Ukraine Successfully Intercepts Russian Kh-101 Missile with Cluster Warhead for the First Time

 

Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile equipped with a cluster warhead for the first time, as reported by Defense Express. This interception occurred on the night of June 7, when a Tu-95MS bomber launched five Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, all of which were neutralized by the Ukrainian Air Force.

An officer from the Armed Forces, blogging under “Colonel GSH,” discussed this event, highlighting that the Kh-101 variant features both a high-explosive warhead and a cluster warhead. These missiles are likely intended for airfield attacks.

The frequency of Russia deploying these missiles in Ukraine remains uncertain, and there is limited information on the production distribution of various warhead types. However, it is known that Russia started producing Kh-101 missiles with dual warheads as of March. Earlier Russian sources had indicated that the Kh-101's warhead capacity increased to 800 kilograms, though this reduces its range.

In May, Defense Express noted an event on May 8 where a recently manufactured Russian Kh-101 missile was intercepted, underscoring the fresh deployment of these weapons. The Kh-101 series is distinguished by its dual warhead configuration, which includes a 450-kilogram warhead and an additional 350-kilogram warhead. There is no information confirming the presence of a cluster warhead among the two.

This dual warhead capability, achieved by reducing the fuel tank size, results in a decreased flight range from about 5,500 kilometers to approximately 2,250 kilometers. The dual warhead concept was first mentioned by Sergei Shoigu, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, in January 2024 during a visit to the Raduga missile design bureau. This development raises concerns about its implications for ongoing conflicts.

The new warhead incorporates pre-made damaging components typically found in anti-aircraft missiles, now posing a greater threat to ground targets. Russian sources had speculated about the Kh-101 housing dual warheads as early as mid-2022.

The Kh-101's recent enhancements, including its guidance system and optical and electronic components, mark a significant advancement. The updated Kh-101 now features three fixed lenses, improving accuracy compared to its predecessor. Both the Kh-101 and its nuclear variant, the Kh-102, incorporate stealth features and other advancements.

The Kh-102, capable of carrying a 20-kiloton nuclear warhead, is a key component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, boasting a longer range than the US AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile. Upgraded strategic bombers like the Tu-160M and Tu-95MSM can carry the Kh-101 missile, which can have different warheads including high explosive, penetration high explosive, and submunitions.

Russia claims the Kh-101 can accurately hit moving targets within 10 meters, usually within 7 meters, at distances up to 5,500 kilometers. The missile, made entirely of Russian parts by the Raduga Design Bureau, was first used in combat in November 2015 during Russia’s involvement in the Syrian civil war. While initial strikes were largely on target, one missile reportedly landed in Iran near the city of Shush, about 750 kilometers from the Syrian border.

KNDS to Establish Unit in Ukraine for Tank and Howitzer Maintenance, 3D Printing, and Artillery Shell Production

 French-German defense manufacturer KNDS, known for producing the Leopard tank and Caesar howitzer, is setting up a unit in Ukraine. This new subsidiary will collaborate with local companies to establish equipment maintenance, 3D printing of spare parts, and production of 155mm artillery shells.

Chairman Philippe Petitcolin announced the plan, which follows months of discussions, at a signing ceremony in Paris attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and KNDS France CEO Nicolas Chamussy.

“The signing marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation with Ukraine, as we will have a full subsidiary of KNDS involving both the German and French parts, allowing us to work closely with Ukrainian firms,” said Petitcolin. “We are in talks with many companies.”

Ukraine currently operates 386 pieces of KNDS equipment, including Leopard tanks and Caesar howitzers, with another 250 pieces on order. This creates a significant need for support, according to Petitcolin.

CEO Chamussy signed letters of intent with Ukraine’s ENMEK to set up a maintenance center for Caesar cannons and for 3D printing spare parts, and a contract with KZVV to transfer the production of 155mm shells.

The maintenance center will not require French technicians as Ukraine is already managing Caesar maintenance using parts shipped from France. “The Ukrainians know how to do this very well,” Chamussy said.

KNDS is currently producing one Caesar truck-mounted howitzer per week, with plans to increase production to six per month, Chamussy added. “If there’s sustained demand, we can increase the pace from one per week. We know how to do more, but it depends on the demands we receive,” Petitcolin said. The company has confirmed orders for 2024, with expectations for new contracts at the upcoming Eurosatory defense show starting June 17.

Chamussy mentioned that KNDS has the capacity to increase total artillery production to 12 cannons per month. Besides the Caesar, the company also manufactures the 105mm LG1 towed artillery piece.

Petitcolin noted that ammunition production with the Ukrainian partner will start within 12 months. The next step could involve manufacturing system modules or even complete systems in Ukraine.

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.

