All aboard the FLYING BOTTOM: Part plane, part helicopter, part hovercraft, it's a work of British genius - ROBERT HARDMAN climbs inside the vast airship that could revolutionise how we fly...



















http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-35...ionise-fly.html

RUSSIA DEFENSE REPORT: FIGHTING THE NEXT WAR



While Russia’s campaign in Syria which was waged mainly through airpower and military advisers who left the actual land combat to the Syrian forces and their allies, the next such campaign, which might occur either in the Middle East, some place closer to Russian borders, or even on Russian territory itself, could very well require a sizable ground operation. While the Russian Ground Forces were not directly tested in Syria even though its command and advisory personnel proved to be far more capable than the indigenous military talent left over from Saddam Hussein’s military and advisers proved by Turkey and Gulf Arab states. In the event that the Russian Ground Forces find themselves having to fight a land war, they will be as well prepared as their aerial counterpart.

While the Ground Forces languished for most of the first decade of the century, when there were no major military threats to Russia in evidence, the gradual deterioration of relations which followed the 2008 financial crisis, the subsequent systemic economic crisis, and the crisis-induced need to conquer new markets to avert economic collapse in the West, meant that the neglect had to be quickly reversed. The reversal, which is still under way, includes not only a far more active training agenda, with numerous readiness alert drills and large-scale multi-service strategic exercises which are once again eclipsing NATO’s ability to stage large operations, is also complemented by the development of state-of-the-art training methods. The 333rd Combat Training Center (CTC) in Mulino exemplifies the Ground Forces’ emphasis on combat readiness.

Even though Russian equipment tends to be durable and easily serviced, high-intensity training does put considerable wear and tear on it, and requires a considerable expenditure of fuel. Moreover, such training also tends to damage equipment when used by inexperienced operators. To maximize the training regimen’s effectiveness, the Russian military is turning to simulator training not only for individual training, but also for large unit training.

The 333rd CTC allows a complete motorized rifle brigade of several thousand troops to undergo a seven-week training program, which starts with individual soldier assessment, followed by company and battalion exercises, and finishing with a brigade exercise. The center allows the soldiers and units begin with simulator exercises to acquire the basic individual and unit skills, to be followed with full-scale field exercises with the use of laser simulators and live fire by all types of weapons available to a motorized rifle brigade. The 333rd CTC also includes a “battle town” that can be used to practice urban warfare skills by a single battalion task force at a time.

The center began its operations in September 2015, with the first unit to undergo training being a Naval Infantry brigade. It is probably not a coincidence that the first Russian troops to be deployed to Syria were Naval Infantrymen who underwent advanced combat training at the 333rd. The Ground Forces plan to send 3 complete brigades through the center every year, though in theory the center could accommodate 6 complete 7-week training cycles a year, and there is also an intense and accelerated version of the training program available which is likely to be used when a combat operation is imminent.

On a final note, the 333rd Center’s contractors included the German firm Rheinmetall which withdrew from the project following the EU’s imposition of sanctions on Russia in 2014. However, in a display of import substitution, the Russian defense industry proved capable of meeting the challenge and completing the center using domestic technologies. The planned expansion of the Ground Forces which will include the reactivation of 4 motorized rifle and tank divisions, means that the demands on the training facilities will only increase. The 333rd CTC exists mainly to serve the needs of the Western Military District. In the future, each of the remaining 3 military districts are expected to receive a similar training facility.

https://southfront.org/russia-defense-repor...g-the-next-war/

Watch an F-35 land on an aircraft carrier in slow motion





http://www.businessinsider.my/watch-an-f-3...p71W0t7cFrEl.97

Russian Sub Combat Patrols Nearly Doubled in 2015





http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/russian-sub...oubled-in-2015/

Oshkosh Wins Nearly $200Mln Contract to ‘Recapitalize’ US Army Trucks



The US Army has awarded Oshkosh Defense a nearly $200 million contract to modernize and renovate an undescribed number of five-ton, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to tow and supply heavy combat vehicles and equipment, the Department of Defense said.

"Oshkosh Defense in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $197.2 million… contract for recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks," the announcement stated on Monday. "Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2017."

The HEMTT is an eight-wheel-drive, diesel-powered, tactical truck used by the US military that has been in continuous production since 1982.

By 2015 more than 27,000 HEMTTs in various configurations had been produced by Oshkosh Defense or re-manufactured by the company.

