The contract was confirmed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to France for the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied Landings in Normandy.

This purchase comes after successfully deploying an initial Thales air defense system in Ukraine in 2023, leading the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to acquire a second unit to strengthen its defense capabilities.

鈥淭his second air defense system will strengthen the protection of Ukrainian territory, by making it possible to detect existing threats as early as possible,鈥� Herv茅 Dammann, Managing Director Assistant, Land and Air Systems. “Thales is proud to put its expertise at the service of protecting Ukraine.”

The new air defense system incorporates Thales’ ControlMaster 200, which comprises the Ground Master 200 air surveillance radar, a radio communications network, the ControlView command and control center, and a portable weapon allocation terminal. This system is capable of detecting and tracking both low and high altitude targets in diverse environments, offering comprehensive airspace protection.

The Ground Master 200 (GM200) multi-mission medium-range radar system is designed to detect low to high-altitude air targets, including missiles, artillery rounds, or drones. With a surveillance span of 250 kilometers (155 miles), the GM200 can effectively target threats within a 100-kilometer (62-mile) range when integrated with an air defense system like the Aster 30 SAMP/T (also known as MAMBA).

Moldova reinforces air defense with French GM200 radar system

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-12-21

The transfer was first reported by the daily . Previously deployed to Slovakia as part of a NATO mission, this system will soon be transferred to the Ukrainian armed forces. 

Italy’s next support package reportedly includes the SAMP/T MAMBA, Stinger man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), and SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow long-range missiles. The details of the aid package, including the SAMP/T system, are expected to be finalized by mid-June 2024 before being ratified by the Italian Parliament.

This will mark the second MAMBA system to be delivered to Ukraine. In May 2023, Italy and France collaborated to provide a complete system featuring one command and control system connected to a multi-function Arabel radar and up to six vertical launchers, each equipped with eight ASTER 30 missiles. 

The MAMBA system is designed to track 100 trajectories and engage ten simultaneously, with up to 48 missiles ready to fire. It is the only European system designed to counter ballistic missiles. The ASTER 30 interceptor missile developed by MBDA can hit aircraft up to 120 kilometers away and ballistic missiles at 30 kilometers. 

The system has been in operation with the French and Italian armed forces since 2010 and is available in limited quantities. The 1st Air Artillery Regiment of the French Air and Space Force reported operating eight MAMBA systems in 2022. The 4th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment 鈥淧eschiera鈥� of the Italian Army has four operational batteries.

Addressing Ukraine精东影业 vulnerability to ballistic missiles

Ukraine精东影业 Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, emphasized Ukraine精东影业 vulnerability to ballistic strikes following the destruction of the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, located near Kyiv, on April 11, 2024. Kuleba stressed the need for at least seven Patriot systems to protect the country精东影业 main cities. 

So far, Germany has supplied two Patriot batteries, and the US has provided one. Following Kuleba精东影业 recent appeal for more assistance, Germany has been the only country to commit to providing an additional system.聽

To accelerate the acquisition of Patriot systems, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, reported that discussions were ongoing between Ukrainian businesses and the multiple US companies that produce the different components of the platform.

鈥淎ir defense is the number one priority; we need both additional systems and interceptor missiles for all the systems we have,鈥� Markarova said in an interview with European Pravda, commenting on the recent $61 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine approved by the US Congress. 鈥淲e cannot do without producing ourselves, at least, a significant part of the components, and at most 鈥� the finished product.鈥�

Ukraine looks to produce Patriot air defense systems jointly with the US

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-04-24

The collaboration, reportedly discussed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visits to the US in September and December 2023, aims to bolster Ukraine精东影业 air defense capabilities by accelerating its acquisition of Patriot systems. 

鈥淎ir defense is the number one priority; we need both additional systems and interceptor missiles for all the systems we have,鈥� Markarova said in an interview with European Pravda, commenting on the recent $61 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine approved by the US Congress. 鈥淲e cannot do without producing ourselves, at least, a significant part of the components, and at most – the finished product.” 

Markarova added that to achieve this goal, discussions were ongoing between Ukrainian businesses and the multiple US companies that produce the different components of the Patriot system. 

