South Korea Orders Initial Batch of KF-21 Boramae Fighters, Marks Major Milestone"

 

South Korea has taken a significant step in its defense capabilities by ordering its first batch of KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, nine years after the project's inception. The government has signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the production of 20 jets. KAI has reported that the fighter’s development is 80% complete.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) awarded KAI a contract worth 1.96 trillion won (U.S. $1.41 billion) for the Block 1 batch of the KF-21, classified as 4.5-generation aircraft. The first delivery is scheduled for the end of 2026, with the final aircraft from this series expected by August 31, 2027.

KAI President Kang Goo-young acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have enabled the project to reach mass production. Jinseok Song, a member of KAI's KF-X program management team, stated last year that the company plans to produce 40 KF-21 Block I and 80 Block II aircraft. However, DAPA has initially ordered 20 jets, based on recommendations from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. The government may order an additional 20 jets next year after further performance verification. The KF-21 will replace South Korea’s retiring F-4 and F-5 fighters.

Block II production, slated for 2026-2028, will enhance the KF-21 with air-to-ground capabilities and expanded performance. About 2,200 test sorties are planned by 2026.

KAI has been preparing for this contract by establishing a supply chain with 600 domestic companies, building production facilities, and acquiring necessary tools. The company aims for a 65% localization rate, anticipating an increase in domestic production as the aviation industry ecosystem strengthens with the KF-21's mass production.

In addition, DAPA has signed a contract with Hanwha Systems for 20 active electronically scanned array radars worth 110 billion won. Hanwha Aerospace has also secured a 556 billion won contract to produce 40 General Electric F414-GE-400 engines and spares for the KF-21s. The first engine is expected by the end of 2025 from a new factory in Changwon, which aims to produce 300 engines annually.

Hanwha Aerospace has manufactured over 10,000 aircraft engines in the past 45 years, with 82% produced under license. This contract is seen as a stepping stone for developing next-generation engine technologies. Looking ahead, KAI plans to advance sixth-generation manned and unmanned system technologies.

Poland Completes Acquisition of M1A1 Abrams Tanks, Awaits Delivery of M1A2 SEP v.3

 

The Polish Army has officially received the final shipment of M1A1 Abrams tanks, marking the end of this particular procurement phase. As of June 26, the last batch of 47 main battle tanks has been delivered. On the same day, Poland also acquired 26 M1152A1B2 HMMWV workshops and various consumables. This completion of M1A1FEP Abrams deliveries sets the stage for the future arrival of the M1A2 SEP v.3 main battle tanks for the Polish armed forces.

In April 2022, Poland signed an agreement to purchase 250 units of the latest M1A2 Abrams tanks in the SEPv3 configuration. This $4.75 billion contract includes M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles and M1110 Joint Assault Bridges.

By July 2022, Poland decided to expedite the acquisition of approximately 240 additional vehicles to replace their Soviet-era T-72 tanks, which were sent to Ukraine as part of defense aid. To bridge this gap, Poland secured used American Abrams tanks under a separate agreement, involving 116 pre-owned vehicles from the US Marine Corps inventory, featuring updated fire control systems and enhanced armor protection.

Poland received its first batch of M1A1FEP Abrams tanks on June 28, 2023, nearly 11 months after the contracts were signed. This initial delivery included 14 tanks and three M88A2 Hercules machines. Subsequent deliveries accelerated, with 26 tanks and nine M88A2 Hercules machines arriving in November 2023, followed by another 29 tanks in January 2024.

In February 2024, Poland inaugurated a regional maintenance hub for Abrams tanks in Poznań, about 300 kilometers west of Warsaw. This facility, managed by the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), is available to American forces stationed in Poland and other European partners requiring Abrams repairs. PGZ stated that the hub will support both Polish Abrams tanks and those deployed abroad, emphasizing the need for comprehensive service, operation, and maintenance of military equipment.

The U.S. Marine Corps' M1A1FEP tanks and the U.S. Army's M1A1 tanks share a common base but have key differences tailored to their specific operational needs. The Marine Corps' M1A1FEP tanks feature the Blue Force Tracker communication system, additional armor packages for enhanced protection, and modified suspension systems for better handling amphibious operations and rough terrain. They also have upgraded fire-control systems for improved targeting and engagement in dynamic combat situations. Logistically, these tanks are designed for self-sufficiency in austere environments, reflecting the Marines' need for extended independent operations without extensive support infrastructure.

