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☆ Here's why an influential US wargame was so wrong about Ukraine's chances against Russian invaders
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Or at least that was the expectation conveyed by pre-war US wargames that simulated a Russian invasion of Eastern Europe. The think tank convened an internal workshop to assess why its wargames had so overestimated Russian military prowess. Most of them examined a Russian invasion of the Baltic States (one also covered a Ukraine invasion), and how NATO might respond. In those games, Russian forces were able to quickly overrun Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before NATO could stop them. A destroyed Russian tank is seen as Ukrainian serviceman rides a tractor and tows a Russian military vehicle near the village of Dolyna in Ukraine's Kharkiv region in September 2023.

Persons: —, Putin basks, Gian Gentile, Gleb Garanich, Ukraine's, Gentile, RAND's, Michael Peck Organizations: NATO, RAND, Service, RAND Corp, Baltic States, Russian, US, REUTERS, Baltic, US Army, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Russia, Baltic, Kyiv, Russian, Moscow, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Riga, Tallinn, Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Baltics, Dolyna, Ukraine's Kharkiv, Forbes

☆ Russia's air force took control of the skies before seizing victory in a front-line fight, and it could be 'devastating' for Ukraine if it continues, war experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Chris Panella | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

And if it continues or expands, a real possibility as Ukrainian air defenses are under significant stress, it could be "devastating," war experts said. Confirming its retreat from the area, Ukraine said it was saving troops from being fully surrounded by Russian troops. This activity appears to indicate the employment of a combined arms tactic involving having air forces support maneuver elements on the ground. Ukraine's air defenses have largely denied Russia air superiority, preventing its jets and aircraft from conducting significant air campaigns since the beginning of the war. Even "recurring temporary localized and limited Russian air superiority," ISW explained in a recent update, "would likely allow Russian forces to more aggressively pursue operational advances along the frontline."

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin's, George Barros, Barros, Vlada, hasn't, ISW, Kostiantyn, Avdiivka, it's, John Kirby, Kirby, It's, Putin Organizations: Service, Bakhmut, The Institute, Washington DC, Institute for, Armored Infantry, National Security, Chemical Plant, Ukraine Locations: Russian, Russia, Avdiivka, Ukrainian, Donetsk, Moscow, Ukraine, Washington, Avdiivka district, Luhansk, Lastochkino, MLRS

☆ Kim Jong Un has broken with decades of North Korean policy – does it mean he’s planning for war?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

The two sides have been cut off from each other since 1953, when an armistice ended the Korean War, and remain technically at war. Yoon and Biden have sharpened their countries’ deterrence plans and coordination in the face of North Korea’s threats and weapons development. If anything, some analysts believe, North Korea’s public statements signal that North Korea is abandoning its reunification policy in pursuit of peace on the peninsula. Vladimir Smirnov/AFP/Getty ImagesAn ‘emboldened’ KimThe North Korean leader may also feel more confident about his arsenal and his options as he watches a shifting global landscape. “Kim Jong Un is wary of a full-scale provocation by the South Korean military disguised as a military exercise and has vowed to occupy South Korean territory without hesitation,” said Lim in Changwon.

Persons: Kim Jong, South Korea –, ” Kim, ”, Kim, ’, Robert Carlin, Siegfred Heckler, Chul Lim, “, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Edward Howell, Yoon Suk Yeol, Ayse, ” He’s, Yoon, Biden, Seoul . Kim, Trump, Lim, “ That’s, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Smirnov, ’ Kim, “ Kim Jong, …, Rachel Minyoung Lee, Howell, “ Kim Jong Un, Lee, Japan – Organizations: CNN, South, Korean Central News Agency, Reuters, North Korea Research Center, University’s Institute, Far Eastern, University of Oxford, Japan, Ewha Womans University, US, North, Russia's Vostochny, Getty, Stimson, –, White, United Nations Security Council, West, South Korean Defense Ministry, ”, Trump, North Korean Locations: Ukraine, Gaza, North Korea, South Korea, Korea, Republic of Korea, Kim, Washington, Seoul, Tokyo, United States, Korea’s, Changwon, Pyongyang, Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, Guam, Gon, Seoul ., Russian, Russia's, China, Iran, denuclearization, Western, North, Moscow, Beijing, Oxford, Jeju, South, “

