World
Defense News ,U.S :- In the upcoming year, the US Air Force is getting ready to add more power to its skies. They're planning to buy 51 F-35A fighter jets, which is more than what they initially planned for. This is all part of the government's budget plan for defense.Why This Matters:These jets are super important for the Air Force. They help them stay strong and updated in the sky. The F-35A jets are like the quarterbacks in a football game. They don't just fly around; they also gather important information about what's happening in the sky and on the ground.What's in the Budget:The government plans to give the Air Force over $5.2 billion to buy these jets. That's a lot of money! With this extra cash, they can get three more jets than they first asked for. It's a big step up from last year when they bought 60 jets.Why It's Important:These jets are not cheap. In fact, they're the most expensive planes the government buys, costing over $1.7 trillion! But they're worth it because they help keep the country safe.More Plans in the Works:It's not just the Air Force getting new toys. The Marines and Navy are also in on the action. They're getting money to buy 16 special F-35B jets and 19 F-35Cs for their aircraft carriers.What Else Is Being Bought:The Air Force isn't just getting jets. They're also getting new helicopters and tankers. This includes things like the F-15EX Eagle II fighters, MH-139 Grey Wolf patrol helicopters, and KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers.What's Next:There's still more to come. The government is also planning to spend money on other important projects. This includes things like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the Next Generation Air Dominance program. These are all part of keeping the military strong and ready.Final Thoughts:It's a busy time for the military planners. They're working hard to make sure the country's defenses are strong and up to date. So, when you see those fighter jets flying overhead, know that a lot of work and money went into keeping them there.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:08:19
World
Defense News ,U.S :- The United States Congress recently passed a very important bill about how much money the country will spend on defense in the year 2024. This happened early on a Saturday, and it's especially significant because it's already halfway through the year. The new budget amounts to $825 billion, which is a lot of money. This will help the Pentagon, which is in charge of the country's defense, to carry out its plans for this year.Before this bill was passed, Congress had been funding the Defense Department at the same levels as the previous year, which was 2023. They did this temporarily to avoid causing any problems, but it made it hard for the Defense Department to do new things or buy new weapons.The new bill includes money for different things that are important for the country's defense. This includes building eight new ships and buying 86 F-35 fighter jets, 24 F-15EX fighter jets, and 15 KC-46A tankers, which are all types of airplanes. It also provides funds for weapons like the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system.There's also money set aside for buying certain types of missiles. The Pentagon is trying something new by making long-term contracts for these missiles. Usually, such contracts are only made for very expensive things like ships and planes. By doing this, they hope to make sure there's always enough demand for these missiles, which will help companies that make them to plan better.The bill also includes $300 million to help Ukraine. This money will be used to buy equipment to help Ukraine defend itself. This is not as much as some people wanted, though. There was another bill earlier that wanted to give Ukraine $60 billion in support, but it didn't pass because some important people didn't want it to.There's been some disagreement among politicians about this bill. The Senate and the President both agreed on it, but some members of the House of Representatives weren't happy. They wanted to spend more money on Ukraine and other countries, but they couldn't agree with everyone else.One person who has caused some trouble in the House of Representatives is Mike Johnson. He is the Speaker of the House, which means he's in charge of organizing things there. Some members of his own party aren't happy with him because they think he's working too closely with the other party, the Democrats. One member even tried to get rid of him from his job, but it's not clear if that will happen.The situation in the House has been a bit chaotic recently because of disagreements between different members. Some Republicans are angry with their leaders for not doing what they want. This has caused problems in getting things done.One member of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has tried to get rid of Mike Johnson from his position. She's not the only one who's upset, but it's not certain if enough people will agree with her to make it happen.When Congress comes back from their break, they will have to deal with all these issues again. It's likely to be a tense time as they try to figure out what to do next.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 15:04:16
Space & Technology
