tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53402920600861775522024-03-18T23:42:25.371-07:00The Taylor Star-aerospace & defenceThe blog features coverage of maritime forces,NATO,air defence,combat operations,the Department of Defense,the Intelligence Community,space exploration and nature.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.comBlogger3029125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-44523593205750288012024-03-18T23:41:00.000-07:002024-03-18T23:41:39.768-07:00NASA Remembers Legendary Astronaut Thomas Stafford<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ESXuB-e2c_s?si=nFM91SgBESjw-JZ_" frameborder="0"></iframe>
He was 93.He participated in Gemini VI,Gemini IX,Apollo 10,and the Apollo-Soyuz Rendevous in Space with Russian Cosmonauts,which ended the space race.An Air Force General Officer,he had flown more than 100 types of aircraft.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-11967698760096307242024-03-18T21:50:00.000-07:002024-03-18T21:50:10.398-07:00Pacific Perspective:New NORTHCOM Commander Focused on Defending AlaskaGEN Gregory Guillot,USAF,new Commander of U.S. Northern Command/NORAD,wants to secure Alaska's coasts from Russian and Chinese incursions.Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee,GEN Guillot said:The best way for us to counter them is to have presence of our own,so the execution of exercises and patrols is extremely important off all our coasts,primarily focusing right now on the region of Alaska.And the same applies on what we call the "two o'clock approach" of on the Northeast,making sure we have a presence there...strong exercise program,multinantional,a lot of Partners,showing that we have the resolve to defend that most strategic area.*Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee,GEN Guillot noted that:Fortunately,we haven't seen Chinese aircraft near our...Air Defence Indentification Zone (ADIZ) yet,but I think that's coming as early as this year.That shows our overall concern I have about the growing capability of China not only with aircraft;but also with ships and even submarines being able to range further from China and closer to our shores.China is conducting regional activities of a technical or scientific research,but we think it's certainly multimission to include military operations.And then I expect to see air activity in the Alaska part of the Arctic as soon as this year potentially.It's a very big concern of mine.Just last week,for the first time in over two years,down along that avenue we call the GIUK Gap-Greenland,Iceland and the UK-approaching the Commander and US ADIZs,we were able to track two TU-142 Russian Bear bombers the entire time thanks to the radar network and the information sharing between countries within EUCOM (U.S. European Command)-Norway is one I'll point out-and Northern Command.We didn't have to intercept them because we had aircraft flying to the point where we would intercept them before they crossed the Identification Zone.So we had aircraft,both Canadian and US fighters,posted along the line,which I think is probably disheartening for the Russians to fly all that way to find out that we're waiting for them...I view hypersonic as perhaps the most destabilising threat that we have out there because of the speed and the unpredictability on where it will impact-as opposed to a ballistic missile,which is fairly predictable...We do appreciate that the Coast Guard is procuring new icebreakers,but even with these we'll be severely outnumbered.And that does limit our freedom of manoeuvre in the region...Upon taking command,I began a 90-day assessment to inform the Department (of the Air Force),the Joint Force and Congress on NORAD and NORTHCOM's ability to execute assigned tasks,and make recommendations on where the Command could or should do more.Once complete,I look forward to sharing my findings and updated vision for how NORAD and NORTHCOM will best execute the noble mission of national defence.*USNORTHCOM conducts homeland defence,civil support,and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.NORAD conducts aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning in the defence of North America.*NORTHCOM leadership:GEN Guillot received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy.He also holds a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the National War College.He has commanded a flying squadron;operations group;two Flying Wings;and a Numbered Air Force,including the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron;380th Expeditionary Operations Group;562nd Air Control Wing;55th Wing;and Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central).He has served on Numbered Air Force,major command,Headquarters Air Force,and command staffs;and was an Air Force Weapons School instructor.As a General Officer,his previous assignments include Director of Strategic Plans,Requirements and Programs;Headquarters Pacific Air Forces;Deputy Commander U.S. Air Forces CENTCOM;Director of Operations,Headquarters U.S. Northern Command;Commander,Ninth Air Force;Combined Force Air Component Commander,USCENTCOM;and Deputy Commander,USCENTCOM.His personal awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal;Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;Defense Superior Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters;Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster;Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters;Meritorius Service Medal with silver and bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.The GEN is a senior air battle manager with more than 1380 flying hours in E-3B/C/G Sentry AWACS and RC-135 V/W/S Rivet Joint aircraft.