The HEMTT is designed to provide heavy transport capabilities for supply and re-supply of combat vehicles and weapons systems, and is produced in different configurations including cargo, tanker, tractor versions.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160322/1...rmy-trucks.html

U.S. Army Scout Copters Head to South Korea for One Last Mission





http://warisboring.com/articles/u-s-army-s...e-last-mission/

U.S. Officials Bash ‘Shitty’ Belgian Security Forces





http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016...ity-forces.html

Syria forces on brink of retaking iconic city of Palmyra from ISIS





http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-35...ra-monitor.html

Raytheon Wins Contract to Develop CHAMP Missile for Electronic War




WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Air Force ordered a $4.8 million contract to continue work on a counter electronics, high-powered microwave weapon to be carried on cruise missiles, the Raytheon Company announced in a press release.

“The US Air Force has awarded Raytheon Company $4.8 million to continue the Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile, known as CHAMP, aboard the Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM),” the release stated on Wednesday.

CHAMP is a payload that can disable adversaries' electronic systems, the release explained.

“Non-kinetic systems give the [United States] the option to defeat enemy infrastructure with little collateral damage,” Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems Vice President Thomas Bussing said. “The pairing of CHAMP and CALCM, a proven weapon, lowers risk and brings tomorrow's capabilities forward to today.”

As part of the contract, Raytheon will refurbish the CHAMP payload and a pair of CALCM cruise missiles and deliver them to the Air Force Research Laboratory, the release added.

The new project is the first major CHAMP activity in the US defense-industrial sector since the Air Force Research Laboratory successfully demonstrated the technology in October 2012, the release noted.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160324/1...e-contract.html

SOLDIER SHOOTS DOWN DRONE WITH CYBER RIFLE AT DEFENSE SECRETARY'S FEET





http://www.popsci.com/solider-downs-drone-...secretarys-feet

This Danish Helicopter Pilot Has Gonads of Steel



The Danish arctic patrol ship HDMS Ejnar Mikkelsen frequently patrols the area around Greenland between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea. Currently it's just north of Scotland headed to that very patrol area. The seas in this part of the world can get particularly rough—maybe too rough to land a helicopter in.

Or not. The undated video above shows a Danish MK90B Lynx helicopter attempting to land on the Mikkelsen's pad in stomach-churning rough seas. It's touch and go for a while, with the 1,700-ton patrol ship wallowing in some serious swells. Suddenly the swells calm and the pilot quickly seizes the opportunity, plopping the helicopter on the deck to a safe landing.

And then, presumably, going inside to change his or her underwear.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/n...onads-of-steel/

Did Pakistan Decide to Buy China’s Newest Attack Helicopter?





http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/did-pakista...ack-helicopter/

Taiwan gives press tour of disputed South China Sea ‘island’ to prove it isn’t a rock





http://www.businessinsider.my/taiwan-gives...8yQHx2bozZSV.97

(LEAD) Military seeks to develop new patrol craft to bolster front-line defense



SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is seeking to develop a highly mobile patrol craft as part of its efforts to bolster naval defense along the maritime boundary with North Korea, military officials said Wednesday.

Through a civilian-military cooperative project, the military plans to develop a 20-ton "high-speed interceptor craft" (HSIC) that can travel faster than 60 knots per hour, or 111 kmph, the officials said.

The military plans to launch the project within this year and produce a prototype in five years so they can be stationed near the Northern Limit Line, the de facto sea border between the two Koreas.

The envisioned vessel is expected to have much enhanced agility compared with the 130-ton Chamsuri-class patrol craft currently in service. The Chamsuri-class boats are considered the Navy's most mobile vessels with a maximum speed of 38 knots per hour.

The HSIC is to measure 20 meters in length and 4 meters in width, and can carry a crew of 12, officials said. It is expected to have a maximum range of 300 nautical miles, or 555 kilometers.

The military anticipates that should the HSIC be deployed, it would be able to handle various military missions, including operations to fend off hostile infiltrations near the maritime border or other coastal defense actions.

The HSIC can also be used by the Coast Guard to crack down on illegal fishing boats, the officials said.

As part of efforts to bolster maritime defense, the military also plans to launch a project this year to build a 200-ton guided missile patrol ship, which it says is expected to strengthen the Navy's front-line defense operations.

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2...F.html?36452cb0

Breaking the Silence: Indonesia Vs. China in the Natuna Islands











http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/breaking-th...natuna-islands/

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY REVIEW – SYRIA – IRAQ, MAR. 23, 2016



ISIS militants conducted a wave of suicide attacks on the YPG and SDF centers in the Southern parts of Salouk town, Northern Raqqa. There is yet no confirmed information about casualties and damage.

