US-India Stryker Partnership: A Game Changer for Indian Defense and China Containment

 As of November 2023, it has been disclosed that the US plans to start manufacturing Stryker armored vehicles in India. This initiative could mark the first time these vehicles are produced outside the US and play a significant role in countering China. Additionally, the US is attempting to push Russia out of the Indian air defense market by offering a license for the advanced Stryker M-SHORAD.

On June 19, Indian media reported that discussions have progressed, with India's Ministry of Defense now considering a three-phase cooperation plan with the US for producing Stryker vehicles. However, there are still various details and requests from the Indian side that need to be addressed.

The acquisition of Stryker armored vehicles depends on their ability to meet the specific needs of motorized rifle battalions. Recently, the US proposed a demonstration to showcase these vehicles' mobility and firepower in India's mountainous regions, indicating the Indian Army's requirement for vehicles adapted to challenging terrains like Eastern Ladakh and Sikkim.

One crucial demand from India is a high degree of production localization, including the transfer of critical technologies to a participating company, whether private or state-owned.

If India proceeds with the Stryker acquisition, it will follow a phased approach: starting with a limited purchase through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, moving to joint production in India, and eventually developing a futuristic version of the armored vehicle. Specific details of this version are yet to be disclosed.

While these ambitious plans with the US are underway, India is also pursuing its initiatives for wheeled and tracked armored vehicles to replace its fleet of over 2,000 BMP-2s.

The Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) is a family of eight-wheeled armored combat vehicles produced by General Dynamics Land Systems for the US Army. Designed for versatility, the Stryker provides infantry transport, reconnaissance, and direct fire support. It measures approximately 22.92 feet in length, 8.96 feet in width, and 8.92 feet in height, with a weight ranging from 16.47 to 20.8 tons, depending on the configuration.

Powered by a Caterpillar C7 diesel engine delivering about 350 horsepower, the Stryker can reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour and has a range of around 330 miles on a full tank. Its eight-wheel drive (8×8) configuration enhances mobility across various terrains, and it is equipped with run-flat tires and a central tire inflation system for sustained operational capability even after wheel damage.

The Stryker offers advanced armor protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It features modern communication and navigation systems to enhance situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities.

The Stryker family includes various variants, such as the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV), Mobile Gun System (MGS), Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV), Commander's Vehicle (CV), Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV), Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), and Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATGMV).

Weaponry on the Stryker AFV varies by variant, with common armaments including the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher, and M240 7.62mm machine gun. The MGS variant features a 105mm tank gun, while the ATGMV is equipped with TOW missile launchers.

The Stryker AFV's primary purpose is to provide a highly mobile, protected platform for transporting infantry and conducting various combat operations. Its versatility allows it to perform a wide range of missions, making it a crucial asset in modern military engagements.

Fully Funded NATO: A Powerful Deterrent Against Russian Aggression, Report by Dr. Warren K. Christolon

 

The dream of achieving peace and security across Europe is within reach, provided the ongoing issue within NATO is resolved. NATO, originally based on shared responsibility, has shifted to a model where 21 out of its 32 members are not meeting their 2% GDP defense spending obligation. This failure is especially concerning amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, affecting both NATO and non-NATO European countries, particularly Ukraine.

Despite the requirement for NATO countries to allocate 2% of their GDP to defense, many have not done so. Only 10 out of the 30 European NATO members met this goal in 2023. These "Honorable 10" are Poland, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, the UK, and the Slovak Republic. The US and Canada also contribute, with the US spending 3.49% of its GDP on defense.

A decade ago, the Obama Administration highlighted that NATO countries were not meeting their funding commitments, and the Trump Administration called for "burden sharing." However, there has been no significant improvement. As European countries expand their welfare states, their defense spending has decreased, failing to recognize the global security threats beyond Europe and the impracticality of relying solely on the US for protection.

The US, overextended both militarily and economically, has shifted its focus to other strategic regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, reducing its defense resources in Europe. European NATO members must now face reality and take corrective action.

