More from Thomas Newdick (Page 12)

The latest iteration of Russia’s TOS series of thermobaric rocket launchers has been seen, apparently for the first time, in military service. The TOS-3 Dragon was shown during an official event in Russia’s southwest Saratov region, with its anti-drone screens pointing directly to experience from the war in Ukraine. With that in mind, it likely won’t be long before we start to see the TOS-3 being deployed in combat, especially as losses of the legacy TOS-1A continue to mount.
TOS-1

Russia’s New TOS-3 ‘Dragon’ Thermobaric Rocket Launcher Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

Photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrying what appears to be an air-launched version of the RIM-174 SM-6 missile, a weapon that can counter aerial threats at long ranges, as well as ground and surface targets.
F/A-18E/F

Super Hornet Armed With SM-6 Missile Spotted Over California

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

Ukraine Liman
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv’s Forces Push Back In Kharkiv

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 3, 2024

Progressively clearer photos of one of Shenyang’s prototype fighters seems to reveal key features different to those found on the carrier-based J-35, as well as on the earlier FC-31 prototypes. This raises questions about China’s own plans for a potential land-based variant, as well as future export plans, with Pakistan known to have made official plans to acquire a version of the jet.
J-31

Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

A U.S. B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing and a Royal Netherlands air force F-35A conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises.
F-35A

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

Ukraine released satellite imagery it says showed two Russian ships damaged by U.S. donated ATACMS.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Claims Swirl Around Missile Strike On Kerch Ferries

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on May 31, 2024

Martin baker 75 years of ejections
Military Aviation History

Martin-Baker Ejection Seat Made Its First Of 7,722 Saves 75 Years Ago Today

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on May 30, 2024

Russia has presented its latest take on the bizarre-looking ‘turtle tank’ concept, with a main battle tank now adapted as an armored personnel carrier, complete with the now familiar sheet-metal carapace. The new development provides another example of Russia repurposing vehicles to meet battlefield demands but also suggests deeper difficulties in fielding new-build, purpose-designed armored personnel carriers.
Russian Army

Russia Now Building ‘Turtle Tank’ Armored Personnel Carriers

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 29, 2024

In a major new development for the Ukrainian military, Sweden is to donate it Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with Erieye radar. The aircraft is being provided as part of Sweden’s biggest military aid package for Ukraine so far and they will bring an entirely new capability for the Ukrainian Air Force, providing much enhanced air and sea surveillance and working together with its forthcoming F-16 fighters.
Northern Europe

Ukraine Getting Swedish Airborne Early Warning Radar Planes Is A Big Deal

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on May 29, 2024

F-16 Belgium ukraine
F-16

Ukraine Situation Report: First Of 30 Belgian F-16s To Be Delivered “This Year”

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024

The first official photos have appeared showing a Soviet-era ground-based air defense system upgraded with Western surface-to-air missiles — a so-called ‘FrankenSAM.’ The images, published by Ukraine’s Operational Command East, show a tracked self-propelled Buk-M1 system — known in the West as SA-11 Gadfly — which is said to have been adapted to fire the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, a missile that previously provided point defense for numerous NATO and allied warships.
9K37M Buk (SA-11 Gadfly)

Ukraine’s FrankenSAM That Uses RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Missiles Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on May 28, 2024

Black Flag 24-1, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, run by the Air Force’s 53rd Wing.
Air Combat Exercises

Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024

Ukraine is one of three countries, along with Bulgaria and Japan, that will recieve a new tranche of Small Diameter Bombs under a $6.9 billion contract with Boeing.
Ukraine

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 24, 2024

Detonation of a Russian S-300 or S-400 air defense system after it came under attack from ATACMS ballistic missiles.
Russia

ATACMS Obliterates Russian Air Defense System As It Desperately Tries To Defend Itself

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 24, 2024

Su-34 launches new glide bombs
Su-34

Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 23, 2024

Exercise TARTAN SPIRIT has tested, trained and integrated critical capabilities to ensure they are ready for any operational missions. From scenario driven training to Tactical Landing Zones, this Exercise takes personnel from RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s largest station and home to the UK’s Air Mobility Force, Prestwick Airport is the Deployable Operating Base and West Freugh the Forward Operating base. II Squadron RAF Regiment deployed alongside the Air Mobility Force to further strengthen their tactics, training and techniques alongside various aircraft. These skills are essential for ensuring RAF aircraft can operate safely across the globe. By training together we continue to provide integrated and scaleable Air Force Protection capability whilst preparing all RAF personnel for the rigours of operations, providing them with critical skills to survive, operate and maintain their operational edge.
C-130