☆ China is learning to prepare for a drawn-out war after watching Russia struggle for years in Ukraine: think-tank
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China is showing signs that it's thinking about a drawn-out war after watching Russia, the IISS said. It shows Beijing is considering how it might not achieve a "swift victory" if it goes to war, an IISS analyst said. AdvertisementBeijing's military leaders appear to be preparing China for the possibility of a long-drawn war after observing Russia's protracted conflict in Ukraine, according to an international think-tank. Heavy losses in Ukraine, coupled with reports of mistreatment of conscripts and contract soldiers on the battlefield, have been stumbling blocks for Russian military recruitment. AdvertisementThe IISS report said China has been gleaning other lessons from the war, though the think-tank said it's difficult to confirm what exactly Beijing is learning.

Persons: —, IISS, Nouwens Organizations: Service, Kremlin, PLA Army, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Liberation Army, Nikkei Asia, Nikkei, PLA Locations: China, Russia, Beijing, Ukraine

☆ US raises concerns about cozying relations between Russia and North Korea
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Katie Bo Lillis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

In January, high-ranking North Korean and Russian diplomats met in Moscow in advance of what North Korean state media says is a forthcoming visit to Pyongyang by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself — his first in more than 20 years. Trade with Russia could also further weaken the sanctions regime the US has placed on North Korea, also accelerating its economy and potentially bolstering its arms development program. As always with North Korea, deciphering how the hermit kingdom may respond is like reading chicken bones. For weeks, a blog post on an influential North Korea watchers website written by two former analysts circulated within the US government. If anything, some analysts believe, North Korea’s public statements signal that North Korea is abandoning its reunification policy in pursuit of peace on the peninsula.

Persons: Kim Jong, Vladimir Putin, —, Biden, Jake Sullivan, Kim, ”, “, ” Jeffrey Lewis, Lewis, ” Lewis, Sydney Seiler, Seiler, ” Kim doesn’t, “ That’s, “ Kim, it’s, We’re, ” Seiler, we’ll Organizations: CNN, North, Russia, Intelligence, White House, DPRK, Democratic People’s, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, North Korean, National Intelligence Council, US Locations: North Korea, Washington, South Korea, Russia, Moscow, Pyongyang, Russian, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic, Soviet Union, United States, North, China, Beijing, Japan, Korean

☆ Calls grow in Europe to halt arms exports to Israel as US Senate passes aid package
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The concern around continuing arms exports to Israel comes after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month ordered Israel to “take all measures” to comply with international laws on genocide. “In the government’s view, the distribution of American F-35 parts is not unlawful. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met Israeli cabinet minister Benny Gantz at the Knesset in Jerusalem, February 12, 2024. Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media in late January that Italy had stopped all arms shipments to Israel since October 7. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares too said in late January that his country had also halted arms sales to Israel in October.

Persons: “, Josep Borrell, ” Borrell, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, Mark Rutte, Benny Gantz, Gantz, Abir, Justin Bronk, ” Bronk, Bronk, Lockheed Martin, ”, ‘, ’ ”, Antonio Tajani, Jose Albares Organizations: CNN, United States Senate, Israel, Monday, Oxfam, Hague, International Court of Justice, Israeli, Hamas, US, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, State, Dutch, Royal United Services Institute, Israeli Air Forces, Lockheed, Netherlands Air Force, Pagella, Spanish, El, Amnesty International Locations: Israel, Gaza, Netherlands, Belgium, Brussels, Ukraine, Stockholm, Dutch, Jerusalem, Abir Sultan, Israeli, London, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Italy, Spain

☆ The B-21 Raider took its first flight just 2 months ago, but the Pentagon is already sure it wants more of its new stealth bomber
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The B-21 Raider, the US Air Force's newest bomber, has already entered production. AdvertisementProduction of the B-21 Raider is underway, a top Pentagon official revealed this week, a little more than two months after the US Air Force's newest bomber completed its maiden flight. AdvertisementThe B-21 Raider is seen in an undated photograph released on Dec. 2, 2022. Northrop Grumman unveils the B-21 Raider during an event in Palmdale, California on Dec. 2, 2022. The B-21 "Raider," a long-range stealth bomber that can be armed with nuclear weapons, takes off during its first flight in California on Nov. 10, 2023.

