Tag Archives: russia

International, U.S.

Biden’s War: Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah all deploy!

Video

On 23JAN2023, about 4-hundred New York Army National Guard ‘Air-Cav’ Militia personnel deployed for Kuwait, however, their first stops will be Pennsylvania and Texas for additional training.  Many of the Soldiers will be providing CH-47F Chinook helicopter support for the Mississippi Army National Guard, in South West Asia (The Middle East).  According to the New York National Guard, there are already at least 1-thousand-8-hundred New York Army National Guard Soldiers deployed across the world, including assisting with training Ukrainian troops in NATO-Germany!

Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Captain Travis Mueller, 20JAN2023.

On 20JAN2023, approximately 20 Airmen with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 211th Engineering Installation Squadron, 193rd Regional Support Group, 193rd Special Operations Wing, deployed to somewhere in The Middle East (South West Asia), most likely Qatar.

Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Captain Travis Mueller, 20JAN2023.

Back in October 2022, more than 5-hundred Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers deployed to The Middle East.

Illinois Army National Guard Specialist Xzavier Marte, 17JAN2023.

On 17JAN2023, the Illinois Army National Guard’s 933rd Military Police Battalion conducted a deployment ceremony, they are deploying to support U.S. Southern Command (SouthComm) operations.

Illinois Army National Guard Specialist Xzavier Marte, 17JAN2023.

On 11JAN2023, it was revealed that Michigan Army National Guard has Soldiers inside Syria! The National Guard Bureau’s photo-montage-video claims to show the militiamen conducting weapons qualifications inside Syria:

Utah National Guard photo by Ileen Kennedy, 09JAN2023.

On 09JAN2023, about 45 Militia personnel with Utah Army National Guard’s 4th Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment deployed to support U.S. European Command’s (EuroComm) anti-Russia operation in NATO-Europe.

On 07JAN2023, approximately 150 Militia personnel of the Michigan Army National Guard’s Headquarters 107th Engineer Battalion conducted a deployment ceremony at Northern Michigan University, in Marquette.  They are deploying to South West Asia in support of the never ending Operation Spartan Shield.

The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office provides support for families of the Michigan National Guard, they may be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM.  Multiple deployments to The Middle East were made in 2022.

Florida National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Christopher Vann, 06JAN2023.

On 06JAN2023, Soldiers of Florida Army National Guard’s 164th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade and Orange County District-1 conducted a deployment ceremony for the Washington DC/National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS).  The NCR-IADS is part of the never ending Operation Noble Eagle, which was launched in response to the attacks of 11SEP2001.  Operation Noble Eagle is co-commanded by NATO-Canada, but U.S. officials don’t want you to know that!

Noble Eagle falls under NorAD, which is actually a NATO-Canada commanded operation:  WHY IS A P-M OF A BRITISH EMPIRE MEMBER NATION INSPECTING A U.S. MILITARY BASE IN COLORADO?

World War 3, 2014: CANADA CANCELS NORAD WARGAME WITH RUSSIA!

Also on 06JAN2023, the governor of Florida mobilized the National Guard to deal with the invasion of illegal immigrants:

Biden’s Borderland: 2022 END OF YEAR BOAT PEOPLE CAPTURES, FLORIDA & TEXAS

Biden’s War, January 2023: MILLIONS MORE IN TAX DOLLARS FOR WAR FIGHTING, NO NOT TO UKRAINE, TO SOMALIA, and spent on Russian weapons!

Biden’s War, December 2022: ANOTHER NORTH CAROLINA GUARD UNIT DEPLOYING TO AFRICA, AND ANOTHER TO THE O-I-R!

International, U.S.

Biden’s War: Millions more in Tax Dollars for war fighting, no not to Ukraine, to Somalia!

Image

23 January 2023 (08:36-UTC-07 Tango 06) 03 Bahman 1401/01 Rajab 1444/02 Gui-Chou 4721/23 январь 2023 года

“We cheer the success achieved by Somali security forces in their historic fight to liberate Somali communities suffering under al-Shabaab. This is a Somali-led and Somali-fought campaign. The United States reaffirms our commitment to support your effort.”-Larry André, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, 08JAN2023

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Larry André, shakes hands with SNA officer, while standing in front of the Russian machine guns donated on 08JAN2023. Photo via U.S. Embassy in Somalia.

The Biden Administration overseeing yet another multi-million U.S. dollar taxpayer funded giveaway of weapons, but not to Ukraine, to a small country on the Horn of the African continent: Somalia.

