The Dead District: 2020-08-23

Friday, August 28, 2020

PLA Artillerymen train in Gobi desert after long-distance maneuver from south

Soldiers assigned to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army rush to their battle positions during a live-fire operation after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Soldiers assigned to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army march forward quickly to their positions in high morale spirits after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert for a realistic field training exercise in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Armored vehicles attached to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army rumble to a designated field in desert during a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert for a realistic field training exercise in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

A group of self-propelled howitzers attached to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army fire against mock enemies during a live-fire training exercise after their long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Evolved wheeled vehicle-mounted artilleries attached to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army move to another training field in desert during a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert for a realistic field training exercise in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Gunners assigned to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army get howitzer well placed onto the mobile firing platform prior to a live-fire operation after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

An evolved wheeled vehicle-mounted howitzer attached to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army fires 155mm shells at mock enemy’s command post during a live-fire operation after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Gunners assigned to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army stay calm and still under the fire during a live-fire training exercise after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Three wheeled vehicle-mounted howitzers sit abreast in combat formation, ready for a live-fire operation after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Soldiers assigned to an artillery brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army take a short break in interval between operations. They were participating in realistic field training exercises after a long-distance maneuver from South China to northwestern Gobi desert in June, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Hai, Fang Zekun and Weng Zhaozhi)

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

UkrOboronProm hands over new and upgraded combat vehicles to Ukrainian Army

Ukrainian state-run defense company UkrOboronProm has delivered new wheeled armored vehicle personnel carriers, upgraded main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles on 23 August.

On the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, the country’ Armed Forces have received 132 samples of combat vehicles and other military equipment, included 38 units of communications equipment and 78 surveillance devices.

“Today, 132 samples of weaponry and military equipment, 38 units of communications equipment and 78 surveillance devices are transferred to the units of the Armed Forces for the performance of their tasks. These are modernized T-64 and T-72 tanks. The latest armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and tactical armored vehicles, as well as modern electronic warfare systems and surveillance equipment,” the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during handover ceremony in Vasilkov.

According to him, it is mandatory to re-equip the Ukrainian army, weaponize the latest combat systems, bring the military command bodies to NATO standards.

“Today is 28 days since we’ve had no combat losses. The whole world sees that Ukraine and its soldiers, like any normal civilized people, of course, seek peace in eastern Ukraine. This does not mean that we will stop taking care of our army. Because it is you – a modern and strong army – that is the key to such a desirable peace in Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, the President thanked the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for conscientious performance of duty, courage and heroism.

After the ceremony, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran and Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi demonstrated to the President samples of equipment transferred to the army for the defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the JFO area.

VOLAT (MZKT-490101) armoured vehicle at "Army-2020"

New Belarusian VOLAT (MZKT-490101) armoured vehicle at "Army-2020" forum

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

IED-damaged Russian BTR-82

Yesterday IED struck to the Joint Russian-Turkish patrols in Idlib, Syria. One Russian BTR-82 was damaged. Information about victims are missing.

Wheel of the BTR-82A cleanly destroyed.

Norwegian fighters fly alongside six B-52 bombers

As part of a large American exercise in Europe, six US Air Force nuclear-capable strategic bombers are training along with Norwegian fighters. Both Norwegian F-16AM Fightning Falcons and F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from Royal Norwegian Air Force are participating.

6 American B-52 Stratofortress bombers trained together with Norwegian fighters. pic.twitter.com/jSWjVTngz7

— Luftforsvaret (@Luftforsvaret) August 24, 2020

On saturday 22 August 2020, US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers arrived at Fairford, England. The bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing, based at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, will train in Europe over a longer period. This is an important training arena for Norway that will strengthen the cooperation between NATO countries.

“I am very pleased that our American friends choose to practice in our surroundings. It is important that they are familiar with Norwegian conditions and can operate together with us if necessary“, says Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen. The first training mission was conducted with F-16 Fightning Falcons.

The exercise is crucial for every part of air operations. It is a test of Norway’s ability to coordinate operations across NATO’s area of operation. During the actual mission, Norway’s Air Force will train its entire chain – from control and surveillance to its ground personnel and aircraft. It is important that everyone is familiar with the different bases, airspace, and the different operation patterns, to build expertise and confidence among the people that carry out the missions.

This was the fourth time this year that Norwegian fighters conduct training flights with US strategic bombers. On June 3, 2020 four 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortresses strategic bombers conducted a long-range strategic mission to Europe and the Arctic. The flight involved missions on the Arctic Ocean and the Laptev Sea. Also in this case the US bombers have trained with Norwegian F-16s and F-35s.

The exercise focuses on the cooperation across NATO countries and partner nations. This type of cooperation strengthens NATO countries’ ability to operate – but even more important, it strengthens our ability to work together during times of conflict and crisis.

The strategic bomber missions, which have been occurring since 2018, provide theater familiarization for aircrew members and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners. The bomber missions enhance readiness and provide the training necessary and respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. There have been more than 200 successful flight sorties coordinated with allies and partners since the Bomber Task Force missions began.