provision, spare parts, and the delivery of regular capability enhancements through software updates. Kraken will continue its support throughout 2024 by delivering additional spares, including tow cables and two spare KATFISH tow bodies.Kraken's dedication extended to comprehensive training programs developed and delivered to the MCM Denmark team, covering Onboard Operator, Onboard Maintainer, and Depot Maintainer training certification programs. As of 2024, the Royal Danish Navy has completed a full year of KATFISH operations, accumulating an undisclosed large number of operational hours.Commander (Navy) K.P. Hansen, Commanding Officer of MCM Denmark, expressed satisfaction with the KATFISH system's performance, highlighting its safe automated remote launch and recovery capabilities. The system's addition has enhanced the MCM toolbox, providing operators with a valuable capability in seabed warfare. The mission to ensure safety and security in Danish waters has been strengthened, promising many successful years of operations with Kraken systems.In February 2024, Captain (RDN) Jakob Damgaard Rousøe, Head of the Maritime Division within DALO, praised the completion of the process to integrate the Kraken KATFISH sonar into the Danish MCM forces. He anticipated that the MCM capacity would reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) within the first half of 2024. Captain Rousøe commended the extensive and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, highlighting the impressive sensor's ability to provide detailed images, significantly increasing the detection and classification probability of mine-like echoes. He concluded by acknowledging the collective achievement of the team involved in the project.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 07:38:46

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Defense News ,U.S :-  In November 2023, Lockheed Martin achieved an important step in developing a new missile defense system for the United States. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) approved the completion of a key milestone, called Knowledge Point 1 (KP1), ahead of schedule. This progress allows Lockheed Martin's Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to move forward towards the Critical Design Review (CDR).During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin’s progress, checking off design review milestones and confirming advancements in crucial technologies, manufacturing readiness, and the NGI Software Factory. This success follows Lockheed Martin's on-schedule execution of the All Up Round Preliminary Design Review in September.Sarah Reeves, vice president of NGI at Lockheed Martin, expressed pride in the team's technical achievements during KP1. She highlighted the program's maturity, unprecedented for this stage of a missile defense initiative. With MDA's approval, Lockheed Martin is now entering the detailed design phase, continuing to test integrated NGI hardware and software in preparation for production and flight testing.Lockheed Martin is on track for the next milestone, the Critical Design Review. The ongoing work includes constructing ground test vehicles and using digital engineering tools to virtually simulate the interceptor's performance during system integration trials.The NGI system aims to protect the U.S. from evolving threats posed by long-range ballistic missiles from rogue nations. The first Lockheed Martin NGI is expected to be delivered to the military as early as Fiscal Year 2027.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 07:22:14

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Defense News , Canada :-   Leonardo has won a contract from Public Services and Procurement Canada to give the Canadian Armed Forces its Falcon Shield C-UAS system. The deal includes several systems and a 10-year maintenance plan with options for more equipment and developing new capabilities. The first systems will be sent later this year, and the Canadian Armed Forces will quickly deploy Falcon Shield to protect deployed personnel at forward operating bases.Falcon Shield, a proven solution in the UK, addresses the threat from small, slow, and low-flying drones (group 1 to 3) that are hard to detect with regular air surveillance equipment. Using advanced sensors, the system quickly identifies, tracks, and prioritizes threats, allowing operators to effectively neutralize them.Produced in Basildon and Southampton, Falcon Shield is already in use by the UK's Armed Forces and trusted by allies on operations. It is also available for export worldwide. Leonardo continuously updates Falcon Shield to stay cutting-edge in the evolving security landscape.For the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), Leonardo has delivered seven complete baseline counter-drone systems, known as ORCUS in RAF service. These are part of the RAF's 'Synergia' research and development program and serve as a national standby capability for Emergency Services. The RAF has successfully used Leonardo's counter-UAS technology during high-profile events like the 2021 G7 summit and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.Leonardo has collaborated with the United States Armed Forces, integrating the US Air Force Research Laboratory's NINJA technology into the RAF ORCUS system. This demonstrated the system's ability to detect and mitigate dozens of small drone platforms around airbases.Leonardo will showcase Falcon Shield at Canada's 'Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2024' exercise in June. The system will counter drones operated by the Canadian Armed Forces' 'red team' during the event in Suffield, Alberta.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 07:11:27

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Defense News ,Austria :-  Austria has recently bought 36 Skyranger mobile air defense systems for its Pandur wheeled armored vehicles. These vehicles are made by General Dynamics European Land Systems, and Austria has ordered a total of 225 of them. The entire deal is worth about half a billion euros, and the delivery of the Rheinmetall system is set to begin in 2026.The Skyranger Air Defense System is equipped with a versatile turret that includes a modern sensor suite, a 30mm automatic cannon, and Mistral guided missiles. The cannon can shoot 1,200 rounds per minute and has a range of 3 kilometers (1.86 miles). The system also has a command system that helps assess local threats.Designed to tackle various aerial threats like drones, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, the Skyranger is a comprehensive defense solution.Austria's decision to purchase these systems comes after upgrading its existing 35mm Skyguard Next Generation system for 532 million euros ($576 million). Austria is the third country, following Germany and Hungary, to acquire the Skyranger system. Additionally, Denmark has chosen the Skyranger to fulfill its air defense needs.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-29 07:03:19

