What's New
Russian YANTAR-class Ship May Threaten Undersea Cables
Formally designated an oceanographic research vessel, the U.S. has alleged Russia’s YANTAR-class intelligence ship to be the country’s premier spy vessel. The 5,858-ton ship is fitted with extensive research facilities as well as manned submersibles able to dive over 20,000 ft (6,000 m) and equipped with mechanical manipulators capable of cutting, among other things, undersea fiber optic cables.
Since the ship’s commissioning in 2015, the YANTAR has been spotted loitering near the sites of various undersea cables vital to global internet and telecommunications networks. Western intelligence has alleged the ship could sever key cables to disrupt internet access, posing a potentially significant asymmetrical threat to Russian rivals. A second similar vessel, ALMAZ is planned to enter service at an undetermined time in the future, designed to assist in monitoring and tracking spacecraft launches.
Meet China's Most Popular Main Battle Tank: Type 96
In China, the Type 96 tank, also known as the ZTZ-96, is a main battle tank (MBT) developed and manufactured domestically by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). The Type 96 was re-designated as the Type 96A following upgrades. It is an indigenous design and is considered one of the primary main battle tanks in service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces.
The Chinese Type 96A is a second-generation MBT, evolving from the Type 88. The Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1997. Later versions including the Type 96A and Type 96B entered service in the early 2000s.
The Types 96B is slated to be the latest upgrade to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) 2,500 strong Type 96 tank fleet.
AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye Radar
The AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye radar pod is an advanced tactical surveillance system utilizing Ku band Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology. This sophisticated pod offers a range of capabilities including high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mapping for surveillance and target detection, precise geo-location capabilities against fixed, moving, and maritime targets in all weather conditions, and comprehensive bomb impact assessment analysis.
The radar is operational on the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, and the AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye pod is set to become operational on Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command F-16s.
Check Out What Else is New
Recently updated systems include the Chinese Y-12 turboprop aircraft, Argentine Yagua drone, U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle, Indian Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Italian M-346 light combat aircraft, South Korean Hyunmoo III cruise missile, Israeli Griffin 3 laser-guided bomb, U.S. AN/APY-10 radar, U.S. AN/TPS-80 radar, and Russian Armata tank.
Naval updates include the U.S. BUFFALO SOLDIER-class vehicle cargo ship, French FLOREAL-class frigate, Finnish POHJANMAA-class minelayer, Nigerian OHUE-class minesweeper, German MOSEL-class mine countermeasures support ship, Japanese HATAKAZE-class destroyer, Russian YANTAR-class intelligence ship, U.S. Mk 56 anti-submarine mine, German SeaVision sensor platform and French DUUX 5 sonar.
Special Reports:
Russia Exploits Western Vacuum in Africa’s Sahel Region
Aja Melville
Tension flared following a visit by a U.S. delegation to Niger in March, prompting Niger’s military junta to swiftly terminate a pivotal military agreement with the U.S. This decision follows Niger’s prior cessation of two military contracts with the European Union, intended to quell extremist violence in the Sahel region. Niger’s rejection of democratic ties coincides starkly with its embrace of Russian military assistance, an ongoing trend since the July 2023 military coup. This drastic shift away from traditional allies like the U.S. and France toward Russia and China echoes actions by other North African states, namely Mali and Burkina Faso. As yet another major player in the Sahel succumbs to military rule and Russian influence, Niger’s actions signal a profound geopolitical transformation, potentially reshaping the balance of power and stability in West Africa... read more.
India Steps Up Counter-Piracy Amid Red Sea Tensions
Tom Freebairn
As tensions boil in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi militants have hijacked and attacked commercial shipping over the past months, the international community has scrambled to address the crisis. While attention has centered on the Houthis, across the sea in Somalia, pirate groups have seen a resurgence after years of inactivity. Since November, more than 20 attempted hijackings have taken place in the waters near Somalia, a massive uptick from years past. Amidst this chaotic environment, a surprising new player has risen to meet the challenge: India... read more.
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