US General Defends Abrams Tanks Amid Ukrainian Criticisms, Highlights Future Upgrades

 In response to Ukrainian military complaints about the performance of US-supplied Abrams tanks, a retired US general has strongly defended the tanks, acknowledging their heavy maintenance but rejecting the criticisms as exaggerated. Ukrainian tank crews recently raised concerns about the Abrams tanks, citing issues such as armor inadequacy and engine problems, deeming them unsuitable for the combat conditions in Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities have expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out the tanks' inability to withstand the terrain and conditions of the conflict zone. Crews reported various grievances, including armor that fails to meet modern standards, engine malfunctions, and electronics vulnerabilities due to condensation from rain or fog. Additionally, they noted that despite firing multiple rounds, some targets remained intact, questioning the tanks' combat effectiveness.

Retired US General Mark Hertling refuted these claims in an interview with CNN. Hertling, with three decades of service in Europe, dismissed the criticisms as exaggerated. He stated that the Abrams tanks were designed for a NATO environment and that he did not encounter the issues described by the Ukrainian crews during his tenure. He labeled the complaints about condensation, armor, and obstacle clearance as "bullshit" and attributed any perceived shortcomings to the crews' failure to select the right weapon systems and maintain the tanks properly.

Hertling emphasized that mechanical breakdowns are typical in tank operations and that disgruntled crew members might exaggerate issues. Despite knowing the maintenance demands, Ukraine had requested the Abrams tanks for military support.

Lessons from Ukraine for Future Abrams Tanks The deployment of Abrams tanks, specifically the M1A1 models, was intended to strengthen Ukraine's resistance against Russian forces. However, battlefield experiences have challenged their previously invincible reputation. After persistent appeals, the US agreed in January 2023 to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. By October 2023, all tanks had arrived, raising hopes for a strategic advantage.

Nevertheless, these tanks faced significant challenges, particularly from Russian drones, with at least five Abrams tanks reportedly destroyed. Recent images show Abrams tanks in Ukraine outfitted with anti-drone armor screens, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.

In response to the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the US military is accelerating efforts to incorporate these insights into the development of the next-generation Abrams tank. Brigadier General Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, acknowledged the Abrams' limitations against modern threats such as anti-tank missiles and drones. While the tank offers excellent protection against direct fire, it is vulnerable to top-attack threats.

Norman highlighted the Abrams' effectiveness in offensive maneuvers, emphasizing its mobility and firepower. However, he cautioned against stationary use, which increases vulnerability. To address these challenges, Army leaders are reevaluating formation options to distribute capabilities and protect soldiers.

In September 2023, following observations from the Ukrainian conflict, the US Army announced a shift in its tank modernization strategy. Instead of proceeding with the planned moderate upgrade (SEPv4), the Army opted for a more ambitious upgrade, the M1E3 Abrams, to be known as the M1A3 upon deployment. The new design aims for a lighter tank with enhanced survivability and a reduced logistical footprint. Details on the M1A3 are still being refined, with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) serving as the prime contractor.

US Military Expands Stealth Technology for Bombers, AEW&C, and Support Aircraft

 

On May 22, 2024, the US Air Force (USAF) unveiled the first official photos of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber in flight, following its inaugural flight last year. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, released additional images showcasing the bomber's takeoff, flight, and presence at Edwards Air Force Base. The B-21 Raider joins the B-2 Spirit as the only active stealth bombers, with China's Xi’an H-20 expected by 2025 and Russia's Tupolev PAK DA by 2027. These aircraft represent the forefront of heavy stealth technology.

Stealth Technology Overview Stealth technology involves integrating various low-observable (LO) technologies to significantly reduce an aircraft's detectability. This includes minimizing radar cross-section (RCS), acoustic signature, thermal imprint, and other detectable attributes. The term "stealth" became widely known in the late 1980s with the F-117 stealth fighter's deployment during the 1991 Gulf War.

Key techniques include tilting or removing vertical stabilizers, applying radar-absorbing materials (RAM) to leading edges, and internalizing weapons and fuel tanks. Advanced materials and coatings, such as dielectric composites and transparent conductors for cockpit canopies, further reduce radar reflections. Placing engines within the wing or fuselage reduces infrared signatures, and passive infrared and low-light TV sensors help maintain stealth by avoiding active emissions.

Operational Use of Stealth Technology Stealth technology saw its first operational use with the F-117 in the Gulf War, later deployed in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Stealth helicopters, like the modified Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk used in the 2011 Osama bin Laden raid, also utilized stealth features. More recent combat applications include the F-22 over Syria and the Israeli F-35I in Syrian and Iranian airspace.

