Category Archives: International

International

Cold War to Near Peer Threats: Japan’s ‘lowrider’ Type 74, finally retired?

Image

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).  “Near Pear Threats”, a recent U.S. Army code phrase for the expected Third World War.

Type 74 during a yearly base security exercise, on MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

Japan’s Type-74 battle tank was designed in the 1960s and produced in the 1970s and ’80s (during the Cold War). It was originally scheduled to be retired in the 1990s, but for financial reasons remained active with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) until March 2024, when it was finally, officially, retired.

U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Type 74s demonstrate their ‘lowrider’ collapsible suspension.

The Type 74 was originally designed to use a main-gun with an auto-loader, but it had so many problems it was decided to go with a manually loaded gun that was compatible with NATO ammunition.

The Type 74 uses a NATO standard 105mm main gun, with a redesigned breech & recoil system to get it to fit inside the turret.

Here is a boring USMC video (by Sergeant Cristian Bestul) of a Type 74, and its crew, posing for the camera, on MCAS Iwakuni, 17OCT2019:

Circa 1992.

10th Tank Battalion Type 74, circa 1991.

One of the first Type 74s, of First Tank Group, circa 1985.

Type 87 SPAAG, based on the Type 74 chassis, circa 1999.

In 1987, Mitsubishi modified the Type 74 chassis to create the Type 87 SPAAG (Self Propelled Anti Aircraft Gun).  Japan also has a Type 87 Recon Combat Vehicle (RCV), but it is a wheeled armored car not related to the Type 87 tracked vehicle.

Lowered Type 87 SPAAG, circa 1992.

The Type 87 SPAAG was officially unveiled to the taxpayers in 1990.

In 1980, most Japanese tank units were using the Type 61, and even the older U.S. made M41 Walker Bulldog.

Type 61 during Exercise Orient Shield, November 1985, U.S. Department of Defense photo by Al Chang.

Japanese M41 Walker Bulldogs, circa 1980.

In 1978, Mitsubishi modified the Type 74 chassis to create the Type 78 ARV (Armored Recovery Vehicle).

Type 78 ARV, circa 1997.

Vehicle I-D: More of Type 74

Type 74 invades Evergreen State! Preps for war with China?

International

Ohio digs Serbia!

Video

In August 2024, the Ohio Army National Guard deployed a unit of engineers to the Borovac Training Area in Serbia.

According to the Serbian Ministry of Defense, engineers with the  Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) trained with the Ohio Guard unit in such things as removing obstacles, constructing shelters, and building and maintaining roads.

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Defense tasked the State of Ohio with the job of mentoring the SAF, under the State Partnership Program.

In 2021, the Ohio Army National Guard issued this 15-year-anniversary video report:

Forever Wars 2023: Russian ally Serbia allows NATO wargame? Ohio sends troops!

International, Technology

From Cold War to the Battle for Ukraine: ZU-23-2 (2A13) ADA

Video

The ZU (Зенитная Установка/Zenitnaya Ustanovka-antiaircraft installation)-23-2 is a Soviet-Cold War era twin gunned towed Air Defense Artillery (ADA) system using 23mm-by-152mm rounds.

The ZU-23-2 is also known as 2A13.

The ZU-23-2 was developed in the late 1950s from a prototype known as ZU-14.  It entered service with the Soviet Union in 1960, and is still in production in Russia (upgraded to launch missiles and be remotely controlled), including licensed production in several former Warsaw Pact countries which are now part of NATO.  Even Israel has helped Viet Nam develop its own version of the ZU-23-2, known as the 23-2M.

Sometime during the Cold War, a Yugoslavian(?) ZU-23-2.

Interestingly, during the Cold War most books about Soviet weaponry, published in the NATO West, never mention the ZU-23-2. Yet, today the ZU-23-2 is being used by at least 74 countries, by both ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’.  It has also been mounted on all sorts of military and silly-vilian (civilian) vehicles.

U.S. Marines check-out a captured ZU-23-2 on the island of Grenada, 28OCT1983. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate Second Class David Wujcik.

Iraqi ZU-23-2 during the early years of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).

Iranian ZU-23-2 during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).

Operation Praying Mantis; the U.S. attacks the Iranian navy during the Iran-Iraq War. U.S. marines check-out a ZU-23-2 on a captured Iranian offshore oil rig, 18APR1988. USMC photo by Corporal John Hyp.

Afghan ZIL-131 truck with ZU-23-2, under tow on Kandahar Airport, 17JAN2002. USMC photo by Captain Charles G. Grow.

Iraqi MTLB armed with ZU-23-2. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Jennifer A. Krusen, 11APR2003.

Iran loves the ZU-23-2 so much that in 2010 an eight barreled radar guided version (ZU-23-8?) entered production, it’s called the Mesbah-1.

In 2013, NATO-Greece modified their Soviet era BMP-1s by mounting ZU-23-2s on them.