Space News ,U.S :- Orbit Fab, a company from Colorado, has finished testing its fuel ports for satellites. This week, they announced that their ports are ready to be sent to customers, including the Space Force.The fuel ports, called Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface (RAFTI), are made to be put on satellites. They allow satellites to get fuel either in space or on the ground before they are launched.For the past two years, Orbit Fab has been checking if their ports can handle space conditions. They tested them on the ground and in space to make sure they work well even in extreme weather.Now that the testing is done, Orbit Fab has started sending out the first 12 RAFTI ports to customers. Eight of these are for the Space Force, and the rest are for other customers like Astroscale, a company working on spacecraft with refillable gas tanks.Orbit Fab plans to make about a dozen more RAFTI ports in the next month. The CEO, Adam Harris, says they aim to produce around 100 units this year. They are also talking to other companies to allow them to make these ports too, so more people can use them.Harris said, "Having multiple companies offering these ports can help us move towards reusable, refuellable satellites."The Space Force wants to test refueling satellites in the next few years to see how useful they can be for military purposes. They want all Department of Defense satellites to have refueling ports by the end of the decade. This will let these satellites move freely without worrying about running out of fuel.Many companies, including Northrop Grumman, are making refueling ports. The Space Force recently approved Northrop Grumman's Passive Refueling Module for its satellites.Orbit Fab wants to offer RAFTI ports whenever the Space Force needs them. Harris said, "Whenever the Space Force makes a new satellite, we'll offer them RAFTI."This includes a recent request from the Space Force for satellites that can keep an eye on space and can be refueled.Orbit Fab is also working with the Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit, and the Air Force Research Laboratory on a refueling demonstration. This demonstration, planned for 2026, will show how satellites can be refueled in space.Orbit Fab's fuel depot and RAFTI ports will be part of this demonstration. Impulse Space will make the spacecraft to host the fuel depot. This depot will refuel a servicing vehicle made by Astroscale, which will then refuel three satellites for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Tetra-5 mission.Harris said that Orbit Fab's depot has finished its main designs and will start making and testing it this year. They aim to launch it in 2025.Orbit Fab is also working with the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office on another project to improve refueling technology. This project will run until 2025.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:32:56
World
Defense News ,U.S :- The Space Force wants more than $1 billion for important projects. These projects are not part of its budget request for 2025. The list of projects is mostly secret, but some details were obtained by C4ISRNET.Most of the money, about $846 million, is for secret projects. The rest, about $305 million, will be used to make Space Force systems stronger and improve training.Every year, the military sends a list to Congress. This list includes projects they want to fund but weren't included in the budget request.Space Force wants to make sure its satellites and systems on the ground are strong enough to handle threats. They are focusing on making smaller satellites in large numbers for things like missile warnings and communications.The Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendall, who oversees the Space Force, said they have enough money to continue some projects. But they need more to work on other important missions like positioning, navigation, timing, and secret projects related to countering threats in space.Kendall said, "We need to find a way to make our positioning, navigation, and timing more resilient. And there are other communication things we need to do."They are asking for $159 million to buy commercial satellite communications. Another $9 million will be used to improve power at certain facilities that operate wideband SATCOM systems.Space Development Agency's project for demonstration and experimentation satellites needs $42.5 million. Without more money, this project might be delayed.They also want $60 million to make Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado more energy efficient. And $19 million will go to the National Space Test and Training Complex to increase the number of wargames they do every year.Another $59 million would allow them to do two more Rocket Systems Launch Program missions. These missions support science and technology work for the Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and the Missile Defense Agency.The Space Force said, "Restoring RSLP is not just about keeping projects going. It's crucial for reaching the goals set by the National Defense Strategy to innovate and keep space secure."
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:26:55
India
Defense News ,India :- India is getting better at making missiles, and they have a new one called BrahMos NG (New Generation). It's smaller and lighter than the old one, and it's going to help the Indian Air Force (IAF) a lot.The boss of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Atul Dinkar Rane, and CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, said that the BrahMos NG program is going well.By the middle of 2025, they want to do some very important tests where they drop the missile and check if it works okay without power. This will help them understand how the missile flies and separates from the aircraft that launches it.If these tests go well, they plan to start testing the missile with power by the end of 2025. This means they could start using the new missile in 2026, which is pretty fast.The BrahMos NG is better than the old one in a few ways. It's smaller and lighter, so more planes can carry it. This gives the Indian Air Force more options for using it.Even though it's smaller, the BrahMos NG can still do the same things as the old missile. It can fly up to 290 kilometers and go really fast at Mach 3.5. This means the Air Force can still hit faraway targets accurately and quickly.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:20:34
India