Limitations and Countermeasures Despite its advantages, stealth technology has limitations. Low-frequency radars can detect stealth aircraft, though with reduced accuracy. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems can detect aircraft heat signatures. Stealth design involves trade-offs in aerodynamics, development time, and cost, often requiring larger internal bays and specific maintenance procedures. Additionally, counters to stealth technology continue to evolve.

Stealth Aircraft Developments The B-2 Spirit, produced from 1987 to 2000, remains the only operational stealth bomber, with a wingspan of 172 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 170,600 kg. The new B-21 Raider, smaller and estimated at $700 million per unit, aims to replace the aging B-2 fleet. The USAF plans to invest $203 billion over 30 years to develop and operate at least 100 B-21s. China's H-20 and Russia's PAK DA are still in development, with limited details available.

Future of Stealth Technology The USAF's plans include stealthy flight refueling aircraft (FRAs) to support closer refueling of stealth fighters and bombers in contested environments. Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has proposed concepts for stealth tankers, and Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray is in development as a stealth refueling drone.

Stealth AEW&C aircraft, such as the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, aim to reduce detectability through design modifications. Future stealth initiatives may also encompass cargo and special operations aircraft, with flying wing designs offering potential solutions for stealth transport.

Innovative Stealth Concepts Emerging technologies, such as metasurfaces and plasma stealth, promise further advancements in RCS reduction. Adaptive aero-elastic wings and fluidic controls are also under exploration, though these remain costly and in developmental stages.

Overall, the USAF's investment in stealth technology for various aircraft ensures continued global dominance and operational effectiveness in increasingly contested environments.

Taiwan Revives Advanced Frigate Program for Enhanced Defense in Taiwan Strait

 

Taiwan's military has decided to revive its "New Generation Frigate" program, driven by the defense needs of the Taiwan Strait. This decision was reported by local media LTN on May 25, 2024, citing a high-level government official. The new frigates are expected to have a displacement of 6,000 tons and will feature U.S.-made AN/SPY-7 active phased array radar. The official mentioned that the Taiwanese navy initially aimed to develop a 4,500-ton vessel with capabilities comparable to larger ships, but this proved overly optimistic.

According to another local source, UP MEDIA, the navy realized that a 4,500-ton vessel could not accommodate all the necessary weapon systems and equipment for modern warfare, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations. The New Generation Frigate program was originally part of a 12-item force building plan announced by the Republic of China (ROC) Navy in 2016. At the 2017 TADTE defense exhibition, a scale model of the frigate was displayed, highlighting its enhanced joint operational capabilities and resilience against heavy attacks. However, there was confusion regarding whether the frigate would feature the Aegis Combat System, as the term was used inconsistently in various descriptions.

The U.S. has not confirmed if it will sell the Aegis Combat System to Taiwan, and the Taiwanese navy’s definition of “Aegis” remains unclear. For instance, in a 2018 parliamentary session, a deputy head of NCSIST explained that an “Aegis ship” refers to a warship equipped with an electronic scanning array (ESA).

China Warns Taiwan Independence Supporters of 'Self-Destruction' at Shangri-La Dialogue

 

After meeting U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, China’s new defense minister, Adm. Dong Jun, appeared amicable, even sharing tips on the best places to see pandas in China. However, his tone shifted dramatically two days later during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a prominent defense summit.

In a stern speech, Dong warned that those supporting Taiwan's independence would face "self-destruction" and stated that the likelihood of "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan was diminishing. His speech reflected China's dual strategy at the summit: reassuring other nations of its responsible behavior while firmly asserting its stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University, described Dong's address as the "most consistently intimidating speech" from China at the summit. A U.S. official echoed this sentiment, calling the speech "tone deaf" and highlighting global concerns about China's coercive activities in the region.

China's recent actions include military activities around the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where Chinese Coast Guard vessels have harassed Philippine resupply missions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has warned that any Filipino deaths resulting from such actions would be considered an act of war, potentially drawing the U.S. into the conflict due to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

During the conference, other leaders also criticized China. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin reiterated that conflict is neither "imminent nor unavoidable," while Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that China's growing power would attract greater scrutiny.

Despite resuming military talks with the U.S. after a two-year hiatus, China's actions around Taiwan remain aggressive. Dong cited "external interfering forces," referring to the U.S. and its allies, for escalating tensions in the region. During a Q&A session, Dong defended China's actions, claiming those seeking Taiwanese independence were testing China's "red lines."