A full MIM-104 Patriot battery comprises two generators, a detection and tracking radar system, a command-and-control station, an antenna mast group, and up to eight launcher stations containing either four PAC-2 or 16 PAC-3 interceptor missiles.聽聽

In a press briefing, Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, outlined the nation’s aspiration to acquire 25 Patriot systems to comprehensively fortify its air defense network. This endeavor aims to cover short-, medium-, and long-range defense capabilities supported by fighter jets.聽

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has stressed the need to acquire at least seven Patriot systems to protect the country’s main cities. Kuleba emphasized Ukraine精东影业 vulnerability to ballistic strikes following the destruction of the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, located near Kyiv. 

Currently, Germany has supplied two Patriot batteries, and the US has provided one. Following Kuleba’s recent appeal for more assistance, Germany has been the only country to commit to providing an additional system.聽

Russian air strikes destroy Trypilska Thermal Power Plant near Kyiv

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-04-12

According to Serhiy Popko, the Head of Kyiv’s military administration, Russia fired Iranian-made Shahed-type drones from the occupied Crimea overnight on February 10, 2024. Multiple reports indicated Russia精东影业 drone activity over the regions of Kyiv, Kherson, Odesa, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.

“Overnight, units of anti-aircraft missile forces, mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine, electronic warfare equipment were involved in repelling the air attack. As a result of combat operations, 40 enemy Shaheds were destroyed,” the Ukrainian Air Force shared the details of a drone attack in a post on .

Meanwhile, 26 more Russia-launched drones were reportedly downed over several southern regions, chiefly over the Mykolaiv region near the Black Sea.

According to preliminary information, the Ukrainian air defense systems were engaged for more than five hours, and the skies over the country’s capital were declared clear before 4 a.m. (0200 GMT) on February 11.

While there no casualties nor destruction in or near Kyiv and the central Cherkasy region were reported, falling debris from a downed drone and the blast wave damaged residential buildings and a gas pipeline in the Mykolaiv region near the Black Sea.

“The priority for the enemy was again the coastal strip of infrastructure and agro-industrial facilities,” the Ukrainian military wrote.

At least one civilian was injured in the southern region of Dnipro, the military confirmed.

Dutch government halts F-16 sale talks with Draken to deliver to Ukraine

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-06

Before the recent attack, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited several drone production facilities in the Volga River region of Udmurtia. The minister said that the production of military drones has significantly increased over the past year, though he also admitted there were still some technical issues that needed fixing, as per the state-owned news agency report.

Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik drone production expected to begin in H2 2024

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-31

The attack involved a total of 63 weapons deployed from air, ground, and naval platforms, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The breakdown of the weapons used is as follows:

• 16 Kalibr cruise missiles launched from naval platforms, possibly from the small missile ship “Ingushetia” and the frigate “Admiral Essen” in the Black Sea. 
• 8 Kh-22 cruise missiles fired from Tu-22M3 long-range bombers operating over the Black Sea. 
• 6 P-800 Oniks cruise missiles launched from the coastal missile complex “Bastion” in Crimea. 
• 1 Kh-59 guided aviation missile fired from a Su-35 fighter jet operating over the Black Sea. 
• 32 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones deployed from the Chauda range in Crimea and Primosko-Akhtarsk in Krasnodar Krai. 

Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces

The Ukrainian Air Force’s anti-aircraft defense units reported the successful interception of 37 airborne threats, namely 13 Kalibr cruise missiles, the Kh-59 guided aviation missile, and 23 Shahed-136/131 drones. Noticeably, the Kh-22 and P-800 Oniks cruise missiles, the fastest of the weapons deployed, managed to evade interception. 

60,000 tons of grain destroyed, according to the Ukrainian agriculture ministry

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the Russian military of having “deliberately targeted” sites used for grain export. 

鈥淩ussian terrorists absolutely deliberately targeted the infrastructure of the grain agreement, and every Russian missile is a blow not only to Ukraine, but also to everyone in the world who seeks a normal and safe life,鈥� Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post. 

According to the Ukrainian agriculture ministry, 60,000 tons of grain meant for export and stored in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, near Odesa, were destroyed. 