Defense News ,India :- India is working on a new fighter jet called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). It's a big step for India in making its own powerful jets.One cool thing about the AMCA is its radar. Radar helps planes see things far away. But the AMCA's radar is super sneaky. It's called Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) radar. This radar is like a stealth mode for planes.LPI radar is special because it's hard for other radars to notice. It sends out signals that are tricky to catch. It does this by using special waves and spreading its signals over a wide range. Also, it controls how strong the signals are.The AMCA is not just sneaky because of its radar. The way it's built is sneaky too. Engineers designed the plane to have angles that make it hard for radars to see. They also use special materials that bounce radar waves away. Plus, the plane has coatings that soak up radar waves, making it even harder to spot.Why Sneaky Jets Matter in WarBeing sneaky is super important in wars. If a plane is hard to see on radar, it can surprise enemies or gather information without getting caught. This means the AMCA can fly into enemy territory without being noticed. It's like playing hide-and-seek, but the other player can't find you.Being sneaky also helps the AMCA stay safe. If enemies can't see it on radar, they can't shoot at it easily. So, the AMCA has a better chance of getting its job done and coming back safely.The Hard Parts and What's NextEven though sneaky radar is awesome, it's not perfect. No matter how sneaky a radar is, it still gives off some signals. So, there's always a chance someone might spot the AMCA. The challenge is finding a balance between being sneaky and still being able to use radar to see things.Also, radars are always getting better. So, the AMCA's sneaky radar needs to keep up. India is working hard to make sure the AMCA stays ahead in technology.India's Own Fighter JetThe AMCA program shows India's determination to make its own stuff for defense. Having its own super cool fighter jet with sneaky radar is a big deal. It shows that India is getting really good at making advanced technology.If India can make a fighter jet like the AMCA all by itself, it's a sign of how strong India's tech skills are getting. It's like saying, "We can make awesome stuff on our own!" This makes India more independent and powerful in the world.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:15:32
World
Defense News ,Sweden :- GKN Aerospace, a big company that makes airplane parts, got a job from Sweden's Defense group to think up new ideas for powerful engines and how to move planes. They're going to work on this for two years, starting in 2024. If things go well, they might keep working on it after that.The job is all about coming up with ideas for engines and systems that will make future fighter planes super strong and fast. They'll look at what technology we have now and what we might have in the future. They'll even try out some of these ideas to see if they work. GKN Aerospace will work closely with the Swedish military, along with other companies both in Sweden and around the world.This project is a big deal because it will help build the foundation for the fighter planes of tomorrow. It's also part of a long tradition of Sweden making its own cool fighter planes.GKN Aerospace is going to team up with other companies that are working on new types of engines and cool technology. These things are going to be really important for making future fighter planes.The Vice President of GKN Aerospace, Stefan Oscarsson, says they're really good at making engines. They make engines for a lot of planes, including the Gripen planes that Sweden uses. This new project will make them even better at what they do and give them the information they need to make even cooler planes in the future.Along with this project, GKN Aerospace is joining forces with Saab, another big company, to work on new ideas together. They want to make all sorts of new things for planes, especially for the next generation of fighter planes.Stefan Oscarsson says they're proud to be part of Sweden's defense team. Right now, they're upgrading engines for the Gripen planes and making sure they have everything they need to keep working well. The Gripen planes are super important for Sweden and lots of other countries too, and GKN Aerospace wants to make sure they keep flying for a long time.Trollhättan, a place in Sweden, is where GKN Aerospace is really good at using fancy technology to make airplane parts. They recently spent a lot of money to make this even better. With these improvements, they'll be able to make parts for engines that are better for the environment and can power the planes of the future.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:08:41
India
Defense News ,India :- In India, a company called Garuda Aerospace has created a special kind of drone that helps keep borders safe. They call it Trishul. Trishul is not like ordinary drones. It has special features that make it really good for watching over borders and helping security forces.Trishul Uses Special Cameras and Sensors:Trishul has cameras that take very clear pictures. Even in the dark, it can see using special sensors. It also has a cool technology called LiDAR that makes maps in 3D. Plus, it has radars to detect things even in bad weather.How Trishul Helps:1. Watching Crowds: Trishul can tell how many people are in a place, which way they're going, and if there might be any problems. This helps keep big gatherings safe.2. Finding Dangers: Trishul is smart enough to find things that could be dangerous, like people doing something suspicious or strange objects. When it spots these things early, security people can act fast to keep everyone safe.3. Checking Speed: Trishul can see how fast things or people are moving. If something seems fishy, like someone is moving too quickly, it can tell the security team to check it out.Why Garuda Aerospace Made Trishul:The CEO of Garuda Aerospace, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, says they want to keep improving technology. Trishul is their latest creation to help security forces make quick and smart decisions.The Future of Border Security:With Trishul, border security is getting better. It helps security forces use smart tools to watch over the borders. Garuda Aerospace hopes Trishul will make India's borders safer for everyone.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 05:04:39