Dong's speech concluded with a mix of defiance and humor, highlighting the charged atmosphere at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Russia Issues Nuclear Threats if NATO-Backed F-16s Strike Within Its Borders

 

As NATO's support for Ukraine grows, Russia has issued a stark warning to "small countries with dense populations" about the potential for nuclear retaliation if F-16 jets hit targets inside Russia. This follows comments from the Dutch Foreign Minister suggesting that F-16 fighters from the Netherlands could be used for such strikes.

On May 31, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot stated that the Netherlands would not object if Ukraine used the supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike Russian targets in self-defense. "If you have the right to self-defense, there are no borders for the use of weapons. This is a general principle," Bruins Slot said during an informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague.

Denmark has taken a similar stance, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen noting that it is fair for Ukraine to use Danish-supplied F-16s to target military objectives within Russia. Rasmussen emphasized that Ukraine was not given carte blanche to invade Russia but to target military installations strategically.

Ukraine is set to receive F-16s from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, with the United States approving the transfer. However, Washington's approval may be needed for combat operations targeting Russian territory, as these fighters were originally sold by the US.

Social media is abuzz with speculation that F-16s will soon strike Russia, despite no official acknowledgment from the Pentagon. Pro-Ukraine bloggers and analysts express widespread jubilation over this possibility. The statements from Dutch and Danish officials reflect a growing consensus within NATO to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons.

Recent indications suggest that the US may have permitted Ukraine to use American munitions to strike Russia, with President Joe Biden authorizing such strikes near Kharkiv. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed this on May 31, noting that the US would "adapt and adjust" to future Ukrainian requests for strikes within Russia.

Blinken did not specify if F-16s could be used for these strikes. The Biden Administration has so far refrained from allowing Ukraine to use long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit Russian targets. Other NATO allies, including France and Germany, have also authorized strikes within Russian territory, led by French President Emmanuel Macron's support for Kyiv's right to neutralize Russian military bases launching attacks into Ukraine.

These decisions come amid Ukrainian leaders' claims that restrictions on their use of weapons have allowed Russia to attack with impunity. Russia has responded with strong warnings, emphasizing its nuclear capabilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "serious consequences" due to the escalating situation, particularly for European countries with small territories and dense populations. During a visit to Uzbekistan, Putin highlighted the risks of such nations considering strikes deep into Russian territory.

On May 31, Andrei Kartapolov, Head of the Defense Committee in the Russian lower house, stated that Moscow would respond asymmetrically to any attacks using US-supplied weaponry. Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev also reiterated that Russia's threats of using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine are serious, cautioning that the conflict with the West could escalate into a full-scale war.

Western leaders have hesitated to supply certain weapon systems and authorize their use against Russia to avoid triggering a broader conflict between NATO and Russia. However, with Russia's ongoing aggressive actions and advances into Kharkiv, NATO states are increasingly supporting the use of long-range Western weapons to counter the Russian threat.

China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Continually Upgraded, New Next-Gen Aircraft Imminent

 Following displays of air power against Taiwan and India, a pilot from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) announced that the J-20 Mighty Dragon is undergoing continuous upgrades to meet its combat objectives.

The Global Times, a state-owned publication, reported that a top test pilot of the J-20 stealth fighter jet revealed that the aircraft is receiving ongoing upgrades, with a next-generation warplane expected to debut soon. Test pilot Li Gang, speaking on China Central Television (CCTV), stated, "The J-20 is constantly improving, keeping pace with the times, and continuously perfecting its mission system to achieve its expected combat objectives."

Li hinted at the imminent introduction of a new aircraft, though he did not specify its type. China is known to be developing a sixth-generation fighter, similar to the efforts of the US and Europe.

In February 2023, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) shared a concept for a sixth-generation fighter featuring diamond-shaped wings and a tailless design. However, as reported by EurAsian Times, China is still working on improving basic radar, avionics, and engine technologies.

Chinese commentators emphasized that China would not rest on the success of the J-20 while other nations, like the US, are developing next-generation fighter jets. The US is progressing with the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) system.

While a new Chinese aircraft might be years away, the J-20 has become a key asset for the PLAAF, deployed in all five military theaters. It has been stationed near the contentious border with India and has participated in military drills targeting Taiwan, demonstrating its readiness for future combat scenarios.