Somali Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama stands in front of light (7.62mm) & heavy (DShK 12.7mm) Russian machine guns during donation ceremony. Photo via U.S. Embassy in Somalia, 08JAN2023.

An official ceremony was held on 08JAN2023, announcing the giveaway, yet according to a press release by U.S. Africa Command (USAfriComm), most of the $9-million worth of weapons (mainly Russian designed and built light and DShK heavy machine guns), construction vehicles, explosive ordinance disposal kits, medical supplies, and maintenance equipment, were already being delivered to Somali National Army (SNA) units in the war ravaged states of Hishabelle and Galmudug.

USAfriComm also admitted that the $9-million ‘aid’ package was paid for through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and was done in coordination with the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Biden’s War: U.S. ARMY ADMITS IT’S (Ukraine Crisis) ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY FOR NATO-GREECE!

In 2022; NEW YORK BURIES MORE VETS THAN ANY OTHER STATE, AGAIN?

Biden’s War, December 2022: ANOTHER NORTH CAROLINA GUARD UNIT DEPLOYING TO AFRICA!

Biden’s War, November 2022: BLOW-BACK FROM BIDEN’S Operation ALLIES REFUGE? AFRICAN REFUGEES SHUTDOWN BUSY INTERSTATE IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST!

Biden’s War, February 2022: MORE U.S. ASSAULT RIFLES GOING TO AFRICA

Biden’s Borderland: 2022; END OF YEAR BOAT PEOPLE CAPTURES, FLORIDA & TEXAS

Technology

Cold War to Battle for Ukraine: Challenger, a child of Serendipity?

Video

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

In the early 1970s Imperial Iran placed big orders for two tanks; the British Chieftain Marks 3 & 5, and the U.S. M60A1.  In the mid-1970s Iran decided to buy an upgraded Mark 5 Chieftain, which became known as FV4030/2 Shir (Lion).  By 1978, Iran had almost 1-thousand types of Chieftain tanks, but wanted even more improved versions.

Chobham armored Chieftain prototype, June 1976. U.K. Ministry of Defence-Crown photo.

As luck would have it, the British had been developing a new type of armor in a place called Chobham on Surrey Health, in Surrey, England.  The new armor would be called Chobham.

Chobham armored ‘Chieftain’ prototype, June 1976.

In June 1976, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Defence ordered the Royal Ordinance Factory (ROF) to upgrade the current production of Chieftains for Iran (becoming known as Mark-1-Shir/Shir-1) to the new Chobham armored Mark-2-Shir/Shir-2.  The U.K.’s The British Army (known officially since 1707, after the supposed union of Scotland and England) was not concerned about their own Chieftains’ lack of armor protection, because they were focused on a new tank project called MBT-80.  The Iranians placed an order for 1-thousand-225 Shir-2s!

Shir 2, 1978. U.K. Ministry of Defence-Crown photo.

The new ‘Chieftain’ was created, FV4030/3, given the Farsi name Shir-2 (Lion-2).

Shir 2, 1978. U.K. Ministry of Defence-Crown photo.

Production of Shir-2 was to commence in 1979/80, however, something called The ’79 Revolution took place in Iran, and as a result the new Iranian government cancelled the order for Shir-2, and anyway, both the United States and United Kingdom halted weapons sales to Iran.  It should be noted that during the 1980’s Iran-Iraq War, Iran discovered that the Chieftains and Lion-1s could not handle prolonged combat in desert environments.

Mark-2-Shir/Shir-2, never delivered to Iran due to sanctions imposed after the ’79 revolution. U.K. Ministry of Defence-Crown photo.

What was ROF to do with all those Lion-2s it was building for Iran?  Luckily, the U.K. government was aware that the old Chieftain was far behind other new NATO tanks such as the U.S. M1 Abrams and German Leo-2, the MBT-80 project was having too many problems and was canceled, so they decided to spend the taxpayer’s pounds (at a cost in USD of 1.5-million in 1987 money) on the already in production Lion-2, but changed the name to FV4030/4 Challenger (keeping in the British tradition of naming their battle tanks with words that start with the letter C).  With some internal changes from the Shir-2, the Challenger entered service in 1983.

From U.S. Army Graphic Training Aid, Armored Vehicle Recognition, 1987.

In 1986, ROF was taken over by Vickers Defence Systems/Alvis Vickers.

From U.S. Army Graphic Training Aid, Armored Vehicle Recognition, 1987.

The Challenger has the L11A5 120mm riffled-bore main gun.

