ATACMS with Cluster Warheads Breaches Russia's S-500 Defense in Sevastopol Attack, Escalates US-Russia Tensions

 

Tensions between Russia and the United States have sharply increased following a significant missile strike on Sevastopol, Crimea, on June 23, resulting in four deaths, including two children, and about 150 injuries from missile debris falling on a nearby beach. Russian officials assert that the missiles were US-supplied ATACMS.

The Russian defense ministry stated that the ATACMS missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 300km away, were responsible for the attack. The incident has led to chaotic scenes in the Uchkuyevka area, with beachgoers fleeing and injured individuals being assisted.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the strike as “barbaric,” accusing the US of "killing Russian children" and supporting Kyiv in committing acts of international terrorism. He emphasized the US involvement, claiming that all ATACMS are programmed and guided by American specialists.

The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting five cluster warhead-loaded missiles launched by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, significant casualties and damage occurred due to falling debris. Additionally, an American UAV, the Global Hawk, was reportedly present over the Black Sea during the attack, further implicating US involvement.

ATACMS are ground-launched ballistic missiles that travel at speeds up to 2,300 mph, making them challenging to intercept. Upon launch, Russia’s radar systems activate, but the missile's speed leaves only about three minutes to respond, straining air defense units.

The US approved sending Ukraine its first batch of ATACMS with a 165 km range in October. In March, a long-range version capable of hitting targets up to 300 km away was sent. These missiles have significantly impacted Russian targets in Crimea since their first use in April.

In mid-May, a major ATACMS attack on a Russian base in Belbek, Crimea, destroyed an S-400 radar and two launchers. Analysts report substantial Russian losses, including command posts, radars, and launchers.

Russian military expert Vasily Dandykin acknowledged the effectiveness of ATACMS, emphasizing the need for improved air defenses and preemptive strikes on Ukrainian missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Kyiv Post reported that ATACMS breached Russia's S-500 air defense system for the first time, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict and highlighting the missile's capability to penetrate Russia’s most advanced defenses.

Japan Commissions Sixth Mogami-Class Frigate 'Agano' for JMSDF

 On June 21, 2024, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd. held a delivery and flag-raising ceremony for the ‘Agano’ (あがの), officially commissioning it into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The 'Agano' is the sixth vessel in the Mogami-class series of next-generation frigates, designated with the pennant number FFM-6. It will be stationed at the Maizuru Naval Base.

The frigate is named after the Agano River, a notable river in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan. The ship was launched by MHI in Nagasaki in December 2022.

The Mogami-class frigates, also known as 30FFM and previously 30DX, represent the next generation of multi-mission vessels for the JMSDF. The JMSDF initially planned to procure 22 of these frigates but has revised this number to 12 by the end of fiscal year 2023. From 2024 to 2028, a new class of 12 improved Mogami-class frigates will be built, featuring longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved maritime operational functionalities.

Key specifications of the FFM include a full load displacement of approximately 5,500 tons, a length of 132.5 meters, and a beam of 16.3 meters, with a maximum speed exceeding 30 knots. The frigates are designed to be highly automated, requiring a crew of about 90 sailors.

The FFM is equipped with advanced weaponry and systems, including:

• BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch naval gun system
• Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon System (×2)
• Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS)
• Raytheon SeaRAM
• MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles (×8)
• Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
• Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3EO/IR sensors
• Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
• NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS)
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for mine countermeasures
• Offensive sea mines

The introduction of the new-class FFM aims to bolster the JMSDF's capabilities, with the enhanced frigates featuring improved anti-aircraft and search functions, potentially elevating them to the status of missile frigates (FFG).

Additionally, the Royal Australian Navy has shortlisted the Mogami-class as one of four contenders for its next frigate, alongside Germany’s Meko A-200, South Korea’s Daegu class FFX Batch II and III, and Spain’s Navantia ALFA3000. Admiral Sakai Ryo of the JMSDF welcomed this selection, emphasizing the high trust and evaluation of Japanese naval equipment.