Australia Seeks Foreign Shipbuilders for Urgent Frigate Procurement Under Project Sea 3000

 

Australia is urgently seeking foreign shipbuilders to procure general-purpose frigates as part of Project Sea 3000, according to the Defence Department's statement to Defense News. On May 24, the government issued requests for information to shipbuilders from Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Spain. A department spokesperson withheld further details, citing the commercial, procurement, and probity processes still in progress.

The “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet” review, released in February, recommended replacing eight existing Anzac-class frigates with eleven new general-purpose frigates. To expedite this, the initial three frigates will be constructed overseas, with the remainder built in Western Australia.

The review highlighted Germany’s MEKO A-200, Japan’s 30FFM, South Korea’s FFX from the second and third batches, and Spain’s Alfa 3000 as potential candidates. The rationale for grouping the two FFX batches as a single platform was not clarified.

Shipbuilders were given four weeks to respond to the initial request and an additional three weeks to outline how subsequent frigates could be constructed in Australia. The selection process is expected to conclude next year, with the first overseas-built ship to be commissioned by 2030. The fourth through sixth vessels, to be built in Australia, will follow the same design baseline. Decisions on the design of the seventh through eleventh frigates have not yet been made.

By 2026, the Royal Australian Navy's surface combatant fleet will consist of nine hulls, highlighting a capability gap before the new frigates are delivered.

Shipbuilders approached by Defense News declined to provide details on Australia’s procurement effort. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany confirmed their participation in the tender but refrained from further comment. South Korean shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries, SK Oceanplant, and Hanwha Ocean are currently constructing six Ulsan-class FFX-III vessels, with Hyundai confirming receipt of Australia's request for information.

Hyundai Heavy Industries emphasized its competitive edge in warship construction, highlighting its experience in research and development and the building of the latest Ulsan-class frigate.

Rear Adm. Stephen Hughes, head of naval capabilities for Australia, mentioned at the Combined Naval Event conference in the U.K. on May 23 that the country is leveraging existing designs to expedite the integration of new vessels into the fleet. However, he acknowledged potential challenges since the weapon systems, sensors, and technologies chosen by the original customers of these ships might be unfamiliar to the Royal Australian Navy. Notably, the Saab 9LB combat management system and Australian-made CEA Technologies radars, currently used by the Australian fleet, are not included in these designs.

Hughes described the acquisition process as an opportunity rather than a risk, emphasizing the importance of making informed and wise choices regarding the new designs.

Hezbollah Destroys Israeli Iron Dome with Iranian Almas Missile: Details and Implications

 In a significant show of strength, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah recently claimed to have destroyed Israel's famed 'Iron Dome' using an Iranian-made missile. On June 5, Hezbollah announced it had struck an Iron Dome launcher near Ramot Naftali, referred to by the group as "northern occupied Palestine."

A video released by Hezbollah confirmed the strike, showing a guided missile hitting the launcher. The following day, photos and information circulated on social media, indicating that the Iron Dome battery was destroyed by an Iran-origin Almas missile, reportedly supplied to Hezbollah by Tehran.

Various military bloggers and open-source intelligence accounts confirmed that Hezbollah used the 'Almas-3' anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for the attack. Ironically, the Almas is based on Israel's Spike ATGM. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially acknowledged the destruction, with some pro-Israeli bloggers suggesting the target could have been a decoy or inactive launcher.

Elijah J. Magnier, a veteran Middle East correspondent, noted on social media that Hezbollah's action was a message to stop the war on Gaza, implying that the Lebanese front would cease its activities in response. Pro-Iranian commentators praised the effectiveness of Iranian weapons, highlighting the Almas missile's capabilities.

The Almas missile is believed to be an Iranian reverse-engineered version of Israel's Spike missile, captured by Hezbollah during the 2006 war and subsequently brought to Iran. Hezbollah has been using various Iranian-supplied weapons against Israel since October last year.

Hezbollah's video of the attack shows the Almas missile approaching and striking the Iron Dome launcher. This wasn't the first use of the Almas against Israel; earlier footage from January showed the missile being used against an Israeli intelligence installation near the Lebanon border.

The Almas missile, capable of precise indirect attacks, poses a significant threat to Israeli military and border infrastructure. The Spike missile, used by the IDF with great success, is renowned for its precision and first-person control capabilities. The Almas' possession by Hezbollah, therefore, is concerning for Israel.

The Almas, meaning 'Diamond' in Persian, is a high-precision anti-tank guided missile developed by Iran and supplied to Hezbollah. The missile's sophisticated technology reflects Iran's robust missile development capabilities, with a range of about eight kilometers and a tandem warhead designed for high precision.

Hezbollah's acquisition of advanced weapons like the Almas underscores Iran's extensive support, providing the militant group with sophisticated missiles and rockets. Iran has a history of replicating Western ammunition, demonstrating its ability to produce weapons close to the originals in capability.