In a separate development, ISIS launched an offensive against Kurdish units located in the village of Jantrari near Ain Issa town. Three militants and two Kurds were killed during the clashes there. The Kurdish forces hold the area.

100-man strong group of al-Nusra militants arrived in Binnish. The militants reportedly told the citizens about their soon departure for Aleppo to conduct warfare against the pro-government troops.

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) units continued advance on the Deir Ezzor-Mayadeen road and seized part of it after a heavy firefight with ISIS near the Thayyem Oil Fields. The SAA is pushing in direction of Mohassan.

The SAA and its allies are continuing operations to liberate Palmyra. Yesterday, the Syrian forces liberated Palmyra Triangle what allowed them to set the ground for direct offensive on Palmyra. Clashes between ISIS and the SAA are also ongoing at Jabal Al-Tar.

Militants opened fire on Russian humanitarian aid convoys in Harasta in Damascus Countryside and Kafarnan in Homs countryside, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Mar.22. Neither the members of the Center nor the Syrians who participated in the humanitarian activity were injured.

The Iraqi popular forces, al-Hashed al-Shaabi, in Anbar Province reported dozens ISIS militants were killed during the clashes with 300-strong group of ISIS militants in al-Karma District East of Fallujah, 62 km West of Baghdad. The operations are ongoing in the area.

Nineveh Province Operations Commander Brigadier General Najm al-Jabouri announced on Mar.22 that the Iraqi security forces and popular mobilization units are ready to launch the operation to liberate Mosul. According to reports, the Iraqi Air Force’s planes dropped thousands of leaflets on the city calling the residents to be prepared for the military operation against ISIS.

https://southfront.org/international-milita...aq-mar-23-2016/

Kurds capture 50% of Turkish city on the border with Syria – Map update



Over the past few months, combined forces of the YPG (People’s Protection Units) and PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) have captured approximately half of Nusaybin city which neighbours the Syrian border city of Qamishli.

Currently, most clashes are centered at around the Newroz square and traffic supervision center. Meanwhile, skirmishes continue at the Government Office, the main police HQ, the local hospital and the city’s town hall where many Turkish soldiers have been deployed as to counter Kurdish militants.

While the PKK is yet to capture any Turkish city entirely, they have captured several districts inside the Turkish towns of Diyarbakır, Şırnak, Yüksekova and the aforementioned Nusaybin.

Nevertheless, much of PKK stays active underground, ready to strike the Turkish Army at any given time if given the order by their commanders. Also, with the backing of the Iraqi Peshmerga and Syrian YPG/SDF, they have easy access to weapons and ammunitions if needed.

For decades, the PKK has maintained a stubborn presence in the southeastern areas of Turkey and despite increasing crackdowns by the Turkish military, this Kurdish separatist group is yet to be defeated.

Since the Turkish-PKK peace deal was broken back in July of 2015, protests and firefights have been on the rise all across the country as the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has ordered his army to crush any rebellion efforts by the PKK; a group which he labels as terrorist.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurds-...ria-map-update/

Russia Discusses Licensing Admiral Grigorovich Frigate Production to India





http://sputniknews.com/military/20160323/1...production.html

Russia Test-Fires Hypersonic Zircon Missiles





http://nextbigfuture.com/2016/03/russia-te...nic-zircon.html

Syrian Army, Hezbollah storming Semiramis Hotel in west Palmyra: map update



The Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces – backed by the Desert Hawks, Hezbollah, and Syrian Marines – launched a night invasion at the western outskirts of Palmyra (Tadmur), targeting the strategic Semiramis Hotel that is currently under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS).

According to an Al-Masdar field correspondent, the Syrian Armed Forces and Hezbollah are currently 70 meters away from the southwestern perimeter of the Semiramis Hotel.

Similar to the Qatari Royal Villa, the Semiramis Hotel has been turned into a well-fortified military installation for ISIS; it is also used as the aforementioned terrorist group’s barracks.

If the Syrian Armed Forces and Hezbollah are successful in liberating the Semiramis Hotel from the ISIS terrorists, they will be in position to enter the Palmyra Orchards for the first time since their large-scale retreat from this ancient city on May 21st, 2015.

While the Syrian Armed Forces focus on the Semiramis Hotel, the Russian Air Force is blitzing ISIS’ supply route that leads to the nearby town of Al-Sukhanah.

The Russian Air Force has already carried out 20+ airstrikes tonight; this number is likely to skyrocket in the coming hours as the battle intensifies.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaki...l-west-palmyra/