U.S. Army to Deploy Over 1,000 Switchblade 600 Drones Under Replicator Program

 The U.S. Army plans to deploy more than 1,000 Switchblade 600 drones over the next year as part of the Replicator initiative. This program, spearheaded by the Pentagon, aims to field thousands of uncrewed systems. General James Mingus, the Army’s vice chief of staff, disclosed this quantity during a House Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing on June 21 at the Defense Innovation Unit’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Manufactured by AeroVironment, the Switchblade 600 loitering munition is among the initial systems the Defense Department will procure through the first tranche of the Replicator program. It is the only system officials have identified by name so far. Other systems include an unspecified fleet of maritime drones, uncrewed surface vehicles, and counter-drone systems.

Replicator, announced by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks last August, has two main objectives. In the short term, the Pentagon aims to deploy large numbers of expendable drones to counter China. The larger goal is to establish a sustainable process for acquiring technology to meet the department’s urgent operational needs.

The Pentagon plans to allocate $1 billion to the Replicator effort during fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with funds sourced from prior year appropriations, a reprogramming request, a national security supplemental approved in August, and the department’s yet-to-be-approved FY-25 budget proposal.

Switchblade drones have seen significant use on battlefields in Russia, Syria, and Iraq. The Army initially intended to procure the system through its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program in smaller quantities. In October, the Army announced plans to purchase 100 Switchblade drones for testing and deployment within its units.

General Mingus highlighted the collaboration behind this innovation during the hearing, noting that the Switchblade was included as part of Replicator Tranche One and will now be scaled up to over 1,000 units in the coming year.

Deputy Defense Secretary Hicks announced last month that the department began fielding Replicator systems to Indo-Pacific Command in early May. However, the Pentagon has not disclosed the specific systems or quantities fielded.

“This demonstrates that warfighter-centric innovation is not only feasible but is also yielding tangible results,” Hicks stated. “As we deploy these systems, our comprehensive capability development process continues.”

Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray: Revolutionary Underwater Drone with Extended Capabilities

 

Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray submersible underwater drone has been the subject of considerable interest for some time. Its exact dimensions have become clearer only recently, thanks to satellite images, including one captured a year ago and another more recently, which have been circulating on social media.

The Manta Ray, seen docked at the Port Hueneme Naval Base in California, has an imposing presence. The War Zone has even compared its size to that of a spaceship from Star Wars, suggesting it looks as though it has landed on Tatooine. This image, available on Google Earth from November 2023, includes a 3D visualization to help appreciate the Manta Ray’s massive size.

Official data indicates that the Manta Ray is approximately 30 feet long. This size allows it to house complex sensors and communication equipment while maintaining a streamlined design for efficient underwater movement. Its wingspan, critical for stability and maneuverability, is about 20 feet, enabling it to glide effortlessly underwater. The drone stands around 5 feet tall.

Unveiling the Manta Ray: What We Know

The Northrop Grumman Manta Ray is an advanced underwater vehicle designed for various military and research applications. It is part of a larger initiative to develop autonomous systems capable of extended underwater operations without human intervention.

The Manta Ray employs a range of sophisticated systems to ensure functionality and effectiveness. These include advanced sonar and sensor arrays for navigation and detection, communication systems for data transmission, and AI-driven software for autonomous decision-making and mission planning.

Manta Ray’s Propulsion and Equipment

The Manta Ray’s propulsion is powered by a combination of electric motors and energy-efficient propellers, allowing for quiet operation crucial for stealth missions and minimizing detection by adversaries.

Technologically, the Manta Ray boasts high-resolution imaging systems, environmental monitoring tools, and customizable payload bays for specific missions. Its primary purpose is to enhance military underwater operational capabilities, including intelligence gathering, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. Its versatility also makes it suitable for non-military uses such as oceanographic research and underwater infrastructure inspection.

The Manta Ray is designed for extensive operational range, allowing it to cover large areas without frequent resurfacing. Its energy-efficient systems and advanced battery technology provide significant operational endurance, enabling it to stay underwater for weeks or even months, depending on mission requirements and environmental conditions. This long-duration capability distinguishes it from many other submersible drones, allowing for sustained operations in challenging underwater environments.

