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Very nice videoz.
BTW, What do you mean by afghan conflict? Also, which spetsnaz unit is featured in this video?
Russian Military Pictures and Videos
- Thread starter A.V.
- Start date
BTW, What do you mean by afghan conflict? Also, which spetsnaz unit is featured in this video?
bhramos
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more info with article the Afghan-Soviet War.
http://www.defenceforum.in/forum/articles/4688-afghan-soviet-war-soviets-view-stories.html
http://www.defenceforum.in/forum/articles/4688-afghan-soviet-war-soviets-view-stories.html
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Russia set to finish development of new S-500 air defense system
BY : NOVOSTI
Russia’s advanced S-500 air defense system could be developed in the next few years, the Air Force commander said on Wednesday.The S-500 is currently at the blueprint stage at the Almaz-Antei company and is expected to be rolled out by 2012.”This work is in progress…I think this system will appear in the near future,” Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin said.
The new system is expected to outperform Russia’s most advanced S-400 as well as the U.S. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system.The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), and can simultaneously engage up to six targets.
The S-500 is expected to have an extended range of up to 600 km (over 370 miles) and simultaneously engage up to 10 targets. The system will be capable of destroying hypersonic and ballistic targets.Zelin said Russia’s Defense Ministry considers the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems to the Russian Armed Forces a priority at present, although exports of these systems to other countries of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS) could be considered.
The general earlier said in line with a new defense model air-space defense brigades within Russia’s Air Force will be established and equipped with advanced S-400 and S-500 air defense systems.Russia has already deployed two S-400 regiments to protect the airspace around Moscow and industrial regions in the central part of the country, and an S-400 battalion in Russia’s Far East.
Russia set to finish development of new S-500 air defense system IDRW.ORG
BY : NOVOSTI
Russia’s advanced S-500 air defense system could be developed in the next few years, the Air Force commander said on Wednesday.The S-500 is currently at the blueprint stage at the Almaz-Antei company and is expected to be rolled out by 2012.”This work is in progress…I think this system will appear in the near future,” Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin said.
The new system is expected to outperform Russia’s most advanced S-400 as well as the U.S. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system.The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), and can simultaneously engage up to six targets.
The S-500 is expected to have an extended range of up to 600 km (over 370 miles) and simultaneously engage up to 10 targets. The system will be capable of destroying hypersonic and ballistic targets.Zelin said Russia’s Defense Ministry considers the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems to the Russian Armed Forces a priority at present, although exports of these systems to other countries of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS) could be considered.
The general earlier said in line with a new defense model air-space defense brigades within Russia’s Air Force will be established and equipped with advanced S-400 and S-500 air defense systems.Russia has already deployed two S-400 regiments to protect the airspace around Moscow and industrial regions in the central part of the country, and an S-400 battalion in Russia’s Far East.
Russia set to finish development of new S-500 air defense system IDRW.ORG
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domain-b.com : Russia to soon decide on purchase of French amphibious assault ship
Moscow: Russia and France are soon expected to close technical discussions on the purchase of a French Mistral class amphibious assault ship by the Russian navy. Sources close to the negotiations have said that a decision on the purchase from Moscow should follow soon.
"We are holding technical consultations, which are expected to be completed by the end of September. The results will be reported to Russia's military-industrial commission in order to determine the viability of the purchase," the source said.
A group of Russian naval officers have already inspected a Mistral class ship at a French naval base in Toulon.
Though a similar class of ships is also available from countries such as the Netherlands and Spain, the source denied that these were under consideration by Russia.
"These countries also build amphibious assault ships of a similar class, but we have not considered their offers so far," he said.
A Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The ship could cost between 300 and 400 million euros ($430-580 million).
Reports earlier in August had quoted Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of the Russian General Staff, as saying that Russia would like to negotiate the purchase of one ship at present, and subsequently construct another 3-4 in Russia
Moscow: Russia and France are soon expected to close technical discussions on the purchase of a French Mistral class amphibious assault ship by the Russian navy. Sources close to the negotiations have said that a decision on the purchase from Moscow should follow soon.
"We are holding technical consultations, which are expected to be completed by the end of September. The results will be reported to Russia's military-industrial commission in order to determine the viability of the purchase," the source said.
