This little boy secretly rang 999 to invite the police to his birthday party... 😮😂 pic.twitter.com/uulTVctI7a— LADbible (@ladbible) February 27, 2019
Thursday, February 28, 2019
A little levity from down under to counterbalance another part of the world on the brink....
Just when we thought it was all dying down between India and Pakistan...
#BREAKING: It is now confirmed that #India Air Force has heavily massed its fighters at Srinagar & Adampur Air Bases tonight. Even an Il-78MKI tanker has come a long way from Agra AFS. Several Su-30MKIs & MiG-29UPGs are now flying over #Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/S5L8wbfzTz— Babak Taghvaee (@BabakTaghvaee) February 27, 2019
They're not masking their movements. I assume some sort of deception would be at play but this info (assuming it's correct) is out in the wild. Does that mean that this is a show move? Is this part of the game? Escalate to de-escalate? Waiting for the countermove from Pakistan. At this point they have to at least match the Indians.
The risk still exists. Combat patrols. One pilot from either side hammers his fangs into the floor and decides to win one for his God and country. Things spiral. Tit for tat gets greater until a war both sides wanted to avoid is caused because some mid grade officer decided to interpret his orders in the most aggressive fashion possible.
Yeah. This still bears watching. Can't relax on this yet.
The risk still exists. Combat patrols. One pilot from either side hammers his fangs into the floor and decides to win one for his God and country. Things spiral. Tit for tat gets greater until a war both sides wanted to avoid is caused because some mid grade officer decided to interpret his orders in the most aggressive fashion possible.
Yeah. This still bears watching. Can't relax on this yet.
Trump & N. Korea. Rookie mistakes in dealing with the hermit kingdom...
By now you've heard that Trump's efforts at a deal have failed. I'm sorry to hear that but the writing was on the wall from the start despite my holding out hope for success. What do I mean?
1. Trump wanted the deal badly. When one side seems desperate for a deal, no matter how good the reasons, that side is operating from weakness.
2. He gave up too much too soon. Ending military exercises with S. Korea was also seen as a weakness. Trump gave too much too early.
3. He put the prestige of the American President front and center and the hermit king is reveling in knocking us down a peg. A leader never shows up to do the grunt work. Diplomats do the heavy lifting and then when all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed is when the leaders come together to sign the agreement. Unfortunately Trump looks like a rookie in his dealings on this one.
4. He had a weak partner in the S. Korean President. All of the above that applies to Trump applies to the S. Korean President. He wanted it too bad. Much too bad.
Where are we now?
If I was running things we'd go back to where we were but on steroids. I'd rush every available anti-ballistic missile ship to the region and maybe even roll out a couple of top secret projects for a live field test.
The next US/S. Korean exercise would be bigger than ever.
The sanctions would intensify and I'd force the Chinese to deal with millions of refugees flooding their border.
I'd set the conditions for continued negotiations from a position of strength. Oh and just for shits and giggles I'd reinforce the 2nd Infantry Division and move the 3rd MEF (Forward) to S. Korea so that they know we're serious about surging forces to the region in case of bad actions (Of course the same applies to Navy and Air Force elements).
That's my plan and analysis. What's yours?
1. Trump wanted the deal badly. When one side seems desperate for a deal, no matter how good the reasons, that side is operating from weakness.
2. He gave up too much too soon. Ending military exercises with S. Korea was also seen as a weakness. Trump gave too much too early.
3. He put the prestige of the American President front and center and the hermit king is reveling in knocking us down a peg. A leader never shows up to do the grunt work. Diplomats do the heavy lifting and then when all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed is when the leaders come together to sign the agreement. Unfortunately Trump looks like a rookie in his dealings on this one.
4. He had a weak partner in the S. Korean President. All of the above that applies to Trump applies to the S. Korean President. He wanted it too bad. Much too bad.
Where are we now?
If I was running things we'd go back to where we were but on steroids. I'd rush every available anti-ballistic missile ship to the region and maybe even roll out a couple of top secret projects for a live field test.
The next US/S. Korean exercise would be bigger than ever.
The sanctions would intensify and I'd force the Chinese to deal with millions of refugees flooding their border.