The non-compliant NATO countries must be encouraged to contribute their fair share, moving away from their "NATO Welfare Cocoon." A fully funded European NATO would vastly outmatch Russia in military and economic power. With NATO Europe’s population of one billion versus Russia’s 144 million, Europe would have undeniable deterrence supremacy, ensuring protection for all like-minded European countries and neutralizing Russia as a credible threat.

To address this security deficiency, it is crucial to end the exploitation by the non-paying NATO countries. A new Secretary General from one of the ten compliant countries should be appointed to reshape NATO leadership and enforce the 2% GDP defense spending rule.

Qualified leaders from the compliant countries are ready to lead NATO and ensure all members meet their financial obligations, creating a credible deterrence force in Europe. This new leadership will reorient NATO’s principles, emphasizing that Europe must take primary responsibility for its defense, acknowledging the US's global commitments, and ensuring all European members contribute their fair share.

A fully funded NATO would emerge as the dominant defensive power in Europe, securing peace and stability. This reformed NATO, with its enhanced capabilities, would deter Russia and strengthen ties with non-NATO European countries, promoting peace and security across the continent.

South Korea Weighs Arming Ukraine Amid Growing Russia-North Korea Military Ties

 

Triggered by the recent defense agreement between North Korea and Russia, South Korea is considering the possibility of arming Ukraine, according to a report from Yonhap News on June 20. An unnamed official indicated that this reevaluation follows the commitment between North Korean and Russian leaders to support each other in case of conflict.

Though not officially confirmed by the South Korean government, these reports follow Seoul's condemnation of the strategic partnership deal signed by North Korea and Russia. South Korea's government stated that the partnership violated UN sanctions, emphasizing that any cooperation that enhances North Korea's military capabilities breaches UN Security Council resolutions and is subject to international monitoring and sanctions.

In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised South Korea for not directly supplying arms to Ukraine, which was perceived as an olive branch to Seoul, dissatisfied with Moscow's growing military ties with Pyongyang.

Historically, South Korea has been hesitant to send arms to Ukraine due to its policy of not arming countries involved in active conflicts. Despite pressure from NATO allies, Seoul has maintained its stance, although it has indirectly supplied 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine via the United States.

Reports suggest that the two Koreas are engaging in a proxy war, with South Korea indirectly aiding Ukraine and North Korea allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. Chris Park from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that this situation effectively places the Koreas in opposition through their support of different sides in the Ukraine conflict.

The new defense cooperation agreements between North Korea and Russia, described as the most significant since the Cold War, have escalated tensions with South Korea. Pyongyang has recently launched provocations, including sending waste-filled balloons and soldiers crossing the border, prompting South Korea to fire warning shots.

Concerns are rising in Seoul about North Korea potentially receiving Russian support for its missile program in return for its military backing. The strategic agreement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guarantees mutual assistance in case of aggression.

Although it is unclear if the new agreement offers the same level of protection as the Cold War-era pact, it marks a significant step towards a closer relationship between the two nations. The agreement obliges each party to use all available means to assist the other in case of an attack, in compliance with national laws and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which upholds the right to self-defense.

Both leaders have characterized the deal as a breakthrough, enhancing cooperation in security, trade, investment, culture, and humanitarianism. Kim Jong Un declared the agreement as the "strongest ever treaty," signaling a solid alliance and full support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Putin referred to it as a significant advancement in their bilateral relations.

ROK Navy Strengthens Maritime Defense with Arrival of New P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

 

On June 19th, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy welcomed the first three P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at their Naval Air Command in Pohang. These aircraft, renowned as the world's premier "submarine hunters," are part of an acquisition plan initiated in September 2018, with Boeing producing six units by 2023. After completion of operational training overseas, the aircraft were delivered to South Korea.

To celebrate the arrival, a synchronized flight was conducted with a P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, symbolizing the safe delivery of the P-8A and the commitment to robustly defend Korean waters from the air. P-3 pilots welcomed the P-8A pilots over operational waters, who in turn expressed their dedication to achieving top combat readiness and executing their maritime defense mission through future force integration.