Ongoing Development and Future Prospects

Since 2020, Northrop Grumman has been developing the Manta Ray underwater drone under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiative. This project aims to create autonomous underwater vehicles capable of long-term missions without human intervention. The first tests of the Manta Ray took place in 2023, assessing its performance in various underwater environments and its ability to execute advanced missions autonomously.

The exact number of Manta Rays slated for production remains undisclosed. However, the strategic value of these autonomous underwater vehicles suggests that production numbers will depend on the success of these initial tests and further evaluations.

If early tests are successful, the production and deployment of Manta Ray submersible drones could begin in the latter half of this decade. This timeline allows for refinements and enhancements based on test outcomes, ensuring these drones meet the operational needs of the US Navy and other potential stakeholders.

Russia Deploys S-500 Prometheus in Crimea to Safeguard Key Assets

 Russia has reportedly deployed elements of its advanced S-500 air defense system to Crimea following successful Ukrainian strikes on the S-400 missile system. This move raises questions about whether Russia is exposing its still combat-untested system to potential Ukrainian attacks.

Currently, Russia operates only one active S-500 regiment, which consists of two battalions with two air-defense batteries each. The specifics of which elements have been moved are unclear, as such systems have multiple operational components, including command posts, radars, and launchers.

The S-500 may have been deployed to protect the critical Kerch Bridge in Crimea. This bridge, vital for connecting Crimea to mainland Russia, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks. The S-500 is designed to replace the S-400 and the A-235 ABM systems, providing advanced defense against modern aerial threats, including stealth jets, hypersonic missiles, and satellites.

Ukraine continues to target Crimea, complicating Russia's efforts to maintain control. Attacks have focused on air defenses, bridges, rail links, and power supplies, including significant hits on the Kerch Bridge, impacting Russia’s ability to transport heavy military equipment.

The S-500 Prometheus is a significant leap in Russian air defense technology, boasting the ability to engage targets at ranges up to 600 kilometers. Its sophisticated radar system can track and target stealth aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and low-orbit satellites, providing a robust defensive capability.

The S-500 system includes four radar vehicles per battery and uses multiple frequencies to detect stealth aircraft. It can engage 10 targets simultaneously with a response time of three to four seconds, faster than the S-400. Its radar can detect ballistic and airborne threats at remarkable distances, with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers for ballistic targets and 800 kilometers for airborne threats.

This system can launch missiles that reach altitudes up to 200 kilometers, allowing it to intercept ballistic missiles and low-orbit satellites. Despite its capabilities, the S-500's deployment to Crimea, where it is vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes, remains a contentious decision.

Ukraine's strategy of degrading Russian air defenses continues, with significant impacts on S-300 and S-400 batteries already observed. The S-500’s deployment in Crimea marks its first known combat role, with Russia aiming to fully deploy these systems around Moscow by 2025.

Russia’s long-term plans include ringing Moscow with S-500 systems to bolster its defense against Western threats. India and China have shown interest in acquiring the S-500, with potential implications for regional security dynamics.

India, in particular, is monitoring the S-500's performance in Ukraine, considering its potential acquisition to bolster its defense against China. Effective deployment strategies, including dispersion and camouflage, will be crucial to protect such advanced systems from unconventional attacks.

Overall, the S-500 Prometheus represents a significant advancement in air defense technology, but its real-world effectiveness remains to be fully proven in the ongoing conflict dynamics.

US to Supply Taiwan with 1000 Armed Drones Amid Rising Tensions with China

 The United States has approved a $360 million sale of over 1,000 small armed drones to Taiwan, significantly enhancing Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy against China. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on June 18 that Taiwan will receive 720 Switchblade drones and related fire control systems valued at $60.2 million. Additionally, Taiwan will acquire up to 291 Altius 600M loitering munitions and associated components for $300 million.

This sale comes as Taiwan awaits previously ordered military equipment, including Abrams tanks, F-16 Vipers, and advanced munitions from Washington. Despite adhering to the 'One China' principle, the U.S. is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive tools against Chinese aggression. This arms sale has drawn criticism from Beijing, which accuses the U.S. of turning Taiwan into a "powder keg."

