The Egyptian armed forces are advancing with the acquisition of their first two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters from Lockheed Martin, marking Egypt as the 23rd operator of this aircraft, as announced by the company today.

Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility and Maritime Missions division, stated, “It is an honor to welcome Egypt to the global fleet of C-130J Super Hercules, reflecting the enduring partnership between our nations and Lockheed Martin.

The introduction of these C-130J-30s will enhance the Egyptian Air Force’s tactical airlift capabilities, providing exceptional support for Egypt, North Africa, and beyond.”

In 2022, the US government authorized a Foreign Military Sale of 12 aircraft, valued at approximately $2.2 billion.

Tim German, capture director at Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics division, indicated that the company anticipates delivering 10 additional aircraft following the initial two as part of a staggered order.

An exhibition publication noted that the first two are expected to be delivered by 2026, although Lockheed did not confirm this timeline. The announcement was reportedly made by the head of Egypt’s air force during a visit to Lockheed’s booth at Egypt’s inaugural air show.

The Ministry of Defense has not yet responded to inquiries from Breaking Defense for further details. The C-130J is noted for its increased cruise speed, higher operational altitude, shorter takeoff and landing distances, and greater cargo capacity compared to older transport models, according to the US Air Force.

This announcement occurs amid competition from China and Russia for defense contracts in the Middle East and North Africa, with particular attention on Egypt due to its complex and historically significant relationship with the United States.

Egypt is recognized as a major non-NATO ally and possesses the largest Arab military, with substantial equipment requirements, particularly as Cairo continues to develop its defense capabilities.

Netherlands to add more tanks, F35, naval warships to its forces

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

The Netherlands is set to enhance its military capabilities by reestablishing a tank battalion, acquiring additional F-35 fighter jets, and incorporating anti-submarine frigates, as the NATO member aims to develop a more credible defense force to deter potential aggressions.

The Dutch government has announced an increase in defense expenditure by €2.4 billion (approximately U.S.$2.65 billion) annually, which includes an additional €1.5 billion allocated specifically for enhancing “combat power.

” This initiative will elevate the nation’s defense budget to around €24 billion per year, nearly doubling the amount spent on defense in 2022. In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the defense strategy emphasizes the necessity to prepare for scenarios where Russia might target NATO allies such as Lithuania or Poland. State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman highlighted the need for the Netherlands to be equipped for a war of necessity, contrasting it with the “wars of choice” experienced in recent decades.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans remarked, “The blatant aggression indicates that an attack on the NATO alliance is now a plausible scenario.” He stressed the urgency for the Netherlands to enhance its security measures, deter adversaries, secure NATO’s external borders, and avert further conflict in Europe.

Brekelmans pointed out that while the Netherlands may appear peaceful, it is actually situated in a “gray zone” characterized by neither peace nor war, facing ongoing cyberattacks on its digital infrastructure, businesses, ports, and power grids, along with persistent espionage. He emphasized that the Dutch must be prepared to defend their territory rather than selectively engage in global conflicts.

“This represents a significant transformation,” stated Dutch Chief of Defence Otto Eichelsheim. “It marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Dutch armed forces, necessitating a fundamentally new approach. Rather than meticulously planning every mission, our military and civilian personnel must adapt to a more dynamic operational environment.”

Russia targeting American social media influencers to subtly sway voters

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting

Reuters reported that Russia is increasingly enlisting American social media influencers to subtly sway voters in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, as indicated by U.S. officials and recently disclosed criminal indictments.

A senior intelligence official stated during a briefing on Friday, “What we observe is their reliance on both aware and unaware Americans to disseminate, endorse, and lend credibility to narratives that align with the interests of these foreign entities.

These nations often determine that Americans are more inclined to trust the perspectives of their fellow citizens.” This strategy is regarded by U.S. security agencies as one of Russia’s favored methods this election cycle, aimed at making their foreign psychological operations seem more genuine.

Experts note that these operations generally aim to incite anger among Americans, underscore societal rifts, and amplify partisan rhetoric while casting doubt on the U.S. government’s efficacy and its role in global security.

Another senior U.S. intelligence official emphasized in a July briefing on election security, “We are concentrating on these tactics because it is crucial for the American public to recognize that the content they encounter online, particularly on social media, may be foreign propaganda, even if it appears to originate from fellow Americans.

