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Defense News ,Pakistan :- A leading Pakistani defense conglomerate, Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS), introduced its latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Ranger, during the ongoing World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia from February 4-8.Described as a runway-independent tactical UAV, the Ranger is specifically designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance missions, and artillery fire correction roles. The drone boasts a multi-sensor gimbal payload featuring a high-definition electro-optical sensor, a medium-wave infrared sensor, and a laser range finder, enabling it to conduct both daytime and nighttime operations. Notably, its line-of-sight control extends up to 100 kilometers (62 miles).GIDS highlights the Ranger's autonomous capabilities, empowered by artificial intelligence-enabled payloads. The UAV utilizes four small rotors for vertical lift and a larger pusher rotor for forward propulsion.In addition to the Ranger, GIDS showcased its Fatah II guided multi-launch rocket system, successfully tested in December 2023. The export version of this system boasts an impressive range of 290 kilometers.This exhibition marks GIDS's largest presence at a defense expo to date, signaling its commitment to securing more export deals. The conglomerate aims to entice potential buyers with the prospect of local production, having already made successful sales to countries like Peru and establishing a foothold in the African market.Seeking to strengthen ties with Pakistan's close allies, GIDS signed an agreement with Turkey on the first day of the show. While specific details were not disclosed by a GIDS spokesperson, the move underscores the company's determination to broaden its international partnerships and contribute to the global defense landscape.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-08 05:51:37

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Defense News ,Pakistan :- Pakistan's recent announcement regarding its intention to procure Chinese fifth-generation FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter aircraft has set off alarms in India, prompting analysts to suggest an acceleration in India's air force modernization efforts. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber's revelation of Pakistan's plans has raised concerns in India about maintaining tactical air superiority along its borders. Analysts speculate that Pakistan may receive up to 36 FC-31 jets by the end of the decade, posing a significant challenge to India's defense strategy.Mustafa Hyder, from the Pakistan-China Institute, views this move as a demonstration of the deepening military cooperation between Pakistan and China, aimed at countering their common adversary, India. The potential acquisition of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon underscores the joint strategy of both countries to address security threats emanating from India.In response, India is facing pressure to expedite its acquisition of American F-35 aircraft or accelerate its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program to develop its own stealth combat aircraft by 2032. Harsh V. Pant, a professor at King's College London, suggests that the deal between Pakistan and China compels India to reassess its defense procurement strategies to maintain its competitive edge in the region.The FC-31 Gyrfalcon, also known as J-31 or J-35, signifies China's advancement in stealth technology. While the official designation is pending, prototypes are being developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, with expectations of deployment in the Chinese navy within the next five years. This development adds complexity to the regional military balance, particularly in light of India's ongoing conflicts with both China and Pakistan over disputed borders.The potential deployment of a fifth-generation stealth fighter by Pakistan presents a formidable challenge for India, given its absence in the current Indian Air Force arsenal. This acquisition would afford Pakistan a tactical advantage, particularly in air-to-air combat scenarios, according to Frank O'Donnell, a senior research adviser. Moreover, Pakistan's close military ties with China facilitate a more streamlined procurement process compared to India's bureaucratic challenges.For India to effectively counter these developments, it must address longstanding issues such as declining squadron strength and delays in the acquisition of foreign and domestic warplanes. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to ensuring India's ability to keep pace with regional adversaries and maintain its strategic interests in South Asia.Despite the addition of 36 Rafale 4.5-generation warplanes from France's Dassault Aviation in the past two years, India's Air Force (IAF) finds itself grappling with a modernization gap, leaving it with 30 to 32 squadrons against the intended strength of 42. Analysts note that the ageing out of the existing fleet has outpaced the IAF's progress in acquiring new aircraft. The shortfall in warplane numbers, crucial for countering threats from China and Pakistan, amounts to approximately 200 aircraft, a gap projected to be only halved by the mid-2030s.India is on the verge of announcing the acquisition of an additional 26 Rafale planes, expected to be deployed on its aircraft carrier. However, addressing this shortage requires a significant political commitment to streamline the defense acquisition process and overcome bureaucratic hurdles, a commitment that has not been adequately demonstrated so far.In response to India's Rafale acquisitions, Pakistan has ordered 25 Chengdu J-10C "Vigorous Dragon" aircraft, emphasizing the escalating regional competition. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy by China to counter India's growing political and defense partnerships with the United States. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, including Japan and Australia, has bolstered India's position as a counterweight to China in Asia, departing from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.Despite Pakistan's forthcoming acquisition of Chinese stealth warplanes, specifically the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, India appears less alarmed, considering the aircraft is still in the developmental stage. Analysts, including Harsh V. Pant of King's College London, suggest that this deal may benefit China more than Pakistan in the long term, given the lag in the FC-31's development.India's necessity to address its aging fleet led to the Rafale acquisitions, while Pakistan, realizing challenges in its long-term relationship with the U.S., sought advanced Chinese fighter aircraft. The China-Pakistan military relationship has strengthened through joint production projects like the JF-17 "Thunder" fighters, guided-missile frigates, and diesel-electric submarines. The potential J-31 deal further indicates the enduring nature of the China-Pakistan military alliance, with the U.S. likely unsurprised by this development.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-08 05:46:54