Chinese military aviation specialist Fu Qianshao highlighted that China's aviation technologies have advanced rapidly since the J-20's initial test flight. While some have doubted the J-20's stealth capabilities, Fu stressed that it incorporates the latest technologies, including new engines and aerodynamic, avionics, radar, software, and material modifications.

Fu compared the J-20 to the US Air Force's F-22 Raptors, noting that the F-22 has not seen significant updates since its development and is aging. He argued that the J-20 is currently the most advanced fighter jet globally.

Although the F-22 has received upgrades, particularly in the Block 30/35 versions, the J-20's continuous enhancements highlight China's commitment to advancing its stealth fighter capabilities. The J-20's upgrades include potentially increasing its missile capacity, adding thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, and installing higher-thrust WS-15 engines for supercruise capability.

Additionally, a twin-seater J-20 model, possibly for autonomous escort control, is in development. This model might also serve as a tactical electronic jammer and advanced early warning aircraft.

Reports suggest that the J-20 could have an edge over the F-22 due to its ability to carry multiple missiles like the PL-15, which may have a longer range than the US AIM-120 AMRAAM.

As tensions rise between the US and China, the J-20 poses a significant challenge to US air superiority. With around 200 J-20 fighters in service and more in production, the J-20 represents a formidable threat to the US and its allies.

China's Innovative 'Shark Skin' Jet Engine Could Surpass US Technology

 

China has announced a revolutionary development in aviation technology: a "shark skin"-inspired structure embedded within a turbofan engine. According to Chinese claims, this innovation could significantly reduce drag and enhance engine efficiency, potentially propelling China ahead in next-generation engine technology.

Chinese researchers have meticulously crafted this new "shark skin" structure from a high-strength titanium alloy using precision 3D printing. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that this advanced technology could reduce drag by up to 10%, marking a substantial improvement in engine performance.

The innovation centers on an engine component known as the intermediate casing. This crucial part, over a meter in diameter, features bionic grooves 15 to 35 micrometers deep—finer than a human hair. Previously, manufacturing such a large, precise component with a 3D printer was not possible. However, Chinese researchers have overcome this challenge with advanced 3D printing techniques and commercial software.

The intermediate casing, a vital structural element in aviation engines, connects various engine components and transmits thrust to the aircraft fuselage. Despite its slender profile—only 3mm at its thinnest point—the casing is remarkably strong, able to withstand loads over 10 tonnes. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the prototype meets stringent mechanical requirements and achieves a 25% weight reduction compared to traditional castings without compromising structural integrity.

This breakthrough holds immense promise for the aviation industry, heralding a new era of lighter, more efficient engine designs. Researchers also envision future developments where hollow fan blades, free from conventional structural constraints, incorporate advanced internal skeletons and lattice structures, substantially enhancing impact resistance.

Chinese experts believe this innovative leap could position Beijing to catch up with—and potentially surpass—the United States and its allies in modern engine development, a field in which China has historically lagged. For years, Chinese military aircraft relied on jet engines imported from Russia, which often suffered from reliability issues and subpar performance. This dependency prompted China to ramp up its investment in indigenous engine development.

The 2016 inclusion of jet engine performance improvement in China’s 13th Five-Year Plan marked a strategic shift towards advancing the aerospace industry. Since then, China’s efforts have borne fruit, with the country now equipping its premier J-20 stealth fighter jets with domestically produced Xi’an-built Woshan-15 (WS-15) “Emei” engines.

This progress has not gone unnoticed internationally. John R. Sneden, propulsion director for the US Air Force’s Life Cycle Management Center, acknowledged China’s significant investments in propulsion technologies and warned that the US was losing its propulsion lead to China. Although Beijing’s technological prowess in engine development may not yet rival the United States, Chinese media claim that this latest shark skin tech could propel China to a competitive position. The next generation of engines requires reduced fuel consumption for increased thrust, which presents numerous challenges.

China’s advancements come at a time when the US is reevaluating its approach to next-generation fighter engines. The US Air Force recently announced plans to abandon the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) in favor of upgrading existing engines, highlighting the challenges faced in developing new propulsion systems.

Brazil-based defense expert Patricia Marins noted that while military jets primarily use turbojet engines, not turbofans, this innovation has transformative potential, particularly for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

China’s shark skin technology represents a significant advancement. Similar innovations are being explored globally, such as Lufthansa Group's AeroSHARK, a film-like coating with ribbed textures designed to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.

China’s latest breakthrough could significantly impact aviation's future, offering a pathway to more efficient and environmentally friendly engine designs. With continued investment and innovation, Beijing is well-positioned to challenge traditional aerospace leaders like the USA.