In essence, foreign influence agents are becoming more adept at concealing their involvement and utilizing Americans to achieve their goals.”

On Wednesday, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against two former employees of the Russian media organization Russia Today (RT), who are accused of secretly financing an American political media firm.

The indictment details an alleged operation in which the Russians transferred approximately $10 million to two media entrepreneurs, Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan, who subsequently compensated American conservative influencers to produce videos and social media content.

Some of these commentators had previously disseminated anti-Ukraine material, which aligned with the objectives of the initiative. Chen and Donovan did not provide a response to a request for comment.

The U.S. Army is exploring a new ground logistics robot known as MMET

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

The U.S. Army is in the process of establishing requirements for a new unmanned ground transport vehicle that will be larger than the robotic mule but smaller than a transport truck, as disclosed by a service official to Breaking Defense. Kevin Mills, the deputy executive director for the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center, emphasized that the requirements are still in the preliminary stages and that significant work remains to define them. However, he noted a clear need that the Army has recognized and intends to address.

Mills explained, “We have the Palletized Load System (PLS) for larger tactical resupply trucks and the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET), which creates a noticeable gap between the two.” The SMET is a compact, eight-wheeled robot capable of transporting approximately 1,000 pounds of equipment and supplies on the battlefield, while the PLS is a substantial logistics truck weighing over 50,000 pounds.

To address this gap, the Army is designating the new initiative as the Medium Multipurpose Equipment Transport (MMET). “That’s why we refer to it as medium,” Mills clarified. “We aim to conduct some experimentation to refine the requirements, but we are still in the early stages.”

Currently, the Combined Arms Support Command’s Sustainment Center of Excellence is drafting the MMET requirements, and various industry stakeholders are anticipating further details regarding the forthcoming plans. Should the development of the medium transport advance, it will complement a range of other ground robots being developed by the Army, including the SMET robotic mule, the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), and the Ground Expeditionary Autonomy Retrofit Systems (GEARS).

L3Harris is responding to the Department of Defense’s initiative for enhanced competition, ensuring a secure future for the nation and democracy globally.

Germany has acquired the first IRIS-T anti-missile system for its forces

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

Germany’s armed forces have officially received their first IRIS-T SLM air defense system, having previously prioritized its production for Ukraine following the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022. During the inauguration ceremony held at a military base in Todendorf, northern Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked, “A new chapter of European air defense is unfolding.” He emphasized the significance of this development for maintaining security and peace across Europe, while also defending the decision made earlier in the summer to station American intermediate-range missiles in Germany.

The system unveiled on Wednesday represents the first of six IRIS-T SLM units that will be supplied to the Bundeswehr. This initiative is part of the German government’s broader strategy to address a long-standing deficiency in the air defense capabilities of both the national military and the European continent as a whole.

Chancellor Scholz noted the effectiveness of the IRIS-T system in Ukraine, where it has acted as a formidable defense against the numerous missiles launched by Russia, successfully intercepting over 250 projectiles of various types. He asserted a remarkable hit rate of 95% and expressed optimism that this system would serve as a foundational element of European air defense beyond Germany’s borders.

Initially designed as an air-to-air missile, the IRIS-T has been adapted for air defense through the Surface Launch Standard (SLS) variant and the significantly modified Surface Launched Missile (SLM) version. To date, Ukraine has received four IRIS-T SLM systems and three IRIS-T SLS units, with an additional 17 systems expected, four of which are scheduled for delivery in 2024.

Chancellor Scholz remarked that enhancing European air defenses was “long overdue,” particularly in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has reignited focus on military readiness under the concept of “Zeitenwende,” marking the beginning of a new era. A key initiative emerging from this new era is the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative, aimed at coordinating the procurement and operation of air defense systems.

Boeing offered CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy-lift helicopter to Poland

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

Boeing announced today at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) that it has officially proposed the CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy-lift helicopter to Poland.

This development follows several discussions that have taken place over the past few months between Boeing and Polish officials, as noted by Adam Hodges, the business development lead for vertical lift programs at Boeing.

It remains uncertain how many helicopters Warsaw would be willing to order if it proceeds with the acquisition of the US Army aircraft, or whether a broader industry competition will commence in the near future. Should a competition arise, Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, could present a challenge to the Chinook proposal with its US Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion.

This situation would mirror Europe’s last significant heavy-lift helicopter procurement, where Germany chose to purchase 60 Chinooks, making it the first export customer for the Block II configuration.