I'd set the conditions for continued negotiations from a position of strength. Oh and just for shits and giggles I'd reinforce the 2nd Infantry Division and move the 3rd MEF (Forward) to S. Korea so that they know we're serious about surging forces to the region in case of bad actions (Of course the same applies to Navy and Air Force elements).
That's my plan and analysis. What's yours?
Is this the proof of the Mig-21 shoot down of the F-16....
step to confirm that its a F16 debris— Tuku (@tukupanti) February 28, 2019
1. check box no. in 1st img.
2. search it in F16 database, link below.https://t.co/gDFvtzHOmj
3. It's Jordan F16. How it's reached Pak, link below.https://t.co/MoPrm8bfWX
credit of info- @SamStein357 #Abhinandan pic.twitter.com/ICZLHKfcQf
Thanks to Gessler for this find!!!
Good God! This is why I love this community! Our core guys can flesh any issue out given enough time (assuming any of it makes it into the open). Freaking awesome!
What say the doubters now? Or do you need more proof and remain unconvinced? I'm leaning toward the side that the Indian Migs did indeed bag an F-16. If it happened like Ron is saying from his sources then why should any of us be surprised.
The commanders on both side of this thing are operating in a vacuum. They need to keep the losses low enough to prevent an escalation but make a big enough splash to satisfy their countrymen. I don't even the tight rope they're walking.
It might be false hope but I believe we'll see a DE-ESCALATION soon...unless shit turns pear shaped because someone drives his fangs into the floorboard and decides to take some scalps.
At this time in this dust up the most dangerous thing in the world is a CAPT with visions of making Major while bagging a kill for his resume and a medal.
Open Comment Post (everything BUT India vs Pakistan). 28 Feb 2019
Sorry guys. I'm on an "ancient habitation" kick.
Bonus points if you can name the structure below without a Google image search!
Open thread for discussion of the India vs Pakistan fight...
The main stream media in the US might be ignoring this fight but luckily my readers aren't. I've decided that we need to setup a designated spot to discuss this topic, to add links that we find and want to share with others and generally chew on what we're seeing and it's implications for the future.
Any and everything is on the table IF it concerns this fight, the tech, troops, equipment, regional implications, etc....
I hope you guys do as always....hit me with stuff that I missed that people in our demographic (meaning interested in military affairs, international affairs, warfare etc...) will be interested in.
Indian Mig-21 shoots down a Pakistani F-16. How did that happen?
Comment by SNAFU! reader Ron...
All indications are that the MiG-21 successfully engaged in WVR combat with an F-16A and brought it down using an R-73 missile. There were a total of 4 F-16's in the flight engaged with 2 MiG-21s on QRAIs Ron correct? Did it happen this way? I've been looking but Twitter has turned pear shaped. I get the distinct impression that the security/intel forces of both nations are trying to "tweak" public opinion.
The pair of MiG-21 were then engaged by ground based air defenses and one was hit reportedly by AAA resulting in the pilot having to bail out 3km (approx 1.2nm) inside enemy controlled territory. The wingman attempted to turn back and ascertain the downed airman's position but was re-engaged by the remaining F-16s and retreated while being pursued.
At this time the 2nd wave of QRA consisting a flight of SU-30MKI's engaged at BVR. An R-27 was reportedly fired from range of around 40km (25nm) causing the F-16 flight to scatter and retreat at supersonic speed (sonic booms were reported by ground observers). SU-30's did not engage in hot pursuit but remained in patrol orbit on the Indian side of the border
Ron's accounting of the fight is a bit puzzling although the recent actions of a Super Hornet against one of Assad's fighter planes gives us a clue.
How could 4 F-16's not at least bloody the 2 Mig-21's?
If the Super Hornet encounter is informative then we have a problem with our missiles being spoofed by Russian countermeasures. Remember the Super Hornet had to back off and fire an AMRAAM to get the kill because the Sidewinder was ineffective.
The idea that these two Mig-21 pilots could enter a 2 v 4, win that fight but lose to ground based anti-air is also instructive.
Fights over the forward edge of the battlefield is fraught with danger. I hope the Naval Air Arm and the USAF is studying this fight.
