Estonian Combat Robots in Ukraine Enhanced with Starlink Connectivity

 

Estonian-made THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Ukraine are now equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity, allowing for remote operation from thousands of kilometers away. This development was announced by Milrem Robotics, the manufacturer of these vehicles, which is based in Estonia and owned by a United Arab Emirates company.

A specially equipped THeMIS vehicle will be showcased at the upcoming Eurosatory 2024 trade show, according to the company’s statement. The THeMIS variant designed for cargo transportation will utilize Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. To date, Milrem has supplied more than a dozen THeMIS vehicles to Ukrainian forces.

For the integration of this new feature, Milrem collaborated with Dutch data link firm AEC Skyline. The company emphasized that with satellite connectivity, the THeMIS robotic vehicle can efficiently transmit data, receive commands, and relay critical information in real-time, regardless of its battlefield location.

Starlink's ground terminals, essential for using the satellite system, were first shipped to Kyiv shortly after Russia's invasion in February 2022. By June 2023, there were tens of thousands of these terminals in Ukraine, including 500 provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Starlink satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, less than 600 kilometers (370 miles) above Earth, which enhances the performance of the system.

Recently, Russian Telegram channels posted images purportedly showing a damaged, captured THeMIS combat robot. Milrem declined to comment on the images but acknowledged awareness of the situation.

Romania Initiates Major Expansion of Strategic Air Base Near Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

 

The Romanian government has launched a significant expansion and modernization project for the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, situated less than 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This multibillion-euro initiative aims to upgrade the base, which has been hosting U.S. forces since 1999, with new military equipment and infrastructure.

Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr announced the project on June 11 during a ceremony at the base. The expansion includes constructing a new runway, a guard tower, and additional hangars to accommodate existing and future military assets. The total cost is estimated at €2.5 billion (approximately $2.7 billion).

Col. Nicolae Cretu, the base commander, explained that the decision to expand the base stems from Russia's actions in Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. Romania’s plans for the base have been in place since 2018, well before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Romania is currently focused on acquiring short-range and very-short-range air defense systems, with planned expenditures up to $2.1 billion. Additionally, the country received two more Patriot batteries last year, bringing the total to four, and is participating in the European Sky Shield Initiative to procure up to 1,000 Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T missiles.

The strategic location of the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has been crucial for Romania and NATO allies, particularly noted during the Iraq war for projecting force over long distances. Recent enhancements have included hosting NATO Enhanced Air Policing missions and the first deployment of Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

Romanian media suggested the modernization could result in a facility comparable in size to Germany's Ramstein Air Base, though this has not been officially confirmed. With its access to the Black Sea and proximity to Russian territory, the air base remains a pivotal asset for NATO operations in the region.

Taiwan Tracks 241 Chinese Incursions in June Amid Rising Tensions and Security Breaches

 In June, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported tracking 241 instances of Chinese military activity, with 132 aircraft and 109 naval/coast guard vessels entering Taiwan's air and maritime zones. Between 6 a.m. on June 12 and 6 a.m. on June 13, 23 Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected near Taiwan, with 19 aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan’s eastern and southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed fighters, naval ships, and coastal missile systems.

In a separate incident, a Chinese man was arrested after illegally entering Taiwanese waters on a speedboat. The man, identified as 60-year-old former Chinese navy captain Ruan, was suspected of testing Taiwan’s defenses. Despite being detected, no action was taken until the boat disrupted ferry traffic on the Tamsui River.

Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Chairman, Kuan Bi-ling, described Ruan as “quite refined and well-presented.” Chinese authorities claimed Ruan acted independently and would be punished upon his return.

China views Taiwan as a renegade province and tensions are high. Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, suggested the incident might be part of China’s “grey zone” tactics, which aim to exhaust the enemy without direct confrontation. Similar incidents have occurred, with Chinese fishing boats often expelled from Taiwan-controlled waters.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) faced criticism for failing to intercept Ruan’s boat, leading to the reprimand of about 10 officials. CGA Director-General Chang Chung-lung cited human error, not system flaws, as the cause. Radar operators initially mistook the speedboat for a Taiwanese fishing vessel.

China’s frequent incursions and the recent speedboat incident highlight the growing tension and the need for vigilant defense measures around Taiwan’s waters.