A group of Russian naval officers have already inspected a Mistral class ship at a French naval base in Toulon.
Though a similar class of ships is also available from countries such as the Netherlands and Spain, the source denied that these were under consideration by Russia.
"These countries also build amphibious assault ships of a similar class, but we have not considered their offers so far," he said.
A Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The ship could cost between 300 and 400 million euros ($430-580 million).
Reports earlier in August had quoted Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of the Russian General Staff, as saying that Russia would like to negotiate the purchase of one ship at present, and subsequently construct another 3-4 in Russia
Vladimir79
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Huh? What?? There was no Utube during Soviet Occupation. There certainly were no Russian soldiers during the US occupation.
bhramos
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sorry yaar, this is orginal article.
There was a famous operation which was executed by Breslavsky's unit. They were on a routine fly-over mission on a helicopter. Breslavsky ordered the pilot to land, and they went on foot towards what he thought was a possbile caravan path. But given the geographic features of Afghanistan, they soon realized they were 20km. deep in the Pakistani territory! Soon they spotted a base which was used as a training, and R&R facility for mujahedin. They decided to raid that base at night.
When time came, they stormed the territory, literally slaughtering everyone inside. End result: 58 enemy soldiers dead, among them - 8 Pakistani, and 2 American instructors. Plus large amount of weapons (including "Stingers"), and ammo was destroyed.
On our side: 2 slightly wounded. Overall there were 17 people in the unit.
Afghanis called Breslavsky's unit (334th OO SpN) - Safed Shaitonon (White Devils).
There was a famous operation which was executed by Breslavsky's unit. They were on a routine fly-over mission on a helicopter. Breslavsky ordered the pilot to land, and they went on foot towards what he thought was a possbile caravan path. But given the geographic features of Afghanistan, they soon realized they were 20km. deep in the Pakistani territory! Soon they spotted a base which was used as a training, and R&R facility for mujahedin. They decided to raid that base at night.
When time came, they stormed the territory, literally slaughtering everyone inside. End result: 58 enemy soldiers dead, among them - 8 Pakistani, and 2 American instructors. Plus large amount of weapons (including "Stingers"), and ammo was destroyed.
On our side: 2 slightly wounded. Overall there were 17 people in the unit.
Afghanis called Breslavsky's unit (334th OO SpN) - Safed Shaitonon (White Devils).
bhramos
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Vladimir79
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Russia opens criminal case over MiG fighters returned by Algeria | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
MOSCOW, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Criminal charges have been laid against the top management of a company accused of providing low-quality equipment for MiG-29 fighters later rejected by Algeria, Russia's business daily Kommersant said on Friday.
Musail Ismailov, chief of the Aviaremsnab company, and his deputy Alexander Kutumov are currently serving jail terms for similar offences. They were convicted for fraud in May after investigators determined the company used forged certificates and tags on old aviation equipment and sold it as new to the MiG company.
Under the $14.3 million contract, Aviaremsnab was to supply MiG with new spare parts and equipment. The company received $1.7 million in advance payments for components made in 2005-2006, but received products manufactured between 1982 and 1996, with forged certificates.
Some of the parts were to be shipped to the Polish air force, and others were to be used in the 24 MiG fighters that Algeria later refused to accept due to their "inferior quality."
The fraud, however, had been uncovered before the components were installed.
Russian arms export monopoly Rosoboronexport signed a $1.3 bln contract to deliver 28 one-seat MiG-29SMT fighters and six two-seat MiG-29UB combat trainers to Algeria in March 2006 as part of an $8 billion military cooperation agreement.
However, after receiving 15 MiG fighters, Algeria in May 2007 refused further deliveries. Then in October 2007 it froze all payments stipulated in contracts with Russia, requiring that Moscow first take back the 15 MiG-29s due to their "inferior quality."
The aircraft were eventually returned to Russia in April, and after thorough testing were approved for the service with the Russian Air Force.
Meanwhile, following a MiG-29 crash in East Siberia last December, the Defense Ministry admitted for the first time last week that Russia's MiG-29 fleet of 281 aircraft was mostly outdated and not capable of performing combat duties.
Military experts believe the aircraft, which was developed in the 1970s and supplied to the Air Force between 1983 and 1993, has become obsolete and needs to be removed from active service.