The B-52 is getting an AESA. Why not the same for our AH-1Z, UH-1Y, MV-22 and CH-53K?
via The Drive.
The addition of a modern AESA radar to the B-52's sensor suite would be a game changer. A radar like SABR offers a dramatic boost in range, fidelity, and flexibility and it would enhance the B-52's targeting, surveillance, and situational awareness capabilities. The ability to make detailed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) maps of the surface of the earth and to provide advanced ground moving target indicator (GMTI) capabilities alone would result in synergistic effects not only for the B-52 itself, but also for other platforms and weapons that can exploit that data in near real-time via data-linkStory here.
With a radar like SABR, the B-52 could far better identify and engage ground targets in all weather and at standoff ranges. It would also allow the B-52 to be a better anti-ship weapon than it already is, being able to spot vessels and classify them from long distances so that it can employ advanced anti-ship missiles against them. You can read more about this type of scenario here.
This is probably a batshit stupid idea but I'm wondering. Why don't we give our helos, the AH-1Z, UH-1Y, MV-22 and CH-53K, AESA radars? They're supposably scalable, we're talking about operating at great distance with them and they provide the ability to "see the ground" when operating in terrible conditions.
So if they can be built to scale for our helos then why aren't we doing it! Aviation guys before you slam me explain it! This seems long overdue and an evolution that is too long in the making.
Consider this a small diversion from our focus on the India/Pakistan fighting.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
India isn't pumping the brakes...their PM just gave the military the option to go full bore!
BREAKING: According to @CNNnews18, Indian PM Modi has reportedly given the Indian military a "free hand" regarding the time, place and how they want to move forward regarding the situation with Pakistan, following a high-level security meeting.pic.twitter.com/zDQknlrGyD— Conflict News (@Conflicts) February 27, 2019
Just plain wow.
Ok. I'm becoming a bit alarmed on this one. Not for my sake or the sake of the American people but for my Indian friends. I was thinking that we'd hear about the EU, US, Russia and China along with several other countries calling a special session of the UN to try and de-escalate this thing.
I thought we'd see some type of shuttle diplomacy from all of the above either together or individually.
No one seems to be moving.
A skirmish seems to be turning into full scale combat right before our eyes. Hope I'm getting antsy for nothing but this does not look good from my seat.
What is your take away from the clash between India and Pakistan?
What is your take away from the clash between India and Pakistan?
My early view is that their air arms are facing the same difficulty that we saw in the fighting between Russia/Ukraine and the various rebel factions. In other words air power was tried early, got bloodied and now they seem to be pulling them back a bit.
Now its a ground fight. Lots of artillery, a few clashes between infantry units and maybe some Special Ops running around.
Kinda makes you wonder if all the theorists about how the future fight got it all so crooked.
Makes me wonder if aviation (even though both sides were using older aircraft...especially India) is now too valuable to risk in a shooting war.
That's telling. That should give ground commanders pause.
I've always thought that aviation promised more than it could ever deliver and at least for the time being that seems to be being proven yet again.
But back on task. What do you guys think?
IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan after his capture by Pakistani security forces (Probably gonna combine all the tweets of the Pakistan/India conflict into one thread in the AM)
IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan after his capture by Pakistani security forces following the shooting down of his fight jet in AJK today - on right is the same Abhinandan in a 2016 documentary - available on Youtube - titled 'Inside India's SU-30' pic.twitter.com/8mNdrIys0n— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) February 27, 2019
FLASH: Pakistan releases clear photos of documents/ material recovered from one of the captured Indian pilots. #IAF #PAF #Kashmir #India #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/70YoLi3rFy— Kashmir Intel (@KashmirIntel) February 27, 2019
Is India's battle plan going off the rails?
Most Indian TV channels are now taking long ad breaks shocked by the apparent downing of a IAF fighter & the deafening silence of the MoD. To win, we need to take any reversals in our stride. warfighting is not a TV reality show.— Vijainder K Thakur (@vkthakur) February 27, 2019
Forget main stream news. Twitter is the place to get what little facts we have on the fighting.
