[kellyhound]

South Korea warns it could reopen discussions regarding supply of arms to Ukraine should Pyongyang and Moscow continue building military ties.

South Korea has pledged it will take measures to counter military cooperation between russia and North Korea despite denials from Pyongyang that it has sent troops to support Moscow’s war on Ukraine.

Officials in Seoul said on Tuesday that the alliance between russia and North Korea represents an international threat and pledged that South Korea will work with its allies to implement countermeasures, potentially including the provision of arms to Ukraine.

“Sending troops to russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine is a significant security threat not only to our country but also to the international community,” the National Security Council said.

“Following the deployment of North Korean combat troops, the government will implement phased countermeasures,” it added.

A senior official in President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office said diplomatic, economic and military measures are being prepared, adding that South Korea could revisit its earlier decision not to send arms to Kyiv.

Seoul has been under pressure from some Western countries and Kyiv to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons but has so far focused on nonlethal aid, including demining equipment.

“We would consider supplying weapons for defensive purposes as part of the step-by-step scenarios, and if it seems they are going too far, we might also consider offensive use,” the official told reporters.

North Korea in recent months has denied accusations from the South as well as the United States that it has been supplying weapons to russia’s forces.

Late on Monday, it slammed the claim from South Korea’s spy agency that it has now sent special forces personnel to russia’s Far East for training in preparation for deployment in Ukraine.

[Roosta]

Hmmm, Things are heating up with this North Korea's involvement where they have boots on the ground in support of the russian invading hoard. I see sanctions coming that "Rocket Man" isnt going to like. Well, fuck him 2 !

[kellyhound]

Schedule of missing russian soldiers (based on posts, mostly by their relatives, in social networks) by various units that are taking part in the Kursk operation.

The highest indicators are seen in August and September (which is logical). The 810th Marine Brigade was hit the hardest. The 7th and 8th regiments of the 11th Army Corps also did well.

Followed by the 22nd and 30th regiments of the 72nd division, the notorious 155th Marine Brigade.

Telnyashek was also badly hit, especially from the 51st and 137th Parachute Regiments and the 11th Assault Brigade.

[kellyhound]

Locals are reporting the detonation of ammunition in the Kamyanobrіdskyi District of occupied Luhansk, Ukraine after missile arrivals.

[kellyhound]

In the morning of Friday a drone hit the oil depot in Stavropol, russia. It fell near tanks filled with fuel. After the explosion a fire broke out. Smoke could be seen from nearby houses. The attack was confirmed by the local governor.

The Svetlograd oil depot, 649 miles from Kiev, belongs to the Stavropol branch of Rosneft.

According to the Enegrybase portal, the base has 16 tanks with a total capacity of 6.7 thousand cubic meters. The base is used for storage of gasoline and diesel fuel.

[kellyhound]

Norway will provide funds for the purchase of weapons and spare parts for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced this additional military support, aimed at the maintenance and operation of F-16s, during his visit to Odessa. The new aid, totaling $118.8 million, will be granted through the U.S. JUMPSTART mechanism.

The Norwegian government plans to present these expenses to parliament for approval by the end of the fall.

Norway will soon deliver six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s Air Force. These jets, previously part of Norway’s Air Force, were decommissioned in 2021. Although modest in number, these additional aircraft will bring Ukraine closer to an estimated 80 combat planes capable of utilizing Western aerial weaponry.

======================================

The Pentagon on Friday announced the United States is giving Ukraine an additional $425 million in military assistance.

The announcement comes as U.S. officials say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have joined Russian forces in the war that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched with an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) noted this is the sixty-ninth tranche of equipment that President Joe Biden's administration has provided Ukraine to aid in its defenses against Putin's military.

The package "will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense interceptors; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons," the DoD said.

According to the DoD, the package—which will be drawn from U.S. inventories—will include a large assortment of equipment and weapons.

The DoD statement said the capabilities in the new assistance packages includes munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) equipment and munitions; air-to-ground munitions; ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers; small arms and ammunition; medical equipment; demolitions equipment and munitions; and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training and transportation.

[kellyhound]

Ukrainian Armored Technology partners with Türkiye to create Powerful Varta 2 4x4 Armored Personnel Carrier.

Ukrainian Armor presented its new armored combat vehicle, the "Varta 2," at the MSPO 2024 military exhibition in Kielce, Poland.

This vehicle, designed as an armored personnel carrier (APC), is based on the company’s experience in producing previous models such as the Varta, Novator, and Kamrat.

The "Varta 2" was developed to meet the operational needs identified by Ukrainian forces during recent conflicts, incorporating advanced protection and mobility features tailored to modern combat environments.

Weighing 14 tons, the "Varta 2" is 3.5 tons lighter than its predecessor while offering increased protection. The vehicle’s ballistic protection complies with NATO STANAG 3a/3b standards, safeguarding against kinetic threats and landmines.

It is equipped with a 360-horsepower Cummins ISB 6.7 engine and an automatic Allison 3200SP transmission, enabling a top speed of 110 km/h.

A ground clearance of 400 mm, combined with its independent suspension and Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), allows the vehicle to navigate challenging terrains and obstacles with ease.

The "Varta 2" is designed to accommodate up to 10 crew members, ensuring maximum protection for personnel with shock-absorbing anti-mine seats and a suspended floor system to mitigate blast impacts.