How Truck-Mounted Howitzers Like Caesar and Atmos Revolutionize Modern Artillery in Ukraine

 French artillery engineers came up with a straightforward yet effective concept: mount a powerful gun on a truck to create cost-efficient, self-propelled artillery. This idea has proven highly effective on the Ukrainian battlefield, prompting Western militaries to reconsider their artillery strategies.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of long-range artillery, a key focus at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris starting June 17. Charles Beaudouin, a retired French general and head of the event, emphasized the necessity for artillery mobility due to threats from drones and rapid counter-battery fire. He highlighted the KNDS France’s Caesar howitzer, mounted on a truck, as a prime example of this trend.

“The advantage of the wheeled cannon is its maximum efficiency,” Beaudouin told Defense News. “You lose nothing in terms of firepower, rate of fire, precision, or range, and you gain a nimble, stealthy vehicle.”

Beaudouin’s support for the Caesar is well-founded, as at least nine other countries, including the UK and Germany, have invested in self-propelled wheeled howitzers recently, influenced by the Ukrainian experience. Paul Daniels, a defense industry consultant, noted a growing focus on these systems due to their performance in Ukraine.

Modern battlefield threats like loitering munitions and precision-guided shells have highlighted the critical need for mobility, as demonstrated by the Israeli firm Elbit Systems’ Atmos howitzer. These systems can quickly move into position, fire multiple rounds, and relocate swiftly—a tactic known as “shoot and scoot.”

KNDS has reported increased interest in the Caesar, partly due to Russian soldiers’ reports of its effectiveness. The Caesar's agility allows it to evade Russian forces, making it particularly feared.

Drone surveillance in Ukraine has forced artillery crews to camouflage their positions or move immediately after firing to avoid retaliatory strikes. Gen. James Rainey of the U.S. Army Futures Command noted the future battlefield’s sensor saturation will make hiding nearly impossible. The U.S. Army is thus reconsidering its artillery modernization, looking at European wheeled howitzers for their range, mobility, and effectiveness.

Recent advancements in artillery technology have made wheeled systems like the Caesar and Atmos highly desirable. The U.S. Army tested these systems, along with others, for competitive evaluation in 2021, noting their longer range compared to current U.S. and Russian systems.

The demand for these systems has surged due to the immediate need highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. European countries, among others, have turned to wheeled artillery for their mobility and survivability advantages. Eurosatory will showcase several of these systems, including the new Caesar MkII and various other models.

Truck-mounted artillery has gained global popularity, with countries like Turkey and China developing their own versions. Recent purchases by Belgium, Brazil, the UK, and Germany further underscore the trend towards wheeled systems.

The cost benefits of wheeled over tracked artillery are significant, with lower purchase, operation, and maintenance costs. Wheeled systems also offer greater mobility due to their lighter weight, enhancing their tactical advantages on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian conflict has demonstrated the effectiveness of wheeled artillery in a high-intensity war, with the Caesar and other similar systems proving their worth against traditional tracked artillery. This shift in military strategy highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing importance of mobility and rapid response in artillery operations.

USS Connecticut Submarine Accident Highlights Detection Vulnerabilities in South China Sea

 

The USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine, encountered a significant mishap during a classified mission in October 2021, revealing vulnerabilities despite its advanced stealth technology. This incident, which took place in the South China Sea (SCS), led to extensive investigations aiming to uncover the reasons behind the accident.

On the fateful day, the USS Connecticut struck a seamount while cruising at high speed in the northern SCS, tarnishing the reputation of one of the US Navy's most powerful and expensive submarines. The incident prompted calls for a thorough investigation, especially given China's criticism of the US's opaqueness and irresponsibility regarding the event's specifics.

A recent Chinese study, led by engineer Li Yuhang of the 713th Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, provided new insights. The researchers used real-world data from Chinese sensors in the SCS to examine water surface wakes. Published in the Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics on May 27, the study found that submarines like the SSN-22, traveling at depths of 100 meters and speeds over 20 knots, can create detectable surface ripples, potentially revealing their position.

This groundbreaking finding challenged previous assumptions about modern submarine invincibility and highlighted the delicate balance of power in the region. The study's results were the first to use real SCS data to systematically analyze the water surface response to submarine movement.

The US Navy's investigation into the accident identified multiple failures in navigation planning, execution, and risk management as the cause. The investigation revealed that the USS Connecticut’s navigation review team had failed to identify and mark at least ten underwater hazards and had incorrectly assessed the operating area as open. This led to a significant period of inactivity for the submarine due to damage, with eleven sailors sustaining minor injuries.

The incident also reignited US-China tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea. On October 2, 2021, the USS Connecticut struck an object in international waters during China's National Day celebrations, coinciding with heightened military drills by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan. The PLA's air activity saw a significant increase, escalating tensions further.

