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.

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.”

NATO Fighter Pilots Hone Dogfighting Skills Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

Last week, over three dozen fighter pilots from nine NATO countries gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany for a unique U.S.-led exercise focused on sharpening air-to-air combat skills and enhancing coordination among allies. The "Ramstein 1v1" event saw pilots from the U.S., U.K., Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany engage in basic fighter maneuvers, commonly known as dogfighting. This high-stakes exercise required pilots to make rapid decisions and demonstrate quick reflexes, utilizing a variety of aircraft, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, French Rafales, F/A-18 Hornets, and A-4 Skyhawks.

This event marked a first for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, transforming Ramstein, typically a military airlift hub, into a fighter base for the day. Lt. Col. Michael Loringer, USAFE’s chief of weapons and tactics, emphasized the importance of such exercises for building fundamental combat skills, reaction time, physical stamina, and situational awareness. He noted that one-on-one dogfighting is critical for building trust in both a pilot's abilities and their aircraft.

The exercise took place as Russia continues to gain ground in Ukraine, in the third year of the conflict. This context has heightened the focus of the U.S. military and its allies on improving aerial combat skills to prepare for potential conflicts with advanced air forces from Russia and China.

In line with these preparations, the Air Force revived the "William Tell" aerial shooter competition last September after a nearly two-decade hiatus due to high operational demands in the Middle East. Air Combat Command has indicated plans for a 2025 William Tell competition, though dates are not yet confirmed. Additionally, NATO pilots will apply their refined offensive and defensive maneuvers at the upcoming Ramstein Flag exercise in Greece at the end of 2024, according to USAFE Commander Gen. James Hecker.

Despite the preparations, Gen. Hecker expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Russia, stressing the importance of having capable forces to deter aggression. The recent exercise at Ramstein also highlighted cooperation and mutual support among NATO allies. U.S. airmen from RAF Lakenheath in England supported the Royal Norwegian Air Force's F-35s, while the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein managed installation support and flight operations.

The exercise emphasized readiness and trust-building, culminating in a day of flying and a piano burning ceremony to honor fallen fighter pilots, a tradition dating back to World War II. Lt. Col. Loringer underscored the significance of trust and teamwork, noting that successful military operations often depend on these critical elements. 

Ukraine to Station F-16s in NATO Countries Amid Russian Threats

 

As Ukraine prepares to receive its first batch of F-16 Fighting Falcons, it plans to station some of these jets at NATO bases outside of Ukraine to protect them from potential Russian attacks. Serhii Holubtsov, a senior official at the Ukrainian Air Force Command, revealed this strategy in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). He explained that keeping a number of F-16s at secure foreign bases will ensure they are not targeted within Ukraine, serving as a reserve for maintenance and replacement needs.

Holubtsov did not specify the exact number of aircraft to be stationed abroad but emphasized that the availability of trained pilots would determine how many F-16s remain in Ukraine. Several NATO countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, have pledged to supply dozens of F-16s to Ukraine. The first Danish F-16s are expected to arrive this summer, with some Western aircraft remaining at training facilities outside Ukraine for pilot training and other aviation staff.

Holubtsov noted that reserve aircraft at foreign bases would replace damaged ones sent for repairs and be used for pilot training. However, a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) identified bottlenecks in training Ukrainian pilots, with limited capacity at Western training facilities in the US, Denmark, and Romania.

The threat from Russia has escalated with frequent warnings from Moscow. Sergey Shmotyev, Director General of the Russian company Fores, has offered a reward of 15 million rubles ($168,000) for shooting down the first F-16 in Ukraine. Russia maintains that the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine won't significantly alter the conflict, as its long-range missiles can target almost all Ukrainian airfields. Former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu claimed that Russian air defenses could shoot down all F-16s within 20 days of their arrival in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that F-16s would be legitimate targets if used against Russian troops from third-country airfields. This has heightened concerns about escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO. Despite these threats, Putin asserted that Russia has no aggressive intentions towards NATO member states but will destroy any F-16s provided to Ukraine, just as it does with tanks and other military equipment.

While Holubtsov did not confirm whether the F-16s stationed abroad would be used to attack Russia, the strategy underscores Ukraine's cautious approach in safeguarding its new assets.

After F-16, France to Supply Ukraine with Mirage 2000-5 Jets and Train Pilots by End of Year

 

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will provide Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine and begin pilot training this summer, aiming for completion by the year's end. Macron revealed this in an interview with TF1 and France 2 during the D-Day commemorations in Normandy, where he was joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

France is forming a coalition with other nations to supply the jets, similar to the European coalition providing Ukraine with F-16 fighters. Macron stated, "We will launch a new cooperation program and transfer Mirage 2000-5 jets to enable Ukraine to defend its territory and airspace. Pilot training will start immediately, followed by the aircraft transfer."

