Europe
SOURCE: BLOOMBERG
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested creating an allied fund worth $100 billion over five years for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on April 2, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the issue.
The news about the proposal comes ahead of NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on April 3-4 to celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary and discuss further assistance for Ukraine, as well as the potential candidates for the Secretary General’s position after the end of Stoltenberg’s term in October.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for France’s military capabilities, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) recently declared the qualification of the Rafale F4.1 standard. This latest iteration marks a substantial advancement over its predecessor, the F3R, incorporating a host of cutting-edge technologies and enhancements poised to bolster the aircraft’s combat effectiveness.
Among the notable upgrades introduced in the Rafale F4.1 standard is the integration of the Scorpion helmet sight, a pivotal addition designed to augment pilot situational awareness and targeting precision. Furthermore, the Rafale now boasts the capability to deploy the AASM 1000 ammunition with GPS/laser guidance, expanding its arsenal and enhancing its precision strike capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a major allegation amid the ongoing investigation into the Crocus City Hall attack, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) chief Alexander Bortnikov said on Tuesday that the United States, the United Kingdom and Ukraine are behind the terrorist attack, TASS reported.
“We believe that this is true. In any case, we are now talking about the factual information we have. This is general information, but they have a long record of this sort,” he said after participating in an enlarged meeting of the Prosecutor General’s Office board, when asked whether the US, Britain and Ukraine were behind the terrorist attack.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Russia is aiming for high-speed dominance in the skies with the anticipated launch of the MiG-41, a sixth-generation fighter jet boasting hypersonic capabilities. This highly classified project promises a Mach 4.3 cruising speed, potentially surpassing competitor aircraft.
The MiG-41’s development hinges on the successful creation of a pulse-detonation engine, a technological hurdle that could delay the initial 2025 launch target. Details regarding the MiG-41’s weaponry remain shrouded in secrecy, but speculation suggests it might carry R-37 missiles and a novel multi-purpose interceptor missile system capable of handling hypersonic threats with multiple warheads.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The United Kingdom is spearheading a collaborative project to develop a new, sixth-generation fighter aircraft. This multinational initiative, known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), brings together the UK, Italy, and Japan.
The UK government has demonstrated its commitment to GCAP through significant investment. The March 2021 Defence Command Paper pledged over £2 billion ($2.5 billion) dedicated to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the UK’s contribution to GCAP, by 2 thousand and twenty-five. This represents an initial portion of a larger £12 billion ($15 billion) budget allocated over the next decade. Future investment decisions will determine the final amount committed.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defense company, has secured a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to conduct conceptual studies for the country’s future fighter aircraft. This project, spanning 2024-2025, marks a significant step towards ensuring Sweden’s air superiority in the coming decades.
The program will explore cutting-edge technologies crucial for future air combat. Artificial intelligence, networked warfare integration, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced sensors, and stealth capabilities are all on the agenda. This research will culminate in the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet designed to replace current models like the Gripen and the Eurofighter by 2035.
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