MiG-29SMT is an upgraded version of the MiG-29 fighter, carrying a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry.
The MiG aircraft maker has said that after an upgrade the combat effectiveness of the aircraft increased three-fold and operating costs dropped by about 40%.
MOSCOW, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Criminal charges have been laid against the top management of a company accused of providing low-quality equipment for MiG-29 fighters later rejected by Algeria, Russia's business daily Kommersant said on Friday.
Musail Ismailov, chief of the Aviaremsnab company, and his deputy Alexander Kutumov are currently serving jail terms for similar offences. They were convicted for fraud in May after investigators determined the company used forged certificates and tags on old aviation equipment and sold it as new to the MiG company.
Under the $14.3 million contract, Aviaremsnab was to supply MiG with new spare parts and equipment. The company received $1.7 million in advance payments for components made in 2005-2006, but received products manufactured between 1982 and 1996, with forged certificates.
Some of the parts were to be shipped to the Polish air force, and others were to be used in the 24 MiG fighters that Algeria later refused to accept due to their "inferior quality."
The fraud, however, had been uncovered before the components were installed.
Russian arms export monopoly Rosoboronexport signed a $1.3 bln contract to deliver 28 one-seat MiG-29SMT fighters and six two-seat MiG-29UB combat trainers to Algeria in March 2006 as part of an $8 billion military cooperation agreement.
However, after receiving 15 MiG fighters, Algeria in May 2007 refused further deliveries. Then in October 2007 it froze all payments stipulated in contracts with Russia, requiring that Moscow first take back the 15 MiG-29s due to their "inferior quality."
The aircraft were eventually returned to Russia in April, and after thorough testing were approved for the service with the Russian Air Force.
Meanwhile, following a MiG-29 crash in East Siberia last December, the Defense Ministry admitted for the first time last week that Russia's MiG-29 fleet of 281 aircraft was mostly outdated and not capable of performing combat duties.
Military experts believe the aircraft, which was developed in the 1970s and supplied to the Air Force between 1983 and 1993, has become obsolete and needs to be removed from active service.
MiG-29SMT is an upgraded version of the MiG-29 fighter, carrying a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry.
The MiG aircraft maker has said that after an upgrade the combat effectiveness of the aircraft increased three-fold and operating costs dropped by about 40%.
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Russia to help Cuba modernize weaponry, train military | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
HAVANA, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Modernization of the Soviet-made military equipment and training of Cuban military personnel will be the focus of Russian-Cuban military cooperation in the near future, the chief of the Russian General Staff said on Friday.
Gen. Nikolai Makarov arrived on a working visit to Cuba on Monday, met with Cuban President Raul Castro and the country's military leadership, and visited a number of military installations.
"During the Soviet era we delivered a large number of military equipment to Cuba, and after all these years most of this weaponry has become obsolete and needs repairs," Makarov said.
"We inspected the condition of this equipment, and outlined the measures to be taken to maintain the defense capability of this country...I think a lot of work needs to be done in this respect, and I hope we will be able to accomplish this task," the general said.
Makarov said the Cuban request for assistance with training of military personnel will also be fully satisfied.
Although the Cuban leadership has repeatedly said it has no intention of resuming military cooperation with Russia after the surprise closure of the Russian electronic listening post in Lourdes in 2001, bilateral military ties seem to have been improving following the visit of Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to Cuba in July last year.
A group of Russian warships, led by the Admiral Chabanenko destroyer visited Cuba in December last year during a Caribbean tour.
HAVANA, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Modernization of the Soviet-made military equipment and training of Cuban military personnel will be the focus of Russian-Cuban military cooperation in the near future, the chief of the Russian General Staff said on Friday.
Gen. Nikolai Makarov arrived on a working visit to Cuba on Monday, met with Cuban President Raul Castro and the country's military leadership, and visited a number of military installations.
"During the Soviet era we delivered a large number of military equipment to Cuba, and after all these years most of this weaponry has become obsolete and needs repairs," Makarov said.
"We inspected the condition of this equipment, and outlined the measures to be taken to maintain the defense capability of this country...I think a lot of work needs to be done in this respect, and I hope we will be able to accomplish this task," the general said.
Makarov said the Cuban request for assistance with training of military personnel will also be fully satisfied.