Persons: —, William LaPlante, LaPlante, David Swanson, Defense Lloyd Austin, Austin, Northrop Grumman Organizations: Raider, US Air Force's, Pentagon, Service, Business, Northrop Grumman, US Air Force, ., US, REUTERS, Defense Locations: Palmdale , California, California

☆ Ukraine says one of its 'FrankenSAM' air-defense weapons just recorded its first kill
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. In early December, the Pentagon announced technical assistance "to start local production of some of the FrankenSAM projects." Later that month Kamyshin announced that "FrankenSAM" systems were already in use on the front lines. Kamyshin did not mention what type of weapon was used in the strike, which Business Insider could not independently verify. AdvertisementInexpensive exploding drones have been central to Russia's strategy of bombarding key Ukrainian infrastructure, often forcing Ukraine to counter with more costly air defenses.

Persons: —, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Kamyshin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Erin Snodgrass Organizations: Service, Business, Economic, Suspilne, Pentagon, RIM, AIM, Soviet, Patriot, New York Times Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Davos, Switzerland

☆ Ukraine got the top tanks it wanted from the West, but they're not yet changing the game
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Ukraine got the Leopard, Challenger, and Abrams tanks it asked its Western partners for. It's up to Ukraine to either use the tanks to defend against Russian offensives or preserve them for next spring, experts told Business Insider. AdvertisementNow, almost two years into the war, Ukraine has a force of advanced Western tanks at its disposal. Advertisement"These Western type of tanks are qualitatively superior to even the best Russian tanks that the Russians are using in Ukraine," Gentile told Business Insider. There are also questions of whether or not these will be the only Western tanks Ukraine gets, or if there are more in the pipeline.

Persons: Abrams, —, Seth G, Jones, Harold Brown, There's, Gian Gentile, RAND's, Austin Berner Ukraine, M1 Abrams, Gentile, Iraq's, DANIEL LEAL, hasn't, it's, Philipp Schulze, there's, they're Organizations: Russian, Service, Leopards, Transnational, Center for Strategic, International Studies, RAND's Arroyo Center, US Army, Army Staff, Challenger, M1, Soviet, Defense, Ministry of Defence, Getty, Business, Bundeswehr, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Ukrainian, Fort Benning, Ga, Soviet, Russia, Soviet Union, England, Zaporizhzhia, Azov, Crimea, Avdiivka, Russian, Lower Saxony, Bergen

☆ The US Army needs tanks to win a war in the Pacific, but it knows the Abrams isn't the right tank for the job
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But it also knows that rivals are building weapons that are potent against the aging Abrams tank. The Army's main battle tank, the M1 Abrams, now faces two main problems. End of the Abrams eraA US Abrams tank that Iraqi officials said was destroyed in fighting south of Baghdad in April 2003. Threats to the Abrams tank's battlefield dominance, according to the Army Science Board. The Army Science BoardThe Army Science Board assessed various alternatives.

Persons: Abrams, —, China —, Eddie McCrossan, M1A1 Abrams, Scott Nelson, Charles Flynn, Bradley, KARIM SAHIB, Michael Peck Organizations: US Army, Service, Army, Pacific, Rivals, M1 Abrams, Army Science Board, ., Logistics, US Defense Department, Eddie McCrossan Tanks, Nazi, US Army Pacific, Board, for Army, sustainment, China, Abrams, Getty, The Army, Booker, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Europe, Asia, Russia, China, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Britain, America, Russo, Ukraine, East Asia, Japan, Malay, Korean, Vietnam, Kuwaiti, Fulda, East, West Germany, Baghdad, AFP, Pacific, Forbes

☆ China's massive navy is only getting bigger, and the US is looking overseas for help keeping its warships in action
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

For years, the US Navy has struggled to complete repairs of its ships on time. To reduce workload at domestic shipyards and keep ships at sea, the US is looking for help overseas. That number has improved, but delays persist amid other challenges at Navy shipyards. Salvor was the first ship repaired in India following the signing of a Master Ship Repair Agreement with L&T Shipyard. "It's all hands on deck within the free world right now, and I think something like that would simultaneously enhance our ability to repair ships more quickly and also be a deterrent in the Pacific."

