Tag Archives: missile

International, Technology

World War 3: NATO ‘pallet’ launches J-A-S-S-M, for first time!

Video

“The future is going to be different than what we have experienced for the last 20 years….”-Lieutenant General Jim Slife, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, during the most recent iteration of ATREUS

Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Technical Sergeant Brigette Waltermire, 09NOV2022.

On 09NOV2022, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe conducted the first-ever demonstration of the ‘palletized’ launching system of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) ‘bunker buster’ in NATO Europe (specifically NATO Norway).

Palletized JASSM being loaded onto a NATO Poland C-130 Hercules, in Powidz, Poland. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Brandon Julson, 08NOV2022.

This is part of the U.S. European Command’s Operational Series ATREUS: “This effort is meant to increase integration of both conventional and Special Operations Forces from participating nations and enhance interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners. ….ATREUS training events enable effective responses for any contingency, as well as continuation of training, and increased readiness and collective defense.”-Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Melnicoff, Operation ATREUS ‘lead’

Even though the U.S. military spells ATREUS in all caps, it is not an acronym, it is the ancient Greek god of war.  It is silly that Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Melnicoff stated that Operation ATREUS was “routine engagements”, as the first ATREUS exercise began in April 2021.  However, there have already been seven ATREUS ‘iterations’ in NATO Europe since then!  And apparently, ATREUS is meant to be a global operation: “Participation from our allies is the cornerstone of ATREUS iterations. Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom have been regular participants in the most recent ATREUS iterations throughout 2021 and 2022, but the global effort with our fellow geographic combatant commands makes this a historic demonstration of allied solidarity worldwide.”-Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Melnicoff, Operation ATREUS ‘lead’

Palletized JASSM being loaded onto a NATO Poland C-130 Hercules, in Powidz, Poland. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Brandon Julson, 08NOV2022.

During the most recent iteration of ATREUS, the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) 67th Special Operations Squadron, 352d Special Operations Wing, demonstrated the Rapid Dragon Palletized Effects System (RDPES), using the latest JASSM cruise missile.  The RDPES is an experimental system that allows special operations cargo planes, like the MC-130J Commando-2 (a combat variant of the Super Hercules), to carry and launch cruise missiles.  The USAF is already using the system inside The Arctic Circle, and now in NATO Europe.

Silent U.S. Air Force video, by Staff Sergeant Izabella Workman, showing how the JASSM is launched from a MC-130J.  Notice at first it looks like a supply drop, but then the JASSMs start flying out of the pallet, then impact the water.  Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, 09NOV2022:

Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Technical Sergeant Brigette Waltermire, 09NOV2022.

Staff Sergeant Izabella Workman shows you the launching from inside the MC-130J:

USAF photo, 06JUN2022.

In June 2022, the JASSM was test launched from an Arizona Air National Guard F-16 Falcon.  The test was conducted from Hill Air Force Base (AFB), in Utah.

USAF photo, 06JUN2022.

The JASSM has been in use, by the U.S., since 2009.  Australia, Finland, and Poland, began stockpiling them in 2014 (same year as the NATO backed coup in Ukraine).  In April 2018, two USAF B-1B Lancer bombers launched 19 JASSMs against Syria’s military.

On 25FEB2022, JASSMs were delivered to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. USAF video report by Technical Sergeant Anthony Plyler:

20NOV2020, B-1B Lancer conducts first external carriage (‘capture carry’) of JASSM, Edwards AFB, California.  Take-off video by Joshua Miller:

Chase video by Ethan Wagner:

USAF video by Airman First Class Susan Roberts, B-1B Lancer being bombed-up with JASSM, 03NOV2017, Dyess AFB, Texas:

World War 3:  NATO INVADES TINY QATAR UNDER GUISE OF PROTECTING THE WORLD CUP! IS IT A LABOR SHORTAGE, OR MONEY FOR NATO?

U.S. TAXPAYERS SUBSIDIZE YEMENI NATURAL GAS FOR NATO EUROPE?

1ST TIME EVER, NATO & UN PREP FOR NUKE ATTACK ON OIL INFRASTRUCTURE!

Business/Economics, International, Technology, U.S.

World War 3: Israel increases range of German made submarine, can carry cruise missiles armed with nuclear warhead

Israeli media reporting that one of Israel’s Dolphin class submarines has been upgraded to provide better range.

Israel claims to have spent U.S.$27 million on the project.

The Dolphin class submarine is made in Germany and can carry cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads.  German taxpayer money was actually used to help Israel buy the submarines!

International, Technology, U.S.

World War 3: Israel develops ballistic missile, the target; Iran

November 3, Israel’s Defense Ministry said they had test fired a ballistic missile.  Observers say the latest test-firing is a warning against Iran’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a “direct and heavy threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear program.

The testing of the ballistic missile was not announced in advance.  Some Israeli media sources say this is part of the Israeli government’s plan to attack Iran.  However officials in Netanyahu’s administration say regarding the missile test and Iran “The two things are separate”.

 

International, Opinion

Leaked UN report says Iran & China violated UN sactions against North Korea. Is this the “smoking gun” the U.S. is looking for?

In a suppossedly “leaked” United Nations report, Iran is accused of dealing with North Korea, for nuclear missile technology.  That violates UN sanctions against North Korea.

The report also suggests the deals were made through a third party, possibly China.

The report infers that Iran is trying to get nuclear weapons technology as well. It points out that North Korea’s nuclear program is mainly for weapons. The report is to be submitted to the UN Security Council.

This is obviously going to be used by the U.S. as the “smoking gun” reason for taking military action against Iran.

The problem with the accusations is that North Korea has a lousy record of ballistic missile tests, while Iran has enjoyed success with its own missile program.  So it’s probably not a case of Iran trying to get missile technology, but North Korea.

The other problem is that it doesn’t make sense that Iran and North Korea were going through China to do the deals.  China has much better missile technology, so why not deal directly with China?  It’s possible that China did not want to share its missile technology.

Also, if Iran was trying to get nuclear weapons technology, again, why not deal with the more reliable Chinese?

The panel of “experts” who put together the UN report included a representative from China, who reportedly refused to sign the report.

 

International, Technology

Iran launches first domestically produced Anti-Aircraft missile

The missile system is actually based on the old U.S. designed Hawk missile system.  The Iranians call their updated version ‘Shahin’ (not to be confused with ‘Shaheen’ which is a different missile system).

Most of the upgrades are related to search and track capabilities.  They say it’s a mid-altitude missile, one source saying its range is 15 miles (maybe they meant 15 kilometers?).  I can’t be sure of the performance claims, simply because the Iranian media gives wildly different data.  One source said the missile could reach 150 kilometers (93 miles), that’s the Thermosphere, man!