World
Defense News ,Ukraine ,Russia :- In a race to create unstoppable attack drones, developers from Ukraine and Russia are working hard. These drones are special because they can fly and attack even when their signals are jammed.Recently, Serhii Sternenko, a lawyer and activist from Ukraine, shared a video. In the video, a drone made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces' 60th and 63rd mechanized brigades targets and strikes a Russian tank.Sternenko explained that this strike happened despite the enemy trying to block the drone's signals using electronic warfare systems.How These Drones WorkOrdinary drones rely on signals from their operators to navigate. But radio jammers can block these signals, making the drones useless.However, these new drones use something called "machine vision." This means they can see and track their targets all on their own, without needing signals from an operator. This makes them immune to jamming.According to Forbes, Sternenko said, "They neutralize the work of the enemy’s EW [Electronic Warfare] in most cases and allow you to hit the enemy even more effectively."Ukraine's Ambitious PlansSternenko is urging people to support the development of this technology. His goal is to gather 50 million hryvnia (which is about $1.28 million) to build over 1,300 drones. These drones will include both quadcopters and fixed-wing models.More Independent DronesIn previous battles, Ukraine used drones that could operate independently. For example, the Saker Scout drones were reportedly used to attack Russian targets in 2023. These drones can identify different types of Russian military targets and resist radio jamming. They can fly up to 12 kilometers and carry munitions weighing up to 3 kilograms.Another group in Ukraine, AirUnit, was working on a First Person View (FPV) drone. This drone has a self-guided system. However, unlike the fully automatic Saker drone, the AirUnit drone needs a human to identify and highlight targets before it can attack.Similar Efforts in RussiaRussia is also busy developing its own advanced drones. One example is the homing version of the Ovod ("Gadfly") drone. Additionally, a company called ZALA, which is a subsidiary of Kalashnikov, plans to improve its automatic guidance system. This system was initially made for its long-range Lancet FPV drone, but it was withdrawn due to some issues.According to Forbes, Russian drone expert Samuel Bendett said, "Both sides are heavily investing in this capability and are trying to gain first mover advantage."The competition between Ukrainian and Russian developers to create advanced attack drones is intense. These drones are not just machines; they represent a new era of warfare, where machines can operate independently even in the face of electronic interference.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 04:56:33
India
Defense News ,India :- On a recent Saturday, the Indian Navy accomplished a remarkable feat. They captured 35 Somali pirates and safely brought them back to Mumbai. This came after a daring operation where Indian forces rescued a hijacked ship and saved many hostages.The navy revealed that the warship INS Kolkata returned to Mumbai on March 23rd, carrying the captured pirates. The navy handed them over to the local police for legal action under Indian laws, particularly the Maritime Anti Piracy Act 2022. The rescue mission involved elite marine commandos being dropped from a C-17 aircraft. There were intense exchanges of gunfire as they freed the hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen along with its 17 crew members. The pirates had taken control of MV Ruen to use it as a base for attacking other ships in the area.In the midst of the operation, the pirates even targeted a small surveillance drone launched from the destroyer INS Kolkata. An officer explained that due to the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, these pirates couldn't just be let go. They posed a threat, and if released, they would likely resume their piracy activities.The Indian Navy employed a comprehensive strategy, including long-range deployment and paradropping of Marine Commandos using C-17s, coordinated with the Indian Air Force. Aerial surveillance was conducted using various aircraft and drones.Facing determined action from the Indian Navy, the pirates surrendered. They, along with the crew members, were taken into custody. The navy then thoroughly searched the ship for weapons, ammunition, and illegal goods to ensure it was safe. Necessary repairs were also made to the ship before it could continue its voyage.Commander Vivek Madhwal, the navy spokesperson, described the pirates' hostile actions, including shooting down a drone and firing at INS Kolkata. In response, INS Kolkata disabled the pirate vessel's systems, forcing it to stop. The marine commandos and combat boats were precisely dropped to enhance the operation's effectiveness.The warship INS Kolkata arrived in Mumbai with the captured pirates, who were promptly handed over to the local police. This operation was part of Operation Sankalp, aimed at safeguarding ships and sailors in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. the Indian Navy's successful mission not only rescued hostages and ships but also demonstrated their commitment to combating piracy in the region.(With inputs from TOI, PTI)
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 04:51:35
India
