F-35 Jets Stationed in Norway's Mountain Hangars for Defense Against UAV Attacks Post Su-57 Incident

 Recently, photos emerged online showing underground shelters at Norway’s Bardufoss Air Force Base, captured during a Norwegian Air Force exercise. These images featured fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets practicing in mountain-based shelters. Norway, a NATO member, has F-35 aircraft certified to carry tactical nuclear weapons, making these underground facilities highly secure against missile and drone attacks.

Since joining NATO, Norway and the Nordic region have experienced almost continuous military exercises, underscoring the ongoing militarization of Scandinavia amid escalating threats of potential Arctic conflicts.

Bardufoss, Norway’s oldest airbase, has a rich history dating back to World War II. Initially used by the Allies, it was later taken over by German forces who launched fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance missions from the base. Today, Bardufoss, located in Målselv Municipality, Troms og Finnmark county, is a strategic military airbase operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, critical due to its proximity to the Arctic.

The airbase features a single runway, 10/28, stretching 2,443 meters (8,015 feet), accommodating various military aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. Bardufoss supports a wide array of offensive and defensive operations.

The 139th Air Wing, stationed at Bardufoss, includes the 337 Squadron with NH90 helicopters and the 339 Squadron operating Bell 412 helicopters. These units are vital for search and rescue missions, anti-submarine warfare, and troop transport. Additionally, the base hosts a detachment from the Norwegian Army’s Aviation Battalion, using Bell 412 helicopters for reconnaissance and medical evacuation, enhancing the base's operational capabilities.

Equipped with advanced radar and communication systems, Bardufoss ensures robust surveillance and coordination, essential for monitoring airspace and supporting NATO operations. Norway is a key NATO member, and these capabilities reinforce the alliance's northern defense posture.

The rising tensions near Russia’s northern borders have prompted NATO to conduct exercises in the region, reflecting concerns over the perceived threat from Russia. Norway has ordered 52 F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin to modernize its air force, replacing its aging F-16 fleet. The F-35A, a fifth-generation multirole fighter, features advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), providing superior situational awareness and targeting capabilities.

The F-35A is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine, delivering maximum thrust of approximately 43,000 pounds with an afterburner, enabling speeds up to Mach 1.6. The aircraft's internal weapons bay can house up to four air-to-air missiles or two air-to-ground munitions and two air-to-air missiles, with external hardpoints for additional ordnance. Typical armaments include AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, and precision-guided bombs like the GBU-31 JDAM.

In the context of recent tensions, the deployment of F-35A fighters in Norway's underground shelters at Bardufoss Air Force Base demonstrates NATO's strategic defensive measures. The increased militarization of Scandinavia and the Arctic region highlights the ongoing preparation against potential UAV and missile threats, reinforcing the region's defense infrastructure.

Russia Re-Deploys Tu-22M3 Bomber for Strikes on Ukraine: Key Attack After April Incident

 

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) redeployed a Tu-22M3 bomber for the first time on the night of June 13-14 following an unprecedented incident in April. According to Ukrainian media, Russian forces launched an aerial strike on Ukraine, primarily targeting the western regions with ballistic missiles, drones, and Kh-101/Kh-55 missiles fired from at least five strategic bombers.

Unverified reports claimed that Russia deployed at least four Tu-22M3 bombers from the Dyagilevo airfield near Ryazan, marking their first approach within the range of Ukrainian air defense since an April shootdown. 

In April, Ukrainian forces successfully downed a Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bomber, the first such loss for the Russian bomber fleet. This incident followed a Russian attack on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed the destruction of the Tu-22M3, which carries Kh-22 cruise missiles used against Ukrainian cities. The Russian aircraft crashed in the Krasnogvardeysky District of Stavropol Krai, with videos of the crash circulating on social media. Russia attributed the crash to a technical error, while Ukraine claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft and stated that Russia had subsequently withdrawn the bombers.

The recent attack primarily focused on Starokostyantyniv in the Khmelnytsky area, home to a significant Ukrainian air base. This base, previously targeted by Russia, reportedly houses Ukraine’s Storm Shadow missile carriers, the Su-24MR fighter jets. Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) spokesperson Illya Yevlash declined to comment on the damage, emphasizing that revealing such information could aid the enemy. He noted a new Russian strategy combining airstrikes with regrouping and altering missile and drone movements.