Ukraine to Receive Patriot Air Defense Systems from Netherlands, Romania, and Germany Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

Ukraine is poised to receive three Patriot air defense systems and several other defense systems and missiles from Western allies, as announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal.

“Today, we have achieved significant results. Italy will provide us with a second SAMP/T system. Romania will offer one Patriot system. Germany will contribute one Patriot system, along with the IRIS-T system and Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The Netherlands is currently assembling another Patriot system for us,” Shmyhal shared on Ukraine’s Rada TV channel.

Additionally, the prime minister disclosed that the United States will supply Patriot missiles and the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and Norway will also send additional Patriot missiles. Sweden has committed to sending two radar surveillance planes to Ukraine, Shmyhal added.

In early June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had secured agreements with Western nations for more air defense systems, though specific details were not disclosed. Ukrainian officials frequently express concerns about the shortage of air defense systems and missiles, consistently requesting new supplies from their Western allies.

Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly asserted that new weapons deliveries to Ukraine will not alter the front-line situation but will only prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this sentiment, stating that any shipments of weapons to Kyiv would be considered legitimate targets by Russia.

Back in June, the United States halted the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles to prioritize supplying them to Ukraine, as confirmed by U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Kirby noted that this decision would impact allies relying on the U.S. for Patriot missiles, which are not currently in production. The redirected missiles are expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next few weeks, aligning with the arrival of U.S.-made F-16s capable of carrying AMRAAMs.

Facing a shortage of anti-aircraft systems to counter Russia’s persistent attacks, Ukraine is urging its European allies to implement a no-fly zone in the West by deploying air defense systems in nearby Poland and Romania. Kyiv aims to establish a secure area in western Ukraine to protect industries, energy infrastructure, and civilians from recent Russian strikes.

Lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko questioned, “Why doesn’t NATO deploy Patriot systems near the Polish border? Russian missiles have already breached Polish and Romanian airspace. This would safeguard the borders of Poland and Romania, creating a safe zone in the West and South of Ukraine.”

This sentiment was echoed by several Ukrainian civilian and military officials who spoke to AFP in Kyiv during a recent trip organized by the French Institute of International Relations [IFRI] and the local think tank New Europe Center.

Russian Defense Ministry Warns of War Risk with NATO Amid Increased US Drone Activity Over Black Sea

 The Russian Defense Ministry has announced an increased risk of conflict with NATO due to the United States' escalation of strategic drone operations over the Black Sea. These operations aim to monitor and target precision weapons supplied to Ukraine’s armed forces.

“This highlights the growing involvement of the US and NATO in the Ukraine conflict, siding with the Kyiv regime. Such flights significantly heighten the likelihood of airspace incidents with Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft, escalating the risk of a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia. NATO countries will bear responsibility for this,” the ministry stated.

In response, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has instructed the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces to prepare proposals for swift actions against what they term US “provocations” involving drone flights over the Black Sea.

Recently, the skies over the Black Sea have been quieter, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which has not reported any US drones in the area for several months. However, activity ramped up on June 23 when RIA Novosti, using data from Flightradar24, revealed an American RQ-4B Global Hawk reconnaissance drone flying over the Black Sea during a missile attack on Sevastopol. The Russian Defense Ministry believes that American specialists operated long-range ATACMS missiles during this attack, using gathered intelligence.

On June 24, Russian Telegram channels, including Fighterbomber, reported that a US Global Hawk drone had been shot down over the Black Sea. Despite these reports, neither US nor Russian officials have officially confirmed this, and the Kremlin has refrained from commenting.

In March 2023, an incident involving a US MQ-9 Reaper drone crashing into the Black Sea made headlines. According to the US European Command, the drone was on a routine mission when intercepted by a Russian aircraft, leading to a mid-air collision. The Russian Defense Ministry countered this by denying any contact between their fighter jet and the drone, citing a violation of airspace rules instead.