Defense News ,India :- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu used to talk against India, but now he's saying sorry. He says India will stay as Maldives' best friend. He asked India to help Maldives by forgiving its debt.Last year, Maldives owed a lot of money to India - about $400.9 million. Since last November, Maldives' leader has been tough on India. He asked Indian soldiers to leave Maldives by May 10.But recently, in his first interview after becoming president, Muizzu said nice things about India. He said India has helped Maldives a lot and is its closest friend. He also asked India to forgive Maldives' debt.Some Indian soldiers have already left Maldives. By May 10, all 88 soldiers should leave. India has been helping Maldives with helicopters and an aircraft for medical emergencies.Maldives is very close to India, just 70 miles away from an Indian island. So, it's crucial for India. Muizzu wants India to forgive Maldives' loans because they are too big to pay back.Muizzu hopes India will agree to forgive the loans. He thanked India for its help. Before, when Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was the leader, Maldives took loans worth $1.4 million from India. By the end of last year, Maldives owed about $400.9 million to India.Muizzu met Indian Prime Minister Modi in Dubai in December 2023. He told Modi that he doesn't want to stop any projects. Instead, he wants to speed them up. He suggested forming a team to make quick decisions on projects like bridges and airports.When asked about Indian soldiers in Maldives, Muizzu said it was the only problem between the two countries. But now, India agreed to take its soldiers back. Muizzu said he didn't want to damage the relationship between the two countries.Even if soldiers from another country come, Maldives will deal with them the same way. Muizzu said it's about Maldives' safety, not personal issues.Muizzu defended his decision to let civilians, not soldiers, run the helicopters and aircraft. He said the previous leader, Abdulla Yameen, also asked for Indian soldiers to leave, but they stayed.Muizzu visited China in January and signed deals with them. China promised to give $130 million and send more tourists to Maldives.Muizzu said Maldives might be small, but no one should bully it. He ended a deal with India about ocean surveys. He said the Indian Ocean belongs to everyone, not just India.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 04:45:29
World
Defense News ,Russia :- ISIS has claimed responsibility for an attack at a popular concert venue complex near Moscow Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 hospitalized after assailants stormed the venue with guns and incendiary devices.The terror group took responsibility for the attack in a short statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram on Friday. The group did not provide evidence to support the claim.Video footage from the site of the attack, the Crocus City Hall concert venue, shows the vast complex, which is home to both the music hall and a shopping center, on fire with smoke billowing into the air. State-run RIA Novosti reported the armed individuals “opened fire with automatic weapons” and “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire.” They then “allegedly fled in a white Renault car,” the news agency said.State media Russia 24 reported the roof on the venue has partially collapsed.The attack unfolded before the music group Picnic was set to perform, according to Russia 24. The band’s manager told state media that the performers were unharmed.The Russia Prosecutor General’s Office said: “Unidentified people in camouflage broke into Crocus City Hall and started shooting before the start of the concert,” according to TASS.Video footage showed panic as the attack unfolded, with crowds of people huddling together, screaming and ducking behind cushioned seats as gunshots started echoing in the vast hall. One group sheltering next to a large wall of windows outside the concert venue were forced to break them to escape the gunfire, video obtained by CNN shows.Footage geolocated by CNN shows an armed individual starting at least one fire inside the venue. The individual is seen carrying something in their hand and, as they walk off-screen, a bright flash of light from a large flame is seen in the video.Regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said everything was being done to save people in what is now the deadliest terror attack on Moscow in decades. A SWAT team was called to the area and more than 70 ambulance teams and doctors were assisting victims.One hundred and forty-five people have been hospitalized, TASS reported. Sixty people are in a “serious condition.”According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the attack and is being kept updated on measures on the ground.Putin on Saturday wished those were injured in the attack a speedy recovery, the state-run RIA-Novosti news agency. He also “conveyed his gratitude to the doctors,” RIA added.On Friday night, Moscow City Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov called on Moscow residents to donate blood to help treat victims, saying that “this is a matter of life and death for dozens of people.”Shaposhnikov listed several blood center facilities in the Moscow area that will accept donors throughout the weekend.Around 100 people were evacuated from the building by firefighters, TASS reported. Rescuers are still working to get people off the roof, according to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called the attack a “terrible tragedy.”“My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident,” Sobyanin said in a statement.Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend.Shaman, the singer of the band Picnic which was due to play the venue, said he would pay for the funerals of the victims and treatment for those injured.“We are all one big family. And in a family there is no such thing as somebody else’s grief”, the singer, known for his nationalistic views, said in a video posted on the Russian social media network Vkontakte to his more than 600,000 followers.“My people, any troubles and misfortunes have always united our country. They have made Russia tougher and stronger. It will not be possible to frighten and break us this time either”, he said.US had warned of potential attackEarlier this month, the US embassy in Russia said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings. On Friday, following what it said were “reports of an ongoing terrorist incident at Crocus City Hall,” it advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the US government had had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – and that this is what prompted the State Department to issue the public advisory.