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Defense News ,Russia :- Russia is set to introduce advanced Su-57 fighter jets with a new engine starting in 2024.The upgraded Izdelie-30, also known as AL-51F1, engine has completed testing and is ready for production, according to state-owned TASS, citing two sources.The engine boasts an afterburner thrust of 18,000 kilograms (39,683 pounds), enabling the Su-57 to supercruise at speeds over Mach 2 without using fuel-intensive afterburners that increase heat signatures.Previously, the Su-57 lacked supercruise without an afterburner, affecting its "stealth" and fifth-generation capabilities.The Izdelie-30 has been tested on the Su-57 since 2017, replacing the AL-41F1 used in the Su-35. Russia's upcoming fifth-generation aircraft, the Su-75, is also expected to feature this advanced engine, with its first flight scheduled for mid-2025.In 2023, Russia deployed Su-57s with the first-stage Izdelie-30 engine in Ukraine. However, there are no plans to retrofit the existing Su-57s with the new engine, as the first-stage engines are deemed capable. According to sources, even with the first-stage engine, the Su-57 surpasses the capabilities of the US F-35.The first-stage engine, developed by the AM Lyulka Design Bureau, provides the Su-57 with super-maneuverability, a better thrust-to-weight ratio, and low visibility. Additionally, it features an oxygen-free plasma ignition system in both the main and afterburner combustion chambers, offering a technological advantage.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 16:22:05

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Defense News ,Germany :- Mehler Protection, a leading body armor provider and part of the Mehler Systems Group, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering the 100,000th MOBAST protective vest system to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) as planned.In April 2022, the Federal Ministry of Defence awarded Mehler Protection an order for 305,000 protective vests. The deliveries, starting from December 2022 at a newly opened facility in Fulda, surpassed 4,000 systems in the first month, leading to the achievement of 100,000 systems within just over a year. The deliveries are expected to continue as scheduled until 2024.Thomas Homberg, CEO of the Mehler Systems Group, emphasized their commitment to delivering reliable systems that meet threats and mission requirements. The MOBAST program, known as "Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment," provides versatile protective vests and adaptable carrying gear, covering vital areas with both soft and hard ballistic protection, including stab protection.Dr. Mario Amschlinger, COO/CFO of Mehler Systems, highlighted the program's distinct advantage in modularity and scalability, offering a significant edge over competitors.Despite global disruptions, Mehler Protection ensures the timely delivery of the protective vests, emphasizing high-value creation in Europe through internal development, production, testing procedures, and quality assurance. The company's coordination with the German Armed Forces and close collaboration with suppliers and service providers contribute to meeting deadlines.In a joint event on February 5, 2024, Mehler Systems Group's CEO and COO/CFO symbolically handed over the 100,000th MOBAST protective vest system to Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Head of the Equipment Department at the Federal Ministry of Defence. The handover marked a milestone in the successful MOBAST program, supporting the German Armed Forces with essential protective equipment in a timely manner.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 16:18:25