Having said that did you check out the post above? It appears that their MOD has a communication problem at the very least and are shell shocked themselves at the loss of aircraft.
This is instructive.
Putting all your eggs in the aviation basket means that you will lose personnel and material. That's just the way it is.
But has India been misled?
I almost (not quite there but getting close) get the impression that the Indian MOD thought that they would be able to conduct these strikes, claim victory and go back to the status quo.
Pakistan's response seems to have them on their back foot. I'm cheering for India in this fight but I have to wonder if Pakistan doesn't have a better grasp of the social media game. I wonder if the Pakis can somehow win even though they might lose on the battlefield due to public perception?
Parachute seen as Pakistan Air Force's F-16 was going down, condition of the pilot is unknown https://t.co/yfcHxDjlXn— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
BREAKING: Confirmed. Pakistan has in its captivity Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a MiG-21 Bison pilot. Statement from the Indian government shortly.— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) February 27, 2019
The Royal Marines in action at Trafalgar.
Pic via Historical Times...
Hmm. So is this where the saying "if you die first we're splitting your gear" came from?
What is that bag they're digging thru? Appears much more robust than I imagined.
This all brings me back to the Marine/Soldier load. How much of it is snivel gear? Is the increase in weight due to how our operations are conducted? If you're not rucking all day and operating out FOBS, mechanized vehicles or being flown in for a day or two operations then that would make you go heavier than REAL light fighters would deem acceptable.
Just wondering out loud.
Hmm. So is this where the saying "if you die first we're splitting your gear" came from?
What is that bag they're digging thru? Appears much more robust than I imagined.
This all brings me back to the Marine/Soldier load. How much of it is snivel gear? Is the increase in weight due to how our operations are conducted? If you're not rucking all day and operating out FOBS, mechanized vehicles or being flown in for a day or two operations then that would make you go heavier than REAL light fighters would deem acceptable.
Just wondering out loud.
Things in Iran just got goofy!
#BREAKING Iran president rejects FM Zarif's resignation: official pic.twitter.com/chvG0hXuiU— AFP news agency (@AFP) February 27, 2019
WTF! Never seen that before. Dude wants to resign and you say NOPE! Ain't happening! Stick around?
Either he is much loved or they're lining him up to be hanged on national TV. I'm not guessing there is much love in Iran for him right now...Quite honestly this sounds like some type of internal power struggle and someone wants the sides more or less balanced.
Just a guess but I can't come up with anything better...
Things are getting a bit interesting in the fight between India and Pakistan...
#UPDATE Pakistan military says it has shot down two Indian Air Force planes in its airspace in Kashmir, adding one Indian pilot has been arrested pic.twitter.com/dWGT7ikWgB— AFP news agency (@AFP) February 27, 2019
A couple of things...
1. The fact that US mainstream news is barely covering this is telling. It's all Trump all the time despite important, life altering events are happening all over the world. The mainstream news is no longer valid.
2. Did you catch the wording? Pakistan ARRESTED instead of captured the Indian pilot? I'm not a War Lawyer but that jumps out at me. Does that have any implications on how he will be treated?
3. Are there any systems to put the brakes on this thing? Are we headed toward a cycle of increased escalation?
Just a few thoughts. This thing bears watching. I'll be posting additional Tweets of interest below...
Pakistani fighter jets struck at targets inside Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday from their own airspace https://t.co/ufSLvPSndF— Bloomberg (@business) February 27, 2019
Can confirm. Exact location and further details awaited. https://t.co/xCUIiYCAh2— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) February 27, 2019
Boeing Airpower Teaming Mockup Looks Like a BEAST! Touted specs are impressive too...
From the Boeing Website...
The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will:Wow. This thing sounds like a hybrid between the "quarterback" role and doing independent deep strike missions.
-- Provide fighter-like performance, measuring 38 feet long (11.7 metres) and able to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles
-- Integrate sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare
-- Use artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft.
In short it sounds like it does 75% of the F-35's missions without needing a pilot!
Website with info here.
Bandria Auto displays armored R2F buggy....SOCOM just found their next test vehicle...
via Army Recognition.