Persons: —, MCS3 Brandon Roberson, Biden, USNS Charles Drew, USNS Matthew Perry, Salvor, Fitzgerald, Leonard Adams, Carlos Del Toro, Charles Drew, Del Toro, Joel Garcia Japan, Rahm Emanuel, Emanuel, Harry Harris Jr, Harris, Paul, Wendy Hallmark, Rob Wittman, Wittman, Mike Gallagher, Gallagher Organizations: US Navy, Service, Pentagon, Navy, MCS3 Brandon Roberson Public, Maritime Sealift Command, USNS, Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, USNS Salvor, T Shipyard, Military Sealift Command, Mazgaon, Goa Shipyard, Getty, US, White, National Press, Nikkei Asia, US Military Sealift Command, Pacific Command, USS, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Republican, House Armed Services Committee, Capitol, Strategic Competition Locations: Western, Washington, China, Norfolk, India, Chennai, Shipbuilders, Mumbai, Goa, Japan, Asia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, extremis, USS Minneapolis, St, United States

☆ As China churns out warships, the US Navy is looking for drones and AI to help it pick up the pace at its struggling shipyards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Meanwhile, China's navy is growing thanks to shipyards that churn out naval and commercial ships. The US Navy is now looking for new tools to improve maintenance and reduce delays at its shipyards. AdvertisementAdvertisementWith maintenance backlogs hampering fleet readiness, the US Navy is hoping that autonomous systems and artificial intelligence can fix its overburdened shipyards. The solicitation cited penetrant testing, ultrasonic testing, and magnetic testing as possible solutions. AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the same time, "the Federal Government sees the development of these capabilities as benefiting industrial maintenance activities in partnership with the Navy at commercial shipyards.

Persons: —, PO1 Emmitt, MCS3 Brandon Roberson, Michael Peck Organizations: US Navy, Service, Technologies, DON, Department of, Navy, sustainment, Corpus Christi, Navy Shipyards, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, PO1 Emmitt Hawks, Federal Government, Labor, Office, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Corpus, Pearl, Norfolk, Boise, China, Forbes

☆ Ukraine could soon be a muddy mess, but its new Abrams were made for this fight
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The first batch of US-provided Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine. The heavy tanks are joining the battle just in time for the infamous muddy season, which has bogged down some systems. AdvertisementAdvertisementUkraine's infamous mud season is on the horizon, raising questions about how the country's new Western-made armor, like the heavy US-provided M1A1 Abrams tanks, will perform in the coming muddy mess. AdvertisementAdvertisementAn Abrams tank from 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment pulls security during Combined Resolve XIII at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels, Germany, on Feb. 02, 2002. In order to maintain the Abrams' Honeywell AGT1500 engine, Ukraine will need a consistent support and a solid supply chain able to provide sufficient spare parts.

Persons: Abrams, —, Robert Greenway, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, YEVHEN TITOV, George Barros, Vladimir Putin's, Barros, they've, It's, Omar Marques, Mark Cancian, They're, Greenway, Douglas R, Bush, it's Organizations: Service, Hudson Institute, Army, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, US Army, Soviet, Getty, Institute for, ARIS MESSINIS, Nowa, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Marine Corps, Abrams, Honeywell, US Locations: Ukraine, Germany, Russia, AFP, Ukrainian, Bakhmut, Donbas, Southern Ukraine, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Nowa Deba, Poland, Soviet, Soviet Union, Latvia

☆ Abrams tanks were 'built to kill' Russian armor, but Ukraine has its work cut out for it keeping them in the fight
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Chris Panella | Ryan Pickrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Ukraine has received a first batch of US-provided M1A1 Abrams tanks. It's heavy-duty, combat-proven armor that was built with a very specific mission in mind: killing Russian tanks. The promise to deliver American-made Abrams tanks to Ukraine followed plans from the UK, Germany, and other European partners to provide Ukraine with Challenger and Leopard tanks. AdvertisementAdvertisement"The Abrams was built, A1 and A2 alike, knowing we had to kill many more Russian tanks. AdvertisementAdvertisementUS M1A1 Abrams tanks needed for training the Armed Forces of Ukraine arrive by rail at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 14, 2023.