*GEN Guilldot assumed command of USNORTHCOM/NORAD on 5 February 2024.USNORTHCOM has few permanently assigned forces.The Command is assigned forces whenever necessary to execute missions,as ordered by the President or Secretary of Defense.For example,a U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter was recently sent on patrol to monitor a flotilla of Russian and Chinese warships.Civil Service employees and uniformed service members representing all service branches work at NORTHCOM's Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base,Colorado.The Deputy Commander of USNORTHCOM and Vice-Commander,U.S. Element NORAD,is LTGEN A.C. Roper,U.S. Army.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-66641992585845754822024-03-15T23:38:00.000-07:002024-03-15T23:40:15.948-07:00NATO Secretary General with the President of Poland 🇵🇱 Andrzej Duda, 14 MAR 2024<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/p0jtNhb5WVg?si=9Z0XG-r5Cb08yJxB" frameborder="0"></iframe>Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-90066954421777491202024-03-14T23:39:00.000-07:002024-03-14T23:39:11.916-07:00NATO. Alliance Armored Forces are preparing for Defense in Poland. - NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 24<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/uFl8U0DWzN0?si=-1Nzpa5wnGJkS3HP" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Several NATO Allies use the M1A2 Abrams tanks by General Dynamics Land Systems.The US Army Europe uses Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles by General Dynamics Land Systems- Canada.The M1074 Joint Assault Bridge System by Leonardo SpA was used in these drills.Note:I do not have room to mention all participating forces in the official notes.This blog also saw the Bundeswehr and Royal Belgian Army were participating in this Deterrence and Defence exercise.*General Dynamics (GD),LDO:XMILAndrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-68294812865370125312024-03-12T15:59:00.000-07:002024-03-12T15:59:50.793-07:00UK, Canadian, and French Space Command Officials Push the Importance of Space Security - Via Satellite<a href="https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2024/03/11/uk-canadian-and-french-space-command-officials-push-the-importance-of-space-security/">UK, Canadian, and French Space Command Officials Push the Importance of Space Security</a>: In a keynote at Space-Comm Expo, the commander of UK Space Command said he is “convinced” that space has a PR problem, as people do not understand the importance and essential nature of space.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-86488269898895591292024-03-11T23:24:00.000-07:002024-03-11T23:35:04.566-07:00Deterrence and Defence:F-35As Fully Certified to Carry Out Nuclear MissionAccording to Air Force Magazine,the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is now fully certified to carry out nuclear strike missions with the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb.The B61-12 has a variable yield ranging from tactical nuclear strike at 0.3 kilotonnes to strategic nuclear strike at 50 kilotonnes,which is several times more powerful than the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs.Included on the B61-12 are a satellite and inertial navigation module,as well as a tail section enabling flight precision.Certification is a two-step process:nuclear design certification and operational certification.The nuclear design certification was completed on 4 October 2021,after completing the first full weapon certification and nuclear design certification.The aim is to ascertain whether the weapon can be credibly delivered.To find that out,two F-35As dropped Joint Test Assemblies (JTAs),or mockups of the B61-12,at the Tonopah Test Range,Nevada.The first operational certification was completed on 12 October 2023.Said Air Combat Command Deputy Director for Strategic Deterrence LTCOL Douglas A. Kabel:It makes our potential adversaries think more about their game plan before enacting it.It can get closer to (referring to the F-35A stealth fighter),further inside,a combat area that may otherwise be impossible for non-stealth assets.*The F-35A is the first stealth fighter to be certified for the nuclear mission.*The operational certification involves training and certification of maintenance and air crews at Wing locations where the F-35A nuclear mission is based.Approval means that the US or NATO Allies have a fighter that can strike targets with tactical nuclear weapons inside hostile territory without being detected.*The B61-12 can also be carried by B-2 Spirit strategic bombers;F-15E Strike Eagle fighters;F-16 C/D Fighting Falcon fighters;and Pannavia Tornado multirole fighters of Germany and Italy.Both Germany and Italy are transitioning to F-35As.F-35As have two special switches to enable the nuclear mission:a nuclear consent switch in the cockpit;and a mission select switch in the F-35A internal weapon bay,which can carry two B61-12s.Now that the F-35A has been fully certified,the aircraft is a Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) eligible for both NATO conventional and nuclear strike missions.The nuclear strike capability is overseen by the NATO Nuclear Committee as part of the nuclear sharing programme,which is a dual key arrangement regarding the B61-12 agreed by the US and NATO Allies Belgium,Germany,the Netherlands,Turkey,which have nuclear bomb storage on their air bases,and soon to be the UK once again at RAF Lakenheath,England,once the operational certification is obtained-operational certification is an air base by air base process.The bombs were removed from RAF Lakenheath in 2008 as the Cold War was deemed over.Ironically,Russia invaded the Republic of Georgia that same year,seizing the regions of Ingushetia and South Ossetia by force.Reportedly projects are underway to create a surety dormitory,or B61-12 storage facility,and a ballistic-sheathed facility for Air Force Security Forces.The surety dormitory is slated for completion by February 2026,according to public records.Two US Air Force F-35A squadrons are forward deployed to RAF Lakenheath and would be eligible to carry out the nuclear mission,pending operational certification.