Although the Cuban leadership has repeatedly said it has no intention of resuming military cooperation with Russia after the surprise closure of the Russian electronic listening post in Lourdes in 2001, bilateral military ties seem to have been improving following the visit of Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to Cuba in July last year.
A group of Russian warships, led by the Admiral Chabanenko destroyer visited Cuba in December last year during a Caribbean tour.
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China, Russia to hold anti-piracy naval drills off Somali coast | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
SHANGHAI, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - Chinese and Russian naval task forces currently on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden will hold joint exercises on September 18, Xinhua news agency has reported.
The exercises, dubbed Blue Peace Shield 2009, will take place in the western part of the Gulf of Aden and include the practice of communications links, simulated missions to identify ships from helicopters, coordinated resupply efforts, and live firing of on-board weaponry.
The Chinese task force comprises two missile frigates and a support ship, while the Russian Navy is represented by the Admiral Tributz missile destroyer, a tug boat and a tanker from the Pacific Fleet.
Admiral Tributs and the Chinese Zhoushan frigate have jointly escorted a convoy of 18 commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden this week.
Around 35 warships from the navies of 16 countries are currently deployed off Somalia's coast to counter frequent pirate attacks on key trade routes.
Pirate attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and off the east coast of Somalia have amounted to 156 since the beginning of the year, with over 40 ships captured and at least 270 taken hostage.
SHANGHAI, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - Chinese and Russian naval task forces currently on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden will hold joint exercises on September 18, Xinhua news agency has reported.
The exercises, dubbed Blue Peace Shield 2009, will take place in the western part of the Gulf of Aden and include the practice of communications links, simulated missions to identify ships from helicopters, coordinated resupply efforts, and live firing of on-board weaponry.
The Chinese task force comprises two missile frigates and a support ship, while the Russian Navy is represented by the Admiral Tributz missile destroyer, a tug boat and a tanker from the Pacific Fleet.
Admiral Tributs and the Chinese Zhoushan frigate have jointly escorted a convoy of 18 commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden this week.
Around 35 warships from the navies of 16 countries are currently deployed off Somalia's coast to counter frequent pirate attacks on key trade routes.
Pirate attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and off the east coast of Somalia have amounted to 156 since the beginning of the year, with over 40 ships captured and at least 270 taken hostage.
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Ex-Soviet states to set up 3 joint regional air defense networks | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
ASTRAKHAN (South Russia), September 16 (RIA Novosti) - Several members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are involved in creating three joint regional air defense structures as part of the CIS integrated air defense network.
Members of the Coordinating Committee on Air Defense under the CIS Defense Ministers' Council met in Astrakhan on Wednesday and discussed setting up East European, Caucasus,
and Central Asian air defense networks.
The CIS integrated air defense network was set up by 10 CIS member countries on February 10, 1995. The main purpose of the network is to secure member-states' airspace, including through early warning of missile attacks and coordination of joint efforts to neutralize potential aerial threats.
The network currently comprises 46 units equipped with S-200 and S-300 air defense missile systems, 23 fighter units equipped with MiG-29, MiG-31 and Su-27 aircraft, 22 electronic support units and two electronic warfare detachments.
The East European network will be set up by Russia and Belarus in line with an agreement signed in February on the joint protection of the Russia-Belarus Union State's airspace and the creation of an integrated regional air defense network.
It will comprise five Air Force units, 10 anti-aircraft units, five technical service and support units and one electronic warfare unit, and will be placed under the command of a Russian or Belarusian Air Force or Air Defense Force senior commander.
Belarus has several Russian-made S-300 air defense battalions on combat duty, and has long been negotiating the purchase of advanced S-400 systems from Russia, which should be available in 2010.
The Caucasus air defense network will be set up by Russia and Armenia. The draft agreement is still in the works and needs additional negotiations to ensure "clear principles of the deployment and command of air defense forces."
"The draft document will be ready by the end of 2009," said Col. Nikolai Babayan, chief of Armenia's Air Defense Forces.
Unlike the East European and Central Asian commands, the airspace of the Caucasus network will not be continuous as Georgia and Azerbaijan separate Russia and Armenia.