Persons: Abrams, it's, —, Robert Greenway, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden, M1A1 Abrams, Lance Cpl, Scott Jenkins, Joe Biden, M1A1s, Pat Ryder, Gian Gentile, RAND's, Gentile, Leo, Challenger, Allan Tannenbaum, Greenway, Charlie Company ,, Brendan Mullin, there's, It's, Tylon Chapman, Douglas R, Bush, we've Organizations: US Army, Service, Ukraine, Soviet, Hudson Institute, Army, New York Times, M1A1, Iraq's, Special Forces, Marine Corps M1A1, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Force, US Marine Corps, Kyiv, Pentagon, Challenger, Leopard, Leopards, RAND's Arroyo Center, US, Charlie, Charlie Company , 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, United Arab Emirates, Armed Forces, US Air National Guard, Honeywell, Abrams, Acquisition, Logistics, Technology, M1 Abrams Locations: Ukraine, Soviet, Pohjankangas, Niinisalo, Finland, Scott Jenkins Ukraine, Germany, RAND's Arroyo, Russian, Iraq, Soviet Union, U.S, Kuwait, Grafenwoehr

☆ Ukraine's new defense minister says he wants to rebuild the country's military industrial complex
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Katie Hawkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ukraine's new defense minister says the country is focusing on increasing local arms production. In the meantime, the US has announced another boost to artillery shell production to aid Ukraine. Now, two weeks into the job, Umerov said one of his top priorities is to rebuild Ukraine's cache of ammunition by ramping up local production, using local manufacturers whenever possible, The Economist reported. Umerov said he plans to boost local production by reforming state enterprises and incentivizing private arms manufacturers, which make up between 20% and 30% of local production, according to The Economist. Under Umerov, those private manufacturers could eventually account for as much as 80% of local output within five years, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, told the outlet.

Persons: Rustem Umerov, Umerov, Bill LaPlante, Oleksandr Kamyshin Organizations: US, Service Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Russia

☆ F-35 stealth fighter jets are only capable of flying missions a little over half the time, watchdog finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A new government watchdog report reveals that the F-35 program is plagued by maintenance issues. "Maintenance challenges negatively affect F-35 aircraft readiness," the GAO report said. AdvertisementAdvertisementAn F-35 taxis from the runway onto the flightline after successfully completing a sortie, Dec. 14, 2015, at Luke Air Force Base. A US Air Force F-35 Lightning II flies over the US Central Command area of responsibility, July 17, 2020. US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Duncan C. BevanThere are three variants of the Lockheed Martin F-35.

Persons: —, Duncan C, Bevan, Lockheed Martin Organizations: Service, Government, Office, Fighter, US Marines Corps, GAO, Luke Air Force Base, US Air Force, Pentagon, US Central Command, Lockheed, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Marines Locations: Wall, Silicon, South Carolina

☆ Ukraine is firing up to 7,000 rounds a day, a fraction of the 60,000 shells Russia was firing earlier this year: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine lags far behind Russia in its use and production of artillery shells, according to CNN. Russia fired 60,000 shells a day earlier this year, while Ukraine now fires about 7,000, per CNN. The Ukrainian military wants to fire more than 10,000 rounds a day, according to CNN, which would still remain far below Russia's artillery efforts. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs of July, the US had committed to sending more than two million artillery rounds to Ukraine, while the EU has approved plans to send a quarter of a million rounds. However, it remains unclear how fast European weapon manufacturers can catch up with Russia's production rates.

Persons: Oleksandra Ustinova, Armin Papperfer, Papperfer, Bill LaPlante, Douglas Bush, Bush, Ukraine's Organizations: CNN, Artillery, Service, Rheinmetall, EU, New York Times, Kremlin Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Kyiv, Estonian, Europe, Scandinavian

Away from the front, Ukraine’s war has become a numbers game: who can acquire, make and resupply more tanks, bullets, and, most of all, artillery shells. All in all, Kyiv needs some 1.5 million artillery shells annually, according to the CEO of one of Europe’s largest arms manufacturers, Rheinmetall. By July, the US had supplied more than two million artillery rounds to Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, the Pentagon said. But in February 2023, Europe-wide production of artillery ammunition had a maximum capacity of 300,000 shells annually, Estonian defense officials estimated. The best-case scenario of an increase to making 2.1 million shells annually is still years away from being realized.