Operation Desert Storm: 17JAN1991–28FEB1991, known as Operation Granby to the British, it was the combat debut of Challenger.

A Challenger during Operation Desert Storm, 28FEB1991. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Holmes.

A Challenger during Operation Desert Storm, 28FEB1991. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Holmes.

Implementation Force (IFor), Bosnia-Herzegovina:  20DEC1995 to 20DEC1996.

A Challenger is off-loaded from a Russian cargo ship, Vladimir Vaslyaev, in Croatia, reporting for IFOR duty in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 23JUN1996. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Brian Gavin.

A Challenger is off-loaded from a Russian cargo ship, Vladimir Vaslyaev, in Croatia, reporting for IFOR duty in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 23JUN1996. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Brian Gavin.

Stabilization Force (SFor), Bosnia-Herzegovina: January 1997 to December 2004.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1997. Photo via The British Army’s National Army Museum, photo by Richard Stickland.

Already in 1986, Vickers Defence Systems (eventually taken over by BAE Systems) began work on a better Challenger, due to its lack of performance against the M1 Abrams and Leo-2.  Production began in 1993.  In 1994, the first production Challenger-2 failed to pass the acceptance trials, changes had to be made on the production, but the tank finally entered service in 1998.  FV4034 Challenger-2 is an improved version of Challenger, with a newly designed turret and the 120mm L30A1 rifled-bore main-gun. 97% of the tank is new and almost none of the parts can interchange with the old Challenger.

Never ending UN/NATO ‘Peacekeeping’ in  Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo (KFor), June 1999 to present.

Kosovo Battle Group. United Kingdom Ministry of Defence/Crown photo, September 2000.

By 2002, the last production Challenger-2 was delivered, just in time to invade Iraq.

Invasion of Iraq/Operation Iraqi Freedom: March 2003, combat debut of Challenger-2, known as Operation Telic to the British.

U.S. Marines check out a Royal Red Coat Challenger-2, staged on Camp Coyote, Kuwait, for the ‘done-deal’ invasion of Iraq, 03MAR2003. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Paul L. Anstine the Second.

External fuel drum on a Challenger-2, staged on Camp Coyote, Kuwait, for the ‘done-deal’ invasion of Iraq, 03MAR2003. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Paul L. Anstine the Second.

Weighed down by extra armor and electronic anti-IED devices, Challenger-2s practice some live-fire in Basra, Iraq, 17NOV2008. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Gustavo Olgiati.

Jordanian Al Hussein (upgraded Challenger 1 FV4030/4). U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Richard Blumenstein, 07MAY2012.

(Vehicle I-D: JORDANIAN SHIELD اردني درع )

Ukraine Crisis: February 2014 (NATO backed coup) to present.

NATO video, demonstration of Challenger-2 on Sennelager Training Area, NATO-Germany, 15SEP2016:

Challenger-2 during wargame in NATO-Estonia, 10JUN2017. U.S. Army photo by Specialist Matthew J. DeVirgilio.

U.S. Army video by Major Charles Calio, Challenger-2s mulling about on Sennelager Training Area, NATO-Germany, 16SEP2017:

U.S. Army personnel help load a Royal Omani Challenger-2 onto a tractor-trailer/Tank Transporter, 06APR2019. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Nahjier Williams.

NATO video of Challenger-2s showing off during wargames in NATO-Estonia (on Russia’s border), May 2019. Notice that some of the Challenger-2s are carrying NATO-Latvian pennants on their antenna:

Challenger-2 on Castlemartin Ranges in South West Wales. It is wearing ‘Urban Camo’, developed during the Cold War while occupying West Germany/West Berlin. United Kingdom Ministry of Defence-Crown photo, 15JUL2019.

NATO video showing Challenger-2s during wargame in NATO-Estonia, May 2020:

NATO video by Paris Grabeel, showing Challenger-2 during wargame in NATO Estonia, February 2021:

Quick U.S. Army video, by Specialist Elizabeth MacPherson, showing Challenger-2 during wargame in NATO-Estonia, May 2022:

The United Kingdom’s BAE Systems-Team Challenger is upgrading the Challenger-2, in the hopes of keeping it service until 2035.  Not all Challenger-2 are being upgraded, those that are not are being retired, or, as of 16JAN2023, “a squadron” of Challenger-2 s will be given away to Ukraine.

Challenger-3:

Photo published 29JUL2021, via The British Army-Crown.

Challenger-2 s being prepped for intensive Mark-3-Challenger upgrade.

Image via The British Army-Crown.