Maj. Gen. Okas Saparov, deputy commander of Kazakhstan's Air Defense Forces, said that a working group has been formed to discuss setting up a joint Central Asian regional air defense network, which will involve Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
"Most of the issues dealing with drafting up an agreement [on a joint air defense network] have been resolved," Saparov said.
Kazakhstan signed a contract with Russia in March on the purchase of S-300 air defense missile systems, while Russia operates an airbase in the city of Kant, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
ASTRAKHAN (South Russia), September 16 (RIA Novosti) - Several members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are involved in creating three joint regional air defense structures as part of the CIS integrated air defense network.
Members of the Coordinating Committee on Air Defense under the CIS Defense Ministers' Council met in Astrakhan on Wednesday and discussed setting up East European, Caucasus,
and Central Asian air defense networks.
The CIS integrated air defense network was set up by 10 CIS member countries on February 10, 1995. The main purpose of the network is to secure member-states' airspace, including through early warning of missile attacks and coordination of joint efforts to neutralize potential aerial threats.
The network currently comprises 46 units equipped with S-200 and S-300 air defense missile systems, 23 fighter units equipped with MiG-29, MiG-31 and Su-27 aircraft, 22 electronic support units and two electronic warfare detachments.
The East European network will be set up by Russia and Belarus in line with an agreement signed in February on the joint protection of the Russia-Belarus Union State's airspace and the creation of an integrated regional air defense network.
It will comprise five Air Force units, 10 anti-aircraft units, five technical service and support units and one electronic warfare unit, and will be placed under the command of a Russian or Belarusian Air Force or Air Defense Force senior commander.
Belarus has several Russian-made S-300 air defense battalions on combat duty, and has long been negotiating the purchase of advanced S-400 systems from Russia, which should be available in 2010.
The Caucasus air defense network will be set up by Russia and Armenia. The draft agreement is still in the works and needs additional negotiations to ensure "clear principles of the deployment and command of air defense forces."
"The draft document will be ready by the end of 2009," said Col. Nikolai Babayan, chief of Armenia's Air Defense Forces.
Unlike the East European and Central Asian commands, the airspace of the Caucasus network will not be continuous as Georgia and Azerbaijan separate Russia and Armenia.
Maj. Gen. Okas Saparov, deputy commander of Kazakhstan's Air Defense Forces, said that a working group has been formed to discuss setting up a joint Central Asian regional air defense network, which will involve Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
"Most of the issues dealing with drafting up an agreement [on a joint air defense network] have been resolved," Saparov said.
Kazakhstan signed a contract with Russia in March on the purchase of S-300 air defense missile systems, while Russia operates an airbase in the city of Kant, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
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Tajikistan denies asking Russia to pay $300 mln in base rent | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
DUSHANBE, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - The Tajik Defense Ministry on Thursday denied asking Russia to pay $300 million in rent for a military base stationed on its territory.
On Monday, some Russian media outlets reported that during Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov's visit to Dushanbe last Friday, Tajikistan had demanded that Russia pay $300 million in rent for its 201st Base in the Central Asian Republic.
"Tajikistan has not raised the issue of payment for hosting the 201st Base on its territory," Tajik First Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ramil Nadyrov said.
He also denied Tajikistan had ever demanded that the base be closed.
The 201st Base was established as a key element of regional security in October 2004, when presidents Emomali Rakhmon and Vladimir Putin signed a deal.
The base has about 7,000 personnel, comprising three motorized infantry regiments, a self-propelled artillery regiment, an anti-aircraft missile regiment, and a combat helicopter group.
It is Russia's largest base abroad.
DUSHANBE, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - The Tajik Defense Ministry on Thursday denied asking Russia to pay $300 million in rent for a military base stationed on its territory.
On Monday, some Russian media outlets reported that during Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov's visit to Dushanbe last Friday, Tajikistan had demanded that Russia pay $300 million in rent for its 201st Base in the Central Asian Republic.
"Tajikistan has not raised the issue of payment for hosting the 201st Base on its territory," Tajik First Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ramil Nadyrov said.
He also denied Tajikistan had ever demanded that the base be closed.
The 201st Base was established as a key element of regional security in October 2004, when presidents Emomali Rakhmon and Vladimir Putin signed a deal.
The base has about 7,000 personnel, comprising three motorized infantry regiments, a self-propelled artillery regiment, an anti-aircraft missile regiment, and a combat helicopter group.