Persons: Oleksandra Ustinova, ”, Volodymyr Zelensky, Armin Papperger, Papperger, William LaPlante, Diego Herrera Carcedo, Nammo, LaPlante, Tuuli Duneton, Morten Brandtzæg, “, ” Brandtzæg, you’re, Jérôme, Creuillot, it’s, Jonathan Caverley, hasn’t, Ignacio Marin, Caverley, Josep Borrell Organizations: CNN, Artillery, Rheinmetall, Pentagon, European, NATO, Defense, Anadolu Agency, Getty, Estonian, US Naval War College, EU Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Estonian, United Kingdom, Europe, Brussels, “, Kyiv, ”, Norway, France

☆ The US is boosting production for artillery crucial to Ukraine's forces as it struggles to keep up with Russia's war machine
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Jake Epstein | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The US is ramping up its artillery production to continue aiding Ukraine and resupply its stockpile. A Pentagon official said the US aims to be producing 100,000 155mm artillery shells by 2025. "But every country struggles with munitions production as war goes on beyond a few months." Western officials, meanwhile, believe Russia is on track to manufacture two million artillery shells a year, the Times reported this week. A Ukrainian soldier carries 155mm shells for M777 artillery at a artillery position in the Donetsk Oblast on August 6, 2023.

Persons: Ukraine's, Mark Cancian, Bill LaPlante, that's, LaPlante, Diego Herrera Carcedo, Technology Douglas Bush, Bush, Cancian, Washington, Biden, sooth, Matt Rourke Organizations: Pentagon, Service, Russia, Artillery, Estonian, New York Times, US Marine Corps, Center for Strategic, Studies, Center, New, New American Security, Anadolu Agency, Getty, US Army, Army, Acquisition, Logistics, Technology, Ukraine, Times, White, Scranton Army, AP Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Wall, Silicon, Washington, Europe, New American, Donetsk Oblast, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Scranton, Pa

☆ Ukraine has 14 kinds of howitzers to batter Russian forces, but each gun brings a new problem for Kyiv
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Ukraine has 14," Patrick Hinton, a British Army captain, wrote in a recent article on Ukrainian artillery for the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank. Ukraine's arsenal of towed 155 mm howitzers includes the US M777, British AS-90, France's TRF1, and the British-German-Italian FH-70. For armored self-propelled 155 mm howitzers, Ukraine has received three variants of the American-made M109, plus Germany's PzH 2000, Poland's Krab, and Slovakia's Zuzana 2. To add to the mix, there is France's truck-mounted 155 mm Caesar gun and Lithuania has sent old US-made M101 towed 105 mm howitzers that were designed in 1941. Crash coursesA Ukrainian serviceman in a PzH 2000 155 mm self-propelled howitzer near Bakhmut in June.

Persons: Patrick Hinton, Muhammed Enes Yildirim, France's TRF1, Poland's Krab, ANATOLII STEPANOV, Cannon, Mykhaylo Palinchak, Hinton, Diego Herrera Carcedo, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, Artillery, Russia, British Army, Royal United Services Institute, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Anadolu Agency, Getty, British AS, NATO, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, British, US, Bakhmut, Italian, Lithuania, Czech, AFP, Soviet, Ukrainian, Donetsk, Europe, Forbes

☆ Ukraine's allies are shifting focus from donating weapons to fixing them as Western-supplied armor proves resilient to Russian fire, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Ukraine's allies are shifting focus from donating weapons to repairing what is already there, a report says. Get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in business, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — delivered daily. The US-made mine-resistant armored fighting vehicles have also been hailed by Ukrainian troops as being "almost indestructible." The group coordinates repair facilities and has helped Ukraine set up a supply support effort to help track high-demand spare parts. Since the beginning of the war, scores of countries have committed to sending billions of dollars worth of equipment to Ukraine.

Persons: William LaPlante, Bradley, Serhii Ivanov, Leon Neal, Carl Court, Ukraine's, LaPlante Organizations: Service, Pentagon, Politico, sustainment, German, The, Times Locations: Wall, Silicon, Europe, Ukraine, Russia, London, British, Poland, Nyzhche Solone, Kharkiv oblast

☆ Biggest threat to Ukraine in battle right now is minefields, not Russia's superior airpower, top US general says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But the biggest threat to Kyiv's troops right now are minefields, the top US general said this week. The biggest of these hurdles for Kyiv's forces are sprawling minefields and not Russia's superior airpower capabilities, the top US general said this week. "They're from minefields — minefields that are covered with direct fire from anti-tank hunter-killer teams, that sort of thing." Ukraine, however, is also having similar problems with Russian air defenses, leaving the air space over Ukraine contested. In some instances, Kyiv's troops have even been forced to abandon the heavy armor they received from the West and make advances on foot.

