Russia sends a symbolic message to Turkey, Britain orders recent rifles and Hungary clashes with a U.S. senator over weaponry: Listed here are the highest stories from the yr. (And click on here to see what made the 2022 list!)
US Air Force may remove 105mm cannon from AC-130 gunship
The times of the AC-130J Ghostrider’s hefty 105mm cannon could also be numbered. U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command confirmed to Defense News it’s considering removing this howitzer-sized weapon, used to perform punishing strikes on ground targets, from the aircraft as early as 2026. Read more here.
Russia sent a message to Turkey when it bombed Motor Sich, say experts
“We take it [the Russian missile attack on Motor Sich] as a symbolic Russian warning reflecting Russia’s discontent over a number of Turkish initiatives,” a senior Turkish diplomat told Defense News on the condition of anonymity as a result of the sensitivity of the subject. Read more here.
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When will the war in Ukraine end? Experts offer their predictions.
Defense News spoke with national security analysts, lawmakers and retired officials, asking each how the conflict could end. Their answers are glum: The war will likely be expensive, cost lives and certain last not less than a number of years — and even develop into interminable. It’s going to tax the American and European defense industries, especially with regards to munitions, and will cause bankruptcy in Russia. All this while the opportunity of nuclear escalation stays. Read more here.
China, Russia propaganda wither as cameras multiply, US admiral says
If bad-faith behavior just isn’t exposed, it can proceed to “thrive within the shadows, like a mushroom,” said Rear Adm. Mike Studeman, who previously served because the director of intelligence at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Read more here.
British forces to get recent rifles designed within the US
To be generally known as the Alternative Individual Weapon System, or L403A1, in British service, the weapons will likely be manufactured in the USA by Knights Armaments, but assembled within the U.K. by Macclesfield, northwest England-based arms company Edgar Brothers. Read more here.
After Washington’s refueling woes, US Navy eyes recent plans for carriers
The aircraft carrier Washington’s refueling ran two years long, as a result of the pandemic, industrial base challenges and unplanned work within the propulsion plant. Read more here.
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US Navy mulls timing of latest double-carrier award amid Enterprise delay
Construction delays on the carrier Enterprise are one consider ongoing discussions about when to sign a contract for the following two carriers, 82 and 83. Read more here.
Hungary responds after US senator says he blocked HIMARS purchase
The Hungarian government has said it abandoned plans to order High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems after last yr’s bilateral talks failed to provide an agreement with the USA. Read more here.
Germany to send Ukraine $1B in air defense tech, plus more tanks
“To guard critical infrastructure on the onset of winter and to supply further military support, Germany is supplying Ukraine with additional air defense,” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. “With this recent `winter package’ we’re further increasing the operational readiness of the Ukrainian armed forces in coming months.” Read more here.
US Navy considers Cold War-era squadrons to spice up readiness
The ocean service is poised to ascertain “surface groups” meant to renew the Navy’s give attention to maintenance and training. Read more here.