BAE Systems’ new Challenger with German Rheinmetall 120mm NATO compatible gun, and other improvements.

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis:  ILYUSHIN 76/78, RUSSIA & NATO?

NATO Vehicle I-D: CHALLENGER-2 vs LECLERC

Occupation of Iraq: U.S. ARMY BLOWS-UP BRITISH MADE IRANIAN CHIEFTAIN (Shir?) IN IRAQ!

Technology

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: Ilyushin 76/78, Russia & NATO?

Video

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

The Ilyushin Design Bureau presented the idea of the ’76’ in 1967. Development commenced, with the first flight in March 1971.  Ilyushin is now part of United Aircraft Corporation (aka United Aircraft Russia).

Soviet II-76 Candid, photo released by NATO in January 1977.

Sometime during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, 1979-89.

Soviet II-76 Candid, photo released by NATO in April 1983.

Il-76, NATO reporting name Candid.

Soviet II-76 Candid, photo released by NATO in January 1988.

Ukrainian Il-76 in United Nations ‘peacekeeping’ service on Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya, November 1992.

From U.S. Army FM 44-80, Visual Aircraft Recognition, July 1993 edition.

A Russian Il-76 delivers humanitarian aid at Goma Airport (then part of Zaire), for the Rwandan refugees, 03AUG1994. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Val Gempis.

Another contracted Il-76 delivers humanitarian aid from Canada on Goma Airport (then part of Zaire), for the Rwandan refugees, 03AUG1994. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Marvin Krause.

Russian Il-76 off-loads NATO-Canadian military equipment on Kigali Airport, Rwanda, 05AUG1994. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Marvin Krause.

PEACEKEEPER ’95: RUSSIA INVADES NATO-UNITED STATES! RED DAWN FOR REALS?

Russian Il-76 serving in the United Nations ‘peacekeeping’ operations, Sarajevo Airport, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 09JUN1995. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Michael J. Haggerty.

In August 1995, the Taliban captured a Russian Il-76 that was delivering military supplies to the pro-Russian government of Afghanistan.  Eventually the Russian crew would escape, with their Candid.

Russian vehicles roll off an Il-76 onto Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 12JAN1996. USAF photo by Senior Airman Ken Bergmann.

Notice the military versions of the Il-76 have tail guns, while the silly-vilian (civilian) versions do not.

A Russian Il-76TD delivers humanitarian aid on Roberts International Airport, Liberia, under the guard of U.S. Marines. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Nathan E. Eason, 14AUG2003.

A contracted Il-76 delivers supplies to U.S. forces on Mosul, Iraq, 19SEP2003.

A derilict Iraqi Airways Il-76 sits on the tarmac of Baghdad International Airport. After Desert Storm, the U.S./NATO imposed a ‘no-fly’ zone over Iraq, including Iraqi civilian airline traffic, effectively killing Iraqi Airways. That changed in 2006. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Scott Sturkol, 21OCT2003.

The Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) is the aerial fueler version of the Il-76.

Indian Air Force Ilyushin IL-78MKI Midas aerial refueler on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 29JUL2004. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew Hannen.

Navigator station on the Indian Air Force IL-78 Midas. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew Hannen, 30JUL2004.

Inside the cargo area of the Indian IL-78 Midas. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew Hannen, 30JUL2004.

An Il-76 delivers a Mi-2 crop-duster on Baghdad International Airport, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by First Sergeant Robert Heberling, 03MAY2006.

Contracted Il-76 unloads supplies for U.S. forces in Iraq, 20MAR2008. USAF photo by Sabrina Johnson.

A contracted Il-76TD sits next to USAF C-17s on Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 19NOV2009. USAF photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke.

South Carolina National Guard personnel arrive on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, 10JUN2012. Behind them, amid the gaggle of V22 Ospreys, is a Russian Il-76. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Caycee Watson.

Ukraine Crisis: February 2014 (NATO backed coup) to present.

In 2015, Russia began using the new Il-76MD-90A.

In May, 2015, the U.S. Agency for International Development used an Il-76 to deliver humanitarian aid to Nepal, following a devastating earthquake. USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Melissa B. White, 08MAY2015.

NATO video, NATO-Belgian troops take a ride on a Ukrainian military Il-76MD, 23OCT2015:

Russia uses Il-76MD hospital aircraft called ‘Scalpels’, to return Russian journalists and military personnel who’ve been wounded in the NATO instigated Syrian ‘civil war’.

Candid reports for duty with the USAF in Kuwait, 11MAR2019. USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Robert Cloys.