It is Russia's largest base abroad.
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Russia could scrap Baltic missile plans following U.S. move | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
MOSCOW, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia could abandon plans to deploy tactical missiles in its Baltic exclave in response to the U.S. decision to drop its missile shield plans for Central Europe, a high-ranking military source said on Friday.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced on Thursday that Washington would not deploy missile defense elements in the Czech Republic and Poland, due to a re-assessment of the threat from Iran.
"In response to the U.S. intention to drop its missile shield plans in Europe, the Russian General Staff could decide not to deploy a reinforced group of Iskander missiles in the country's west [Kaliningrad Region]," the source told RIA Novosti.
The George W. Bush administration sought to deploy a radar station in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland as defense against potential strikes from Iran. Russia consistently opposed the plans as a threat to its security and the strategic balance of forces in Europe.
In response to Bush administration's plans, President Dmitry Medvedev said last November that Russia would deploy Iskander-M missiles in Kaliningrad, which borders NATO members Poland and Lithuania, if the shield was put into operation
youngindian
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Russia stands down on missile battery
MOSCOW, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Russia will abandon its planned rocket battery in response to President Barack Obama's shelving of the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, officials said.
Russian military sources said Moscow would table plans to both deploy truck-mounted Iskander missiles and locate nuclear-capable T-22 bombers in Kaliningrad, The Daily Telegraph in London reported Friday.
Kaliningrad borders the European Union countries of Poland and Lithuania. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had said the Iskander
missiles could be used "if necessary" to "neutralize" the missile shield if it were built.
"Undoubtedly, Washington's cancellation of its missile defense facilities will not go unnoticed," the military official said. "The array of measures which were planned in response to the deployment of the missile defense sites in Europe will be frozen, and will possibly be completely canceled."
Obama Thursday said the United States would shelve the controversial missile shield and radar in favor of a land- and sea-based defense system.
The now-shelved missile system -- sought by former President George W. Bush -- would have placed a radar site in Poland and 10 interceptor missiles in the Czech Republic. Russian leaders said their country's national security was threatened by the system.
UPI NewsTrack TopNews - UPI.com
MOSCOW, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Russia will abandon its planned rocket battery in response to President Barack Obama's shelving of the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, officials said.
Russian military sources said Moscow would table plans to both deploy truck-mounted Iskander missiles and locate nuclear-capable T-22 bombers in Kaliningrad, The Daily Telegraph in London reported Friday.
Kaliningrad borders the European Union countries of Poland and Lithuania. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had said the Iskander
missiles could be used "if necessary" to "neutralize" the missile shield if it were built.
"Undoubtedly, Washington's cancellation of its missile defense facilities will not go unnoticed," the military official said. "The array of measures which were planned in response to the deployment of the missile defense sites in Europe will be frozen, and will possibly be completely canceled."
Obama Thursday said the United States would shelve the controversial missile shield and radar in favor of a land- and sea-based defense system.
The now-shelved missile system -- sought by former President George W. Bush -- would have placed a radar site in Poland and 10 interceptor missiles in the Czech Republic. Russian leaders said their country's national security was threatened by the system.
UPI NewsTrack TopNews - UPI.com
youngindian
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Russia holds major army exercises in Belarus
: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:14:21 GMT
Minsk - Thousands of Russian and Belarussian soldiers began joint training on Friday on the first day of a planned two weeks of war games and operational exercises. Taking part in the Zapad-2009 manoeuvres are 6,000 Russian service personnel, 6,500 Belorussians and 30 Kazakhstani military personnel, officials at the Belarus Ministry of Defence said.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Belarussian President Aleksander Lukashenko were scheduled to visit training sites at a later date.
Belarus' Obuz-Lesnikovsky firing range and manoeuvre training centre is the operational base for most units, but units operating from two smaller Russian military bases near the Belorussian border would also participate, according to a Bel-1 television report.
A total of 228 tanks, 234 artillery pieces and 103 combat or transport aircraft were mobilized for the combat operations and gunnery training, according to the report.
Relations between Russia and Belarus have been rocky in recent years. Conflicts include the Kremlin's refusal to continue subsidies for energy delivered to Belarus, Belorussian efforts to get its manufactured goods into the Russian market, and a stalled treaty for adoption of a single currency.