Armament includes the "Sich" remote-controlled weapon station, featuring a 30 mm automatic cannon and a secondary 7.62 mm machine gun.

The turret offers 360° rotation and vertical elevation from -10° to +60°, controlled via an integrated optical and thermal sighting system with a laser rangefinder. The remote-controlles weapon station also includes "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers.

In addition to its impressive armament, the "Varta 2" comes equipped with a suite of advanced systems. The ICOMWare system provides commanders with enhanced situational awareness through a secure Mesh network, allowing real-time communication and information sharing.

The vehicle also features an air filtration system to protect against chemical and biological threats, as well as light-camouflage systems that reduce its infrared and optical visibility.

Developed with a focus on adapting to modern combat conditions, the "Varta 2" replaces the earlier chassis supplied from Belarus with a BASE 4x4 wheeled chassis manufactured in Turkiye.

This shift was driven by the geopolitical realities of the ongoing conflict, with Belarus supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Armor CEO Vladyslav Belbas emphasized that the "Varta 2" reflects the company's commitment to self-reliance and innovation in defense manufacturing.

As said above, the development of the "Varta 2" vehicle by Ukrainian Armored Technology was carried out in collaboration with Türkiye, marking an important strategic shift.

Previously, the company used chassis supplied by Belarus for its armored vehicles. However, due to Belarus's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including providing military bases and logistical support to Russia, Ukrainian Armored Technology decided to end its collaboration with Belarus.

This shift led to a partnership with Türkiye, allowing Ukraine to secure a more reliable supply chain while enhancing its technological independence in the context of the conflict.

The chassis for the "Varta 2" is now manufactured in Türkiye, ensuring higher quality and meeting the operational needs of Ukrainian forces.

To further enhance its battlefield capabilities, the "Varta 2" integrates reconnaissance drones with a range of up to 30 km, linked to the ICOMWare system.

It is also protected against enemy drones and electronic interference by the KVERTUS AD KRAKEN electronic warfare system.

The inclusion of passive radar systems allows the vehicle to detect and track targets without active emissions, improving crew safety and overall operational efficiency.

The "Varta 2" is distinguished by its optimal cost-to-quality ratio, offering powerful firepower and robust protection at a competitive price.

Its high off-road mobility, coupled with advanced safety features such as anti-mine protection and enhanced crew protection systems, makes it an indispensable asset for armed forces and security agencies facing the most challenging combat missions.

As part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to modernize its military capabilities, Ukrainian Armor has also introduced an upgraded version of the Novator vehicle, delivered to the National Guard of Ukraine in 2024.

The "Varta 2," however, stands out as a testament to the country’s ability to innovate under pressure and meet the evolving demands of contemporary warfare.

[marekparek]

Second Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Allegedly Downed by Ukrainian F-16

Reports suggest a second Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was downed by a Ukrainian F-16 on 1 November, following a similar incident on 12 October, according to Defence Blog and Militarnyi. While Russian and Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the incident, Russian military bloggers and aviation sources speculate that the Ukrainian Air Force engaged the Su-34 over Russian-controlled territory, with the crew reportedly not surviving.

The loss of a second Su-34 highlights Ukraine’s increasing ability to challenge Russian air operations as the Ukrainian Air Force integrates F-16s. These interceptors, equipped with advanced radar and missile capabilities, represent a serious threat to Russia’s aerial assets and could limit Russian bombing missions over contested areas. If F-16s continue targeting Russian aircraft effectively, they could shift air control dynamics in Ukraine’s favor.

[Roosta]

Originally Posted by kellyhound ↗

In the morning of Friday a drone hit the oil depot in Stavropol, russia. It fell near tanks filled with fuel. After the explosion a fire broke out. Smoke could be seen from nearby houses. The attack was confirmed by the local governor.

The Svetlograd oil depot, 649 miles from Kiev, belongs to the Stavropol branch of Rosneft.

According to the Enegrybase portal, the base has 16 tanks with a total capacity of 6.7 thousand cubic meters. The base is used for storage of gasoline and diesel fuel.

Dont you just love a juicy target !

[Roosta]

Originally Posted by marekparek ↗

Second Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Allegedly Downed by Ukrainian F-16

Reports suggest a second Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was downed by a Ukrainian F-16 on 1 November, following a similar incident on 12 October, according to Defence Blog and Militarnyi. While Russian and Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the incident, Russian military bloggers and aviation sources speculate that the Ukrainian Air Force engaged the Su-34 over Russian-controlled territory, with the crew reportedly not surviving.

The loss of a second Su-34 highlights Ukraine’s increasing ability to challenge Russian air operations as the Ukrainian Air Force integrates F-16s. These interceptors, equipped with advanced radar and missile capabilities, represent a serious threat to Russia’s aerial assets and could limit Russian bombing missions over contested areas. If F-16s continue targeting Russian aircraft effectively, they could shift air control dynamics in Ukraine’s favor.

IMO the SU34 is way too heavy & slow to tangle with a "Viper" as being a Fighter / Bomber its Airframe is way larger & heavier to support carrying of large amounts of weaponry rather than quality & it has been noted that the SU34 will "DITCH" its payload when faced with such an adversary as it doesn't have the capability to engage the threat laden with such munitions as it slows it down & decreases it's overall flight characteristics turning it into, essentially a slow moving Pig, so it dumps (Ditches) & runs rather than standing & fighting, & when you run, it's easy to get tail shot.