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Robert Cloys, 11MAR2019.

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Robert Cloys, 11MAR2019.

An Il-76 working for the USAF on Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, 09JUL2019. South Carolina Air National Guard photo by Captain Stephen Hudson.

USAF time-lapse video by Technical Sergeant Michael Mason, loading a contracted Il-76 in Kuwait, 09JUL2019:

In August 2019, a Ukrainian Il-76TD was blown up by rebel forces in Libya. The NATO instigated ‘civil war’ is still raging, and believe it or not both Ukraine and Russia support the NATO approved ‘government’ forces!

Russian Defense Ministry video of Il-76 rough-field landing/taking-off, 2019:

In March 2020, Russia sent nine Il-76s to NATO-Italy, carrying medical personnel to help NATO-Italy fight the so-called covid pandemic.

Il-76MD water bomber.

In Summer 2021, Iran sent a waterbombing Il-76TD to NATO-Turkey to help fight wildfires.

In 2021, Russia announced it will overhaul six of India’s Il-78MKI Midas tankers.

Russian Defense Ministry video of Il-76 airborne troop operation, during wargame in Belarus, September 2021:

Palettes of CoViD-19 vaccines were delivered to Yemen, using an Il-76. This included vaccines paid for by U.S. taxpayers through USAID. A previous delivery was made in August 2021. They were delivered by the UN-WHO/Gates Foundation/World Bank’s Gavi Alliance. Photo by Drew Sullivan, 20DEC2021.

Pakistani Il-78s being upgraded to MP standard in Ukraine, photo posted February 2022.

YY-20, CHINA’S NEW LONG RANGE AIRBORNE FUELER, OFFSPRING OF THE IL-76?

Photo via UARussia (United Aircraft Russia), November 2022.

Russian news report about newest Il-76, the Il-76MD-90A, the video shows the roll-out of the 18th ‘MD-90A’ on 29NOV2022:

The fifth production Il-76MD-90A, of 2022, made its first flight on 04DEC2022.  Since 2014, at least 18 of the new Candids have been built.

On 10DEC2022, Russian Aerospace Forces took official possession of two new Il-76 aircraft, one an upgraded Il-76MDM, the other a new build Il-76MD-90A. The ‘MD-90A’ has a new designed wing, strengthened landing gear, more efficient turbines, a ‘glass cockpit’, and an electronic defense system against anti-aircraft missiles. 

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis:   AMX-10RCR

F-15 EAGLE NOW 50 YEARS OLD

KAMOV 27 HELIX

Technology

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: AMX-10RCR

Video

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

From U.S. Army Graphic Training Aid, Armored Vehicle Recognition, 1987.

Depending on your source of information, France has been using the AMX-10RC since 1979 or 1981. One source says development began in 1970, with the first French unit getting its AMX-10RCs between 1981 and 1982.

From U.S. Army Graphic Training Aid, Armored Vehicle Recognition, 1987.

I think it is strange that information on this armored car is so conflicting, and it is strange that I cannot find any images of in-service AMX-10RCs prior to Operation Desert Storm.

The RC stands for Roues-Canon, in English it means Wheeled-Cannon.  It was made by a company called GIAT Industries (now called Nexter Systems).

French invasion of Chad, I mean peacekeeping operations, 1984.

Somewhere in Saudi Arabia, French AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles during a parade of coalition armor after Desert Storm. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant H. H. Deffner, 14MAY1992.

SFor (Stabilisation Force) AMX-10RC in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1998.

Beginning in 2005, France began upgrading their AMX-10RCs, changing the name to AMX-10RCR, the extra R stands for Renove, meaning renovated in English.

Qatari AMX-10RC, 28APR2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Juanenrique Owings.

On Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 27OCT2017. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Damarko Bones.

On Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 27OCT2017. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Damarko Bones.

Ukraine Crisis: February 2014 (NATO backed coup) to present.

French recon unit, Arta Training Range, Djibouti. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Steve H. Lopez, 06OCT2015.

Moroccan AMX-10RC, 2018.

Moroccan AMX-10RC during U.S./NATO wargame African Lion, June 2021.

Moroccan AMX-10RC during U.S./NATO wargame African Lion, June 2021.

Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, 11AUG2021. U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sergeant Amanda Stock.

Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, 11AUG2021. U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sergeant Amanda Stock.

NATO video of Ukrainian An-124 delivering French AMX-10RCR to NATO-Romania, 03MAR2022:

Moroccan AMX-10RC during U.S./NATO wargame African Lion, June 2022.

