I still want to know if the Meteor AAM could be integrated. Even if the Mirage is just a launcher and the missile itself is talking to an AWACS to get targeting data via a Link-16 equivalent.
Starting to doubt that the Biden Administration will allow F-16s to fire AIM-120Ds into orcland. Makes getting Meteor in service one way or another a huge priority. May Sweden be doing what France did, setting up a separate pilot training pipeline.
Latest structural data indicates Trump will outperform his polls in November, so bypassing the USA is going to be critical. Partisan idiots statestide have managed to eliminate nearly all hope of him being compelled to back Ukraine in order to look strong.
What are the chances Ukraine and the more staunch of its allies will shame Trump into supporting it by refusing to back down? It seems the whole world is waiting for the outcome of the US election.
At this point, I just don't know. I'd have said 50-50 a couple months ago, but the MAGA set appears to think it's found a nugget of electoral support in the anti-Ukraine crowd. That could become a self-reinforcing loop real fast.
Trump's a bullshit artist, and it's all about image. The "resistance historian" set and Vindeman types have managed to make Ukraine support a partisan litmus test, so people who hate politics are suspicious of all Ukraine aid.
It could be. But, considering the secrecy surrounding already the flight-testing of the Meteor (where news were all the time released 2-3 years post-factum), I doubt we're going to be informed very soon.
Friend in need is a friend indeed. It's a moment of truth for Russian relations with many countries. No matter who will succeed the current regime, the lessons learned will be very vital.
Air power is undoubtedly where Ukraine needs help.
Of course it still requires delivery of the appropriate munitions (and adequate supplies of them) for any of the new aircraft provided to make a significant difference.
Thanks Tom: research proving that you never stop learning! This sounds like potentially good news for Ukraine and clearly for French arms sales as well.
It makes you wonder how many nations will look to France for future purchases over the US, based on the restrictions the latter want you to apply to the use of their kit. I realise that the French would want you to do the same but I imagine that new contracts will stress independent national decisions where they can.
Indeed, if I were the Australian navy, the fact that my forthcoming submarine looks like it can only be utilised in US sanctioned missions would worry the hell out of me!
Does that mean the Scalp can be launched from low level so much safer for the Mirage?
I assume while confined to occupied Ukraine territory the range is adequate without needing a higher launch
it's not a gliding bomb, so the launch altitude doesn't matter that much. In fact, the lower you stay, the more difficult it is to detect you.
it has a range larger than the politicians can allow, 560 km.
Is there any radar cross-section reduction improvement available for these Mirages? I mean something like the Have Glass paint job used on some F-16.
Have Glass is more than just (under)paint.
I still want to know if the Meteor AAM could be integrated. Even if the Mirage is just a launcher and the missile itself is talking to an AWACS to get targeting data via a Link-16 equivalent.
Starting to doubt that the Biden Administration will allow F-16s to fire AIM-120Ds into orcland. Makes getting Meteor in service one way or another a huge priority. May Sweden be doing what France did, setting up a separate pilot training pipeline.
Latest structural data indicates Trump will outperform his polls in November, so bypassing the USA is going to be critical. Partisan idiots statestide have managed to eliminate nearly all hope of him being compelled to back Ukraine in order to look strong.
What are the chances Ukraine and the more staunch of its allies will shame Trump into supporting it by refusing to back down? It seems the whole world is waiting for the outcome of the US election.
At this point, I just don't know. I'd have said 50-50 a couple months ago, but the MAGA set appears to think it's found a nugget of electoral support in the anti-Ukraine crowd. That could become a self-reinforcing loop real fast.
Trump's a bullshit artist, and it's all about image. The "resistance historian" set and Vindeman types have managed to make Ukraine support a partisan litmus test, so people who hate politics are suspicious of all Ukraine aid.
The definition of insanity is America.
It could be. But, considering the secrecy surrounding already the flight-testing of the Meteor (where news were all the time released 2-3 years post-factum), I doubt we're going to be informed very soon.
It's in the news that Chinese have researched and started producing long-range drones for Russia https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-has-secret-war-drones-project-china-intel-sources-say-2024-09-25/
Also, Chinese armored vehicles were spotted in the occupied part of UA. Reportedly imported via Africa.
Clearly, China supports Russia not to loose.
Hmm, but what is Russia paying for the kit? Hopefully top dollar
With USD 200 bln annual turnover between China and Russia it's not difficult to pay.
In same fashion Mao was paying for Soviet MiG-15s during the Korean War: in gold.
Because the banks won't handle it any more!
Friend in need is a friend indeed. It's a moment of truth for Russian relations with many countries. No matter who will succeed the current regime, the lessons learned will be very vital.
Спасибо, Том. Может я пропустила, но вдруг, вы и не писали... Какой тип ракет начал летать на Запорожье. Пишут, что КАБ, хотя ранее такого не было.
My pleasure.
I'm trying to find out.
Thanks for this, and kudod to Fredric.
Thanks Tom, this explains a lot. To me, the Mirage looks like a modernized Delta Dart or Dagger, though I know there's no relation with them.
Good news!
Air power is undoubtedly where Ukraine needs help.
Of course it still requires delivery of the appropriate munitions (and adequate supplies of them) for any of the new aircraft provided to make a significant difference.
Thanks Tom: research proving that you never stop learning! This sounds like potentially good news for Ukraine and clearly for French arms sales as well.
It makes you wonder how many nations will look to France for future purchases over the US, based on the restrictions the latter want you to apply to the use of their kit. I realise that the French would want you to do the same but I imagine that new contracts will stress independent national decisions where they can.
Indeed, if I were the Australian navy, the fact that my forthcoming submarine looks like it can only be utilised in US sanctioned missions would worry the hell out of me!
Interesting!
If only the PSU would integrate Meteors on the Mirages and F-16!
Jets alone do not win wars. Way too late for this folly to ever make a difference.