Persons: Mark Milley, Ercin Erturk, Milley, they've, —, Velyka Novosilka, Diego Herrera Carcedo, It's Organizations: Service, Joint Chiefs, Staff, 35th Marine Brigade, Anadolu Agency, Getty Locations: Wall, Silicon, Ukraine, Russian, Donetsk, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Russia

☆ US Senator Warren, others warn against L3Harris plan to buy Aerojet
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat and frequent merger critic, joined three other lawmakers on Tuesday to urge the Defense Department to thoroughly review defense contractor L3Harris Technologies' (LHX.N) $4.7 billion deal for Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings (AJRD.N). The letter was sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. In addition to Warren, the letter was signed by Representatives Chris Deluzio, John Garamendi and Mark Pocan. With the Ukraine war driving up demand for missiles and defense systems, Aerojet became an attractive takeover target. Aerojet develops and manufactures liquid and solid rocket propulsion and hypersonic engines for space, defense, civil and commercial applications.

Persons: Elizabeth Warren, Warren, Lockheed Martin, Lloyd Austin, William LaPlante, Chris Deluzio, John Garamendi, Mark Pocan, Aerojet, Diane Bartz, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Defense Department, L3Harris Technologies, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, The Defense Department, Raytheon, Boeing, Defense, L3 Technologies, Harris Corp, United, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, United States

☆ The National Guard says it's struggling to hire because workers are being lured in by Wendy's, Amazon, and FedEx instead
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The National Guard says it's struggling to hire as big private companies boost pay and benefits. Maj. Marco Irenze said, per a press release by the National Guard Association of the United States last month. Across all private nonfarm jobs, workers in production and nonsupervisory roles earned $28.75 an hour in May on average, per preliminary seasonally-adjusted BLS data. "This is the most challenging recruiting environment the Department of Defense has probably ever faced," Col. Anthony Pasquale, the chief of the Air Guard's recruiting & retention division, said, per the press release. As well as high wages in other industries luring workers away from the military, the pandemic also made it harder for the National Guard to recruit in traditional ways such as at high schools, the National Guard Association said.

Persons: it's, —, Carl's, Marco Irenze, Irenze, didn't, Col, Anthony Pasquale Organizations: National Guard, Wendy's, UPS, FedEx, Microsoft, Service, Nevada Guard, National Guard Association of, Nevada Guard's, Battalion, Washington Air Guard's, Mobile, Illinois Army Guard's Woodstock Sustainment Program, Workers, Employers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Defense, Air, Air Guard, National Guard Association Locations: Amazon, United States, Nevada

☆ The destruction of a major dam near Kherson could be a game-changer for Ukraine's special operators
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But the flooding altered nearby shorelines and waterways, which may end up aiding Ukrainian forces. "While Russia may now see the terrain south of Kherson as safe, Ukrainian special operators should see opportunity. Alex Babenko/Getty ImagesNew and larger waterways will make it easier for Ukrainian special operators to move men and equipment around by boat. Ukraine's commandos and amphibious operationsThe collapsed Antonovskiy Bridge over Dnieper River in Kherson City, seen after Russian troops withdrew in November. They could also be used to distract Russian forces by launching diversionary raids elsewhere on the battlefield.

Persons: —, Maxym, Timothy Heck, Zachary Griffiths, Alex Babenko, Heck, Griffiths, GENYA SAVILOV, Narciso Contreras, Boyd Belcher, Stavros Atlamazoglou Organizations: Service, Getty, Ukraine, Modern, Institute, Ukraine's 73rd Naval Center of Special, Navy, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images, NATO, White, US Defense Department, Tech, Bradley, Leopard, Hellenic Army, 575th Marine Battalion, Army, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins, School, International Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Soviet, Russian, Kherson, Ukrainian, Kherson oblast, West, Crimea, AFP, Donbas, Kherson City, Germany's, Johns

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