*As a matter of policy,air bases will neither confirm or deny the presence of nuclear weapons.Only the F-35A varient of the Lightning II has been certified for the nuclear mission at this point.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-64430491563173537582024-03-08T15:56:00.000-08:002024-03-08T15:56:56.511-08:00USAF Lays Out Details of Possible HH-60W Upgrades - Avionics International<a href="https://www.aviationtoday.com/2024/03/07/usaf-lays-out-details-of-possible-hh-60w-upgrades-march-5/?oly_enc_id=7809J0414578F4B">USAF Lays Out Details of Possible HH-60W Upgrades - Avionics International</a>: The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio has laid out some details of possible upgrades to the HH-60W Jolly Green II personnel recovery/combat search […]
Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky subsidiary manufactures the HH-60W.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-44552169130809942172024-03-06T21:32:00.000-08:002024-03-06T21:32:44.003-08:00US Army, NATO. Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers. Combat exercises in Poland<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mLhx1IYr_EU?si=tbqXpnnorAzvneyu" frameborder="0"></iframe>
The Soldiers are with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division.The Stryker Armored Combat Vehicles are by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-40185747144168618252024-03-05T20:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T21:33:21.776-08:00La emocionante ceremonia militar en la que ha participado la Princesa Leonor - posted 20 February 2024<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/8kXKxhIQK9c?si=XPF7ZMx62Lf7fJfh" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Princesa Leonor de Asturias,heir to the Spanish throne,took part in an emotional ceremony to mark the 142nd anniversary of the Academia Militar de Zaragoza,where she is a cadet.She will be only the second regnant queen in the history of unified Spain,the first one being Queen Isabella II,who reigned from 1833-68.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-63690959098889005332024-03-04T20:50:00.000-08:002024-03-04T20:56:36.178-08:00Steadfast Defender 24:HMS Prince of Wales and Carrier Strike Group Deployed to Frigid North AtlanticNaval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) has assumed command of the UK Carrier Strike Group headed by HMS Prince of Wales (R09) as it participates in NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024,the largest warfighting drills since the Cold War.Said STRIKFORNATO:This transfer of authority to STRIKFORNATO demonstrates the Alliance's ability to integrate the high-end capabilities of a British Carrier,its strike group escorts,and embarked air wing during a series of meticulously planned maritime security activities perfectly allied with the Deterrence and Defence family of Allied collective plans.For the first time ever,the 65,000 tonne ship hosts the UK Carrier Strike Group battle staff as she takes center stage in Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.The aircraft carrier,crewed by up to 1600 personnel,is leading a multinational group of warships towards Northern Europe.International by design,the group is comprised by its flagship and namesake,the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales;HMS Somerset;Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge;RFA Tidespring;USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117),an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight IIa,bristling with guns,missiles,cruise missiles and torpedoes);HMCS Charlottetown;HDMS Niels Juel;HDMS Hvidbjornen;and ESPE Cristobal Colon.Through harsh weather and freezing conditions,HMS POW has officially commenced her paricipation in Steadfast Defender 2024.For this,she has embarked more jets than ever before (the embarked F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters are out of RAF Marham,England,being members of 617 Squadron "Dambusters"),presenting an unparalleled display of air and firepower capability.This deployment optimises the capacity STRIKFORNATO holds to seemlessly integrate the most powerful maritime forces on the planet into NATO operations.*STRIKFORNATO's command of the UK Carrier Strike Group during an exercise spanning air,land,and maritime activity from the United States to the Eastern European Flank speaks to the organisation's steadfast committment to regional security and readiness to defend tonight if needed.Routinely transferring authority of deployed Carrier Strike Groups to NATO enhances interoperability and improves defensive Allied capbilities.This practise nurtures the vital skills of each crew and ship-based commander,facilitating smooth operations within the NATO structure.Every serial strengthens the transatlantic bond and the collective power of nations working in lock step with one another in mutual supprt.*STRIKFORNATO,headquartered in Oeirus,Portugal,is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's premier,rapidly deployable and flexible maritime power projection Headquarters,capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint Allied operations.