But military cooperation has continued, with Russian early-warning radars operating in Belarus, and annual exercises featuring joint training for air and land battles against a potential opponent from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Russia holds major army exercises in Belarus : Europe World
: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:14:21 GMT
Minsk - Thousands of Russian and Belarussian soldiers began joint training on Friday on the first day of a planned two weeks of war games and operational exercises. Taking part in the Zapad-2009 manoeuvres are 6,000 Russian service personnel, 6,500 Belorussians and 30 Kazakhstani military personnel, officials at the Belarus Ministry of Defence said.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Belarussian President Aleksander Lukashenko were scheduled to visit training sites at a later date.
Belarus' Obuz-Lesnikovsky firing range and manoeuvre training centre is the operational base for most units, but units operating from two smaller Russian military bases near the Belorussian border would also participate, according to a Bel-1 television report.
A total of 228 tanks, 234 artillery pieces and 103 combat or transport aircraft were mobilized for the combat operations and gunnery training, according to the report.
Relations between Russia and Belarus have been rocky in recent years. Conflicts include the Kremlin's refusal to continue subsidies for energy delivered to Belarus, Belorussian efforts to get its manufactured goods into the Russian market, and a stalled treaty for adoption of a single currency.
But military cooperation has continued, with Russian early-warning radars operating in Belarus, and annual exercises featuring joint training for air and land battles against a potential opponent from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Russia holds major army exercises in Belarus : Europe World
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Abandoned Soviet Air Tanker Is Not Just an Ilyushin IDRW.ORG
A massive Soviet-built air tanker impounded at a tiny Michigan airport for almost three months may be sold as abandoned property if its owner doesn’t claim it soon. An abandoned Soviet-built air tanker? In Michigan?
Supposedly, a company called Tactical Air Defenses was to use an Ilyushin Il-78 tanker similar to the one in the pic to fuel planes in war zones and fight fires in Southern California. According to a press release, the plane was to be the only Il-78 actively flying in the United States. Missions included “refueling during air combat training sessions and for contract refueling of military squadrons” and helping state and local authorities “combat the increasing threat of wildfires.”
After being serviced by Air-1 of Denison, Texas the plane took off for Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 17 enroute to parts unknown. Some say it was headed to Europe, others say it was going to Pakistan. Wherever it was going, it was diverted to Sawyer International Airport in Marquette County, Michigan, reportedly after being denied entry to Canadian airspace.
That’s when things really got interesting.
The Il-78, first flown in 1983, can hit 460 knots and carry 18,000 gallons in its giant removable tanks. Of course, when a Soviet tanker ends up in small town America and the crew is sent back to the Ukraine, rumors abound. We know for sure the plane has been in the United States for at least three years, it is owned by TADS and it is leased by Air Support Systems in Newark, Delaware.
And it has been parked on the tarmac at Sawyer since July 17.
The first sign of trouble came when immigration authorities in Michigan detained the Ukrainian crew for administrative violations. Their visas had expired, and all five voluntarily returned to Kiev via commercial flights on July 23rd. Witnesses reported the airplane had been blocked in with snow plows and, later, concrete barriers.
According to FlightAware, shortly after the crewmembers went home, someone filed a flight plan to fly the plane to Keflavik, Iceland. It never left. The Marquette County Mining Journal says the plane was impounded after Air-1 filed a lawsuit alleging that the plane’s owners owe more than $62,000 in unpaid bills for all the work Air-1 did on the plane back in Texas.
Tactical Air Defenses has not responded to the lawsuit, so a hearing has been scheduled to see about selling the plane in order to pay for what the Mining Journal says are “numerous months of hangar rental, more than 1,500 gallons of jet fuel, preparations to start and move the aircraft and maintenance for such things as reinstalling some of the plane’s instruments, recharging batteries and rewelding a metal fence at the Texas airport blown down by the jet’s exhaust.”
That lack of interest is in stark contrast to the glowing press releases in which TADS trumpeted its tanker’s capabilities and said as recently as May that it anticipated lots of mid-air refueling and firefighting contracts. We don’t see TADS getting much business, but we’ll keep you abreast of developments.
In the meantime, we suggest that anyone interested in buying a 202,821 lb aircraft should start saving their pennies.
