China's WZ-7 Soaring Dragon Spotted Over Sea of Japan: Surveillance Implications Explored

 

Recently, on March 26, a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) known as China's WZ-7, operated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), conducted flight maneuvers over the Sea of Japan, as reported by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD). Although the Chinese drone did not breach Japanese territorial airspace, it prompted the dispatch of Japanese fighter jets by the Air Self-Defense Force. The UAV's route originated from the Asian continent, crossed the Sea of Japan, and then returned northwestward. The MoD speculated that the drone may have traversed either North Korean or Russian airspace before its journey over the sea. This marks the first sighting of a WZ-7 drone over the Sea of Japan by Japanese authorities, raising concerns in the strategically significant region. Japan remains vigilant amid suspicions of Chinese military expansion of drone flight zones. The exact purpose behind the WZ-7’s flight remains unclear. However, on the same day, Japanese authorities reported monitoring a Russian spy ship and three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships in the Sea of Japan earlier in the week. The potential correlation between these maritime activities and the WZ-7’s flight remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the high-altitude surveillance capabilities of these drones could significantly enhance China’s intelligence gathering in the region. The WZ-7, likened to the US RQ-4B Global Hawk, is operated by the PLA Air Force and Navy. It boasts impressive range and service ceiling, making it a valuable asset for surveillance missions. Previous sightings of WZ-7 drones near Japan's coastlines have occurred, and they have been extensively used for border surveillance into India and monitoring activities around the Taiwan Strait. The capabilities demonstrated by the WZ-7 align with China’s strategy of 'Intelligentized Warfare,' suggesting its potential integration with other advanced equipment for enhanced military operations.

UK Decides Fate of Early Typhoon Jets: Scrapping for Parts Amidst Controversy

The UK government has officially declared the destiny of its aging fleet of 30 early production Typhoon jets, known as 'Tranche 1,' putting an end to speculation. Contrary to hopes of repurposing or deploying these jets, the government stands firm on scrapping them for parts. The systematic "Reduce to Produce" program aims to salvage usable components to bolster the spare inventory for the broader Typhoon fleet. This decision has sparked concerns about a potential gap in the country’s defense capability, with debates centering on whether some of these jets should be placed in a war reserve.

Despite suggestions to transfer the Typhoon Tranche 1 jets to Ukraine, logistical challenges and strategic limitations have led to the UK dismissing the idea. Experts highlight issues such as incompatibility with critical missiles, requiring US approval for exports, and challenges in Ukraine's dispersed airbases. The Royal Air Force (RAF) remains confident that the phased withdrawal of these early Typhoon jets will not pose operational challenges, emphasizing the complex considerations involved in supporting Ukraine's defense needs amid the ongoing conflict. 

Bayraktar TB3 Drone Breaks Flight Endurance Record; Achieves ‘Remarkable’ 32 Hour, 5700 Km Flight

 Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has achieved a significant milestone with its Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), setting a new endurance record during a recent test flight. The 13th flight test, dubbed the "Endurance Flight Test," lasted an impressive 32 hours, surpassing the expected endurance of 24 hours. The TB3 drone, designed as the primary uncrewed platform for the Turkish Navy's innovative 'drone carrier,' TCG Anadolu, covered a distance of 5700 km during the test conducted at the Çorlu Flight Training and Test Center.

Equipped with a locally developed PD-170 engine, the TB3's performance exceeded initial expectations, with its predecessor, the TB2 drone, having an endurance of 27 hours and 3 minutes. The TB3, boasting enhanced flight endurance, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, supports various munitions, including laser-guided rockets and anti-tank missiles. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities make it suitable for deployment on aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships, providing flexibility during land-based operations. Full mass production of the TB3 is anticipated to commence in 2024, coinciding with its deployment aboard the TCG Anadolu. Baykar is also actively developing the Kizilelma, a fighter-like drone set for production in the coming year.

China Threat Prompts Japan To Prepone Acquisition Of US Tomahawk & Type-12 Anti-Ship Missiles By 1 Year, Eurasian News reports

 Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has accelerated the deployment of the upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) from 2026 to 2025 to fortify its standoff defense capabilities amid rising military threats from North Korea, China, and Russia. The MoD signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the development and mass production of enhanced Type 12 SSMs, allocating JPY33.8 billion (US$235 million) in the 2023 budget. The total research and development cost is estimated at JPY150 billion. The extended-range Type 12 SSM, with a planned range of at least 900 kilometers, will feature a reduced radar cross-section for stealthiness.