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Defense News ,Australia :- In a collaborative effort, the Australian military has joined forces with the UK and the US to exhibit the capabilities of autonomous assets integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) in South Australia.The demonstration, named Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles (TORVICE), entailed unmanned robotic vehicles executing missions through AI software while maintaining seamless network connectivity in intricate land-based scenarios.TORVICE involved scientists tackling electro-optical laser challenges, electronic warfare simulations, and navigation and timing intricacies to affirm the resilience of unmanned ground vehicles.Additionally, robotic systems assumed the roles of autonomous multi-domain launchers and larger unmanned vehicles, simulating long-range precision fires and associated missions without the use of live weaponry.Guy Powell, Principal Adviser at the UK Defence Science and Technology (DST) Laboratory, emphasized the importance of "networked autonomy" for modern warfare as showcased by the TORVICE systems.A Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial took place in South Australia in late 2023, with personnel from Australia, the US, and the UK testing autonomous ground vehicles in a contested electronic warfare environment. This trial is aligned with Australia's commitment to AUKUS Pillar II Advanced Capabilities.According to Powell, "Robotic and autonomous systems have the potential to transform the battlefield, providing a force multiplier while reducing risk to warfighters." He added, "TORVICE allows us to understand robotic autonomous systems’ operation in a contested environment and increase the resilience of these systems. Working across three nations will accelerate the development of robust, capable systems."Shane Canney, UK DST Land and Integrated Force Chief, highlighted the significance of the TORVICE project for the trilateral AUKUS strategic cooperation in future terrestrial, naval, airborne, and digital operations. He stated, "Understanding how robotic vehicles react in contested environments accelerates our collective know-how and helps improve the system to overcome such attacks. Transitioning trusted robotic capabilities into the hands of our warfighters safely and ethically is a priority."The Australian government has been actively investing in autonomy projects, signing contracts with 11 local companies to develop drones and corresponding production plans. In October 2023, the army conducted trials of robotic armored personnel carriers with integrated remote weapon systems for autonomous travel and neutralization capabilities. Australian academics also launched an algorithm in the same month to protect unmanned military robots from cyberattacks. Four months earlier, the army completed its first deployment of an autonomous truck convoy on public roads across Victoria.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 16:02:56

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Defense News ,France :- European defense technology company MBDA has recently been awarded a contract worth approximately €300 million ($322.8 million) to supply 1,300 Akeron medium-range anti-tank missiles and 329 Mistral 3 short-range air defense systems to France. The delivery, scheduled to commence by the end of 2025, is set to bolster the capabilities of the French Navy and Army.Under the terms of the contract, the initial shipment will include 200 Akeron missiles. The procurement is part of a collaborative effort facilitated by a joint anti-aircraft system acquisition framework signed in June 2023 by France, Estonia, Cyprus, Hungary, and Belgium.Akeron, a versatile "fire and forget" missile system, boasts the capability to neutralize armored vehicles, light boats, and infrastructure from distances of at least 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Its adaptability allows configurations for vehicle mount, man-portable, and sea-launched applications, utilizing guidance and infrared homing for precise targeting.On the other hand, Mistral 3, with a lightweight design of less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and a range of 8 kilometers (5 miles), is adept at intercepting various airborne threats, including helicopters, combat jets, drones, transport aircraft, and cruise missiles. Its compact size and rapid deployment make it a valuable asset for countering enemy assets.MBDA, in collaboration with Swedish industry partner Saab, has recently expressed its commitment to enhance anti-tank and air defense capabilities through a letter of intent. The focus will be on modernizing the beyond-line-of-sight capability of the fifth-generation Akeron anti-armor missiles for contemporary warfare scenarios.Furthermore, recent collaborations include a partnership with South Korean company KAI to integrate Mistral 3 into Seoul's upcoming Marine Attack Helicopter. Additionally, a contract with Thales has been established to supply the same missiles to Armenia, demonstrating MBDA's global presence in the defense market.In May, the French Army successfully conducted the maiden Akeron missile test from the Tiger attack helicopter, aligning with the government's initiative to upgrade its rotorcraft fleet. This follows a previous order of 200 Akerons for the armed forces, showcasing the continued demand for MBDA's advanced missile systems.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 15:57:55