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Defense News ,China :-  A News reports of January 2015 revealed that China’s Chengdu Aviation Corporation famous for designing some of China’s largest UAVs, has begun offering something far smaller, but just as deadly - deployed from a 155mm shell (PLZ-04 howitzer) or 300mm rocket (A-100 rocket launcher). When nearing deployment, the shell deploys a drag parachute to slow down. At the slower speed, the shell splits open so the drone can safely deploy. Despite the drone’s small size, its sensors are capable enough of detecting specific targets like tanks.This little drone can also be fired from large artillery, such as a 155mm cannon or a rocket launcher, to quickly scout for and light up enemy armored vehicles with its laser designator. Once enemy vehicles have been targeted, the parent artillery battery can fire off laser guided shells and artillery to accurately destroy the enemy. The drone is lodged inside a specially designed warhead inside a rocket or artillery shell. At the appropriate attitude, the warhead deploys a parachute in order to slow down and release the drone. The drone then uses its four wings to stay aloft, while it scans for enemy vehicles. An operator back at the artillery battery designates the drone to use its laser (as well as any another sensors) to lock onto enemy vehicles by marking their rooftops, just like the laser designator on a Reaper drone or Apache attack helicopter.The artillery launched drone has six sections, including guidance fins, wings for gliding, communications link, and the sensor/laser targeting payload. It offers an advantages over small traditional UAVs and larger reconnaissance UAVs. Artillery launch provides the drone with speed and mobility advantages over small hand launched UAVs like the Raven. Its small size also makes it cheaper and harder to detect, compared to a larger UAV like the ScanEagle. This drone represents not only the growing innovation in Chinese unmanned system, but also advancements in Chinese defence networking and battlefield situational awareness.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 16:08:06

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Defense News ,U.S :-  In Texas, a nuclear weapons plant, known as the Pantex Plant, located near Amarillo, faced a temporary shutdown due to five uncontrolled wildfires raging in the area. The largest fire, called the Smokehouse Creek Fire, had already scorched 300,000 acres. Despite these challenges, the Pantex Plant reassured the public that it would resume normal operations on Wednesday.The wildfires were fueled by strong winds and unusually warm temperatures, as seen in satellite imagery spreading southwards near Amarillo. To protect its facilities, the Pantex facility had initially halted operations, constructed fire barriers, and retained only essential staff overnight. The plant specializes in assembling and disassembling the United States' nuclear stockpiles, conducting nuclear material testing, and manufacturing high explosives.Although the plant confirmed that all weapons and special materials remained safe and unaffected during the wildfire crisis, it did not provide specific information on whether the danger had passed.Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties, allowing for the allocation of additional resources to combat the fires. Across Texas, efforts had brought 25 out of 31 active fires under control. Evacuation orders were issued in several towns, with citizens urged to stay indoors due to poor air quality caused by the smoke.Reports indicated significant damage to buildings in Hutchinson county, with some towns issuing evacuation orders up to 100 miles away from Amarillo. More than 200 people sought shelter in a church in Fritch, 35 miles from Amarillo, after being forced to leave their homes. Many faced devastating losses, confirming the destruction of their residences.Melanie McQuiddy, a motel manager from the town of Canadian, described the scene as resembling "Armageddon," with trees covered in white ash. The wildfires also led to power outages, affecting over 4,000 Texans.Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, the Pantex Plant's decision to resume operations signaled a step toward normalcy in the midst of a difficult situation.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 15:31:15

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Defense News , Norwey :-  Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with help from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Armed Forces, recently tested a revamped AMRAAM-Extended Range missile from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The test proved that the upgraded AMRAAM-ER has enhanced capabilities.This new AMRAAM-ER version is unique as it uses the guidance section from AIM-120 C-8. It also has a stronger 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System, called the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The Norwegian MoD has been a collaborative partner in this project.Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defence Systems at Raytheon, emphasized, “Adding this new technology to the AMRAAM-ER ensures its advanced capabilities will last for many years. Regular software upgrades will keep advancing AMRAAM to stay ahead of emerging threats.”During the testing, a missile was fired to follow a predetermined path, confirming its safe launch from the NASAMS launcher and checking its performance.The AMRAAM-ER is designed to work seamlessly with the NASAMS launcher, offering increased air defense protection by intercepting targets at a greater range and altitude compared to the non-extended range AMRAAM.NASAMS, a versatile medium-range air defense solution, is a joint effort between Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. With years of experience, collaboration, and significant investment, this partnership aims to continually enhance NASAMS capabilities to effectively counter evolving complex threats.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 15:12:33