Confessions Of A C-130 Hercules Pilot

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 23, 2024

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen designs from Northrop Grumman and Sikorsky for the next phase of its AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) X-plane demonstration program. The effort aims to develop and test in flight an X-plane that will offer long endurance and the ability to launch and recover from ship flight decks and small austere land locations in adverse weather without additional infrastructure equipment. It’s part of an increasing focus on expeditionary deployments of the kind that will be required in a future conflict in the Pacific.
Drones

DARPA’s Naval VTOL X-Plane Drone Program Narrows Down To Two Designs

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 22, 2024

A series of imagery confirms that the widely used Sea Baby uncrewed surface vessel (USV), or drone boat, has been equipped with Grad-series artillery rockets. The rocket-armed boat has reportedly already been used to successfully engage Russian vessels. Once again, the development demonstrates that Ukraine is exploring using its growing fleet of USVs for missions beyond one-way kamikaze attacks.
Ukrainian Navy

Artillery Rocket-Firing Ukrainian Drone Boat Shown During Testing

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 22, 2024

ADM-160 MALD seen on MIG-29 in Ukraine for the first time.
MiG-29

ADM-160 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Spotted On Ukrainian MiG-29

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 21, 2024

KHARKIV REGION, UKRAINE - MAY 18:  A mortar unit with a 120 mm mortar prepares to perform a combat mission on May 18, 2024 in the Kharkiv region, near the border with Russia. Ukrainian soldiers from the 92nd assault brigade were involved in holding back the Russians on the border with Russia. In recent days Russian forces have gained ground around the Kharkiv region, which Ukraine had largely reclaimed in the months following Russia's initial large-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Advances On Vovchansk

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 20, 2024

While the situation is clearly still confused, multiple reports suggest that one or perhaps two Russian Navy vessels have been seriously damaged or destroyed in the latest Ukrainian attack on the Black Sea Fleet. The two vessels in question are the Project 22800 Karakurt class missile corvette Tsiklon and the Project 266M Akvamarin class minesweeper Kovrovets.
Ukraine

Rumors Swirl Around Attacks On Russian Black Sea Fleet Warships (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 20, 2024

Ukraine has launched large-scale drone attacks against Russia.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Launches Massive Drone Attack On Russia

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 17, 2024

The US military has finished installing a floating pier for the Gaza Strip. It means officials are now poised to begin ferrying badly needed humanitarian aid into the enclave besieged over seven months of intense fighting in the Israel-Hamas war.
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy Completes Gaza Aid Pier, Deliveries Imminent (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on May 16, 2024

NASA's DC-8 airborne science laboratory banks low over the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., upon arrival Nov. 8, 2007.
Air

NASA’s DC-8 Flying Lab Flies Into Retirement, Making The Type Nearly Extinct

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 15, 2024

Wreckage of S-400 engagement radar at airbase of Belbek in Crimea, May 15, 2024.
Russia

Russia’s Belbek Airbase In Crimea Hammered By Ukrainian Long-Range Strike (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 15, 2024

The United Kingdom has announced plans to build up to six new Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), a new class of amphibious warfare vessels that will join an ambitious shipbuilding program that now includes a total of 28 warships and submarines. The new MRSS vessels will also accommodate drones, a growing area of interest for the U.K. Royal Navy.
Royal Navy

Royal Navy To Get Up To Six New Amphibious Warships

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 14, 2024

Recent imagery provides our best views so far of Russia’s modern Kh-38M air-to-ground missile, apparently employed in the war in Ukraine. Previously, various videos had been released showing airstrikes that purportedly involved Kh-38Ms, but new photos show, in some detail, the missile carried under the wing of Su-34 Fullback strike fighters, seemingly taking part in combat sorties.
Su-34

Our Best Look At Russia’s Kh-38 Missile Now Being Used In Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 14, 2024

A Ukrainian self-propelled howitzer 2S1 Gvozdika drives past a damaged car on a road in the Vovchansk district, Kharkiv region, on May 12, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of people have been evacuated from border areas in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, as Russia kept up constant strikes on a key town as part of a cross-border offensive, officials said on May 12, 2024. The surprise Russian attack across Ukraine's northeastern border began on Friday, with troops making small advances in an area from where they had been pushed back nearly two years ago.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: “Fierce Battles” Rage In Kharkiv Region

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 13, 2024

Russian Artillery
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Launches Offensive In Kharkiv Region

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 10, 2024

After an extraordinary career spanning more than 80 years of service, and plenty of wartime missions, the South African Air Force (SAAF) is preparing to retire its last C-47 Dakotas. The decision is yet to be formally announced by the SAAF but looks set to confirm the fate of the service’s Dakotas, which have now been grounded for around two years.
Air Forces

South Africa’s C-47 Dakotas Set For Retirement After 80 Years Of Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 10, 2024