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Defense News ,Chicago US :- In a distressing incident, an Indian student, Syed Mazahir Ali, faced a brutal attack in Chicago on Tuesday (local time). The Indian Consulate in Chicago is actively engaged with the victim and his wife in India, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, providing them with all possible assistance.The Consulate, in a statement on social media X ( Twitter ), reassured its commitment to support Ali and his family, stating, "Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, and assured all possible assistance." Additionally, the Consulate has reached out to local authorities to facilitate the ongoing investigation into the case.Videos circulating on social media depict the horrifying incident, with Ali bleeding profusely. One video, believed to be CCTV footage, captures Ali being pursued by three attackers on the streets of Chicago. Further details on the case are eagerly awaited.This incident comes at a time when attacks against Indian-origin students in the US are escalating. Last week, Shreyas Reddy, an Indian student, was found dead in Cincinnati, Ohio, under mysterious circumstances. The Linder School of Business student's demise prompted the Indian Consulate in New York to express regret and extend support to Reddy's family.Tragically, this marks the third death of an Indian student within a week. On January 30, Neel Acharya, a Purdue University student, was discovered dead after being missing for days. Similarly, on January 29, Vivek Saini, another Indian student, fell victim to a brutal hammer attack by a homeless man in Lithonia, Georgia. A viral video captured the incident, though the exact date remains unconfirmed.The disturbing surge in attacks against Indian students in the US has raised concerns, prompting authorities to address the issue and ensure the safety of the international student community.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 15:51:36

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Defense News ,NATO :- Swedish defense company Saab has successfully win a 63-million-euro ($67.6 million) contract to supply NATO with AT4 man-portable anti-armor weapons. This substantial order falls under the umbrella of the alliance's Ammunition Support Partnership, a comprehensive framework streamlining the procurement and supply of munitions for more than 20 international force members.Scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, the AT4 is a state-of-the-art, single-operator, man-portable anti-armor weapon designed to equip dismounted troops with user-friendly and rapid-firing capabilities. Saab's portal highlights that the 84-millimeter caliber anti-tank technology excels in day and night operations, offering confined space abilities for diverse tactical scenarios.The AT4 boasts the capability to penetrate heavy combat vehicles, armored threats within fortifications, and buildings, making it a versatile choice for various combat situations. Saab Dynamics Head Görgen Johansson expressed pride in the AT4, stating, "Our AT4 stands out on the market as a highly sought-after and effective support weapon. We are honored that the NSPA has trusted our products once again, and they can feel confident that they have a leading single-shot weapon that is robust and reliable."This recent contract follows Saab's success in securing a $104.9-million contract in September of the previous year to supply AT4 weapon systems and Carl-Gustaf ammunition for the US Department of Defense. These systems are destined for distribution across the US Marine Corps, Army, and Special Forces. Saab had also inked a similar agreement for multiple NATO nations in April 2023, preceded by a $26 million investment by the French defense procurement agency for the purchase of AT4 anti-armor weapons.In 2022, the US procured a separate tranche of an AT4/Carl-Gustaf package from Saab at $81.8 million, showcasing the continued demand for Saab's advanced weaponry. Notably, the Swedish company received an order in the same year to deliver AT4s in the anti-structure tandem-warhead variant for the Indian armed forces, further solidifying Saab's position in the global defense market.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 15:41:39

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Defense News ,Netherlands :- In a significant development, the U.S. State Department has given the green light to the Netherlands' request for the potential acquisition of Lockheed Martin's AGM-158 JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range) cruise missiles. This approval is part of the Netherlands' strategic initiative to reinforce the capabilities of its F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, focusing on advancing the nation's long-range precision strike capabilities.The Netherlands is poised to procure a total of 120 AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles, including an additional 18 units designated for testing purposes featuring inert warhead mock-ups. The comprehensive package encompasses full-scale mass models, support equipment, diagnostic tools, and an extensive supply of spare parts. Consistent with customary practices, the deal also incorporates logistical and training support packages. The estimated cost for this acquisition is projected to reach up to USD 908 million.This approval aligns with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence's announcement in April of last year, signaling the commencement of a program aimed at acquiring long-range precision missile systems for all branches of its armed forces. The program encompasses the PULS artillery missile system for the army, RTX Tomahawk cruise missiles for the navy, and the AGM-158B JASSM-ER for the air force.The AGM-158 JASSM-ER has already been adopted by Poland and Australia, with further integration into the F-35 Lightning II anticipated to expand its operator base in the coming years. Making its combat debut in April 2018, this missile has garnered increasing interest from nations seeking to enhance their strategic strike capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 15:36:58