November 2016, U.S. Army video (by Sergeant Jacob Holmes) of Ukrainian troops training with their ZU-23-2:

August 2017, U.S. Army promotional video (by Sergeant Anthony Jones) explaining the Ukrainian ZU-23-2:

On the left is a NATO-Romanian ground mount (towed) Oerlikon GDF 35mm guns, on the right is a NATO-Polish truck mounted ZU-23-2. U.S. Army photo by Gary Loten-Beckford, 06DEC2017.

NATO-Bulgarian ZIL-131 with ZU-23-2, during U.S. Army sponsored wargame Shabla 19. USA photo by Sergeant Thomas Mort, 12JUN2019.

Interestingly, during the false flag ‘Arab Spring’ rebellions that swept across North Africa and the Middle East, rebel/extremist groups were magically supplied with Toyotas equipped with ZU-23-2s. This photo (supposed taken in 2021) shows the new Libyan National Army with brand new ZU-23-2 equipped Toyotas.

Russian armored Ural ‘Tornado’ truck armed with ZU-23-2 (2A13) somewhere in the battle for Ukraine, April 2022.

In August 2022, the Houthis paraded their ZU-23-2 armed Toyotas in Sanaa, Yemen.

Russian remote controlled ZU-23-2 (2A13), June 2023. Photo via Russian Union of Mechanical Engineers.

Moldovan troops pose with their ZU-23-2, 13SEP2023. North Carolina Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Brendan Stephens.

NATO video from March 2024, showing NATO-Poland’s upgraded ZUR-23-2, which can also launch anti-aircraft missiles:

Cold War to Battle for Ukraine: ROMÂNIA Gardienii Cerului Gepard

End of the Cold War: Those decades when U.S. taxpayers supplied Russia with USAID!

 

International

Never Ending Korean War; Germany joins In!!!

Video

At the end of June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, aka North Korea) invaded Republic of Korea (RoK, aka South Korea).  The United Nations condemned the attack and essentially declared war by creating the United Nations Command (UNC), and designating the United States as the leader of the UNC.

At the end of July 1953, an armistice (a type of truce/ceasefire) was established, but it did not officially end the war.  It is a true ‘Cold War’ that never ended.

Photo via U.S. Forces Korea, 02AUG2024.

On 02AUG2024, at a ceremony on Camp Humphreys in the RoK, NATO Germany became the 18th country to join the UNC operations: “By joining the UNC, we are contributing substantially to stability on the Korean Peninsula.”-Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defense of Germany

U.S. Armed Forces Network (AFN) video report, recorded on 02AUG2024 but not released until 15AUG2024:

In 1954, the Cold War era West Germany established the Red Cross Hospital in Busan (aka Pusan), RoK.

In 1953, many people were lead to believe the war was over:

Never Ending Korean War, 28MAR2024: Russia blocks U.S. sponsored sanctions against North Korea!

1951: Ethiopia invades Korea?

1950: South African Red Nosed Mustangs stampede!

How to fuel & arm your USAF F-86 Sabre in Korea

International

NATO vehicle I-D: The Swedish Griffen

SAAB JAS (Jakt- Attack- Spaningsflygplan) 39 Gripen

During the never officially declared Cold War, Sweden decided that its fighter aircraft should be able to use silly-vilian highway systems as runways.  In May 2024, the Gripen took part in landings and take-offs from a highway near Gothenburg. Video via NATO:

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.

Taking part in Bomber Task Force Europe, May 2020. Försvarsmakten photo.

JAS 39C Gripen during the 2019 Royal International Air Tatoo, over the United Kingdom. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Aaron Thomasson, 20JUL2019.

JAS 39D Gripen, on Kallax Air Base, Luleå, Sweden, during the Arctic Challenge wargame in May 2019. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John M. Hageman.

June 2014, a U.S. Air Force (USAF, 100th Air Refueling Wing) KC-135 refuels a Swedish Gripen during NATO wargame BaltOps (Baltic Operations), video by Senior Airman Laura Yahemiak:

Normally a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier instructor pilot, Major Eric Grunke (hometown Weiser, Idaho) straps into the back seat of a Gripen-D for a FAC training mission over Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. USMC photo by Sergeant Tatum Vayavananda, 21AUG2013.

In January 2013, Sweden sent their Griffins to take part in the USAF Red Flag wargame over Nellis, Nevada.  I edited this take-off video from videos recorded by the USAF:

I edited this landing video from videos recorded by the USAF:

NATO vehicle I-D: THE ARCHER FROM SWEDEN

International

NATO vehicle I-D: The Archer from Sweden

Video

Artilleristystem 08, aka Archer, using the Bofors FH77 155mm gun. Supposedly, as of March 2023, Ukraine received eight of these auto-loading wheeled self-propelled gun systems.