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which won the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s highly specialized Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft last month, has acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The likelihood is that these will be converted as the successors to the Air Force’s aging 747-200-based E-4B Nightwatch ‘doomsday planes,’ although at this stage we still don’t know how many of the new SAOC aircraft will be fielded.
E-4

Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 9, 2024

KH-101s are now being fired at Ukraine with two warheads onboard.
Russian Air Force

Russia Now Firing Kh-101 Cruise Missiles Modified With Two Warheads At Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 8, 2024

Unmanned Long-Endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft crew chiefs, assigned within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, prep an ULTRA aircraft for taxi across the flightline before an early morning takeoff at an undisclosed location, May 7, 2024. ULTRA is an unmanned aerial system capable of flight times up to 80 hours, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to combatant commanders, with a smaller operational footprint than other UAS in its class.
UAE

Air Force’s ULTRA Long-Endurance Glider-Like Drone Is Now Operating In The Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick, Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 8, 2024

Super hornets now carrying nine air-to-air missiles
F/A-18E/F

Super Hornets Now Flying With Nine Air-To-Air Missiles To Counter Houthi Drones

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 7, 2024

Ukraine Situation Report: Half Of North Korean Missiles Used By Russia Failed, Kyiv Says
North Korea

Ukraine Situation Report: Half Of North Korean Missiles Used By Russia Failed, Kyiv Says

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 7, 2024

Iskander M Ukraine running low
Russia

Putin Orders Tactical Nuclear Drills In Response To Western “Threats”

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 7, 2024

In a most unusual development in the Black Sea ‘drone war,’ Ukraine appears to have begun arming uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), better known as drone boats, with heat-seeking air-to-air missiles. The adaptation seems to have been made to provide the USVs with protection against the Russian helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft that are increasingly being used to counter them, although many questions remain about how these newly added weapons are intended work.
Russia

Ukrainian Drone Boats Now Armed With Adapted Air-To-Air Missiles

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 6, 2024

Boeing Pitches F-15EX For Saudi Arabian Fighter Competition
F-15

Boeing Pitches F-15EX For Saudi Arabian Fighter Competition

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 3, 2024

Ukraine will be allowed to use U.K.-donated Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles in Russia, according to the Guardian.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: U.K. Says Its Donated Weapons Can Be Used To Hit Targets In Russia

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 3, 2024

The Marines' ACV is getting a big 30mm cannon.
Armored Vehicles

Marines Poised To Get Their 30mm Cannon-Armed Amphibious Combat Vehicle

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 2, 2024

Footage has been published, apparently for the first time, showing a Chinese H-6 bomber dropping one of the shadowy air-launched ballistic missiles known by the designation 2PZD-21. The missile is part of a growing armory of Chinese aero-ballistic missiles and is widely understood to be a ‘carrier-killer’ weapon designed to be used as part of the country’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. However, many questions remain about the role of the weapon and its capabilities.
H-6 Bomber

China’s H-6K Bomber Seen Firing Air-Launched Ballistic Missile For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 1, 2024

Marines Osprey
MV-22

How The Marines Plan To Fly The MV-22 Osprey Into The 2060s

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 30, 2024

The Kaman Corporation has announced the first flight of its KARGO UAV, a rotary-wing drone intended for autonomous, expeditionary resupply. The design is aimed for the U.S. Marine Corps, for which Kaman previously developed the K-MAX unmanned helicopter. The KARGO UAV is now competing in the Marines’ Medium Autonomous Resupply Vehicle — Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) program, with a winner due to be selected this summer.
Helicopters

Kaman’s Kargo Logistics Drone For The Marines Now In Flight Test

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 30, 2024

Ukraine is losing ground as it awaits for badly needed ammunition.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Frontline Defenses Deteriorating Under Russian Pressure

By Howard Altman, Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

Yak52 engages orlan drone
Russia

Ukraine May Now Be Using WWI-Style Air Combat Tactics Against Drones

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, appears poised to leave port to begin its first at-sea trials. The development comes soon after five aircraft mockups appeared on the deck of the flattop, as you can read about here. Once the Fujian goes to sea, it will mark a hugely important step in the development of China’s naval aviation, with the carrier being the first of its kind to be fully locally designed and also its first to launch aircraft via catapults rather than by a ‘ski jump’ takeoff ramp.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Pulls Away From Its Pier Ahead Of Sea Trials

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

M1 Abrams Ukraine
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: M1 Abrams Tanks Withdrawn From The Fight, Officials Say

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 26, 2024

The Ukrainian Air Force is using iPads, or similar tablets in the cockpits of its Soviet-era jets to enable rapid integration of modern Western air-to-ground weapons — something that TWZ predicted back in 2022. This has been confirmed by Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante. While many questions remain about the tablet and how it works, there’s now more footage showing it fitted in cockpits.
MiG-29