The Mirage 2000-5, produced by Dassault Aviation, is an advanced air defense variant with enhanced radar and compatibility with Mica air-to-air missiles and Scalp cruise missiles, the latter already supplied to Ukraine. Macron did not specify the number of jets but mentioned details would be shared when Zelenskyy visits Paris.

"The critical factor is the training duration, typically five to six months. We'll propose to President Zelenskyy that pilots start training this summer in France, so they can operate the aircraft by year-end," Macron added.

Other countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also pledged to supply F-16 jets to Ukraine, with pilot training ongoing in various European nations.

Additionally, France plans to train and equip a brigade of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers. Macron noted that training on Ukrainian soil, particularly in the western regions, would not escalate tensions with Russia.

Macron emphasized that Ukraine has the right to use French weapons to target Russian positions attacking Ukraine, stating, "Restricting such use would prevent Ukrainians from defending against bombings. The limit is dictated by Russian actions."

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu and several defense firms, including KNDS, Thales, MBDA, Dassault Aviation, and Arquus, in Paris. He will also sign a letter of intent with KNDS to establish a unit in Ukraine, according to the Armed Forces Ministry.

Russia Issues Nuclear Threats if NATO-Backed F-16s Strike Within Its Borders

 

As NATO's support for Ukraine grows, Russia has issued a stark warning to "small countries with dense populations" about the potential for nuclear retaliation if F-16 jets hit targets inside Russia. This follows comments from the Dutch Foreign Minister suggesting that F-16 fighters from the Netherlands could be used for such strikes.

On May 31, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot stated that the Netherlands would not object if Ukraine used the supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike Russian targets in self-defense. "If you have the right to self-defense, there are no borders for the use of weapons. This is a general principle," Bruins Slot said during an informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague.

Denmark has taken a similar stance, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen noting that it is fair for Ukraine to use Danish-supplied F-16s to target military objectives within Russia. Rasmussen emphasized that Ukraine was not given carte blanche to invade Russia but to target military installations strategically.

Ukraine is set to receive F-16s from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, with the United States approving the transfer. However, Washington's approval may be needed for combat operations targeting Russian territory, as these fighters were originally sold by the US.

Social media is abuzz with speculation that F-16s will soon strike Russia, despite no official acknowledgment from the Pentagon. Pro-Ukraine bloggers and analysts express widespread jubilation over this possibility. The statements from Dutch and Danish officials reflect a growing consensus within NATO to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons.

Recent indications suggest that the US may have permitted Ukraine to use American munitions to strike Russia, with President Joe Biden authorizing such strikes near Kharkiv. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed this on May 31, noting that the US would "adapt and adjust" to future Ukrainian requests for strikes within Russia.

Blinken did not specify if F-16s could be used for these strikes. The Biden Administration has so far refrained from allowing Ukraine to use long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit Russian targets. Other NATO allies, including France and Germany, have also authorized strikes within Russian territory, led by French President Emmanuel Macron's support for Kyiv's right to neutralize Russian military bases launching attacks into Ukraine.

These decisions come amid Ukrainian leaders' claims that restrictions on their use of weapons have allowed Russia to attack with impunity. Russia has responded with strong warnings, emphasizing its nuclear capabilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "serious consequences" due to the escalating situation, particularly for European countries with small territories and dense populations. During a visit to Uzbekistan, Putin highlighted the risks of such nations considering strikes deep into Russian territory.

On May 31, Andrei Kartapolov, Head of the Defense Committee in the Russian lower house, stated that Moscow would respond asymmetrically to any attacks using US-supplied weaponry. Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev also reiterated that Russia's threats of using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine are serious, cautioning that the conflict with the West could escalate into a full-scale war.

Western leaders have hesitated to supply certain weapon systems and authorize their use against Russia to avoid triggering a broader conflict between NATO and Russia. However, with Russia's ongoing aggressive actions and advances into Kharkiv, NATO states are increasingly supporting the use of long-range Western weapons to counter the Russian threat.

Ukraine Gets Green Light to Use F-16s for Strikes on Russian Territory

 Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Ukraine is authorized to use Danish-supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets within Russian territory, provided these actions comply with the rules of war. Speaking on May 30 in Brussels, Rasmussen stressed that as long as the strikes focus on military installations, they remain within international law.

