Tag Archives: russia

International, U.S.

Battle for Ukraine: Biden deploys 31 M1 Abrams, says Russia’s actions are aimed at NATO!

Video

On 25JAN2023, Commander in Chief Joseph Robinette Biden Junior announced that 31 M1 Abrams battle-tanks (he did not specify which version of the tank) will be given away to Ukraine.  This is because the leadership of the United States now believes that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are aimed to “break-up” NATO.  Whitehouse.gov video, 25JAN2023:

Whitehouse.gov transcript of statement:

THE PRESIDENT: Good almost morning. It’s exactly noon. Thank you for being here.

Yesterday marked 11 months since Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine; 11 months in which the Ukrainian people have showed Putin and the world the full force of their courage and the indomitable determination to live free.

And through every single step of this horrific war, the American people have been strong and unwavering in their support.

And Democrats and Republicans in Congress have stood together. The United States has worked in lockstep with our Allies and partners around the world to make sure the Ukrainian people are in the strongest possible position to defend their nation, their families, and against the brutal — the truly brutal aggression of Russia. We haven’t seen the likes of this in a long time.

The United States and Europe are fully united.

This morning, I had a long conversation with our NATO Allies — German Chancellor Scholz, French President Macron, Prime Minister Sunak, and the Italian Prime Minister, Meloni — to continue our close coordination in our full support of Ukraine. Because you all know — I’ve been saying this a long time — the expectation on the part of Russia is we’re going to break up, we’re not going to stay united. But we are fully, thoroughly, totally united.

With spring approaching, the Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter-offensives. To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term.

They need to improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain.

And they need an enduring capability to deter and defend against Russian aggression over the long term.

The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the — of the military are behind me. Are — they — they’ve been deeply, deeply involved in this — this whole effort.

Armored capability, as General Austin will tell you, spe- — is — has been — has been critical. And that’s why the United States has committed hundreds of armored fighting vehicles to date, including more than 500 as part of the assistance package we announced last Friday.

And today — today, I’m announcing that the United States will be sending 31 Abram tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion.

Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance the Ukraine’s capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives.

The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They’re also extremely complex to operate and maintain, so we’re also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield.

And we begi- — we’ll begin to train the Ukrainian troops on these issues of sustainment, logistics, and maintenance as soon as possible.

Delivering these tanks to the field is going to take time, time that we’ll see — we’ll use to make sure the Ukrainians are fully prepared to integrate the Abram tanks into their defenses.

We also closely coordinated this announcement with our Allies.

The American contribution will be joined by an additional announcement, including that will be — will be readily available and more easily integrated for use on the battlefield in the coming weeks and months from other countries.

I’m grateful to Chancellor Scholz for providing German Leopard 2 tanks and will lead an effort to organize the European contribution of two tank battalions for Ukraine.

I want to thank the Chancellor for his leadership and his steadfast commitment to our collective efforts to support Ukraine.

Germany has really stepped up, and the Chancellor has been a strong, strong voice for unity — a close friend — and for the level of effort we’re going to continue.

Supporting Ukraine’s ability to fight off Russian aggression to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity is a worldwide commitment. Not just lo- — it’s worldwide commitment.

Last week, Germany — in Germany, Secretary Austin convened the Ukraine Defense Contact Group for the eighth time. This group is made up of some 50 nations — 50 nations — each making significant contributions of their own to Ukraine’s integrity, each fully committed to making Ukraine remain strong and independent and able to defend itself against Russian threats and violence.

I want to thank every member of that coalition for continuing to step up.

The UK — the United Kingdom — recently announced that it is donating Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. France is contributing AMX-10s, armored fighting vehicles.

In addition to the Leopard tanks that Germany, like the United States, is also — Germany is also sending a pat- — a Patriot missile battery. The Netherlands is donating a Patriot missile and launchers.

France, Canada, the UK, Slovakia, Norway, and others have all donated critical air defense systems to help secure Ukrainian skies and save the lives of innocent civilians who are literally the target — the target of Russia’s aggression.

Poland is sending armored vehicles. Sweden is donating infantry fighting vehicles. Italy is giving artillery. Denmark and Estonia are sending howitzers. Latvia is providing more Stinger missiles. Lithuania is providing anti-aircraft guns. And Finland recently announced its largest package of security assistance to date.

You may remember, when I was asked a while ago, what I think was going to happen. And I said — I let Putin know. He thought that he was going to have — end up with the Findalization [Finlandization] of Europe. Well, he’s got the NATOization of Finland. He’s gotten something that he never intended.

Together with our Allies and partners, we’ve sent more than 3,000 armored vehicles, more than 8,000 [800] artillery systems, more than 2 million rounds of artillery ammunition, and more than 50 advanced multi-launch rocket systems, anti-ship and air defense systems, all to help counter Ukraine’s [Ukraine counter] brutal aggression that is happening because of Russia.

And, look, today’s announcement builds on the hard work and commitment from countries around the world, led by the United States of America, to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity.

That’s what this is about: helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land. It is not an offensive threat to Russia. We are — there is no offensive threat to Russia.

If Russian troops returned to Russia, they’ll be there for — where they belong, and this war would be over today.

That’s what we all want: an end to this war in just and lasting terms.

You know, our teams do not permit one nation — we’re not going to allow one nation to steal a neighbor’s territory by force.

Our terms that preserve Russia’s sovereign — Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and honor the U.N. Charter, that’s our — they’re the terms we’re working on.

And, you know, these are — these the terms we all signed up for and 143 nations voted for in the United Nations General Assembly last October.

So, the United States, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with
our Allies and partners, is going to continue to do all we can to support Ukraine.

Putin expected Europe and the United States to weaken our resolve. He expected our support for Ukraine to crumble with time. He was wrong. He was wrong. And he was wrong from the beginning, and he continues to be wrong.

We are united. America is united and so is the world.

And we approach the one-year mark — as we do — of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we remain as united and determined as ever in our conviction and our cause.

These tanks are further evidence of our enduring and unflagging commitment to Ukraine and our confidence in the skill of the Ukrainian forces.

As I told President Zelenskyy when he was here — and today is his birthday, by the way — in December: We’re with you for as long as it takes, Mr. President.

Ukrainians are fighting an age-old battle against aggression and domination. It’s a battle Americans have fought proudly time and again, and it’s a battle we’re going to make sure the Ukrainians are well equipped to fight as well.

This is about freedom. Freedom for Ukraine, freedom everywhere. It’s about the kind of world we want to live in and the world we want to leave our children.

So, may God protect the brave Ukrainian defenders of their country who keep the flame of liberty burning brightly as we can.

Thank you.

Q Mr. President, why are you taking this decision now? Did Germany force you to change your mind on sending tanks?

THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) Germany didn’t force me to change my mind. We wanted to make sure we were all together. And that’s what we were going to do all along, and that’s what we’re doing right now.

Thank you.

Biden’s War, January 2023: FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, UTAH ALL DEPLOY!

Cold War to Battle for Ukraine: CHALLENGER, A CHILD OF SERENDIPITY?

Return to the Empire: U.S. ARMOR DIVISION QUIETLY IN THE HANDS OF RED COATS?

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!

International, 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 (USAID) 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.