Meanwhile, Hodges redirected inquiries regarding the number of aircraft and the specific requirements to the Polish Ministry of Defence.

Indra Dulvenoorde, Boeing’s government services director for Europe, Israel, Canada, and Latin America, indicated that discussions on offset requirements have yet to occur, suggesting that Poland is still in the preliminary stages of any new heavy-lift helicopter initiative.

Hodges emphasized that the Chinook would be a valuable asset for the Polish military, aligning with its NATO partners, as eight alliance members currently operate the aircraft. Additionally, Germany’s order for 60 helicopters positions it as the inaugural CH-47F Block II export customer.

Poland has also placed an order for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters as part of its Kruk program, while Boeing is advocating for the sale of F-15EX fourth-generation fighter jets to Warsaw, which aims to acquire 32 aircraft to meet its air dominance needs.

The US Army’s CH-47F Block II initiative had previously faced potential cancellation.

Turkey’s ‘balancing act’ with BRICS bid raises NATO concerns

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

On June 11, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was seeking assistance at a conference in Berlin, marking the beginning of a week filled with intense diplomatic efforts in Western Europe, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Fidan described the Kremlin meeting as having gone “fantastically well,” according to Turkish state media.

Putin also expressed satisfaction, stating, “We welcome Turkey’s interest in the work of BRICS,” as reported by Turkish media. “Undoubtedly, we will fully support this aspiration.” This aspiration moved closer to realization this week when the Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey had officially applied to join the BRICS coalition of emerging economies.

“Our president has reiterated on numerous occasions our desire to become a member of BRICS,” AKP spokesman Omer Celik informed reporters in Ankara on Tuesday. “Our request in this regard is unequivocal, and the process is advancing accordingly.” Turkey’s bid for BRICS membership represents the first instance of a NATO member and EU candidate seeking to join a bloc primarily influenced by Russia and China, which positions itself as a counterbalance to the Western-dominated global framework.

This action by a member of the world’s most formidable military alliance underscores the geostrategic transformations challenging the post-war order amid increasing international tensions.

The BRICS coalition has often been regarded as a mere discussion forum, a loose assembly of nations that occasionally find themselves at odds and even engage in significant border conflicts, lacking a clear mission.

The inception of the group is unconventional, adding to the confusion surrounding its objectives. The term “BRIC” was introduced by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 during his tenure as research chief at Goldman Sachs to categorize Brazil, Russia, India, and China—nations characterized by substantial populations and economic growth potential.

NATO conducts an exercise in Iceland to oversee the crucial North Atlantic route

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

Seven NATO member nations participated in an exercise based in Iceland, focused on safeguarding critical underwater communication lines and maritime routes from conventional military threats and sabotage activities.

The annual Northern Viking exercise concluded on September 3, following 11 days of collaborative operations in the maritime corridor known as the GIUK gap, which stands for Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.

This region serves as a crucial naval chokepoint, linking two expanses of Open Ocean to three land masses, essential for naval and air traffic between Europe and North America.

Under the leadership of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, the training involved 1,200 personnel from Iceland, Denmark, France, Norway, Poland, and Portugal, as stated by the Icelandic government.

The missions simulated threats to Iceland’s national security, aimed at evaluating NATO’s capacity to address crises that jeopardize strategic communication lines in the GIUK gap. Activities included anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search-and-rescue operations.

Allied forces utilized a variety of drones, maritime patrol aircraft, surface vessels equipped with advanced radars and sensors, as well as ships from NATO’s Standing Maritime Group One, which is part of the alliance’s rapid response maritime capability.

The exercise also sought to address traditional military threats across land, sea, and air, alongside complex threats and sabotage attempts that would challenge Icelandic authorities, according to the government’s announcement.

The GIUK gap, situated at the periphery of the eastern Arctic, remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions, as various nations vie for increased ownership and control over its resources.

The rapid melting of Arctic sea ice due to climate change has led to the emergence of new shipping routes, intensifying competition among Arctic nations—including the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden—as well as non-Arctic countries.

European Union nations are not sufficiently investing in collaborative military initiatives

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

A significant report on EU competitiveness released on Monday highlights that European Union nations are excessively procuring defense equipment from abroad, with nearly two-thirds sourced from the United States, while not sufficiently investing in collaborative military initiatives.