In July 2023, Denmark and the Netherlands formed a "fighter coalition" to support Ukraine, pledging to supply F-16s and offer essential training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians. This decision is part of a broader Western debate about removing restrictions on the use of Western weapons on Russian soil. Despite concerns from Washington and Berlin, Rasmussen emphasized that this initiative is not a "blank check" for indiscriminate attacks but aims to reduce Russia's offensive capabilities.

Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, warned that using Danish weapons on Russian territory could escalate the conflict uncontrollably. Nonetheless, Denmark and several other nations advocate for lifting these restrictions, asserting that Ukraine must defend itself against assaults.

Currently, eleven Western countries, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, have agreed to permit Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory using their arms. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also endorsed this approach after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons "within international law" against Russian military bases.

The Danish F-16s, acquired in the 1980s, are advanced multirole fighter jets known for their versatility and sophisticated avionics. They can carry various weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The F-16s, powered by either Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 turbofan engines, achieve speeds over Mach 2 and have a combat radius of about 340 miles with internal fuel, extendable with external tanks and aerial refueling.

Earlier this week, Belgium announced it would supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets, with the first deliveries expected this year. This brings the total number of F-16s committed to Ukraine to 85, including contributions from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Ukrainian pilots are currently training in the USA, Denmark, and Romania to operate these jets.

Sweden Donates AEW&C Aircraft to Ukraine, Enhancing F-16 Capabilities Amid Threats from Russian MiG-31BM

In a major and unexpected move, Sweden has announced it will supply Ukraine with two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft as part of a new SEK 13.3 billion ($1.25 billion) military aid package. This aid marks Sweden's largest support package to date, aiming to bolster collective air defense capabilities. The announcement came on May 29, when the Swedish government detailed its "Military Support Package 16," with the Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, also known as the S 100D Argus or ASC 890, being the central component.

The Swedish Ministry of Defense stated that these aircraft would provide Ukraine with a new capability for airborne radar reconnaissance and combat control against air and sea targets, significantly enhancing Kyiv's long-range detection and targeting abilities. Equipped with advanced Erieye radars based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, these aircraft will revolutionize Ukraine’s surveillance capabilities.

Currently, the Swedish Air Force operates only two of these sophisticated surveillance planes. The aid package indicates that one or both of these planes will be transferred to Kyiv, temporarily reducing Sweden’s AEW&C capability. To address this, Stockholm will expedite the acquisition of an additional Saab GlobalEye platform and accelerate the delivery of two units already on order, with the first new aircraft expected by 2027.

Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Pal Jonson, noted that sending the planes followed intensive discussions with coalition countries and emphasized that the ASC 890 aircraft would significantly bolster Ukrainian air defense. These advanced aircraft will complement the F-16 fighter jets to be supplied by Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, forming a robust air force coalition for Ukraine. The timeline for the delivery of the ASC 890 aircraft has not been specified.

AEW&C Aircraft for Ukraine

The deployment of these AEW&C aircraft holds significant strategic value. They offer extensive overhead surveillance, crucial for detecting low-flying threats like Russian drones and cruise missiles that often evade conventional radar systems. The Saab 340 AEW&C will play a vital role in coordinating F-16 fighter operations by detecting, prioritizing, and guiding targets for interception, thus enhancing Ukraine's defense posture.

Valerii Romanenko, a leading researcher at the National Aviation University of Ukraine, emphasized the transformative impact of these aircraft, highlighting their ability to unlock the full potential of the multi-role F-16 fighters. The Saab 340’s integration with the NATO-standard Link 16 datalink communications system ensures seamless coordination with allied air defense systems, providing a comprehensive air defense picture and targeting data to compatible systems both airborne and on the ground.

Russian Threats and AEW&C Vulnerability

Despite their operational advantages, AEW&C systems are vulnerable to hostile actions. Earlier this year, the Russian Air Force lost two Beriev A-50 AWACS planes to Ukrainian missile attacks, underscoring the strategic importance and susceptibility of these aircraft. The Saab 340 AEW&C, with a detection range of up to 450 km, would need to operate within Ukrainian airspace to be effective, making them targets for Russian MiG-31BM and Su-57 fighters armed with R-37 air-to-air missiles, which have a range of 300 kilometers.

While the MiG-31BM presents a detectable threat, the Su-57’s advanced stealth capabilities pose a significant detection challenge. Additionally, the R-37M missiles are exceedingly difficult to evade. The Mikoyan MiG-31BM interceptors near the Russia-Ukraine border extend the threat radius across Ukrainian airspace, often forcing Ukrainian fighter pilots to abort missions. The relatively slower and less agile Saab 340 is more vulnerable compared to the four-engine A-50, which can reach higher speeds and altitudes.