The P-8A Poseidon is the latest maritime patrol aircraft capable of missions such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and general maritime patrol operations. Compared to the ROK Navy’s P-3 aircraft, the P-8A offers a higher maximum speed and a longer operational range. It is equipped with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance tools, including a long-range X-band radar for detecting sea targets hundreds of kilometers away, digital electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) equipment for high-resolution imaging and target detection within tens of kilometers, as well as electronic warfare systems.

Additionally, the P-8A carries air-to-surface missiles for striking maritime targets with precision and torpedoes for engaging submarines. It can deploy over 120 sonobuoys for detecting, identifying, and tracking enemy submarine signals.

The introduction of the P-8A will significantly enhance the ROK Navy's aerial anti-submarine warfare capabilities against North Korean submarines, improve rapid response capabilities in future maritime operations, and extend surveillance over Korean waters. Operating the same type of aircraft as the U.S. Navy will also facilitate seamless joint maritime aviation operations, boosting interoperability.

Three more P-8As are set to arrive on June 30th, with a delivery ceremony planned at the Naval Air Command on July 4. Following a year of force integration training and capability assessments, these aircraft are expected to be operational by mid-2025.

Marines' Landing Ship Delayed and Over Budget: Navy Faces Costly Challenges

 The development of a crucial vessel for the Marine Corps, intended for potential conflicts in island regions such as the Pacific, is experiencing significant delays and cost overruns. Originally planned for delivery in 2023, the Navy's landing ship medium program will now award its design and construction contract in fiscal year 2025, two years later than expected, according to the Government Accountability Office’s Annual Weapons Systems Assessment.

Initiated in 2020 to procure 35 stern landing vessels, the project aims to create ships that blend commercial design elements to reduce detectability and enhance maneuverability for Marine littoral regiments. Currently, testing is being conducted using a modified commercial watercraft capable of direct beach landings.

Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney explained the ship's role: "It is a shore-to-shore logistics connector to transport heavy items that can't be flown in or brought by larger ships, allowing maneuvering and sustaining positions."

Key features of the landing ship medium include:

• Length: 200 to 400 feet
• Draft: 12 feet
• Crew: Approximately 70 sailors
• Capacity: 50 Marines and 648 short tons of equipment
• Deck cargo space: 8,000 square feet
• Speed: 14 knots with a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles
• Beach landing capability: Roll-on/roll-off for 1:40 grade beaches
• Helicopter pad
• Armament: Two 30 mm guns and six .50-caliber guns
• Service life: 20 years

The first of three planned regiments became operational in 2023. However, the Navy is devising a bridging strategy as it continues to experiment with modified commercial vessels. These interim solutions require significant modifications, each costing around $115 million.

A Congressional Research Services report updated in April suggested that Congress could consider adapting the Army's existing fleet of logistics support vessels to meet some Marine requirements. The Army, with over 100 such vessels, has shifted its logistics focus to the Pacific, aligning with Marine needs.

The Navy plans to award the construction contract in March 2025, with the first ship expected by January 2029. Operational testing is slated for completion by July 2030, with initial capability projected for December 2034.

The program's costs have escalated significantly. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the initial 18-ship program to cost between $6.2 billion and $7.8 billion, or $340 million to $430 million per ship. This is nearly triple the original estimate of $2.6 billion, or $150 million per ship. Should the Navy procure the full fleet of 35 landing ships, the total cost could reach between $11.9 billion and $15 billion.

Congress Approves Israel F-15 Sale Amid Controversy Over U.S. Bomb Shipment Hold

 The White House has persuaded two influential Democrats to lift their hold on an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the Biden administration for delaying the shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel.

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, leading Democrats on foreign affairs panels, confirmed they have ended their months-long blockade on the sale of 50 Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets, Raytheon-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits.

Netanyahu released a video in English criticizing President Joe Biden for the pause on the delivery of about 3,500 air-to-ground munitions, including 500- and 2,000-pound bombs, since April. Netanyahu highlighted this issue during a recent meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“It is inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel is America's closest ally in the fight against Iran and other common enemies. Secretary Blinken assured him that efforts are ongoing to resolve these delays.

