(…continued from Part 2…) *** Russia At the Akthubinsk Air Base - nearly 600 km from the border to Ukraine - a Sukhoi Su-57s was hit by a drone. Able to launch cruise missiles, this is the Russia’s much lauded ‘5th generation’, ‘stealth’ fighter and, in their minds, superior to anything the West has. As of December 2023, a total of 22 prototypes and 0-series aircraft were manufactured, out of a total of 76 that were ‘on order’. The majority of them is at Akthubinsk, where they are undergoing flight-testing while the team involved is trying to write technical- and tactical manuals for them, and the companies involved are trying to sort out all the software-related issues marring the project for nearly 10 years meanwhile (between others, there are issues with integration of all the on board sensors and the steering of their future engines). The number of ‘fully mission capable’ examples (see: aircraft with all of their systems in operational condition) was probably at around six. Now there are just five:
Now, let's imagine that all those investments in new weapon production facilities had been kickstarted in Spring 2022, when everyone with a brain knew that a real war had started... We're being ruled by stingy accountants obsessed with balancing next term's books and with their eyes riveted on their share prices, not visionary and courageous leaders with a sense of responsibility.
Argentina reportedly wants to send Ukraine five Super Etendard Strike Jets. Assuming they can be made functional (which may not be a small feat...), what kind of impact would these have?
" An oil refinery that was 170 km from the front was defended by anti-drone nets. It burned anyway…https://x.com/NatalkaKyiv/status/1798537710120153373 "
-> Wrong link
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/drones-hit-a-refinery-in-the-rostov-region/
Very interesting the new process to make casings. Thanks
Thank you again for all the work.
Thanks for the update Don!
Just out of curiosity, was the Su-57 actually serviceable or just another hulk awaiting spare parts?
Now, let's imagine that all those investments in new weapon production facilities had been kickstarted in Spring 2022, when everyone with a brain knew that a real war had started... We're being ruled by stingy accountants obsessed with balancing next term's books and with their eyes riveted on their share prices, not visionary and courageous leaders with a sense of responsibility.
Thanks for these good reports Don
Argentina reportedly wants to send Ukraine five Super Etendard Strike Jets. Assuming they can be made functional (which may not be a small feat...), what kind of impact would these have?
https://www.twz.com/sea/argentinian-super-etendard-strike-jets-planned-for-transfer-to-ukraine-report