“The US government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.In a speech Tuesday, Putin had blasted the American warnings as “provocative,” saying “these actions resemble outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.”However, the attack at the concert venue comes near the end of a month in which a string of ISIS related incidents were reported by RIA.March alone, Russian authorities had thwarted several ISIS related incidents, according to RIA. On March 3, RIA reported that six ISIS members were killed in a counter-terrorist operation in the Ingush Karabulak; on March 7, it said security services had uncovered and “neutralized” a cell of the banned organization Vilayat Khorasan in the Kaluga region, whose members were planning an attack on a synagogue in Moscow; and on March 20, it said the commander of an ISIS combat group had been detained.A US official said Friday that Washington had no reason to doubt ISIS’ claim that it was responsible for the latest attack.International responseUkraine, which has been embroiled in a war with Russia for more than two years, denied having any involvement in the attack.“Ukraine has never resorted to the use of terrorist methods,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote, in part, in a post on X. He said he believed Russia would use the attack to justify the ongoing conflict and scale up operations as part of “military propaganda” in Ukraine.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres late Friday condemned “in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack” according to a statement released by his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq.“The Secretary-General conveys his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Russian Federation. He wishes those injured a speedy recovery,” the statement said.In a separate statement, the UN’s Security Council called the attack “heinous and cowardly.”French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack. “France expresses its solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people,” the Elysee Palace said, AFP and Reuters reported.For Video Visit Telegram Channel Link :- https://t.me/thedefensenews
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 02:41:32
World
Defense News ,Russia :- In a terrible event on the outskirts of Moscow, gunmen stormed a concert hall, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Reports from Russian security services indicate that at least 60 people lost their lives, with another 100 injured in the attack.The assault took place at the Crocus City Hall, a venue set to host a rock concert. Shocking footage verified by the BBC showed at least four attackers dressed in camouflage gear participating in the violent act. They barged into the foyer and then proceeded into the theater, where chaos ensued.Amidst the chaos, the building caught fire, leading to parts of the roof collapsing. Tragically, children were among the victims. The Russian foreign ministry condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.An online statement, though unverified, claimed responsibility for the attack, attributing it to the militant group Islamic State. US officials, speaking to CBS, revealed intelligence suggesting that IS had intended to target Russia.Responding to the crisis, Russia's National Guard deployed special units to hunt down the attackers, with top officials rushing to the scene. This assault came just weeks after the US embassy issued warnings to its citizens about potential threats to large gatherings in Moscow.The concert hall was filled with over 6,000 attendees awaiting a performance by the rock group Picnic. Witnesses recounted the horror unfolding just minutes before the band was scheduled to take the stage. Security guards described the attackers entering the venue, firing indiscriminately at people.Inside the auditorium, attendees scrambled for safety as gunfire erupted. Some sought refuge near the stage, while others attempted to hide wherever they could. Fire and smoke engulfed the building, with reports indicating that the attackers used incendiary devices.Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the ordeal, including scenes of panic and confusion. Amidst the chaos, some managed to escape to safety, while others sought refuge on the roof or in the basement.Emergency services rushed to the scene, with ambulances standing by to transport the injured. In response to the tragedy, Moscow's Mayor canceled all public events, with other regions following suit.As the world reacted to the horrifying attack, calls for condemnation echoed internationally. Meanwhile, Ukraine's government swiftly denied any involvement, emphasizing the need for resolution through peaceful means.The assault bore similarities to past tragedies, notably the 2002 theatre siege in Moscow, where Chechen militants held hundreds hostage. Security measures were promptly heightened across transportation hubs in response to the latest attack.In the aftermath, global leaders expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, denouncing the senseless violence. The White House spokesman described the images from the scene as "horrible and hard to watch," underscoring the gravity of the situation.As investigations continue and communities grapple with the aftermath, the world mourns the lives lost in this senseless act of terrorism.For Video Visit :- Telegram Channel Link :- https://t.me/thedefensenews
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-23 02:33:44
Space & Technology