Conclusion

The introduction of Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine’s military will significantly enhance its surveillance and defense capabilities. However, these gains come with increased vulnerability to advanced Russian fighter jets and missile systems. The balance of power in the region will be closely monitored as these developments unfold. 

Dutch F-35s Replace F-16s in NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert: Nuclear-Capable Interceptors on Standby

 On March 29, Dutch F-35s assumed the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties previously held by F-16s, signaling a shift towards retiring the latter. Tasked with guarding the airspace over Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, these F-35s from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) will rotate until May 9, with Belgian Air Force taking over thereafter.

NATO's QRA involves fighter aircraft scrambling to investigate potential airspace violations, requiring coordinated responses between reporting centers and pilots. The F-35's advanced capabilities, including powerful radar, stealth, and sensor fusion, make it a formidable interceptor, capable of identifying and engaging enemy aircraft before detection.

Operating from Leeuwarden and Volkel Air Base, the RNLAF's F-35As replace the aging F-16s, part of the phased transition towards a fleet of 52 F-35As. These aircraft, equipped with modern technology, ensure continuous readiness for rapid interception, particularly crucial amidst heightened tensions with Russia.

Despite past issues, including crashes and cost overruns, the F-35's cutting-edge features are acknowledged even by Russia-leaning experts. Furthermore, recent certification allows the F-35A to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb, making it a dual-capable aircraft. However, this capability is currently limited to a new variant of the bomb, gradually replacing older versions.

Notably, the Dutch and Belgian air bases hosting these aircraft are also among the six NATO bases storing US-owned nuclear weapons, highlighting the strategic significance of these deployments. While details remain undisclosed, it's expected that all F-35As in the Dutch inventory will eventually be nuclear-capable, reflecting the need for operational redundancy.

Romania Ratifies U.S. Missile Shield Agreement

BUCHAREST, Romania- The Romanian parliament ratified an accord to host U.S. missile interceptors on its soil on Dec. 6, a day before a meeting of the 28 NATO members in Brussels.

The Senate unanimously adopted the draft law ratifying the Romania-U.S. agreement signed in September that would allow the establishment and operation of a U.S. land-based ballistic missile defense system in Romania as part of NATO's efforts to build a continental missile shield.

"The location of some elements of the U.S. missile shield represents a very important contribution to the security of Romania, the U.S. and the entire alliance," Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi told senators, according to Mediafax news agency.

The draft law was adopted by the lower house in November and is now set to be promulgated by President Traian Basescu.

The deployment of the missile interceptors is expected to take place in 2015 at a former airbase in southern Romania.

The missile shield, which is based on U.S. technology, is one of the transatlantic alliance's main development axes for the coming years, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

Along with Romania, Turkey, Poland and Spain have also agreed to take part in the project.

EU May Use Brussels HQ for Horn of Africa Ops

BRUSSELS - EU foreign affairs ministers are considering using a civil-military headquarters in Brussels for small-scale operations off the Horn of Africa.

In conclusions to their meeting here Dec. 1, they say they have agreed "to accelerate planning for the activation of an EU Civil-Military Operations Centre for Horn of Africa operations, at the latest by the next Foreign Affairs Council."

The next EU affairs meeting is scheduled for late January. Currently EU operations have their HQs in individual member states.

According to an EU ministers statement, "When the nature of the operation does not require a national HQ, the Council stands ready to activate on an ad-hoc basis the Operations Centre in accordance with its terms of reference for a specific Common and Security Defence Policy [CSDP] Operation."

The decision appears to signal a U-turn in the U.K.'s stance on the issue. Back in the summer, Catherine Ashton, the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, proposed an EU HQ for planning and carrying out EU military and civil missions abroad. In July, U.K. Foreign Affairs Minister William Hague said, "the U.K. will block any such move now and in the future."

The EU is currently running two operations in the Horn of Africa - the Atalanta counterpiracy mission and the EU training mission in Somalia. The Brussels' operations center may be used for any new, small-scale contributions to the Horn of Africa, such as building regional maritime capacity, said an official from the EU's Military Staff.

Where the EU has an existing command structure, such as Atalanta at the Northwood HQ in the U.K., an official from the EU Military Staff said "there is no intention of changing a working system on conduct.

"For Atalanta in particular, they are extremely well-placed in Northwood - allowing synergies with the NATO counterpiracy operation - and the scale of the command is far outside of the capacity of the Brussels' operations center," he added.