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Defense News ,Pakistan :- At least 22 individuals lost their lives in two separate bomb attacks outside the campaign offices of political candidates in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, further darkening the already tense atmosphere surrounding an election marked by violence and allegations of electoral misconduct.The initial assault targeted the office of an independent candidate in the Pishin district, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Quetta and 100 kilometers from the Afghan border. Both Jan Achakzai, the caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, and Quetta police confirmed a death toll of 12, with an additional 25 individuals sustaining injuries.A second explosion occurred near the election office of a candidate affiliated with the Islamist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party in Killa Saifullah, situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the east. Achakzai reported 10 fatalities and 12 injuries in this incident.The attack unfolded in the city's main bazaar, targeting the JUI-F's election office, as revealed by a senior police official.This tragic event follows a similar incident in July of the previous year when a suicide bomber claimed the lives of 44 people during a political gathering of the JUI-F party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.As the nation, with a population of 240 million, the world's fifth-most populous, braces for the election, over half a million security personnel have been deployed to more than 90,000 polling stations. Allegations of pre-poll rigging have cast a shadow over the electoral process, particularly after a crackdown on the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the victor in the 2018 election who was ousted from power four years later through a vote of no-confidence.In the lead-up to Thursday's vote, multiple security incidents have been reported, including the fatal shooting of two candidates and numerous attacks targeting others across the country. Campaigning officially concluded on Tuesday night, and voting is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am local time (0300 GMT) on Thursday, concluding at 5:00 pm.The scale of participation is significant, with around 128 million eligible voters in a country with nearly 18,000 candidates vying for seats in the national and provincial assemblies. In the latter, 266 seats are directly contested, with an additional 70 reserved for women and minorities, while the regional parliaments offer 749 positions.Ensuring security measures at every level has become a top priority, emphasized Sindh provincial police chief Rafat Mukhtar in a news briefing held in Karachi on Wednesday.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 15:22:48

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Defense News ,U.S :- BAE Systems has been awarded a $114 million contract by the U.S. Army for Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) as part of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). These systems are vital for protecting both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft in challenging combat situations.CMWS is a proven system that combines missile warning, hostile fire indication, and countermeasure controls. It helps the U.S. and its allies detect and defend against advanced threats on the battlefield, ensuring the safety of aircraft and their crews.Jennifer Bartley, deputy product line director at BAE Systems, highlighted the importance of CMWS in contested battlefields. When stealth is not an option, CMWS acts as a shield, providing essential survivability for aircraft during missions.CMWS has already been successfully deployed on various platforms globally, becoming the standard for missile warning and hostile fire detection for U.S. Army aircraft. It has accumulated millions of combat flight hours, demonstrating its effectiveness in protecting aircraft and saving lives in evolving threat environments.The recent FMS contracts mean that more U.S. allies will now benefit from CMWS's proven capabilities. These allies will use the system to safeguard both existing and newly acquired aircraft, including helicopters like the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60 Black Hawk.CMWS is designed to work seamlessly with expendable countermeasure dispensers, such as BAE Systems' AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System and Smart D²™ next-generation countermeasure system. It is also compatible with laser-based directable infrared countermeasure systems.BAE Systems' CMWS is a crucial component of the Intrepid Shield™ approach to aircraft and ground platform survivability. This strategy utilizes the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-07 06:25:02

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Defense News ,U.S :- Former US President Donald Trump is telling Republicans not to support a deal in the Senate. The deal involves tough new measures for border security in exchange for $60 billion in funding for Ukraine and other national security priorities.Trump, who is running for re-election, is urging Republicans to focus on a separate Border and Immigration Bill. He doesn't want it connected to foreign aid. He believes this connection is not a good idea and wants Republicans to be smart about it.The White House race is likely to be a rematch of 2020, and Trump wants to stop President Joe Biden from achieving a big win before the November vote. Trump has been criticizing Biden for the high number of undocumented migrants coming across the southern border.On Sunday, Senators revealed a tough immigration bill with strict rules that Biden has agreed to sign into law. The $118.3 billion package includes money for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid, Asia-Pacific partners, and new border funding.This bill would be a big win for those who want strict immigration rules. It includes things that Democrats usually don't like, such as limiting the president's discretion in allowing refugees, a faster process to remove people, and a rule to close the border when daily apprehensions reach 5,000.However, it doesn't include things that Democrats usually want, like a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants.Trump has a strong influence on Republicans in the House of Representatives. He wants the party to reject this bill and prevent Biden and the Democrats from getting a political victory before the November election.According to Trump, this bill is a great gift to the Democrats and could be harmful to the Republican Party. He believes it shifts the blame for the problems with immigration and the border from the Democrats to the Republicans.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-06 16:52:30