Djibouti, Horn of Africa, 10NOV2022. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Destani K. Matheny.

On 04JAN2023, President of France Emmanuel Macron announced that French taxpayers will give some AMX-10RCRs to Ukraine.

Ukrainian newspaper says the AMX-10RCR is “Not Bad, Though not Really a Tank”

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: H-A-W-K, HOMING ALL-THE WAY KILLER

M1117, GUARDIAN OF SECURITY OR A FRANKENSTEIN?  Originating with Viet-Nam era V100, now being given away to Ukraine!

International, Technology

World War 3, Vehicle I-D: Serbia’s new T-72MS

Video

During the Cold War, Yugoslavia developed their own version of the Soviet T-72, using NATO targeting systems, called the M-84.  Now, Serbia is using the new MS (MC in Serbian Cyrillic) version of the T-72.

Mounting the 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 26SEP2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 26SEP2022.

Tank Commander station. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 26SEP2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 26SEP2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 26SEP2022.

The battalion that operates the T-72MS is known as the ‘March 2022 Generation’ T-72M Battalion.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 20JUL2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 20JUL2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 20JUL2022.

‘Punching’ the gun tube. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 20JUL2022.

Checking the fuel level in the fender mounted fuel tank. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 30DEC2021.

The abilities of the T-72MS were presented to the Serbian taxpayers during wargame Lighting Strike 2021, in June 2021.

During wargame Lighting Strike 2021. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 27JUN2021.

Serbian Defense Ministry video, T-72MS action during Lightning Strike 2021:

During wargame Lighting Strike 2021. Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 27JUN2021.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 21JUN2021.

The Serbian Defense Ministry claims the T-72MS is a joint development between Russia and Serbia.  However, all 30 T-72MS tanks were made in Russia.  They are described as having ‘special protections’, and is basically an upgraded T-72B1.  The deal was announced in 2019, with the first Serbian ‘White Eagles’ arriving towards the end of Gregorian 2020.

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 23MAY2021.

In May 2021, the donated T-72MS were paraded in front of Defense Ministry officials:

Photo via Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia, 23MAY2021.

Vehicle I-D: NATO SLOVENIJA uses Cold War era M-84, updated to A4 SNIPER, 2021

World War 3: RUSSIA DEPLOYS MORE T-72B3M

Biden’s War: U.S. TAXPAYERS TO UPGRADE COLD WAR ERA T-72B FOR UKRAINE! 

Technology

World War 3, Vehicle I-D: Serbia’s new Lazar-3

Video

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 12MAY2019.

It is armed with the M15 remote controlled weapon station (RCWS), with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, or a much larger turret with a 30mm gun.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 21DEC2022.

The infantry inside the vehicle can fire their personal weapons through gun ports on the sides.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 11NOV2022.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 05SEP2022.

In August 2020, the Serbian Armed Forces announced a “major step forward” with the full production of a new 8×8 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC); the Lazar-3.

Serbian Defense Ministry promotional video, released 10AUG2020:

 

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 05DEC2019.

The motor is located in the front.  The armor is claimed to be of ‘modern’ type, which includes anti-mine armor. The vehicle is air conditioned.  Maximum speed is 110-kilometers per hour.  It can drive a 60% gradient, a 30% side slope, overcome half-meter tall vertical obstacles, cross 2-meter trenches, and ford 1.6-meter deep water obstacles.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 05DEC2019.

Serbian Defense Ministry video, 17DEC2019:

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 05DEC2019.

In July 2019, it was announced that production orders were being increased.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 25JUL2019.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 25JUL2019.

The Lazar-3 was officially introduced in 2018.

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 20DEC2018.

Serbian Defense Ministry video, officially revealing the Lazar-3, 20DEC2018:

Photo via Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia, 12MAR2017.

Factory fresh Lazar-3, March 2017.

The Lazar-3 has been in development since 2015.

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis:  MAINTAINING YOUR GAZELLE, THE SERBIAN WAY!

Technology

World War 3: Russia deploys more T-72B3M

Video

22 December 2022 (00:35-UTC-07 Tango 06) 01 Dey 1401/28 Jumada l-Ula 1444/29 Ren-Zi 4720/22 Декабрь 2022 года

The ‘B3M’ upgrades to the Cold War/Soviet era T-72 include new 125mm gun, new power-pack (motor/transmission), new armor, new digital ballistic computer for the gunner, and a new panoramic sight for the TC (tank commander).

The ‘3M’ is an upgrade of the T-72B series.