Following the incident, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin affirmed that the United States would maintain its flight operations wherever international law permits. He also emphasized that Russian military aircraft must conduct themselves safely and professionally.

Germany and Spain Compete for Indian Navy Submarine Deal with Advanced AIP Technology

 

The Indian Navy's pursuit of fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)-equipped conventional submarines is moving forward, albeit slowly. Currently, the Navy is evaluating two submarines for its advanced diesel-electric submarine needs, but only one has proven and validated technology. The Indian Navy is conducting field evaluation trials of the AIP technology developed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia at Cartagena.

This technology has yet to be integrated into the S80 submarine offered to the Indian Navy, although a submarine of this class has already been inducted into the Spanish Navy without AIP technology. Navantia claims that its submarine design meets 'almost' all technical requirements of the P-75I without needing redesign.

Navantia's AIP system for the S80 produces over 300 kW of power, which can be directly applied to P75(I) without scaling up, thus reducing major risks for the Indian Navy. Factory testing of the AIP technology has been completed, simulating actual submarine mission conditions at the Cartagena Shipyard.

Navantia states that the S80 offered to the Indian Navy incorporates the latest technologies, such as Generation BEST AIP (Bio-ethanol Stealth Technology) and an advanced sensor suite. This third-generation AIP system uses hydrogen produced on board from bioethanol instead of stored hydrogen, allowing submarines to sail for up to three weeks submerged with minimal detectable signatures.

The Indian Navy also requires AIP technology combined with Lithium-ion batteries, enabling submarines to operate at high speeds without compromising their position. Navantia and its Indian partner, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), are not collaborating with another partner for proven Lithium-ion battery technology for this project.

Navantia's first submarine equipped with AIP BEST technology is expected to be operational by 2026. However, experts estimate that the AIP system will be ready for operational deployment in about three years, pending further laboratory tests and simulations.

Another submarine under consideration by India is already proven and used by several frontline navies. Recently, a submarine from this class completed a rare voyage under the Arctic ice. This submarine, the Arpão (S161), built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany, is based on the export-optimized Type 214 design.

ThyssenKrupp has offered India its 214-class submarines, which combine advanced technologies from the 212 CD submarines with the latest AIP developments. These submarines, tailored to the Indian Navy's requirements, will feature Lithium-ion batteries, advanced sensor and combat systems, and enhanced stealth capabilities.

The 212 and 214-class submarines' AIP technology, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, allows for extended submerged operations and silent running, enhancing stealth. These submarines can operate silently, launch torpedoes stealthily, and have countermeasures against torpedoes, providing increased operational flexibility.

The Indian Navy is currently strengthening its undersea fleet, as evidenced by a recent exercise in the Arabian Sea involving eight submarines. Despite challenges such as dwindling fleet numbers and aging submarines, the Navy is pushing forward with plans to build six more conventional diesel submarines under Project-75 I.

However, the Chinese Navy's rapid expansion poses a significant challenge. China has been continuously deploying at least one nuclear-armed submarine at sea and is providing advanced submarine technology to Pakistan. In response, the Indian Navy is enhancing its capabilities to maintain strategic balance in the region.

The Indian Navy's adoption of AIP technology will enhance its fleet's capabilities, putting it in a better position against regional threats. While the Navy considers whether to proceed with proven technology or wait for the deployment of Navantia's AIP BEST technology on an operational submarine, the decision will significantly impact India's undersea defense strategy.

Germany Approves Funding for Supersonic Naval Missile Development and Extensive Missile Purchases

 

Germany's parliament has approved funding for the acquisition of thousands of missiles and the development of a supersonic naval cruise missile, as announced by the Defence Ministry.

In collaboration with Norway, Germany will work on developing the supersonic Tyrfing missile. A key parliamentary committee released funds for Berlin's first venture into creating modern naval missiles, which currently are mostly French or American-made.

While Norway and its state-owned arms manufacturer Kongsberg will lead the project, Germany plans to invest approximately €650 million ($695 million) into the development through 2033.

The new missile, named 3SM Tyrfing, is slated to be operational by 2035. The contract, expected to finalize by August, will involve Diehl Defence and MBDA working on the German side.

Initially, Germany’s portion will be funded from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s special military fund, established following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In subsequent years, funding will come from the regular defense budget.