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Defense News ,Taiwan & China :- In August 2023, Taiwan tested a new missile, the Hsiung Feng IIE, with a range of 1,200 kilometers. This means it can reach deep into China, according to Taiwanese reports.However, Chinese media, in the Ordnance Industry Science Technology magazine, criticized the missile. They said it's big, not very fast, and lacks stealth technology, making it easy to detect with advanced radar. The report also claimed that China's military can intercept the missile because Taiwan has limited abilities in guiding it during its journey.Some believe that China's criticism might be a tactic to undermine confidence in Taiwan's military. Last year, Chinese researchers claimed they could destroy a US Navy aircraft carrier group supporting Taiwan with just 24 hypersonic anti-ship missiles. Taiwan dismissed this as psychological warfare.The negative comments from Chinese media about Taiwan's missile suggest that China is closely watching Taiwan's military developments. Business Insider suggests that China is likely monitoring any advanced weapons that could defend against an invasion or effectively strike the mainland.China is also keeping an eye on US arms sales to Taiwan, stating in November 2023 that the island nation is becoming a "powder keg."

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-06 16:25:27

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Defense News ,Israel Hamas war :- As the conflict between Israel and the Hamas terror organization in Gaza, mounting evidence points to Iran as the primary source of weapons deployed against the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).According to a recent report from the Israeli Alma Research and Education Center, an Iranian-made weapon, identified as a new version of the RPG, has surfaced in the hands of Hamas. Analysts Yair Ansbacher and Yishay Armoni reveal that during the ongoing war, the IDF encountered a previously unknown weapon known as the TBG, directly supplied to Hamas from Iran and bearing a Persian inscription.The TBG, designed for use with a Soviet RPG-7 launcher, features a warhead apparently manufactured in Iran. The report notes that while externally resembling the familiar tandem (PG-7R) warhead of the RPG-7, a closer inspection reveals a distinct weapon. The rear of the warhead mirrors the Russian TBG-7 thermobaric warhead, introduced in 1999, combined with the front part of the Tandem warhead (PG-7R).Stored in a designated sealed PVC pipe for protection against wear and corrosion, the warhead maintains secrecy. Many such pipes, bearing the logo of Hamas' military wing and painted in camouflage colors, were discovered scattered throughout the Gaza Strip envelope after an invasion by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.The TBG warhead consists of two parts: a small hollow charge for light armor penetration and a larger thermobaric (fuel-air) charge with a 105 mm diameter. This combination enables the weapon to penetrate exterior armor and walls, causing a burning effect and increased air pressure upon explosion.Effective against light armored vehicles, infantry, and civilians in buildings and behind cover, the TBG is less effective against heavy armored vehicles with closed hatches due to the small hollow charge. According to Hamas' November 2023 video, the weapon has a 105 mm caliber, a 100-meter effective range, and weighs 4.5 kg, identical to the TBG-7V.Hamas emphasizes the TBG's purpose against buildings and fortifications, capable of penetrating walls and exploding behind them. Its presence in the Gaza Strip suggests potential use by Hezbollah in the Lebanese arena, given their extensive RPG-7 launcher arsenal. While it remains unclear if Hezbollah is independently developing the TBG, the likelihood is higher compared to Hamas.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-06 16:18:04

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Defense News ,Ukraine :-  Ukraine's tech company, SkyLab UA, has made a cool drone called Shoolika mk6. It's great for hitting targets with super accuracy, especially at night. The Digital Minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, shared this exciting news.This drone is special because it can see really well in the dark and fly up to 10 kilometers carrying stuff that weighs up to 6 kilograms. The people who made it focused a lot on making sure it moves exactly how they want it to.The Shoolika mk6 is getting even better. NATO is giving it a special code, and it's getting updates in smart technology and camera stuff. These changes will make it even smarter and better at hitting targets on its own. All of this is happening to make Ukraine's defense and tactical operations stronger.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-06 16:03:49