鈥淭he grain infrastructure of international and Ukrainian traders and carriers Kernel, Viterra, CMA CGM Group was the most affected,鈥� Ukraine’s agriculture minister Mykola Solskyi said in a statement in which he shared pictures of the damage. 鈥淭his is a terrorist act not against Ukraine, but against the whole world. The food security of which is again under threat.鈥� 

Odesa and its region house ports that previously allowed Ukraine to export its agricultural products despite the ongoing war and the Russian-imposed blockade, as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.  

However, on July 18, 2023, the Kremlin announced it had no intentions to allow grain exports through the Black Sea anymore, warning that there were no more “security guarantees” after the agreement expired a day before. 

At least 19 people killed in Ukraine after Russia conducts night airstrikes

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-04-28

Questioned by reporters after a parliamentary hearing on July 18, 2023, Chiu firmly denied the claims. Instead, the minister stated that the missiles that are still under the custody of the Chinese Academy of Sciences will be disposed of following the established procedures for decommissioned military equipment. Chiu emphasized that the handling of these missiles would adhere to proper scrapping protocols, ensuring their destruction in an appropriate manner.  

This response from the minister comes amid speculation surrounding the fate of the decommissioned missiles. The Taiwanese news portal China Times reported on July 14, 2023, that up to 100 Hawk missiles would be transferred to the United States. 

The minister also commented on Taiwan’s plan to acquire the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Defense Missile System or NASAMS Type 2 from the United States.聽聽

Chiu pointed to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia as evidence of the system’s exceptional performance and its potential value for the country’s defense capabilities. To this day, eight NASAMS were delivered to Ukraine in an effort to bolster the defense of its airspace. 

However, despite acknowledging the system’s effectiveness, the minister clarified that no official agreement has been reached at this stage.聽聽

The Taiwanese Armed Forces currently utilize various air defense systems to protect the country精东影业 airspace. These include the US-made MIM-104 Patriot and the indigenous Sky Bow, or Tien Kung anti-ballistic missile and anti-aircraft defense systems.

Taiwan scotches rumor of Chinese missiles falling into its territorial waters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-04-12

Footage of the attack surfaced online, showing the kamikaze drone hitting the radar while it was concealed in a forest near a supply truck.  

The Hensoldt TRML-4D radar system is an advanced air surveillance technology designed to detect and track airborne threats in real time. Mounted on a truck, it offers mobility and flexibility in deployment. This radar system plays a vital role in providing surveillance, target acquisition, and enabling the launch of IRIS-T missiles to counter and neutralize airborne threats. 

The IRIS-T SLM system, comprising the radar and other components, is composed of three launch vehicles and a mobile command center. This modern platform is capable of intercepting and destroying small air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, such as the Russian 3M-54 Kalibr. The system has an operational range of 40 kilometers (25 miles). Ukraine received its first IRIS-T SLM system in October 2022, with a second system delivered in April 2023. 

Reports suggest that the attack on the Ukrainian radar system was carried out using loitering munitions from the Lancet series. These munitions have a limited operational range of around 40 kilometers (25 miles), indicating that the IRIS-T air defense system was deployed near the frontlines. The use of such munitions highlights the vulnerability of the radar system to attacks within close proximity. 

This incident has raised concerns due to the potential material loss it could represent for the Ukrainian military and the implications for their air defense capabilities. Currently, only one out of the seven TRML-4D radars pledged has been delivered, according to the official website documenting military assistance provided by Germany to Ukraine 

The decision was made after a summit of European leaders in Reykjavik, where Britain announced it was working with the Netherlands to establish an international coalition with the aim of assisting Ukraine in acquiring F-16 jets from allied nations.聽聽

Following the event President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the fighter jet coalition. “A good start to the coalition! Thanks everyone!鈥� Zelensky said.  

However, the coalition started to crumble the day after it was announced, with the spokesperson for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte denying that a concrete agreement had been made.

On May 17, 2023, the German defense ministry stated that while the country had “a positive view of the Dutch-British push to form a fighter jet coalition for Ukraine,” its focus will remain on providing tanks, ammunition, and equipment repairs.  

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says that the country is simply not capable to fulfill the requirements for the Ukraine jet alliance: 鈥淲e cannot play an active role in such an alliance, in such a coalition, because we have neither the training capacities, the competencies or the planes.鈥� 

The government appears to offer a united response regarding the fighter jet issue, with the head of the parliamentary defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who previously called for an increase in weapon deliveries, agreeing that German jets are not suitable for operation in Ukrainian airspace. 