Kongsberg describes the Tyrfing as a “new super missile” to succeed the Naval Strike Missile developed in the early 2000s. The 3SM (Super Sonic Strike Missile) is anticipated to be ready by 2035. Besides Norway and Germany, Kongsberg aims to market the missile to other European armed forces.

Additionally, the German budget committee has approved purchasing up to 3,266 Brimstone 3 rockets, scheduled for delivery by 2033 under a contract expected to pass next month. Initially, 274 missiles and necessary equipment will be purchased from MBDA Germany for about €376 million. An additional 29 Brimstones will be used for operational testing and 75 for training and telemetry.

These rockets are intended for the Eurofighter fleet, the core of Germany’s Air Force. Berlin first announced plans to acquire the air-to-ground missile in 2017. The British Royal Air Force has utilized the Brimstone family of missiles for nearly two decades, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. A contingent of German Eurofighters is also deployed in the Baltics to bolster NATO’s stance against Russia.

The parliamentary budget committee also approved acquiring 506 Stinger man-portable air defense systems, valued at approximately €395 million, to replace 500 ground-to-air missiles sent to Ukraine.

Germany has been a leading supporter of Ukraine, providing more military aid than any country except the United States. According to the Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the German government has sent €10.2 billion in military aid to Ukraine as of the end of April 2024.

Western Sanctions Fail to Diminish Russian Military-Industrial Output Amid Ukraine Conflict

 

Despite extensive sanctions and significant efforts, Western nations have been unable to effectively undermine Russia's military-industrial complex. This issue extends beyond electronic components, which continue to reach Russia through alternative and more costly routes despite export restrictions. The production of shells, missiles, armored vehicles, and drones has surged, enabling President Vladimir Putin to persist in his aggressive campaign against a neighboring country.

Experts from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Jack Watling and Gary Somerville, attribute the West's failure to halt Russia’s military operations to a lack of a unified approach during the initial sanction phase, among other factors.

A significant issue is Europe’s lack of infrastructure to enforce sanctions effectively, unlike the United States. Europe has historically treated sanctions more as a regulatory tool rather than economic warfare, aiming to shame rather than significantly disrupt harmful activities.

Despite the concerted efforts of Ukraine's international allies, Russia continues to obtain nitrocellulose from Germany, Turkey, and Taiwan. Additionally, it sources other essential raw materials for explosives globally, allowing rapid escalation in ammunition production. Since the war began, Russia has significantly increased its production of:

• 152-mm artillery shells: Increasing production by 5.3 times, from 250,000 per year to an expected 1.325 million in 2024. Around 800,000 122-mm shells are expected this year.
• Grad multiple launch rocket systems: Production will increase by 15.2 times, from 33,000 to over 500,000 shells. The Uragan system will see a 6.1 times increase, from 2,800 in 2023 to 17,000 this year.
• Kh-101 cruise missiles: Production has increased from 56 units in 2021 to a projected 420 units in 2023, aiming for 460 units.
• 9M723 Iskander missiles: Production has more than tripled, rising from 50 in reserve at the start of 2023 to 180 within a year.
• Iranian Shahed-136 drones: Production has surged 6.3 times, with collaborative production in Russia and Iran now exceeding 250 units monthly.

Estimating armored vehicle production in Russia is challenging. In 2024, Russia is projected to produce around 1,500 tanks and 3,000 other armored vehicles, with 85% being refurbished from existing stocks. The production of new armored vehicles is also increasing, with the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant's BMP-3 units production recorded at 100, 108, 120, and 135 units quarterly in 2023.

Russian manufacturers have adapted to losing access to Thales’ thermal imagers from France by substituting them with Chinese and Belarusian alternatives. These conversions require machine modifications, but significant imports from the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and other countries continue, including essential software updates.

The importation of dual-use goods critical to Russia's military-industrial strength has surged since President Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2023, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Deliveries of helicopter parts, navigation systems, and precision machinery for weapons and aircraft components have jumped from a few thousand to nearly 30,000 monthly, enabling the Kremlin to expedite the production of armaments like armored vehicles, artillery, missiles, and drones. This boost has fortified their defenses during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023, explained CSIS senior fellow Max Bergmann.