The 27 member states are also underutilizing Europe’s research and development capabilities to enhance their armed forces, achieving only a fraction of the investment levels seen in the U.S., according to the findings by former Italian Prime Minister and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

This report emerges as the EU grapples with the ongoing challenge of supplying adequate weapons and ammunition to support Ukraine amid the prolonged Russian invasion, now entering its third year, and aims to revitalize Europe’s defense sector.

Draghi’s report asserts, “Europe is squandering its shared resources. We possess significant collective purchasing power, yet it is dispersed across various national and EU frameworks.” This comprehensive analysis, a year in the making, is expected to drive a significant revision of the bloc’s industrial strategy.

One of the key issues identified is the insufficient investment in Europe to foster robust defense companies. The report emphasizes, “We are still not collaborating effectively within the defense industry to enable our firms to integrate and scale.”

It also notes a lack of support for competitive European defense enterprises. The report reveals that from mid-2022 to mid-2023, 63% of all EU defense contracts were awarded to U.S. firms, with an additional 15% going to other non-EU suppliers.

Recently, the Netherlands joined other EU nations in placing substantial orders for U.S.-manufactured F-35 fighter jets. In 2022, defense research and development expenditure across the 27 nations totaled 10.7 billion euros ($11.8 billion), representing only 4.5% of the overall defense budget, in stark contrast to the $140 billion spent in the United States, which accounts for approximately 16% of its total defense expenditure.

NATO allies, nearly all of whom are EU members, have been increasing their defense budgets since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, with the goal of ensuring each nation meets its defense commitments.

South Korea summit unveils a ‘blueprint’ for the integration of artificial intelligence in military operations

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

A global summit held in South Korea on Tuesday unveiled a “blueprint for action” aimed at regulating the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) within military contexts.

This new framework offers more actionable guidelines compared to a similar initiative from the previous year, although it remains legally non-binding.

It remains uncertain how many of the 96 countries represented at the summit, including the United States and China, will endorse this document.

The Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul is the second of its kind, following an event in Amsterdam last year where approximately 60 nations supported a less formal “call to action” without legal obligations.

During a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, government officials emphasized that this year’s “blueprint” is more focused on actionable steps.

This shift aligns with the evolving discourse surrounding AI risks and the military’s adoption of AI technologies, exemplified by Ukraine’s implementation of AI-driven drones.

“We are making further concrete steps,” stated Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans to Reuters. “Last year was more about creating shared understanding; now we are moving towards action.”

The document outlines necessary risk assessments, emphasizes human oversight, and discusses confidence-building measures to mitigate those risks.

Notably, it addresses the prevention of AI’s use in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by various actors, including terrorist organizations, and underscores the necessity of human involvement in nuclear weapons operations. South Korean officials noted that the document aligns with principles established in other frameworks, such as the U.S. government’s guidelines on responsible military AI usage introduced last year.

However, the Seoul summit—co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom—seeks to foster ongoing discussions among multiple stakeholders, avoiding dominance by any single nation or entity. The location and schedule for the next summit are still under discussion.

Limited number of aircraft and reduced flight operations are hindering the training of US Army pilots

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

According to a government report, U.S. Army helicopter crews are currently flying only one-third of the hours they logged at the height of operations over the past two decades, coinciding with a 20% reduction in the number of manned aircraft.

The report also highlighted an increase in aircraft availability, attributed to a younger fleet. These findings from the Congressional Budget Office, which document the Army’s aircraft utilization, are based on aviation data spanning from 2000 to 2023.

In 2011, the Army experienced its highest average flying hours for manned aircraft, predominantly helicopters, with crews averaging 302 hours annually.

By 2023, this figure had decreased by over one-third to 198 hours. Conversely, the report indicates that the availability of aircraft for training and operations has improved over the same timeframe. In 2000, just over 50% of manned aircraft were mission-capable, but this figure has consistently remained above 60% since 2007, reaching 68% last year.

The authors of the report attribute much of the previous increase in flight hours to overseas operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw a subsequent decline in hours as these conflicts de-escalated.

Army Times reported that the service is currently revamping its aircrew training to address emerging threats, enhanced aircraft capabilities, and a concerning mishap rate.

Since October, 10 soldiers have lost their lives in 14 Class A mishaps, resulting in a mishap rate of 3.22 per 100,000 flight hours—double the annual average since 2011, which aligns with the conclusion of the Iraq War.