Technological advancements in wake detection have also played a role in understanding the incident. Recent progress in AI and anti-submarine radar technology, including the development of a 6G radar capable of detecting minute submarine ripples, has improved the ability to locate submarines. Chinese researchers reported a 96 percent accuracy rate in detecting submarine wakes using AI, highlighting the growing sophistication of detection systems.

In conclusion, the USS Connecticut's collision has underscored the evolving dynamics of undersea warfare, where stealth alone is no longer sufficient. The incident has marked a significant moment in the race for technological superiority in the challenging environment of the South China Sea, influencing the future of submarine operations.

Ukraine Targets Russian Air Defenses in Preparation for F-16 Fighter Jet Arrival

 

Ukrainian forces are ramping up efforts to degrade Russian air defense systems in anticipation of receiving F-16 fighter jets later this year, according to the latest analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The June 12 report from the US-based think tank highlights Ukraine's strategic campaign to weaken Russian defenses, potentially allowing for more effective use of manned fixed-wing aircraft in the ongoing conflict.

The assessment details recent Ukrainian military actions targeting critical Russian air defense installations. On the night of June 11-12, Ukrainian forces successfully struck an S-300 air defense battery and two S-400 batteries near the occupied areas of Belbek and Sevastopol in Crimea. Geolocated images released on June 12 confirm the damage, including the destruction of an S-400 radar system south of occupied Dzhankoi and damaged S-300 assets north of occupied Yevpatoria. These strikes support earlier reports from Ukraine’s General Staff about successful attacks on Russian air defense assets.

Kostiantyn Nemichev, founder of the Kraken Regiment of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), confirmed on June 12 that Ukrainian forces used HIMARS to destroy four Russian S-300 systems in Belgorod Oblast. Although Nemichev did not specify the exact dates, this action caused Russia to redeploy air defense assets from Crimea to Belgorod Oblast in early June 2024, reducing air defense coverage around Crimea.

Additionally, DIU spokesperson Andrii Yusov corrected earlier reports about drone strikes on the Akhtubinsk air base in Astrakhan Oblast, clarifying on June 12 that two Russian Su-57 fighter aircraft were damaged between June 7-8, not just one as initially reported. The S-300/S-400 air defense systems and Su-57 fighters are crucial for Russia’s efforts to restrict Ukrainian air operations and support its offensive activities in Ukraine.

The ISW assessment suggests these Ukrainian strikes are part of a broader strategy to weaken Russian air defenses before the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, expected to start in small quantities during the summer and fall of 2024. The report states, “Ukrainian forces may seek to actively degrade Russian air defenses before Ukraine receives a significant number of aircraft in order to set conditions for Ukraine’s future use of manned fixed-wing airpower closer to frontline areas.”

ISW believes that successful weakening of Russian air defenses, combined with sufficient fighter jets and trained pilots, could enable Ukraine to integrate fixed-wing aircraft more effectively to support ground forces.

Challenges for Ukraine Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged to supply Ukraine with over 80 US-made F-16 fighter jets to strengthen its defense against Russian attacks. The addition of these F-16s will significantly enhance Ukraine’s air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. However, the war has shown that no single platform, even one as capable as the F-16, can single-handedly secure victory for Ukraine. The critical factor will be how these aircraft are integrated into a broader combat strategy.

Experts have noted that Ukrainian pilots who are not well-versed in proper tactics for using these advanced fighters will not fully benefit from the capabilities of a fourth-generation aircraft. Retired US Air Force Brigadier General John Teichert explained that the US approach to deploying new weapons involves extensive education, training, and combat exercises to ensure proficiency. While Ukrainian pilots are being trained to operate these fighters, achieving the same level of proficiency as American aviators in the near term will be nearly impossible.

Moreover, the issue of pilot training has recently come to the forefront. Western officials have indicated that Ukraine will continue to face material and training constraints, likely preventing it from utilizing fixed-wing airpower on a large scale in 2024. Both Ukrainian and Western officials have stated that it will take considerable time to adequately train enough Ukrainian pilots and equip Ukrainian forces with the approximately 150 F-16s needed to achieve air superiority to support ground operations.

Yet, Ukrainian officials have outlined their plans to use F-16s and other fixed-wing aircraft to limit Russian aviation activities. Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Ilya Yevlash mentioned that just two F-16 squadrons, roughly 18 aircraft, could significantly impact the situation in Ukrainian airspace.

The ISW noted, “These restraints should not fundamentally constrain Ukraine’s ability to leverage airpower at scale in the long run, however, should Ukraine’s Western partners lean into supporting Ukraine’s air domain and deep strike capabilities.”