*According to Royal Navy Captain Colin McGannity,Carrier Air Wing and Strike Warfare Commander:It is always an exciting moment when F-35B Lightning join the Carrier Strike Group at sea.These fifth-generation aircraft are the main strike element within the group.Once again,we will be integrating them and the rest of the Carrier Air Wing (helicopters) with our NATO Allies and Partners.There's plenty of work ahead but I have every confidence that our talented and dedicated team will succeed.It's winter in the North Atlantic and we will face harsh weather and freezing conditions,but we are well prepared and look forward to demonstrating our readiness to fight,whenever and wherever we get the call.*The scenario of Steadfast Defender 2024 simulates a Russian attack on NATO.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-16852787256365495112024-03-02T23:59:00.000-08:002024-03-02T23:59:09.090-08:00USMC. F-35B Lightning II fighter jets during winter exercises in Norway,NATO - YouTube<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/3ahj6wMOnBY?si=n7H9T-eBivwk6L8D" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VFMA-542) Tigers deployed to Norway from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point,North Carolina with their F-35B Lightning IIB Joint Strike Fighters to participate in NATO Exercise Arctic Response.The drills are held every two years to provide military competency in challenging Arctic conditions.They foster interoperability between the USMC and Allied nations.F/A-18 Hornet legacy aircraft were also deployed.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-10191814844950900792024-02-28T21:42:00.000-08:002024-02-28T21:42:07.708-08:00US Marines on snowmobiles during winter exercises in Norway, NATO.<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/UX4YFpKNlow?si=f2lw3mcZLrI1oXq7" frameborder="0"></iframe>
The US Marines have been in Norway for NATO Exercise Arctic Response.It is held every two years to promote military competence in harsh Arctic conditions.It also fosters interoperability with Allied nations.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-12409133910048434352024-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:002024-02-28T20:24:21.513-08:00Exercise Brilliant Jump is underway <iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Y_AMNWXPT0A?si=kF0U_eaoyBVI4rzK" frameborder="0"></iframe>Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-5160046661287583252024-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:002024-02-28T20:18:05.164-08:00Estonian PM warns West 'all options must be on the table' in Ukraine - Sky News<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/DxrH-nA4vpk?si=ncvAMzgerP75caXF" frameborder="0"></iframe>Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-56237442589626281102024-02-27T18:09:00.000-08:002024-02-27T18:09:48.115-08:00Hungary clears way for Swedish bid to join NATO - CBC News<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/qs6euUYiUxI?si=9Q-Y0XHef27eoRfb" frameborder="0"></iframe>Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-43074125350233601062024-02-26T20:23:00.000-08:002024-02-26T20:30:58.741-08:00Pacific Perspective:B-52H Strategic Bombers Deployed from Minot Air Force BaseBoeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 23rd Bomb Wing out of Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,have been deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command to Andersen Air Base,Guam on a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.The mission will accomplish goals of the National Defense Strategy of the United States,projecting power for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to this strategy of upholding a rules-based,free and open Indo-Pacific Region that protects the sovereignty of every nation and preserves freedom of navigation.Together with our Allies and Partners,the command says,the US is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.*
BTF missions keep aircrews in a high state of readiness,proficiency,and validate our always-ready global strike capability.The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defence and deterrence of any malign actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests.BTF missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific Region by demonstrating the United States Air Force 's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.Moreover,BTF missions provide opportunities to train and operate with Allies and Partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.BTF enhances readiness,to include joint and multilateral,to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific Region.*BTF supports national security objectives through the speed,flexibility,and readiness of our strategic bombers.BTF also demonstrates cutting-edge capabilities;forward presence;and committment to our Allies and Partners.It augments the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) under the command of GEN Kenneth Wilsbach,USAF.He is also Air Component Commander,U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,and Executive Director Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff.PACAF is responsible in USAF activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports over 46,000 Airmen serving primarily in Japan,Korea,Hawaii,Alaska and Guam.GEN Wilsbach is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's ROTC program and earned his pilot's wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate of Laughlin Air Force Base,Texas.He has commanded a fighter squadron;operations group;two wings;two Numbered Air Forces;and held numerous staff assignments.Prior to his current assignment,GEN Wilsbach was Deputy Commander U.S. Forces Korea.He also served as Commander Seventh Air Force,Pacific Air Forces,Osan Air Base,South Korea.