[WhiskeyOutpost]

In this thread go battlefield analyses, intel and reports.

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[Roosta]

Anyone come across any recent chatter about the status of the "Vipers" F-16's becoming operational in Ukraine yet, as it's gone rather quiet on the topic.

[kellyhound]

Originally Posted by Roosta ↗

Anyone come across any recent chatter about the status of the "Vipers" F-16's becoming operational in Ukraine yet, as it's gone rather quiet on the topic.

Export permits need to be approved and some already were but russia has been focussing on attacking airfields in Ukr.

It launched an Iskander attack on the airfield in Mirgorod on Monday. Ukraine lost 2 Su-27 aircraft, and also damaged 4 more aircraft after a russian drone spotted them.

In one day, Ukraine lost a large aviation group that was operating on the eastern flank. Losses are estimated at more than $40-60 million. Spare parts for these aircraft are difficult to find.

Going to be hard to place the F-16's anywhere with all those satellites and drones keeping an eye on things. There's no doubt some F-16's will get destroyed on the ground in the near future which also will fuel the opposition telling people the taxpayers money going up in smoke blah blah

[Roosta]

I can't really express how strategically important the aviation wings are & they should be parked up well away from the combat zone under cover rather than sitting out in the open like that.
That's my opinion anyway.

[Rfneimad]

Originally Posted by Roosta ↗

I can't really express how strategically important the aviation wings are & they should be parked up well away from the combat zone under cover rather than sitting out in the open like that.
That's my opinion anyway.

At some point they do have to be used and they are vulnerable in the staging processes. Supposedly the F16s are being housed underground. I suspect the old airplanes are being denied usage of the newer more protected airbases.

[kellyhound]

Medvedev announced the recruitment of a thousand Russians per day for the war

More than a thousand people are going to serve in the Russian army under contract or as volunteers, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmytro Medvedev said at a meeting in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the issue of additional staffing of the Russian Armed Forces.

"In general, the task set by the president for the recruitment of contract servicemen and volunteers for the benefit of the Joint Forces Group in 2024 is being fulfilled. The average daily rate of recruitment remains stable, amounting to about a thousand people."

[Roosta]

I hope that they fill their pockets with sunflower seeds, at least then, they would have been good for something.

[houseoftechno]

Iranian Warship Sahand Capsizes And Sinks in Home Port
07 Jul 2024 - H I Sutton - Navalnews.com

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news...s/#prettyPhoto

One of Iran's most modern frigates, the Sahand, has capsized in Bandar Abbas. Recent upgrades may have made the ship more top-heavy.

An Iranian Navy frigate, IRIS Sahand (74) has capsized and sunk in its home port of Bandar Abbas. The ship is 12 years old, and is among the most modern surface combatants in the Iranian Navy.

The frigate was reported sunk in local media on July 7 2024. She is seen rolled over onto her port (left) side with her bow higher than the stern. Only the side of the hull and sonar dome appear above the water.

Iranian Navy Prone To Serious Accidents

Initial reporting suggests that it is due to a ‘technical failure; during repairs. However we are treating it as the cause is not yet known. Poor maintenance or a parking accident are most likely, but sabotage of some sort cannot be ruled out at this early point. Iranian frigates have been active in the Red Sea where they are suspected of aiding the Houthis attack merchant ships. Sahand has at times been deployed there.

The Iranian Navy (IRIN: Islamic Republic of Iran Navy) has had a series of serious mishaps in recent years. Among them:

• Sahand’s sister ship Damavand (77) which capsized and sunk after running aground on January 10, 2018.
• Then on June 2 2021 Iran’s then second largest warship, the Kharg, caught fire and sunk in the Gulf of Oman.
• Another sister ship, Talayieh, rolled over in a dry dock in Bandar Abbas on December 6, 2021.
• Other notable accidents have included the support ship Konarak hit by a missile on May 11 2020. That accident was friendly fire, the result of an Iranian missile.

The Improved Frigate, With More Top Weight

The Sahand is one of Iran’s recent indigenous frigates based on the British designed Vosper Mark 5. These were supplied by Britain before the revolution and remain in service with the Iranian Navy. The newer Moudge class ships, including Sahand, are iterative improvements with alternative weapon fits. Sahand had distinctive sloping sides which appear more modern and may attempt to reduce its radar signature.

Since construction the ship had been upgraded to include a new AESA radar, 4-8 medium range air-defense missiles and double the number of anti-ship missiles. This may have raised her center of gravity.

These warships have been deployed to the Red Sea by Iran where they are suspected of providing help to the Houthi Movement who are attacking merchant ships there. The Houthis are using a range of Iranian supplied or assisted weapons. These include anti-ship ballistic missiles, uncrewed surface vessels, anti-ship missiles and drones. It is possible that the Iranian ships have been providing intelligence and assisting on targeting.

[Roosta]

Originally Posted by kellyhound ↗

Export permits need to be approved and some already were but russia has been focussing on attacking airfields in Ukr.

It launched an Iskander attack on the airfield in Mirgorod on Monday. Ukraine lost 2 Su-27 aircraft, and also damaged 4 more aircraft after a russian drone spotted them.

In one day, Ukraine lost a large aviation group that was operating on the eastern flank. Losses are estimated at more than $40-60 million. Spare parts for these aircraft are difficult to find.

Going to be hard to place the F-16's anywhere with all those satellites and drones keeping an eye on things. There's no doubt some F-16's will get destroyed on the ground in the near future which also will fuel the opposition telling people the taxpayers money going up in smoke blah blah

A bit more info on that attack.
I commented earlier about leaving the birds on the exposed apron like that & how they should be kept well back from the front lines & undercover & now there's an explanation.
The latest chatter is that they were decoys & that nothing of any relevance was destroyed.

[houseoftechno]

Israeli defense manufacturing company Rafael announced the first operational use of its Spike Firefly drone, also known as "Moaz"
09 July 2024

The deployment, which took place a year ago, demonstrates the innovative capabilities of this roving munitions system.

The company stated, "This advanced system embodies Rafael's commitment to innovation, and provides unique capabilities that guarantee unmatched accuracy and reliability."

The Spike Firefly is a stray munition designed as a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the shape of a helicopter, equipped with two-axis rotor blades, weighing only three kilograms, the UAV is versatile and can be adapted to perform various tasks.

The UAV includes an electro-optical tracking system with a thermal imaging facility, which allows it to operate effectively in different environments. The vehicle can be armed with a 350 gram fragmentation warhead depending on mission requirements. The Spike Firefly offers a flight time of 15 to 30 minutes, achieved with one or two battery packs.

According to the Rafael, the Spike Firefly drone has redefined operational tactics through its ability to fly over targets and deliver precision strikes. Its compact size and lightweight design allow for quick deployment and flexibility in the field, making it a valuable asset for modern military operations.