Despite ruling out the direct aircraft supply, the country recently approved Poland’s request to supply Ukraine with Soviet-era jets left over from the communist East German army’s inventory. 

Delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine has been restricted due to fears of conflict escalation. Allies have previously supplied weapons to Ukraine needed for self-defense. But a fighter jet like the F-16, with its 2,700-kilometer range, could potentially target locations in Russia. 

Emmanuel Macron announces that France will train Ukrainian fighter pilots

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-05-15

On the morning of May 16, 2023, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 18 missiles had been launched by Russia during the night, claiming that it had intercepted them all, including six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.  

The General Staff said Kyiv精东影业 air defense owed its success to the recent deployment of two Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems 

However, later in the day, Russia精东影业 defense ministry claimed that one Patriot anti-aircraft missile system was saturated and destroyed by the incoming missiles.   

鈥淎 high-precision strike by the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system in the city of Kyiv hit a US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile system,鈥� the Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said in a press briefing. 

Unconfirmed footage supposedly showing one of the batteries defending itself against a Russian missile barrage before being hit emerged online.聽

So far there has been No Evidence of these reports other than possible Explosions near the Site of an Air Defense Site that was seen on Livestream last night; Ukrainian Defense Officials have stated 鈥淭hey have nothing to Say鈥� regarding the claims by the Russian MoD.

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender)

Ukraine’s Air Force refused to comment on the Russian claim.  

鈥淲e cannot comment on this,鈥� said Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat. 鈥淲e’ll stay out of commenting on Russian sources.鈥� 

US officials confirmed to both and that one of the two Patriot air defense systems had been damaged in the air attack. However, they emphasized that despite the damage, the Patriot system continues to remain fully operational and capable of countering any threats.  

A damage assessment is ongoing to determine whether the system needs to be extracted for repairs. It is unclear at this point which of the Patriot subsystems was affected, or if it was indeed a Kinzhal hypersonic missile that damaged it.  

A full Patriot system is composed of two generators, a detection and tracking radar system, a command-and-control station, an antenna mast group, and up to eight launcher stations containing either four PAC-2 or 16 PAC-3 interceptor missiles. 

Ukraine claims 6 Kinzhal missiles downed; Russia claims Patriot system destroyed

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-05-16

On the morning of May 16, 2023, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 18 missiles were launched by Russia during the night.  

These included:

• Six Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles launched from MiG-31K fighters 
• Nine Kalibr cruise missiles launched from ships in the Black Sea 
• Three land-based missiles, namely S-400 and Iskander-M 

Following the missile strikes, six Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 loitering munitions were also launched.  

According to the General Staff, all weapons along with three observation drones were destroyed. It also announced that Ukrainian aviation targeted seven enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. 

鈥淎nother unbelievable success for the Ukrainian Air Forces!,鈥� Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, said on Twitter. 鈥淟ast night, our sky defenders shot down SIX russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and 12 other missiles.鈥� 

Hours later, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that one Patriot anti-aircraft missile system was saturated and destroyed by the incoming missiles.  

鈥淎 high-precision strike by the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system in the city of Kyiv hit a US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile system,鈥� the Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said in a press briefing.

Debris from intercepted missiles caused some material damage as it fell back onto the city.  

Fragments of one of the missiles fell onto Kyiv Zoo, according to the capital city精东影业 mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. 

鈥淔ortunately, none of the animals or workers were injured,鈥� Klitschko said in a Telegram post. 鈥淭he rocket fragment damaged the greenery, but all the broken branches have already been removed.鈥� 

Russian attacks were reported in other parts of Ukraine. In total, six people have been killed in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, The Kyiv Independent reported on May 16, 2023, quoting the governors of the affected regions. 

Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly pitted the Kinzhal against the Patriot in their official communication. 

One Kh-47 hypersonic missile was intercepted over Kyiv by the Patriot system shortly after its deployment on May 4, 2023, as confirmed by the spokesman of the US Department of Defense. 

Did Ukraine shoot down a Kinzhal hypersonic missile?

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-05-05