Yevlash described this tactic as involving combined strikes using UAVs from various directions along with different types of missiles, adjusting warhead sizes based on the mission. For example, cruise missiles recently targeted western Ukraine, reaching Kolomyia before turning back towards Starokostiantyniv, demonstrating maneuvers with altitude changes. Each attack follows a unique pattern.

In response to continued Russian attacks, President Vladimir Putin offered a ceasefire on June 14 if Ukraine agreed to withdraw its forces from the four annexed regions and abandon its NATO aspirations. Putin stated that Moscow would "immediately" declare a ceasefire and commence negotiations if Kyiv complied. This proposal follows the G7 meeting in Italy and precedes a summit in Switzerland (excluding Russia) to discuss peace in Ukraine. Despite the annexation of four Ukrainian regions in the fall of 2022, Kyiv’s forces have maintained their positions.

Putin emphasized that his proposal aimed at a “final resolution” of the conflict rather than a temporary freeze, indicating the Kremlin’s readiness for immediate negotiations. However, Kyiv’s ongoing demand for the withdrawal of Russian forces and NATO membership remains unchanged, receiving no immediate response to Russia’s suggestion.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, initially targeting Kyiv but later focusing on southern and eastern regions after failing to capture the capital.

USS Helena and Canadian Navy Patrol Ship Arrive in Cuba Amid Russian Naval Presence

 

The USS Helena, a high-speed attack submarine, has docked at Guantanamo Bay, as announced by the U.S. Southern Command on the social network X. This move coincides with Russian Navy ships visiting Cuba.

“The fast attack submarine USS Helena is currently at Guantanamo Bay as part of a routine visit. This area falls within the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction. […] The location and transit of the ship were planned in advance,” states the official release.

However, the Associated Press suggests that the USS Helena’s arrival serves as a “show of force” amid the Russian warships’ presence. Additional US Navy ships are monitoring the Russian vessels, which, according to Pentagon officials, do not pose a threat to the United States.

On June 12, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its naval fleet, including the frigate “Admiral Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the medium sea tanker “Akademik Pashin,” and the rescue tug “Nikolay Chiker,” had completed high-precision weapons exercises and arrived at the port of Havana. These vessels will remain in Havana until June 17.

Social media buzzed with the phrase “The hunt is on!” alongside screenshots from global air traffic monitoring apps, highlighting areas off the southern coast of the United States. Following the arrival of the Russian Northern Fleet in Cuba, the U.S. Navy deployed P-8 Poseidon “submarine hunter” aircraft on June 10 and 11 to search for a rogue Russian submarine reportedly 66 miles off the coast of Florida.

American experts noted close cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy in search operations, with Ottawa deploying Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft to complement the American P-8 Poseidons. Screenshots from air traffic tracking apps revealed these planes circling within a specific quadrant, conducting search missions. Official details on the outcome of this Canadian-American naval search are still pending.

The USS Helena [SSN-725], a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has been in service since 1987. It measures 360 feet in length, 33 feet in beam width, and has a draft of approximately 32 feet. Powered by a single S6G nuclear reactor, the USS Helena can achieve submerged speeds of over 25 knots. The submarine's crew consists of about 140 individuals, including officers and enlisted sailors.

The USS Helena features advanced systems for detection, navigation, electronic warfare, and communication. Its firepower includes 12 vertical launch system [VLS] tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four 21-inch [533 mm] torpedo tubes capable of firing Mk-48 torpedoes. The submarine's nuclear propulsion provides a virtually unlimited operational range, limited primarily by factors such as food supplies and crew endurance.

Meanwhile, a Canadian navy patrol ship, the Margaret Brooke, arrived in Havana on Friday, just hours after the USS Helena docked at Guantanamo. This convergence of Russian, Canadian, and U.S. vessels in Cuba—located just 160 km (100 miles) from Florida—recalls Cold War tensions and highlights current strained ties over the Ukraine war. However, both the U.S. and Cuba have stated that the Russian warships pose no threat to the region, with Russia describing their arrival as routine.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, part of Russia's naval fleet, arrived in Havana harbor on Wednesday after conducting missile training in the Atlantic Ocean. Canada’s Margaret Brooke patrol vessel began maneuvers in Havana harbor, with Canadian officials describing the visit as routine and unrelated to the Russian ships' presence.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned the West’s concern over the warships, noting that diplomatic signals from Russia often go unnoticed by Western nations.

The Russian warships are expected to remain in Havana harbor until June 17.

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.