*GEN Wilsbach is a command pilot with more thn five thousand hours in multiple aircraft,primarily in the F-15C,F-16C,MC-12W and F-22A.He has flown 71 combat missions in Operations Northern and Southern Watch (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).*GEN Wilsbach was promoted to General on 8 July 2020.*GEN Wilsbach's Awards and Decorations include:Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters;the Bronze Star Medal;the Meritorius Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Air and Space Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.*In one BTF mission,two Boeing B-52H Stratofortress nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted a flyover at Changi Airbase East on 22 February 2024 at the Singapore Air Show 2024.The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the event with aerial demonstrations and static displays to build on already strong ties with Singapore;demonstrate flexible aircraft capbility;enable engagement with foreign Partners;and expand power projection capabilities.*Boeing (BA)
Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-77126932382389785242024-02-25T00:48:00.000-08:002024-02-25T00:48:43.902-08:00Royal Navy. HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) aircraft carrier and F-35B Lightning II Fighters<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/K48nR6xv6-M?si=hPM438RrI_7J7VWl" frameborder="0"></iframe>
The HMS Queen Eliabeth II (R08) is reportedly in the North Sea taking part in NATO Exercise Neptune Strike.Embarked is a squadron of US Marine Corps aviators and their F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters,which are short-takeoff vertical landing aircraft.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-82019224180705340262024-02-23T23:26:00.000-08:002024-02-23T23:26:48.143-08:00Bulletin:Mysterious balloon intercepted over Utah - ABC News - NORAD fighters scrambled to intercept it.<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/R6-X01AAO0Q?si=Cuo9zwtAfBHA9KvJ" frameborder="0"></iframe>
with David MuirAndrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-90146307517909703112024-02-21T23:14:00.000-08:002024-02-22T00:30:35.295-08:00US Army. Soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division during winter combat exercises in Alaska - YouTube<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9zsm0sEQ6Yw?si=1ZyJDshP0IubQdAA" frameborder="0"></iframe>
The 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) is a United States Army fornation based in Alaska.They parachute into theatre out of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III jets amd transported by Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters.The drills help Soldiers and their leaders develop and refine Tactics,Techniques and Procedures(TTPs) needed to operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions.They are capable of warfighting and,if necessary,prevailing over any adversary in the challenging wintry conditions of the High North.*Boeing (BA)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-71451307027565462032024-02-19T22:14:00.000-08:002024-02-19T22:23:48.892-08:00Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service:Russia Prepares for Prolonged Conflict with Ukraine and Confrontation with the WestKaupo Rosin is Director General,Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service.The most incisive chapter of the report "International Security and Estonia 2024" by the EFIS is entitled "Adapting Russia's Armed Forces For Prolonged Conflict":The objectives of Russia's military reform reflect the leadership's vision of the resources required for the conflict with Ukraine and prolonged confrontation with the West.Russia's goal is to achieve military dominance in the Baltic Sea Region.For Estonia,Russia's military reform entails a significant increase in Russia's forces near the Estonian border in coming years.Increasing the personnel and adding new units to the armed forces is the primary purpose of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's military reform.Russia aims to increase its military personnel from 1.15 million to 1.5 million Soldiers by 2026;restructure 12 land and naval brigades into divisions;and create dozens of new divisions in the land,air and naval forces,as well as in the airborne troops.The formation of many of these units has already begun,but the main challenge is their shortfall of contracted service members and officers,which develop the unit formation process.*Although Russia plans to develop all strategic directions,the highest priority is in the Western strategic direction and Ukraine.The Kremlin is preparing for a prolonged conflict with Ukraine,necessitating additional armies and army corps (3rd and 40th Army Corps,18th Army and 25th Army,for which dozens of new manoeuvre,combat support and combat service units are being formed).*The second priority region is the Finnish direction,where Russia's military posture was minimal until Finland's recent accession to NATO.Russia plans to create the 4th Army Corps,likely based in Petrozavordsk,to address this.This formation will probably be built around at least two or three manoeuvre units,with around a dozen fire support and combat support units.