Japan aims to have hypersonic standoff missiles in service within a decade and considers standoff missiles and drones crucial for its future defense. The decision to expedite the missile deployment aligns with Japan's National Defense Strategy, addressing the growing threats and geopolitical challenges posed by North Korea, China, and Russia. Additionally, the US has approved the sale of 400 advanced Tomahawk missiles and air-to-air missiles to Japan, reinforcing its deterrent capabilities and enhancing its counterstrike capabilities. The missiles will be deployed on Japan's F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, F-15J Eagles, and F-15DJ Eagles, as part of Tokyo's ongoing military modernization efforts to strengthen its defense against potential invasion and address evolving security concerns.

Here is the link to the original article:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-threat-prompts-japan-to-prepone-acquisition-of/

Russia Added 1500 MBTs To Fight NATO-Backed Ukraine; Tu-160M, IFVs, Subs Also Delivered – Shoigu, Eurasian Times reports

 Amid the Ukraine conflict, Russia has strengthened its military capabilities, delivering 1,530 new and upgraded tanks to the Ground Forces in 2023, partially compensating for the loss of 2,200 tanks since the invasion. The T-90M Proryv main battle tanks, known for survivability, were supplied to offset these losses. In contrast, Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 5,000 Russian tanks during the invasion.

Russia also reinforced its naval forces, adding the nuclear submarine Imperator Aleksandr III and a Borei A-class vessel equipped with Bulava missiles. The Russian Navy received four modern submarines and eight surface ships in the past year.

Aerial capabilities were enhanced with 237 aircraft and helicopters, 86 anti-aircraft weaponry units, and 67 radar sites for the Aerospace Forces. Notably, four Tu-160M strategic bombers were almost fully delivered to the strategic nuclear forces, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin's claim that 95% of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces are equipped with new weapons. The Tu-160M, actively used in the conflict, signifies heightened nuclear posturing. In response, NATO has strengthened its nuclear forces near Russia. These developments underscore escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.

Here is the link to the original article:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/russia-added-1500-mbts-to-fight-nato-backed-ukraine/

Czech Republic wants to piggyback on German Leopard 2A8 tank buy, Defense News reports

 Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová has revealed plans for joint negotiations with Germany to acquire Leopard 2A8 tanks, enhancing the procurement process in terms of pricing and delivery time. The collaboration is expected to yield clearer outcomes in the coming year. Previously, the Czech Republic donated T-72 tanks to Ukraine in 2022 and engaged in Berlin's "Ringtausch" program, receiving Leopard 2A4s to maintain combat capabilities. Negotiations for the purchase of up to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks have been ongoing since July. Additionally, Černochová outlined military acquisition priorities, including the intention to finalize a deal for two C-390 Millennium aircraft from Embraer in 2024 and the imminent conclusion of a contract for 24 F-35s for the Czech Air Force within weeks. These procurement initiatives signify the Czech Republic's commitment to modernizing its military capabilities through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Here is the link to the original article:

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/12/20/czech-republic-wants-to-piggyback-on-german-leopard-2a8-tank-buy/

US Army to field new rifle, machine gun and optic in 2024, Defense News Reports

 The Army's latest rifle and automatic rifle, designated XM7 and XM250, are undergoing soldier testing and are set to be officially deployed to their first unit in 2024. Delivered to a platoon in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in September, the weapons and their advanced optic, the XM157 fire control, underwent user tests over subsequent months. The XM7 is designed to replace the M4 for close combat units, while the XM250 is set to replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Both new weapons and optics are expected to be fielded without the "X" designation by the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. These advancements involve a transition from the 5.56mm round to the recently developed 6.8mm cartridge, aiming to enhance accuracy, lethality at longer ranges, and the ability to penetrate enemy body armor and barriers effectively. Developed by Sig Sauer under a 10-year contract with a ceiling value of $4.5 billion, the weapons also incorporate the Vortex Optics/Sheltered Wings XM157 fire control, offering computer-aided ballistics for improved accuracy and rapid fire adjustment. The Marine Corps is closely monitoring the Army's development and fielding of these weapons.

Here is the link to the original article:

https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2023/12/20/army-to-field-new-rifle-machine-gun-and-optic-in-2024/