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Defense News , Germany :- Two years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine, and Germany is still discussing whether to send much-needed long-range weapons to the war-ravaged nation.Recently, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted that the country is undecided on the matter. The concern is that these weapons might be used to strike deep into Russia, potentially escalating the conflict. The move could also be seen as more direct involvement by Germany.Despite acknowledging that Berlin's military aid to Kyiv is insufficient, Baerbock mentioned that German authorities have been brainstorming for the past year to figure out how they can provide more support, including long-range weapon systems.Ukrainian defense officials have been requesting long-range missiles and jets from the West to help repel the invading Russian troops. The US, the UK, and France have already reversed their previous decisions and delivered long-range weapons to Ukraine.Baerbock emphasized that it's totally understandable for the people in Ukraine to demand more support, considering the recent advances of Russian forces. Moscow has gained control of the strategic city of Avdiivka after months of heavy fighting and multiple failed attempts to seize the territory.Despite these gains, German lawmakers remain skeptical about delivering the highly-requested Taurus missiles to Kyiv. Initial plans involved technically modifying the weapon by applying programming restrictions to reduce its range and prevent Moscow from obtaining key components if captured.Baerbock did not provide information on whether a decision to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine is imminent.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 14:58:06

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Defense News ,North Korea :-  North Korea's first spy satellite is "alive," a Netherlands-based space expert said on Tuesday, after detecting changes in its orbit that suggest Pyongyang is successfully controlling the spacecraft - although its capabilities are still unknown. After two fiery failures, North Korea successfully placed the Malligyong-1 satellite in orbit in November. Pyongyang's state media claimed it has photographed sensitive military and political sites in South Korea, the United States, and elsewhere, but has not released any imagery. Independent radio trackers have not detected signals from the satellite. "But now we can definitely say the satellite is alive," Marco Langbroek, a satellite expert at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, wrote in a blog post. From Feb. 19-24, the satellite conducted manoeuvres to raise its perigee, or the lowest point in its orbit, from 488 km to 497 km, Langbroek said, citing data from the U.S.-led Combined Space Operations Center. "The manoeuvre proves that Malligyong-1 is not dead, and that North-Korea has control over the satellite - something that was disputed," he said. South Korea's Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Monday, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said the satellite was not showing any signs of performing other tasks or engaging in reconnaissance. "While we indeed currently can not be sure whether the satellite does successfully take imagery, it at least performs orbital manoeuvres, so in that sense it is functional," Langbroek wrote of Shin's comments. The orbit-raising manoeuvre was a surprise as the presence of an onboard propulsion system is unexpected, and previous North Korean satellites never manoeuvred, he said. "Having the capacity to raise the satellite's orbit is a big deal," Langbroek said. That means that as long as there is fuel in the satellite, North Korea can prolong the satellite's lifetime by raising its altitude when it gets too low because of orbital decay, he concluded. Nuclear-armed North Korea has vowed to launch three more spy satellites in 2024.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 14:47:34

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Defense Newws ,Ukraine Russia War :- The British government has committed £245 million ($310 million) to provide artillery ammunition for Ukraine as the country marks its second anniversary in defense against Russia's full-scale invasion.This financial support is aimed at urgently acquiring and reinforcing essential shells to replenish Kyiv's arsenal, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of artillery systems that have proven their operational capabilities in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.The UK Ministry of Defence asserts that this funding will strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces' strategic advantage over Moscow, citing tactics honed during the conflict. Notably, the use of aerial drones and radar systems has been instrumental in swiftly identifying the locations of Russian weapons and neutralizing them.Admiral Tony Radakin, the UK Chief of Defence Staff, commended the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stating, "During the past two years, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have become one of the largest, most capable and respected fighting forces in the world."He added, "Today the Russian Army has lost half the territory it seized, over 350,000 men killed or wounded, thousands of tanks, artillery pieces and armored fighting vehicles, the Russian Fleet has been driven from Crimea and Ukraine’s maritime exports are returning to pre-war levels."The UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, emphasized the necessity of providing additional military aid to Ukrainian forces as they enter their third year resisting Russian aggression. Shapps acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highlighting their success in pushing back Russian invaders and reclaiming stolen territory.Shapps emphasized, "But they cannot win this fight without the support of the international community – and that’s why we continue to do what it takes to ensure Ukraine can continue to fight towards victory."In a move preceding this announcement, Shapps confirmed the donation of 200 additional Brimstone anti-tank missiles to Kyiv, bringing the British government's total deliveries to over 1,300. This commitment was made following the recent delivery of 600 Brimstone projectiles.Furthermore, London pledged an additional £18 million ($22.7 million) in humanitarian and economic aid for Kyiv's recovery. These funds will primarily be allocated to organizations such as the UN and Red Cross for distributing necessities on the frontline, with the remaining amount dedicated to reinforcing Ukraine's energy infrastructure against future attacks.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-28 14:38:56