The drone sale is crucial for Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy, which relies on unconventional weapons to deter a Chinese invasion. Taiwan's National Defense Report emphasizes increasing resilience and self-sufficiency, prioritizing domestic defense, and enhancing its "all-out defense" capabilities.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's "Hellscape" strategy aims to deploy drones to distract China during a Taiwanese invasion, allowing U.S. forces time to respond. Admiral Samuel Paparo outlined this strategy, which involves flooding the Taiwan Strait with unmanned submarines, surface ships, and aerial drones to impede a Chinese invasion fleet.

Taiwan's recent interest in drones was likely influenced by their successful use in Ukraine, where U.S.-supplied Switchblade UAVs helped repel Russian forces. Taiwan has also developed its own drones, such as the Chien Hsiang loitering munitions, capable of targeting diverse radar systems deployed by China.

The Switchblade 300, known for its low-cost, lightweight, and precision-guided capabilities, can be deployed quickly from various platforms and has a range of 30 kilometers. Its unique abort function allows it to self-destruct if necessary, minimizing casualties.

The Altius-600M loitering munition, larger than the Switchblade 300, can be launched from land, air, or sea and features multiple seekers and warhead options. It boasts twice the loitering time and range of current loitering munitions and can operate in swarms, enabling a single operator to control multiple drones simultaneously.

Taiwan thanked the U.S. for the drone sale, marking the 15th arms deal between the two since 2021. Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson, Karen Kuo, emphasized the importance of strengthening self-defense and asymmetric warfare capabilities to uphold democracy and international order.

White House Prioritizes Air Defense Interceptors for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

The United States has moved Ukraine to the top of the list for receiving air defense interceptors, a vital weapon for Ukraine’s self-defense. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced this adjustment during a briefing, describing it as a “difficult but necessary” decision. In the short term, Patriot and NASAMS interceptors initially destined for other countries will be redirected to Ukraine.

Kirby mentioned that this would delay deliveries to other countries currently awaiting these interceptors. However, Ukraine is expected to receive hundreds of these air defense weapons by the end of summer, which should suffice for the next 16 months. After this period, the countries waiting for their interceptors will start receiving their orders.

Kirby clarified that these countries will still receive their ordered missiles, but the delivery will be delayed. He did not specify which countries would face delays but assured that Taiwan and Israel would not be affected.

Lockheed Martin, fully funded by the U.S. Army, is producing 550 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles annually and reached a production rate of 500 per year in December 2023. Although the Army has not funded further increases, Lockheed has internally invested to produce 650 interceptors annually. In 2023, Lockheed signed six letters of approval with international customers.

Nineteen countries currently use the Raytheon-made Patriot system, and this customer base is expanding. Switzerland purchased five batteries and 75 missiles in November 2022, and Romania plans to buy more units. Additionally, at least two other European countries are close to announcing Patriot purchases, with Slovakia and Germany showing interest.

This decision marks one of the most significant measures the U.S. has taken to support Ukraine since the full-scale war with Russia began two years ago. Pentagon leaders have prioritized air defense for countries backing Kyiv, as evidenced by recent actions. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of air defense during a June press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, following a meeting of countries coordinating support for Ukraine.

Reports indicated that the U.S. was sending another Patriot system to Ukraine, though neither Austin nor Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown confirmed this. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in June that his country needs seven Patriot systems. Germany and the Netherlands have committed to sending Patriot systems, and other countries have pledged different air defense systems like NASAMS.

Austin noted that Ukraine needs various capabilities, not just Patriots, and the interceptors to support them. Despite their importance, air defense batteries and interceptors are in short supply. The U.S. and its allies have been sourcing extra weapons to support Ukraine amid drone and missile attacks. This recent decision highlights the tight supply chain for these systems, leading to a reordering rather than an expansion of capacity.

Tom Karako, an air defense expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized the need to expand inventory, noting that funds meant to increase capacity from the April national security supplemental haven’t been spent yet. This package includes around $48 billion for military aid to Ukraine, though the amount for air defense isn’t specified.

Kirby did not detail which countries would be affected by the reshuffle but assured that Washington would minimize delays. He acknowledged that each country’s circumstances would differ based on their orders and self-defense needs.