Space News ,NASA :- NASA has paused the science observations made by its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. But don't worry, it's just a temporary pause.The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a space telescope that looks at some of the strongest bursts of radiation from the universe's most powerful cosmic events. These events are called "gamma-ray bursts." The telescope went into safe mode on March 15 because one of its three gyroscopes, which help it point toward objects in space, wasn't working well.NASA noticed the gyroscope wasn't working properly a few months ago, and by mid-March, it was causing problems. The telescope was having trouble locking onto stars and couldn't make successful observations.The Swift team is working on fixing the problem by updating the telescope's software. They hope to get it back to normal as soon as possible. But until then, the telescope won't be able to do much science.What Swift DoesSwift has been in space for almost 20 years, observing the universe since it launched in 2004. Its main job is to look at gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are intense bursts of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light. These bursts can last from a fraction of a second to a few minutes. Swift has to spot these bursts quickly so other telescopes on Earth can study them too.Swift has three telescopes that look at different types of light: visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray. By observing these bursts in different wavelengths, scientists hope to learn more about what causes them. Some of the possible causes include the collapse of a massive star, the birth of a black hole, or the collision of two neutron stars.Discoveries of SwiftOne of Swift's biggest discoveries happened in 2022 when it spotted a GRB nicknamed the "Brightest Of All Time" or the "BOAT." This burst was incredibly powerful, possibly one of the most energetic explosions since the Big Bang itself.The BOAT burst was seen on October 9, 2022, and it was much brighter than other bursts Swift had seen before. It was at least 10 times more energetic and released photons with more energy than particles in the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest particle accelerator. Scientists believe it was caused by a star 30 times the size of the Sun going supernova in the Sagitta constellation. This explosion happened so far away that its light had been traveling for 2.4 billion years before Swift saw it.Swift's Latest TrickEven though Swift has been in space for a while, it's still learning new things. In 2023, it detected a black hole in a galaxy 500 million light-years away. This black hole was eating a star similar to the Sun. This discovery was made possible by a new way of analyzing data from Swift's X-ray Telescope.Phil Evans, an astrophysicist at the University of Leicester, said that Swift has adapted to new areas of astrophysics over its lifetime. With its new capabilities, it's doing even more exciting science.Looking to the FutureScientists are excited to see Swift back in action. They're eager to see what new things it will discover about the high-energy universe. Swift may be old in terms of space telescopes, but it still has a lot to teach us.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 16:09:00
World
Defense News ,U.S :- The United States has given the green light for Bahrain to buy M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. These tanks will cost $2.2 billion.Bahrain will get 50 tanks, which come with M240 Coaxial 7.62mm machine guns. Along with the tanks, they will also receive support vehicles like M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.The deal includes maintenance, training, and other services provided by the US. Companies like General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Leonardo DRS, Honeywell Aerospace, RTX, and Lockheed Martin will handle the sale.According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives. It aims to help a non-NATO ally in the Middle East, promoting stability in the region.The M1A2 Abrams is a powerful tank designed for modern warfare. It has strong composite armor for protection. The variant Bahrain is buying, called SEP v3, can weigh up to 138,000 pounds (69 tons). Despite its weight, it can go as fast as 42 miles (67 kilometers) per hour, thanks to its powerful 1,500-horsepower engine.Countries like Poland, Taiwan, and Ukraine also use these tanks, with some deployed in Ukraine as part of US military support.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 16:02:46
World
Defense News , Indonesia :- Around 70 Rohingya people are believed to have died or disappeared after the boat they were on overturned near Indonesia's Aceh province. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday that 75 people were saved.The UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration said in a statement that if the number of deaths is confirmed, it would be the biggest loss of life this year.Six migrants were rescued by fishermen on Wednesday, which raised concerns. Indonesia's rescue team rushed from Banda Aceh city on Wednesday evening to help, but they faced difficulties finding the boat in the rough waters.Finally, on Thursday around noon, the team found the boat and survivors.The boat was heading east when it started leaking, and strong currents pushed it towards the west of Aceh, according to Amiruddin, a local fishing leader. The six rescued people said others were still trying to survive on the overturned boat.Babar Baloch, a UNHCR Asia spokesperson, told Reuters on Friday that there were 151 people on the boat. Around 75 were saved by local authorities, but the rest are feared dead or missing.Faisal Rahman, UNHCR's protection associate in Aceh, said the surviving Rohingya were in good condition and were being housed in a Red Cross building in West Aceh.Rohingyas have been leaving Myanmar for years due to mistreatment, lack of citizenship, and being seen as outsiders. According to UNHCR, over 2,300 Rohingya arrived in Indonesia last year, more than in the previous four years combined.In January, UNHCR reported that at least 569 Rohingya died or went missing while trying to flee Myanmar or Bangladesh in 2023, the highest toll since 2014.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 15:59:12