Russian news report about deliveries of upgraded T-72B3Ms, from the Uralvagonzavod factory, 16DEC2022 (video originally released on 07DEC2022):

Video interview of T-72B3M TC, claims the crew destroyed 11 tanks, four pickup trucks, one enemy armored personnel carrier, in Ukraine,  released 17SEP2022: https://vk.com/video-133441491_456266813

Biden’s War, November 2022: U.S. TAXPAYERS TO UPGRADE COLD WAR ERA T-72B FOR UKRAINE! THAT’S JUST THE TIP OF THE LATEST U.S. FUNDED WEAPON SYSTEMS GIVE-AWAY!

New Cold War, January 2022: RUSSIAN T-72B3M LIVE FIRE CRIMEA!

Vehicle I-D: IRAQI T-72, LIVE FIRE BESMAYA GUNNERY RANGE

International, Technology

World War 3 Vehicle I-D: Hind Users

Video

Probably the most prolific combat helicopter ever made, incomplete list of current users:

Afghan Mi-24 Hind-D.

Algerian Super Hind (modified in South Africa).

Angolan Hind.

Armenian Hinds.

Belarussian Mi-24.

NATO-Belgium operated Mi-24P helicopters during NATO wargame Saber Junction, in Vilseck, Germany, 10OCT2012. U.S. Army photo by Specialist Evangelia Grigiss.

Brazilian AH-2 Saber (Mi-35M).

NATO-Bulgaria Mi-24 Hind-D. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Robert Douglas, 11JUN2019.

Cuban Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias Mi-24 Hind-D, not known when photo was made.

NATO-Czech Republic (Czechia) Mi-24V.

Egyptian Mi-35M.

NATO ‘partner’ Georgia’s Hind-D, 30APR2022. Photo via Georgian Ministry of Defense.

Ministry of Defense of Georgia video showing new facility where Hinds, and other aircraft, can be re-built, released October 2020:

NATO Hungary Mi-24 Hind-D, 03JUN2021. U.S. Army photo by Major Robert Fellingham.

See more NATO-Hungarian Hinds in NATO WEAPONS: APACHES & HINDS, FOR THE FIRST TIME?

India’s Mi-35 Hind.

U.S. Army video showing Indonesian Mi-35P, September 2014:

Iraq’s new Mi-35M Hind.

Brand new Mi-35M for Kazakhstan, still wearing Russian flag on tail.

A recent, but not clear, photo of a Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) Hind. They still use the Red Star of the old Soviet Union.

Libyan ‘Haftar’ Mi-35.

Macedonian Mi-25(24) Hind-D. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant John M. Foster, 04SEP2003.

Mozambican Mi-25(24).

Myanmarese Mi-35P.

Nigerian Mi-35.

Peru’s Hind-D, March 2018.

NATO-Poland Mi-24 Hind-D, 13OCT2022. Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Specialist Kevin T. Brown Junior.

Serbian Defense Ministry video, arrival of new Mi-35Ms dubbed Vučić’s Flying Tanks, 16AUG2019:

Syrian Hind-Ds.

Turkmenistan’s Mi-24P.

NATO-United States, Mi-24 Hind-D, Yuma Marine Corps Air Station-Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, 09OCT2015. U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Staff Sergeant Artur Shvartsberg.

A NATO-United States Mi-24 Hind-D on Lancaster Airport, Texas, 29JUN2022. It is painted in the Cold War era style of Warsaw Pact Bulgaria. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Courtney Sebastianelli.

Uzbek Army ‘live-fire’ video posted July 2022, Uzbekistan tries out its new Mi-35M:

https://youtu.be/PK_6PaQ0sYA

Venezuelan Mi-35 goes down.

Vehicle I-D:

MIL 24 HIND ‘SATAN’S CHARIOTS’, COLD WAR AND BEYOND (1970s to Ukraine Crisis-October 2022)

ZOMBIE ‘COPTER: HOW THE HIND RETURNED TO AFGHANISTAN (with the help of NATO), AND WHY IT WON’T DIE.

Technology

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: H-A-W-K, Homing All-the Way Killer

Video

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

Raytheon began developing what would become the MIM (Mobile Interceptor Missile)-23 HAWK (Homing All-the Way Killer) in the early 1950s.  Northrop developed the launcher system.  The U.S. Army (USA) began using it in 1959, the U.S. Marine Crops (USMC) in 1960.

First-gen HAWK being launched by U.S. Marines from Chu Lai, Viet Nam, 1965.