Near Tolga, Norway, during wargame Trident Juncture, 31OCT2018. Svenska Armén photo by Marcus Nilsson.

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

Virginia Air National Guard video report (by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr) of Archer artillery system being demonstrated during wargame Bold Quest, on Camp Atterbury and Mascatatuck Urban Training Center in the U.S. state of Indiana, 15NOV2021:

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

NATO vehicle I-D: SWEDEN’S TRACKED VEHICLES

International

NATO vehicle I-D: Sweden’s Tracked Vehicles

Video

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.  This is an incomplete list of tracked vehicles used by the Svenska Armén.

The specially outfitted Strv-122 (Leopard 2A5):

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 23SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

At least 44 Strv 122s are being upgraded with the longer barreled L55 gun.

NATO promotional video from 2024 BaltOps (Baltic Operations) wargame:

See more Strv-122 photos and a video here.

German designed Bergepanzer (Bärgningsbandvagn 120):

Towing a ‘broke-dick’ Strv 122 during Trident Juncture in NATO Norway, 02NOV2018. Svenska Armén photo by Jesper Sundström.

Quick video of Bergepanzer and CV90 during NATO wargame Aurora, May 2023:

CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (aka Stridsfordon 9040, or CV9040):

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 22SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

NATO promotional video from 2024 BaltOps wargame:

See more CV-90 photos and a video here.

CV90-Mjölnir, 120mm mortar carrier:

U.S. Marines learn how to load the CV90-Mjölnir. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 12JUN2024.

Bandvagn 410 (Bv410):

Gotland län, Sweden, 10JUN2024. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 23SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

NATO vehicle I-D, 2023: IRON SPEAR AFV & IFV

International, Technology

Can a Leopard change its spots?

Video

Strv = Stridsvagn (battle wagon).

Swedish Strv 122 smashed a passenger car during Strong Europe Tank Challenge, on Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, 04JUN2018. Svenska Armén photo via Christian Marquardt.

The Strv 122 is an up-armored version of the German Leopard battle tank, with more advanced electronics, and designed specifically to fight in arctic conditions.

During wargame Baltic Operations (BaltOps) on the Tofta Training Area, Sweden, 08JUN2022.
U.S. Navy photo by Robert L Kunzig.

I edited this from various U.S. Army and NATO videos of Swedish Strv 122 battle tanks, during wargames, between 2018 and 2023:

Gunnery during Strong Europe Tank Challenge on Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, 07JUN2018. U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach.

The Rheinmetall ammo does not use a metal case, it is a combustible plastic case, the silvery color is the explosive powder inside. At the end of the case is a metal ‘afcap’ containing the primer. USN photo by Robert L. Kunzig.

U.S. Army video (by Kevin S. Abel) of timed track repair during Strong Europe Tank Challenge, in June 2018:

U.S. Marines get an introduction to the Strv 122, 08MAR2018. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Raul Torres.

NATO vehicle I-D: SWEDEN’S CV-90

International, Technology

NATO Vehicle I-D: Sweden’s CV-90

Video

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 15JUN2024, Gotlands Län, Sweden.

12-17JUN2024, Swedish CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), and mortar tracks (named Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer), take part in combat training during NATO’s Baltic Operations (BaltOps) 24.

USMC photo by Captain Mark Andries, 16JUN2024.

Move, move now! (I edited this from U.S. Marine Corps videos recorded by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.):

USMC photo by Captain Mark Andries, 16JUN2024.

Live-Fire (I edited this from a USMC video recorded by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.):

Grkpbv 90 (Granatkastarpansarbandvagn, mortar track version of CV90:

CV-90 Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer). USMC photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 12JUN2024.

More CV-90: Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway

NATO Vehicle I-D: IRON SPEAR AFV & IFV

Steadfast Defender, 2024: NATO’S “UNPRECEDENTED” WARGAME BEGINS!

U.S. military controlled by foreigners?: OREGON GETS NEW Swedish made WEAPONS, then SHOOTS-UP IDAHO? 

International, U.S.

U.S. DoS halts weapons deliveries to Israel! Says Israel has killed too many civilians!

Video

On 08MAY2024, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) explained why Department of Defense (DoD) weapon shipments to Israel are being temporarily suspended; it is all about Israel’s killing of civilians and the expected invasion of Rafah in The Gaza Strip!

Part-1, the U.S. does not support full invasion:

Part-2, Israel has failed to meet humanitarian demands, U.S. wants Palestinian Authority to take control of Gaza, U.S. say Hamas is an ‘ancient’ movement against Israel even though Hamas is only three and a half decades old:

Part-3, White House continues to whitewash acts of genocide, Biden might adopt Trump’s anti-International Criminal Court policy, claims students’ so-called right to go to school (which there is none) overrides the Right to freedom of expression (1st Amendment):

 

False Flag: ISRAEL BOMBS EX-U.S. BASE IN IRAQ?