During this same period, while the number of manned aircraft has decreased, the Army has seen an increase in unmanned aircraft, or drones. In 2000, the Army operated nearly 5,000 manned aircraft, but this number has dwindled to approximately 3,900 as of last year.

The counts of AH-64 Apache and H-47 Chinook helicopters have remained relatively stable, with around 600 and 500 units, respectively, throughout this timeframe.

US Army places significant emphasis on investments in drone technology and electronic warfare capabilities

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

The U.S. Army is set to request more adaptable funding for unmanned aircraft systems, countermeasures, and electronic warfare tools in its upcoming budget, drawing insights from Ukraine’s experience in its conflict with Russia, as stated by Secretary Christine Wormuth.

“There are specific areas where [Gen. Randy George], the Army’s chief of staff, and I believe we must enhance our investment, not only for the Army’s needs but also for the joint force, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and electronic warfare,” she remarked during the Defense News Conference on Wednesday.

For example, a battalion commander from Ukraine informed Wormuth earlier this year during training in Germany that Russian electronic warfare capabilities were escalating in “concerning” ways, she noted. “You will see this reflected in the budget presented to Congress next spring,” Wormuth indicated. “We need greater flexibility in our funding strategies because the technology in these areas is evolving so quickly that we cannot afford to be restricted to a single approach for the next decade.”

Both Wormuth and George have explored alternative budgeting methods to expedite the delivery of capabilities to soldiers. One option includes requesting Congress to allocate funds specifically for certain capabilities instead of distributing budgets across multiple line items tied to specific products or programs.

However, they also recognize that gaining the support of congressional appropriators may prove challenging.

“Historically, they tend to be quite skeptical of what they perceive as slush funds. They have considerable apprehension regarding [overseas contingency operations] and how the department has utilized those funds over the years,” Wormuth explained. Nonetheless, “there is a profound understanding.

Wagner experienced a loss of seasoned fighters in an ambush in Mali, marking a setback for Russia’s operations in Africa

asifshahid73@gmail.com

September 12, 2024

Among the numerous Wagner mercenaries believed to have perished in a deadly confrontation with Tuareg rebels during a sandstorm in Mali last July were Russian veterans who had previously served in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, as revealed through interviews with family members and an analysis of social media activity.

The loss of such seasoned combatants highlights the risks faced by Russian mercenary groups operating under military juntas, which are grappling with separatist movements and formidable factions of Islamic State and Al Qaeda throughout the arid Sahel region encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The defeat in Mali raises concerns about whether Moscow, which has acknowledged its financial support for Wagner and has integrated many of its fighters into a defense ministry unit, can achieve better outcomes than the Western and U.N. forces that were recently ousted by the juntas, according to insights from six officials and experts familiar with the area.

By correlating publicly available information with social media posts from relatives and fighters, interviewing seven family members, and employing facial recognition technology to analyze verified battlefield footage, Reuters was able to identify 23 fighters as missing in action and two others captured by Tuareg forces following the ambush near Tinzaouaten, a town bordering Algeria.

Several of these individuals had endured the siege of Bakhmut in Ukraine, which Wagner’s late founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, famously described as a “meat grinder.” Others had served in Libya, Syria, and various other locations.

Some were former Russian military personnel, including at least one who had retired after a lengthy career. Disturbing images of deceased fighters have circulated online, and some relatives informed Reuters that the remains of their loved ones had been left in the desert.

Reuters was unable to verify the number of identified individuals who were confirmed dead.

Margarita Goncharova recounted that her son, Vadim Evsiukov, 31, was initially recruited while serving a drug-related sentence in prison in 2022. He advanced through the ranks in Ukraine to command a platoon of 500 men, according to her account. Upon returning home, he took up work as a tailor but faced challenges with survivor’s guilt.

DefenceTalksLatest Defence News & Analysis

DefenceTalks

DefenceTalksLatest Defence News & Analysis

DefenceTalksLatest Defence News & Analysis

TOP STORIES

DIPLOMACY

Nuclear Doctrine

DISPUTES

Defense Budget

Featured

DEFENCE

Military Exercise

Ukraine War

DefenceTalks.com

TOP STORIES

DIPLOMACY

Nuclear Doctrine

DISPUTES

Defense Budget

Featured

DEFENCE

Military Exercise

Ukraine War

DefenceTalks.com