Among the uncommon vehicles displayed at IDEX 2019, the Saudi company Bandria Auto drew a significant attention thanks to the two version of its R2F, a 4x2 buggy (also available in 4x4 version) in armored and unarmored version.Wow. The need for speed is really catching fire when it comes to small vehicles.
Bandria Auto is an engineering and consulting company specialized in designing and manufacturing advanced off-road vehicles. Its R&D team has an extensive expertise in providing solutions to complicated engineering issues for off-road vehicles, such as altering system designs and upgrading parts. It reinvented the functioning of suspension systems in a unique way for better dynamics. The use of light and strong aerospace materials to overcome off-road abuse and rough terrain. The company has offered solutions to many well reputed companies around the world, including the NASA.
The armored version of the R2F is motorized with a V8 LS developing 400 hp that can be upgraded to 1,200 hp on customer’s request. The torque range can be set between 500 and 1,000. The buggy can reach 240 km/h. The tank capacity is 180 liters. While the unarmored version (designated “race”) of the R2F weighs 2.3 tons, the armored one is naturally heavier: 2.8 tons with composite armor BR6 level, or 3.1 tons with Nasser advanced steel BR6 level. Various armoring solutions are available.
The armored version can be configured in fast attack, patrol or ambulance variant.
I'm sure SOCOM will buy a few or maybe even a few dozen to play with. As far as actually seeing combat, I kinda doubt it.
Stryker Upgrades continue but its the weak link in Army modernization plans...
4 battalions (144 systems) by FY22 with existing mix of guns, missiles, rockets, and onboard sensor -- integrated on a Stryker A1 platform. Follow on battalions will be equipped with enhanced effectors such as a laser or improved missile. @USARMYAMRDEC #MSHORAD pic.twitter.com/iJfC5Eqabl— Air Power (@MIL_STD) September 15, 2018
Not at all impressed. The concept is good. The vehicle is elderly. The interim Stryker has served too long and is NOT worthy of continued upgrades.
I've been so focused on shortfalls in the Marines, Navy and Air Force that I failed to realize the terrible spot the Army is in.
In essence they need to replace everyone of their Cold War/Desert Storm era vehicles and the money is just not there.
Tough choices are having to be made and it appears that one tough pill to swallow will be the Stryker continuing on into the 2030's.
That's tragic.
Want to see the weak link in the US Army force structure? It's the Stryker Brigades.
They won't hold up to even tribals much less a peer.
Prevail Unveils Proposal For Royal Navy’s Future Littoral Strike Ship via Naval News..
via NN.
In a short statement, Prevail Partners says that its Prevail Multirole Vessel (MRV) is being offered as a wet-lease using an international maritime industry time-charter framework. As a highly mobile logistic and helicopter base, the ship « enables nations to project power, carrying out the most time-sensitive Special Forces missions and managing threats at range with swift and decisive action ». The first ship could be ready for operations in 2020, the company adds.Story here.
On Feb. 11, Williamson announced a concept and development phase for the vessels – called littoral strike ships. It represents part of the Royal Navy’s vision for the future of amphibious warfare, alongside plans for the future of the Royal Marines. These ships would form the backbone of a littoral strike group, a scalable force made up of different elements of the fleet and the future commando force.
With an operational range of over 10,000 nautical miles and speed in excess of 20 kts, the Prevail MRV is capable to moving from one operation to another at pace, the company says in its proposal. Tailored for a various range of missions, such as amphibious operations, counter-terrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, and hospital ship, the MRV is offered as « a turnkey solution for 300 operational days a year ».
Sorry. I'm to the point of not believing the Royal Navy on this one. The Army is small. The Carriers are suppose to be able to flex into Commando Carriers as well as F-35 platforms. The Albion and company are suppose to continue in service and they're also suppose to be looking at a LHD in the future?
Too much capacity for too small a force.
This looks like a bid to get low cost, low function ships into service while they do away with higher cost but higher functioning ships.
In short this is a cost savings move being dressed up as an increase in lethality.
I'm not impressed.
Three Merlin from 845 Naval Air Squadron @ Exercise Clockwork in Norway...