*The growth of Russian military capabilities in the Estonian vacinity,in Leningrad and Pskov districts,primarily results from the potential transformation of existing units into divisions.According to one possible scenario,the personnel strength of Russian land forces and airborne troops in the Estonian direction may nearly double from approximately 19,000 forces from before 24 February 2022 (anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine).The extent to which these units attain combat strength depends on Russia's ability to recruit,train,and retain contracted service members.The success and timeline of Russia's military reform will be largely determined by the course of the war in Ukraine.If Russia manages to implement the reform,NATO could face a Soviet-style mass army in the next decade.This army is likely to be technologically inferior to the NATO Allies' defence forces in most areas,except for electronic warfare and long-range strike capabilities.However,its military potential would be significant,owing to its size,fire-power (including artillery power and inexpensive attack drones),combat experience and reserves.Defending against a possible conventional attack from such an army would require Allied defence forces and defence industries to be significantly more prepared,capable,and better stocked with ammunition than they currently are.*In summary,Russia's plan to increase its military forces is ambitious,especially considering the short timelines and Russia's economic and demographic situation.However,it is also a threat to Europe and NATO,contributing to Russia's aggressive posture,military potential,and growing militarisation reinforcing Russia's apparent path of a long-term confrontation with the West.*Russia is attempting to tilt Moldova back into its orbit by influencing the electoral process of 2024-2025.For its part,Moldova has banned major Russian propaganda channels;shut down numerous local Internet portals disseminating Russia's war propaganda;and decisively resisted political parties directly controlled and funded by Russia.Indeed,in the summer of 2023,Moldovan authorities expelled most Russian Embassy diplomats,after identifying some of them as intelligence operatives.*According to the Financial Times news outlet,the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command in Ulm,South Germany is devising plans for how NATO forces will deploy across Europe and be sustained and reinforced in the event of a war with Russia.In this process,lessons learned from the ongoing Steadfast Defender 24 exercise,which simulates a large-scale conflcit with an adversary from the East,will be utilised.The scenario for the drills is a Russian attack on Alliance territory.*Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna said NATO may only have three-four years before the Kremlin mounts a test for NATO:But we must understand the Russian war machine has started in the full scale,the capabilities for the production and the mentality as well,because Putin is controlling everything now.*For his part,German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warns the test could come in the next decade,in five-eight years.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-84737992371888753922024-02-17T23:47:00.000-08:002024-02-18T00:11:05.441-08:00US Army, NATO. Soldiers from 2CR during field and urban training in Germany<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/PjL0zHryv3g?si=-l7eThiTrARy_puQ" frameborder="0"></iframe>
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2nd Dragoons) is an active Stryker Infantry and Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army,with its garrison at Rose Barracks,Vilseck,Germany.Its Stryker Armored Combat Vehicle family is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-3791469472626020832024-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:002024-02-16T23:23:08.351-08:00Propellant Tanks for Artemis III on the Move at Michoud - Orion Program Update<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u4qugVqverc/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/u4qugVqverc?si=wZGDrKRWkApvSWYF" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Artemis III will return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972 for Lunar Science studies.It is slated for a September 2026 launch.The SLS Core Stage primarily conists of the cryogenic liquid Oxygen and liquid Hydrogen fuel tanks,and is manufactured by Boeing.These were recently welded together at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility,New Orleans,Louisiana.*Boeing (BA)Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-7686363683013248732024-02-15T23:01:00.000-08:002024-02-15T23:01:48.674-08:00Blastoff! SpaceX launches classified USSF-124 Space Force mission, nails landing. - Cape Canaveral Space Force Station - 14 February 2024<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/yqt-paFRXs8?si=6ZPEHJUgRXjczxIz" frameborder="0"></iframe>
This mission is a collaboration between the Missile Defence Agency,and the Space Force's Space Systems Command and Space Development Agency,delivering two prototype hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor programme;as well as the SDA's final four Tranche 0 tracking layer satellites.Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-86094431703917222422024-02-14T21:08:00.000-08:002024-02-14T21:08:22.668-08:00NATO Secretary General pre-ministerial press conference at Defence Ministers Meeting,14 FEB 2024<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/HUrguNse-Mk?si=H8i7gqML6WFVMbn2" frameborder="0"></iframe>Andrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340292060086177552.post-77688964830839526282024-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:002024-02-13T00:00:33.590-08:00'Treasonous': Former NATO supreme allied commander blasts Trump's NATO remarks<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/XextMjMotn4?si=rd0SNqXMaW_K_6OB" frameborder="0"></iframe
with Sara SidnerAndrew Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034754610788746498noreply@blogger.com0