World
Defense News ,Russia :- In a recent TV report in Russia, something surprising was shown about how they're protecting their submarines. They spotted a Russian Delta-IV class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, the Tula, with a strange addition – a cage-like structure around its control tower. People who know about these things think it's a new way to protect against drone attacks, something that hasn't been done before on a ship.They call it the "cope cage," a name taken from how it's used on land vehicles to protect them. It's made to reduce the damage from attacks coming from above. This change shows that Russia is worried about the drones used by Ukraine. Those drones have been really good at finding and damaging Russian military stuff.Some experts aren't sure if this cage will work well underwater. They're not convinced it can stop attacks from other submarines. But others think it might help against smaller drones that people can buy or modify to carry weapons.This change to the submarine shows how warfare is always changing. It proves that even things underwater can be in danger from things flying in the sky. Whether this cage becomes a normal thing on Russian submarines or if it's just a one-time fix will depend on if it actually works when they need it.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 15:51:16
World
Defense News ,South Korea :- South Korea is getting ready to use a powerful new missile they built themselves. It's called the Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile-I, or KTSSM-I. This missile is designed to take out North Korean artillery that's hiding in caves and tunnels.The missile was made by Hanwha Corporation and the Agency for Defense Development. They worked on it from 2014 to 2017. Then, they started making lots of them in 2020 and started using them in 2022.Here are some key things about the missile:It's big, at 400 millimeters.It can fly up to 180 kilometers (that's about 112 miles).The warhead can dig into the ground several meters.You can only launch it from fixed platforms.But that's not all! They're already working on an even better version called KTSSM-II. This one will be even more powerful, with a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles). Plus, it'll be able to dig even deeper into the ground.They're spending a lot of money on it, about 290 billion South Korean won (that's $218 million). They plan to finish making it by 2027, with the first test happening in January.One big improvement with KTSSM-II is that it can be carried on a ground vehicle. This will make it easier to move around and use wherever it's needed.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 15:45:20
Space & Technology
Space News ,India :- A Chennai-based company called Agnikul Cosmos, which started from IIT-Madras, had to delay its first rocket launch. They were planning to launch a mission called Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on March 22 at 7 am. But they faced some technical problems during the preparation before the launch.Why the Launch Got DelayedThe company explained on social media that they noticed some small issues during the final practice countdown. So, to be safe, they decided to postpone the launch. They promised to tell everyone about the new date and time for the launch soon. The launch that was supposed to happen on March 22, 2024, is now canceled.What the Mission Was AboutThis mission was important because it aimed to show that space travel can be cheaper and easier. They wanted to use a rocket called Agnibaan to do this. The first flight was like a practice to check if everything works well.Special Things About Agnibaan SOrTeD MissionThe Agnibaan SOrTeD mission was special because it had a unique one-piece 3D printed rocket engine. The rocket was 6.2 meters tall and weighed 575 kilograms. It used special fuels called sub-cooled Liquid Oxygen and Aviation Turbine Fuel.Other Private Space ProjectsThis delay isn't something new in private space projects. Another company from Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace, became the first private space company to launch its rocket called Vikram-S in 2022. This was a big deal because it showed that private companies could also go to space in India.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 15:40:02
India
Defense News ,India :- Recently in Chennai, India (March 22nd, 2024), some Indian fishermen found something strange while fishing near Tamil Nadu. It's causing people to wonder about what China might be doing in the ocean nearby.The fishermen pulled up a weird device called an HM2000 float. This thing is made by a Chinese company and it's used to gather information about the ocean. Everyone started talking about it after a video of the discovery was shared a lot on Instagram.What's this HM2000 thing?It's a special tool made by a company in China called Qingdao Hisun Ocean Equipment Corporation. Scientists use it to learn about the ocean. It has fancy sensors that can tell them important stuff like how salty the water is, how hot it is, and how deep it goes.How does it work?The HM2000 does its job all on its own. It goes up and down in the water, taking measurements as it goes. Then it sends all that data back to scientists on land. These devices usually last a couple of years before they stop working.Why is this a big deal?Finding one of these Chinese devices in Indian waters is making people curious and a bit worried. They're trying to figure out why it's here and how it ended up so far from where it should be.What's next?People are thinking about what this could mean for India and its oceans. They want to know if other countries are trying to learn things from India's waters. Investigators are working hard to track where the device came from and what it was doing here.
Read More → Posted on 2024-03-22 15:34:57Search
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