The BREXIT crisis has totally focused the mind of the British military. Their ops tempo (at least from my chair) has increased dramatically. More important to the NATO Alliance is the fact that they're fully embracing operations in Northern Europe.
That's a great thing.
Looking into a short term future I can see them highlighting superb light infantry along with a robust motorized Strike Brigade Concept, mixed with an impressive (for their size) aviation force (their Joint Helo Force seems like a unique but ideal solution).
I don't know what the future holds for them with regard to their economic/trade future but militarily they will be able to hold the line ASSUMING they're not faced with another round of budget cuts. That's a huge IF, because the forecast is gloomy if they're faced with a hard breakaway.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Breaking! Heavy fighting between Indian and Pakistani forces reported!
BREAKING: Unconfirmed reports of extremely heavy clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops on the border near Sialkot in Pakistan.— Conflict News (@Conflicts) February 26, 2019
Did India just launch air and ground strikes into Pakistan occupied territory?
Just for reference, I believe the last time the Indian Air Force intentionally and publicly crossed the LoC to conduct strikes was... the 1971 war. https://t.co/DNUFUyOGxi— Vipin Narang (@NarangVipin) February 26, 2019
I don't know what's going on here. Twitter is ablaze with the idea that India has struck Pakistan and that both sides are gearing up.
Following the various threads is a bit frustrating because they're so frantic, hoping from this incident to the past and back again.
I guess we wait to see what's really going on.
Iranian foreign minister Zarif abruptly tenders resignation ... on Instagram
Iranian foreign minister Zarif abruptly tenders resignation ... on Instagram.— AFP news agency (@AFP) February 26, 2019
He has been under constant pressure and criticism by hardliners who opposed his policy of detente with the Westhttps://t.co/LBIwGTWugQ pic.twitter.com/1eDer4WvwL
Wow.
The moderates have lost in Iran.
The hardliners in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the rest of the GCC and the US are ascendant.
War is coming.
F-35 fighter jet declares emergency on routine flight...does ANYONE have info on this incident???
via GB Times.
An F-35 Lightning fighter jet based at RAF Marham in Norfolk declared an emergency while on a routine flight near its base.Story here.
It landed safely after experiencing a “minor technical issue” on Thursday.
An RAF spokesman said on Friday: “The RAF can confirm an F35 Lightning experienced a minor technical issue during a routine flight last night.
“The aircraft landed safely.”
An emergency squawk is used to identify an aircraft with a possible issue and enables it to have priority over other air traffic.
It does not necessarily mean the aircraft has an emergency, but flight safety is paramount and if there is any doubt pilots will recover to a suitable base or airfield as soon as possible.
The first of the multimillion-pound F-35s arrived at RAF Marham in June 2018 and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has pledged the UK will buy 138 in total.
This was reported on the 15th and I've been sitting on it because I've been waiting for one of the "big" defense mags/reporters to get more info on this and tell us about it.
Instead its been almost a news blackout.
Nothing from the Brit papers, mags, TV news. Nothing from the big defense mags, papers etc...in the rest of Europe or the US.
Absolutely nothing.
But you guys are connected and have great Google skills. Does anyone know what gives here?
Aviation Porn...AH-1Zs going out to play (Side Note. Is it time to give them anti-ship missiles?)...
Don't care what you think. I'm right on this. The AH-1Z is the best naval attack helicopter on the planet. Full stop.
With that being said and the USMC wanting to participate in the naval battle from land and sea, even going so far as wanting a land launched anti-ship missile or to develop ways to use both cannon and rocket artillery to attack ships...is it time to give the AH-1Z anti-ship missiles?
I was thinking maybe Harpoons but I don't know if they could carry them. As far as targeting I would think some other system could handle that task but they could at least get into position to launch them.
Why? Well we don't practice it but you have to think about preventing landings by enemy forces that might arrive by sea. The ability to put a dent in a Chinese (or other threat force) LPD type ship might prove useful if the Navy is busy doing other things (like fighting the big fight for control of the sea...ya know, doing Navy shit!).
Just a thought.
Blast from the past. Fake air battle over Los Angeles 1942?
pics via Trufault Twitter Page...