The development and deployment of the Almas missile by Hezbollah highlight the evolving threat landscape and the growing sophistication of Iran's missile technology, posing new challenges for Israel's defense systems.

Turkey's Hürjet and Anka-III Unmanned Aircraft Conduct Joint Flight, Showcasing Growing Military Prowess

 

In a remarkable display of Turkey's advancing military capabilities, two indigenously developed aircraft—the Hürjet trainer jet and the Anka-III unmanned combat aircraft—recently completed a joint flight.

Local media reports revealed that the ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Aircraft and the HÜRJET, Turkey's first domestically built supersonic jet, flew together. During the test, the aircraft reached an altitude of 7,000 feet, flew at 165 knots, and remained airborne for 50 minutes.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that this joint flight marked the ANKA III's eighth sortie and the HÜRJET's 66th. This joint operation could signify the beginning of future collaborations, considering the Hürjet's role as a trainer aircraft and the Anka-III's as an unmanned jet. Analysts note this is significant as TAI plans to integrate manned-unmanned teaming in its next-generation stealth aircraft, 'KAAN', utilizing a data link for coordination.

The Anka-III made its maiden flight last year, following its development initiation in 2022. This medium-altitude UAV, designed for long-endurance surveillance, boasts a 30-hour endurance and can operate at 30,000 feet, covering 250 kilometers. The stealth UCAV, weighing 6.5 tonnes with a payload capacity of 750 kilograms, first flew on December 28, 2023.

The Anka-III is capable of various missions, including electronic warfare, ISR operations, and precision strikes, often overseen by ground stations. Its stealth design aims to withstand combat missions, such as electronic warfare and the suppression of enemy air defenses.

TAI is enhancing Anka-III's capabilities, with plans for a supersonic version featuring two engines, as confirmed by TAI CEO Temel Kotil.

The Hürjet, an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, made its maiden flight on April 23, as announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 25. The aircraft, which has completed 66 sorties in over a year, gained attention after TAI won a contract to supply light combat aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, although it lost the tender to South Korea's FA-50.

Despite this setback, Turkey continues its efforts to export the Hürjet, recently entering Spain's tender to replace its F-5 trainer aircraft. Some analysts view the Hürjet as a competitor to Boeing's T-7 Red Hawk, which has faced delays. TAI hopes to market the Hürjet internationally before the T-7.

Hürjet is part of TAI's ambitious projects, including the Anka-III and KAAN fighter jets. The trainer is scheduled for its first overseas flight in Egypt this year, aiming to attract international customers. This recent flight underscores the rapid progress the aircraft has made in just a year.

US Navy and Taiwan Conduct Unplanned Military Exercises in West Pacific Amid Rising Tensions with China

 

In an unannounced move showcasing growing maritime cooperation, the U.S. and Taiwan conducted impromptu military exercises in the West Pacific. This development comes amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, ahead of the inauguration of Taiwan's president-elect, Lai Ching-te. According to unnamed sources cited by Reuters, the drills took place during routine naval encounters.

One source mentioned the involvement of “multiple military assets,” while another highlighted that these exercises were unofficially termed “unplanned sea encounters,” implying a tacit agreement that these drills were coincidental rather than premeditated.

These exercises occurred between a series of scheduled high-profile drills. In mid-April, the U.S. conducted a trilateral exercise with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) vessels, focusing on interoperability and warfighting capabilities. Shortly after, the Balikatan 24 exercise in the Philippines involved the U.S., Philippine, Australian, and French forces, concentrating on counter-landing operations and maritime domain awareness.

During the unplanned U.S.-Taiwan drills, around six ships, including supply vessels and frigates, engaged in basic communications, resupply operations, and joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises. These drills are critical for ensuring operational compatibility between the two navies in emergencies, involving tactical maneuvers and underwater target searches.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Major General Sun Li-fang, stated that the exercises adhered to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), which manages interactions between different militaries at sea. This protocol was previously utilized in 2016 during an encounter between the USS Chafee and three ROCN ships.

The disclosure of these exercises follows Taiwanese Chief of General Staff Admiral Mei Chia-shu’s visit to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) change of command ceremony in Hawaii in early May. Shortly after, China conducted significant military exercises around Taiwan, labeled “Joint Sword-2024A,” which involved near-encirclement maneuvers similar to those after Nancy Pelosi's visit in 2022.

In late May, the U.S. began Tiger Strike 2024 with Malaysia, focusing on amphibious warfare and multi-domain awareness. Early June saw the announcement of the “Freedom Edge” exercise, a first-time trilateral drill involving the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

These high-profile activities in the West Pacific lead up to the Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC 24) exercises, scheduled from June 28 to August 2, involving 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. The Italian carrier Cavour and a French Navy FREMM air defense frigate will also participate.