Between 1971 and 1978, HAWK missiles got improved radar systems, so that they could engage low-altitude aircraft.  But that was just the beginning, there were many other HAWK improvement projects that continued up until 1996.

U.S. Army (USA) M727 self-propelled HAWK surface-to-air missile system, somewhere in NATO-West Germany. USA photo, 1973.

According to the USA (U.S. Army), “The cost per missile is $250,000; per fire unit, $15 million; and per battery, $30 million.”

A HAWK missile launcher, on Cherry Point, North Carolina. USMC photo by Sergeant Rozalyn Dorsey, 20JUN1979.

A HAWK transporter-loader, on Cherry Point, North Carolina. USMC photo by Sergeant Rozalyn Dorsey, 20JUN1979.

A HAWK High-Power Illuminating Radar (HPIR) unit, on Cherry Point, North Carolina. USMC photo by Sergeant Rozalyn Dorsey, 20JUN1979.

Inside a HAWK Battery Control Central (BCC) unit, a Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). USA photo by Staff Sergeant William B. Belcher, 04AUG1980.

During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Iran adapted the HAWK missile to be carried by their F-14 Tomcats, this was due to supplies of U.S. made Phoenix missiles being cut-off by the Reagan Administration.  Iran was one of dozens of countries that used HAWK missiles, and after U.S. sanctions, was able to easily reverse engineer it for their own production and calling their version the Mersad.

A HAWK battery control console, on Fort Bliss, Texas. USA photo by Staff Sergeant Robert C. Simons, 10NOV1982.

HAWK BCC units (containing the JTIDS), Onslow Beach, North Carolina. USMC photo by Corporal C. Cope, 22FEB1986.

BCC units also contain the Information Control Center (ICC) and the Platoon Command Post (PCP), all using the same trailered containers making them visually identical.

HAWK BCC units can be loaded onto 5-ton trucks, creating mobile control vans. USMC photo by Corporal C. Cope, 22FEB1986.

Operation Desert Storm, 17JAN1991–28FEB1991. 

According to the information released with this photo, these U.S. HAWKs are based in Al Salman, Iraq, shortly after the end of Desert Storm. USA photo by Staff Sergeant Dean Wagner, 03MAR1991.

In 1994, the USA decided to replace their HAWKS with Patriot missiles, due to the success of the Patriots during Desert Storm.  In 2002, the USMC decided to replace their HAWKS with the FIM-92 Stinger.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers prep their Hawk for launch over the McGregor Range Complex, New Mexico, 17NOV2012. USA photo by Specialist Adam Garlington.

JGSDF HAWK PAR. USA photo by Specialist Adam Garlington, 17NOV2012.

JGSDF HAWK launch. USA photo by Specialist Adam Garlington, 17NOV2012.

Ukraine Crisis, February 2014 (NATO backed coup) to present.

USA video report, 15OCT2015, South Korean HAWK launches during wargame:

NATO Romania launches HAWK missiles towards the Black Sea, 19JUL2017. USA photo by Private First Class Nicholas Vidro.

USA video by Sergeant Mark Brejcha, NATO-Romania HAWK launch, 19JUL2017:

On 20OCT2018, Japanese army personnel launched ‘Improved’ HAWK missiles from Fort Bliss, Texas. USA-Reserve photo by Sergeant Christopher A. Hernandez.

AN/MPQ-50 Pulse Acquisition Radar (PAR) for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) ‘Improved’ HAWK. USA-Reserve photo by Sergeant Christopher A. Hernandez, 20OCT2018.

NATO-Spain HAWK HIPR unit during war game held in NATO-Norway, 02NOV2018. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Menelik Collins.

Loading NATO-Spain HAWKs during war game held in NATO-Norway, 02NOV2018. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Menelik Collins.

The Iranians call their reversed engineered HAWK PAR system the Kavosh.

In 2019, photos published by the Iranian news media revealed that Iran was still using the AN/MPQ-50 Pulse Acquisition Radar originally designed for the HAWK, but this time Iran is using it for their own homemade anti-aircraft missile known as the Sayyad-2.

2021: South Korea retires last MIM-23 HAWK

On 04NOV2022, the NATO United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced the latest taxpayer funded giveaway for Ukraine, which includes rebuilt & upgraded Cold War era U.S. HAWK anti-aircraft missiles (to go with the four HAWK launchers being sent by NATO Spain).

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: M1117, GUARDIAN OF SECURITY OR A FRANKENSTEIN?  Originating with Viet Nam era V100, now being given away to Ukraine!