"We need to help regions [off the Horn of Africa] conduct counterpiracy themselves," Lt. Gen. Ton Van Osch, director-general of the European Union Military Staff, told Defense News in an interview. "A new line of EU action is to help countries develop their own coast guards and navies. Here, the EU military could do the training as part of a civilian mission if the political and security committee decided on a mission."

In the interview, Van Osch gives his views on various issues, including pooling and sharing proposals relating to air-to-air refueling and smart munitions.

On pooling and sharing, ministers recalled "the need to develop cooperation on military capabilities on a longer term and more systematic basis," and stressed the need "to further examine the impact of reduced defense spending on capabilities, including its possible impact on key industrial and technological capacities to be maintained and developed in Europe."

The ministers also encouraged further coordination between the European Defence Agency and the European Commission, "in particular in the field of Research and Technology, in particular regarding the new European Framework Programme for Research and Technology (Horizon 2020)."

They also recalled the commitment of the EU defense chiefs to establish or widen collaborative pooling and sharing projects by mid-2012, urged member states to take on the role of lead nation for concrete projects, and "will assess the progress made in April 2012."

They also stressed "the need to further analyze and address the constraints related to the availability, usability and deployability of existing military capabilities in CSDP operations and missions."

In addition, they bemoaned the fact that, in the first semester of 2012, "only one [EU] battlegroup will be on stand-by" and called for "efforts in order to remedy such shortfalls in the future."

EDA To Set Up Pilot European Satellite Procurement Cell

BRUSSELS - National defense ministers from 26 of the European Union's 27 member states (Denmark has an opt-out) have granted the European Defence Agency (EDA) a budget of 30.5 million euros ($40.7 million) in 2012 and agreed the agency should set up a pilot European satellite communication procurement cell.

Despite a considerable amount of talk about the importance of EU member states pooling and sharing more military capabilities and the ongoing financial crisis, there was precious little agreement on concrete initiatives with specific timelines.

At a news conference Nov. 30, EDA Chief Executive Claude-France Arnould described satellite communications as a "key enabler of any operation," allowing "soldiers to communicate, ships to navigate, HQ to operate in theater."

The new procurement cell will involve six to eight member states including the U.K., said Arnould.

It will be up and running straight away. Currently, member states spend about 3 million to 5 million euros per year to acquire satellite communications bandwidth. Demand is growing, particularly with the widespread use of UAVs on the battlefield, which require substantial communications capacity to control and transmit data from sensors.

The pilot program is designed to prove that pooling demand will reduce both costs (10 percent estimate) and ensure better availability (security of supply and rapid access). Astrium has been selected as the broker for this activity following an open competition.

Arnould said air-to-air refueling was a "major capability shortfall, as shown again in Libya," and that the aim "is to improve operational output and cost effectiveness and to address the dependency on the U.S. of European air forces."

Speaking privately, an EU official said that a medium- and long-term aim is to convince EU member states to reduce the current nine refueling fleets down to four (A400M, C130J, Airbus 330 and B767) and not to buy outside those aircraft types.

Another option Arnould noted is for those member states that are not buying A400Ms to instead purchase kits or pods allowing them to refuel from the A400M.

She stressed that there were "no proposals on the table for common procurement of new equipment" and that "capability is not just about acquisition." Training helicopter pilots is one example of a capability that the EDA has been working on since 2009.

The other eight areas for further consideration include maritime surveillance networking (currently covering EU borders only but might be extended for expeditionary tactical operations such as the Atalanta counter-piracy operation); medical field hospitals; future military satellite communications; ISR; pilot training; European transport hubs; smart munitions (the Libya operation showed that EU member state stockpiles were insufficient and that there was an overdependence on the U.S.); and naval logistics and training (capabilities such as aircraft carriers could be made available at all times by synchronizing maintenance schedules on a multinational basis).

Arnould also stressed that the EDA is working to coordinate with NATO as "cooperation is not a beauty contest between NATO and the EDA." She said the EDA would continue work on pooling and sharing, with a more comprehensive agenda coming out in the spring, just before NATO unveils its so-called smart defense proposals at its Chicago summit.

The key question is whether EU member states will follow up with concrete proposals in the 10 pooling and sharing areas other than the satellite communications cell. Regardless of how many proposals the EDA comes up with, that appears to be in doubt.

Arnould said there was "clear momentum for moving forward" and "an important window of opportunity to improve European defense capabilities" but conceded that "cooperation is not a natural reflex" and that "there are concerns, in particular about sovereignty and autonomy."

EU defense ministers also approved an administrative cooperation agreement between the EDA and Switzerland, under which the two parties can work together on research and technology, and armaments cooperation. The framework agreement sets out procedures for mutual consultation as well as for Swiss participation in ad hoc EDA programs and projects.