One of a couple of captions that he posted along with these pics...
Perhaps that's where future historians will focus. The actual fighting has been covered ad nauseum. The homefront in all countries involved not so much.
Regardless this deserves more reading on my part.
One of a couple of captions that he posted along with these pics...
From an alleged enemy attack, there was the reaction of US anti-aircraft defenses on 24 and 25 February 1942.The incident occurred less than three months after the United States entered the Second World War...Just wow. Wasn't aware of this incident. Not surprising. My focus was on our forces overseas, not the homefront.
Perhaps that's where future historians will focus. The actual fighting has been covered ad nauseum. The homefront in all countries involved not so much.
Regardless this deserves more reading on my part.
High Ranking Swedish Naval Officer resigns after being linked to a secret spy network...
via verkkouutiset.fi
The Swedish security police, Säpo, are told to investigate a special case involving dozens of suspects around the country.Story here.
There is hardly any publicity about the details of the case. According to the Swedish media, the authorities have investigated a "secret network" that is believed to have "threatened national security". The suspects have been questioned at least in Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Örebro and Alingsås.
Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist has only stated that criminal offenses related to the network are not related to terrorism.
According to Aftonbladet , several people have been arrested and the case has been reported to the Social Democrats Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist . Among the suspects there are both military personnel and civilians.
The investigation of the matter has already begun in 2017. It has already led to the withdrawal of one high-ranking officer from the Swedish Navy in February. Defense Minister Hultqvist has refused to comment on the details of the case in public.
Ok, who has been following this story? If you have more info then tell the tribe. This looks kinda bad. Would love to know more details.
I know a least a few of you guys live in the region so tell me what's what.
Open Comment Post. 26 Feb 2019
This caterpillar mimics a snake perfectly when frightened pic.twitter.com/fJgCsGQ6Uk— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) February 26, 2019
Monday, February 25, 2019
Pentagon Develops F-35s to Attack & Destroy Nuclear-Armed Enemy ICBMs...Are they just throwing stuff against the wall now???
via Warrior Maven.
The Pentagon is working with industry to explore the possibility that bomb, missile or laser-armed F-35s could destroy an attacking nuclear-armed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) targeting the US, potentially bringing a new dimension to existing defenses.Read the whole story here to get a flavor for the thing!
The idea would be to use F-35 weapons and sensors to detect or destroy an ICBM launch during its initial “boost” phase of upward flight toward the boundary of the earth’s atmosphere.
“We are excited about the concept,” a Senior Pentagon official told Warrior Maven.
The F-35, officials explain, could use a “kinetic” solution wherein it fires upon and destroys a launching ICBM -- or a “sensor” solution where it “cues missile defense systems,” locating or stopping attacks earlier than might otherwise be possible.
”We are now looking at how we could close the kill chain on that process,” officials familiar with the ongoing exploration told Warrior Maven.
Just plain wow. Is the Pentagon just throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks?
I've been a bit concerned about the Pentagon's obsession with everything being a penetrator. The F-35 is a penetrating fighter. The F-22 is a penetrating fighter. The B-1 and B-21 are penetrating bombers. The US Army and Marine Corps are trying to orient our ground forces so that they penetrate deep into enemy lines.
Is everyone so focused on penetration operations that they're ignoring the other realms of warfare? When was the last time you saw an exercise where someone was trying to repel an enemy attack? We're in a whole host of countries supposedly to defend them but the focus is always about being on the attack.
We're talking about next generation weapon systems and its always about attack! I think we're either already or inching real close to being outrageously unbalanced not only in our procurement policies but also in the way our leadership is thinking.
But what actually has me wondering what the hell is going on is this very idea. Someone somewhere is thinking about the possibility of our operating in a nuclear equipped country (I assume that we've been so successful that the "regime" is teetering) and our solution is to send F-35's to knock down nuclear missiles in the boost phase?
Which nuclear power is this designed to be used against? N. Korea? Pakistan? Iran? Russia? China?
Maybe I'm being overly critical and this is a fantastic idea. I just don't see how its nothing more than another crude marketing campaign for the F-35 while chasing a flawed "penetration" philosophy.
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