A massive Soviet-built air tanker impounded at a tiny Michigan airport for almost three months may be sold as abandoned property if its owner doesn’t claim it soon. An abandoned Soviet-built air tanker? In Michigan?
Supposedly, a company called Tactical Air Defenses was to use an Ilyushin Il-78 tanker similar to the one in the pic to fuel planes in war zones and fight fires in Southern California. According to a press release, the plane was to be the only Il-78 actively flying in the United States. Missions included “refueling during air combat training sessions and for contract refueling of military squadrons” and helping state and local authorities “combat the increasing threat of wildfires.”
After being serviced by Air-1 of Denison, Texas the plane took off for Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 17 enroute to parts unknown. Some say it was headed to Europe, others say it was going to Pakistan. Wherever it was going, it was diverted to Sawyer International Airport in Marquette County, Michigan, reportedly after being denied entry to Canadian airspace.
That’s when things really got interesting.
The Il-78, first flown in 1983, can hit 460 knots and carry 18,000 gallons in its giant removable tanks. Of course, when a Soviet tanker ends up in small town America and the crew is sent back to the Ukraine, rumors abound. We know for sure the plane has been in the United States for at least three years, it is owned by TADS and it is leased by Air Support Systems in Newark, Delaware.
And it has been parked on the tarmac at Sawyer since July 17.
The first sign of trouble came when immigration authorities in Michigan detained the Ukrainian crew for administrative violations. Their visas had expired, and all five voluntarily returned to Kiev via commercial flights on July 23rd. Witnesses reported the airplane had been blocked in with snow plows and, later, concrete barriers.
According to FlightAware, shortly after the crewmembers went home, someone filed a flight plan to fly the plane to Keflavik, Iceland. It never left. The Marquette County Mining Journal says the plane was impounded after Air-1 filed a lawsuit alleging that the plane’s owners owe more than $62,000 in unpaid bills for all the work Air-1 did on the plane back in Texas.
Tactical Air Defenses has not responded to the lawsuit, so a hearing has been scheduled to see about selling the plane in order to pay for what the Mining Journal says are “numerous months of hangar rental, more than 1,500 gallons of jet fuel, preparations to start and move the aircraft and maintenance for such things as reinstalling some of the plane’s instruments, recharging batteries and rewelding a metal fence at the Texas airport blown down by the jet’s exhaust.”
That lack of interest is in stark contrast to the glowing press releases in which TADS trumpeted its tanker’s capabilities and said as recently as May that it anticipated lots of mid-air refueling and firefighting contracts. We don’t see TADS getting much business, but we’ll keep you abreast of developments.
In the meantime, we suggest that anyone interested in buying a 202,821 lb aircraft should start saving their pennies.
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Russian defense min. confirms talks on purchase of French warship | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire
MOSCOW, September 19 (RIA Novosti) - A senior Russian military official confirmed on Saturday that the country's Defense Ministry was currently in talks with France to buy a Mistral class amphibious assault ship.
A Russian source close to the negotiations hinted on Tuesday that technical bilateral discussions should be completed soon.
"We are holding talks, but no purchases have yet been made," Vladimir Popovkin, in charge of the ministry's department for armaments, told the Ekho Moskvy radio.
A Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The ship could cost between 300 and 400 million euros ($430-580 million).
Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, said in August that Russia was negotiating the purchase of one ship at present, and later planning to acquire 3-4 ships of the same class to be jointly built in Russia.
Some Russian military experts have questioned the purchase both from the financial and military standpoint.
MOSCOW, September 19 (RIA Novosti) - A senior Russian military official confirmed on Saturday that the country's Defense Ministry was currently in talks with France to buy a Mistral class amphibious assault ship.
A Russian source close to the negotiations hinted on Tuesday that technical bilateral discussions should be completed soon.
"We are holding talks, but no purchases have yet been made," Vladimir Popovkin, in charge of the ministry's department for armaments, told the Ekho Moskvy radio.
A Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The ship could cost between 300 and 400 million euros ($430-580 million).
Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, said in August that Russia was negotiating the purchase of one ship at present, and later planning to acquire 3-4 ships of the same class to be jointly built in Russia.
Some Russian military experts have questioned the purchase both from the financial and military standpoint.