The Washington Post reported that Meeks and Cardin lifted their hold on the F-15 sale, which is not expected for delivery until the end of the decade, due to pressure from the Biden administration and pro-Israel advocates. Additionally, the Biden administration is considering lifting its own hold on the 3,500 heavy bombs intended for immediate delivery to Israel.

A National Security Council spokesperson told Defense News that discussions with Israel about the munitions release are ongoing but provided no further updates. Blinken stated that the U.S. continues to review the heavy bomb delivery but noted that other military supplies are proceeding as usual.

Biden paused the heavy bomb shipment in May ahead of Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza, citing concerns over civilian casualties in a conflict that has caused significant loss of life and brought the region to the brink of famine. The last U.S. president to withhold weapons shipments to Israel was Ronald Reagan in 1982, following civilian casualties in Lebanon.

Meeks, who initially blocked the F-15 sale due to concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian aid restrictions, reversed his stance after discussions with the White House and National Security Council. He emphasized the need for Israel to improve humanitarian efforts and limit civilian casualties.

Despite Meeks lifting the hold weeks ago, the State Department has not formally notified Congress of the F-15 sale or a separate $1 billion sale of tank ammunition and tactical vehicles. Such notifications would trigger a congressional review period where critics could seek to block the sales.

Congress has also introduced legislation to counter Biden’s bomb shipment pause and restrict the president’s authority to delay future arms transfers to Israel. The House’s fiscal 2025 defense spending bill includes a provision to prevent the Pentagon from withholding defense articles or services for Israel and mandates the transfer of withheld weapons within 15 days.

The Appropriations Committee advanced this bill, which will be voted on by the full House soon. Additionally, some Democrats joined Republicans to pass a bill reversing Biden’s bomb hold, though the Democratic-controlled Senate has not held a vote due to a White House veto threat.

Congress has invited Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24, with key leaders from both parties supporting the invitation. Senators Lindsey Graham and Cory Booker also convened a private meeting with CEOs to urge continued arms sales to Israel. Palantir CEO Alex Karp and Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski were reportedly among the attendees.

Armenia Shifts Defense Strategy: Exploring Barak 8 Missile System Amidst Diversification Efforts

 

Armenia is gradually moving away from its dependence on Russian arms suppliers, adopting more favorable domestic and international policies. Notably, Armenia is showing interest in the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, a joint development between India and Israel, also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM.

The Barak 8 missile system is a collaborative effort between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to provide a comprehensive air defense solution against various aerial threats. The system includes multifunctional surveillance and threat alert radar, a command and control system, and mobile launchers, ensuring robust defense capabilities.

The Barak 8 missile measures approximately 4.5 meters in length and 0.225 meters in diameter, with a weight of around 275 kilograms. Its lightweight design allows deployment on various platforms, including naval ships and land-based launchers. The missile's advanced features include an active radar seeker for precise target tracking and engagement, a two-way data link for mid-course guidance updates, and a thrust vector control system that enhances agility and maneuverability.

The Barak 8 system consists of several key components and subsystems: the missile itself, a vertical launch system (VLS) for rapid deployment, the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar for target detection and tracking, and a command and control system for mission planning and execution. This integration ensures a comprehensive and effective air defense capability.

With an operational range of approximately 70-100 kilometers, the Barak 8 missile can engage threats at significant distances, providing wide-area coverage and enhancing the defensive perimeter of protected assets. It is effective against various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles, making it a versatile tool for modern air defense.

Armenia is seeking more modern and effective equivalents to its current surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Russian-developed S-300 system, which defends against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The Armenian military also operates the highly mobile Tor-M2KM system, capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, and the 9K33 Osa system, which provides short-range air defense against aircraft and helicopters.

Armenia has shown interest in the Akash-NG, an advanced variant of the Indian Akash missile system. However, the Indian government has not yet approved the production of the Akash-NG, meaning it might take at least three years for Armenia to acquire it. Given these circumstances, Armenia is currently favoring the MR-SAM due to its immediate availability and established production capabilities.