Ukrainian Fighter Jets “Using iPads” To Control Western Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 25, 2024

The CTM-290 missile, which is launched from the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), based on a Polish-built truck chassis, is indicative of a widening military relationship between Poland and South Korea. In recent years, this has also seen the East European country buy light combat aircraft, tanks, and self-propelled artillery from Seoul.
MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

Poland’s New South Korean-Built ATACMS-Like Ballistic Missile Seen Firing For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 25, 2024

Ukraine will receive Paveway IV precision-guided bombs as part of the latest package of weapons being supplied by the United Kingdom to assist in the war with Russia. At this stage it’s unclear which aircraft will be armed with the dual-mode Paveway bombs, but the move ensures the United Kingdom remains very much at the forefront of delivering advanced and novel military equipment to Ukraine.
Russia

Dual-Mode Paveway IV Guided Bombs Headed To Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 24, 2024

H-20_CONCEPT_ART_PLAAF
J-20

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber “Not Really” A Concern: U.S. Official

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

Poland F-16 nuclear weapons
Eastern Europe

Ukraine Situation Report: Poland “Ready” To Host Nuclear Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 22, 2024

Dramatic footage has emerged of the destruction of the huge TV tower in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, in the northeast of the country. The city, Ukraine’s second largest, has come under fierce air attack in recent weeks, while the TV tower was subject to another Russian attack, earlier in the conflict, after which it was repaired.
Russia

Russian Strike Topples Kharkiv TV Tower

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 22, 2024

Major Damage At Russian Airbase In Crimea After Ukrainian Attack
Russia

Major Damage At Russian Airbase In Crimea After Ukrainian Attack

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 19, 2024

Ukraine has claimed that it shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bomber that crashed today in the Stavropol region in southern Russia. If that’s the case, it would be an unprecedented event, with Ukraine never having previously destroyed a Tu-22M3 — or any other Russian long-range bomber — in the air.
Tu-22

Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire Shot Down With S-200 Missile: Ukraine’s Spy Chief

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Apr 19, 2024

Ghost Shark is being jointly developed and funded by a partnership between Defence and Anduril Australia, and will become Mission Zero (0) for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
Royal Australian Navy

Australia’s Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

Photos and videos, as well as satellite sensor imagery, suggest that Ukrainian forces have once again struck the Russian airbase at Dzhankoi, in the northern part of occupied Crimea. Reportedly, the attack last night, which seems to have involved a ballistic missile strike, led to the damage or destruction of several of Russia’s prized S-400 and S-300 air defense systems.
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Russian Air Defense Systems Struck In Crimea

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 17, 2024

An Israeli Air Force F-15I in its shelter armed with air-to-air missiles.
Iran

Intel From Saudi Arabia, UAE Helped Defend Israel Against Iranian Attack: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 15, 2024

The French Navy frigate Alsace has returned from its operational deployment to the Red Sea, with its commander describing what he says is an unprecedented degree of threat against shipping from Houthi drone and missile attacks. The words of Captain Jérôme Henry highlight the challenge being faced in the Red Sea since October last year and also raise questions about the wider readiness of European navies involved in Aspides — the European Union’s naval task force created to protect commercial shipping in the region.
French Navy

French Frigate Captain Describes Frenetic Red Sea Combat

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 12, 2024

Kharkiv power plant destroyed
Russia

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv’s Biggest Power Plant Destroyed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 12, 2024

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new hypersonic missile, the Mako, which it is pitching to the U.S. Navy and Air Force and which it says will potentially also be able to arm submarines and surface warships. The weapon, which was originally developed for the Air Force’s Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program reflects growing interest in more affordable hypersonic strike weapons, smaller than cruise missiles but offering standoff range and very rapid response.
F-35

The Lowdown On Lockheed’s Newly Revealed Mako Hypersonic Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 11, 2024

MQ-25 with LRASM missiles
MQ-25

MQ-25 Stingray Tanker Drone Armed With Stealthy Anti-Ship Missiles Makes Perfect Sense

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 10, 2024

Serbia is poised to sign a deal to buy Dassault Rafale multirole fighters, the country’s president confirmed today, saying that “concrete agreements” had been made to purchase of 12 of the jets. The move, should it happen, would mark a major break for Serbia, which has long had a close military relationship with Russia and traditionally has operated significant quantities of Russian-supplied equipment.
Rafale

France’s Rafale Is Set To Be Serbia’s Next Fighter

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 9, 2024

A missile is launched from the Sa'ar 6-class corvette during the series of live-fire tests of the naval version of its Iron Dome missile-defense system, called "C-Dome"at sea on February 21, 2022.
Israeli Navy

Israel’s Ship-Based Iron Dome Just Got Its First Combat Kill

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 9, 2024