For the Russian Aerospace Forces, the air campaign has been a valuable source of experience. They have tested equipment, organization, and doctrine. Rapid rotations have ensured that most personnel in the Russian military have gained personal war experience from the otherwise limited operation.
In this piece I summarize some of the findings that Anton Lavrov makes in a new CNA report about The Russian Air Campaign in Syria.
Russia receives new intelligence ship Ivan Khurs
The large signals intelligence ship Ivan Khurs has now been delivered to the Russian Navy. Ivan Khurs will join the Black Sea Fleet to replace the smaller ship Liman which sank last year. The commissioning ceremony took place in Saint Petersburg, and Ivan Khurs must be expected to leave the Baltic Sea shortly.
Sweden builds new and larger intelligence vessel
Sweden replaces the intelligence ship Orion with a larger and more modern version. Signals intelligence is an important part of naval operations during peacetime and in the phases of conflict before a war breaks out. The new ship will be ready in 2020.
Estonia improves air defense with Mistral missiles
Estonia has signed a new contract for Mistral missiles with French manufacturer MBDA. This gives Estonia a more robust air defense. There are still many shortcomings in the Baltic air defense, but the new short-range missiles are an important step to building a more credible deterrent.
Sergey Shoigu nuances public image with art exhibition
Russia’s defense minister shows new sides of himself as an artist. While Putin has created an image of himself as the embodiment of masculinity, Shoigu appeals to a more reflective segment with his art exhibition.
Article recommendation: The Status Quo Killed 17 US Sailors. The Navy Must Change.
Jon Paris makes a compelling case that the U.S. Navy needs to change its education system and introduce specialized career paths for engineering and operations. This step is well overdue. The idea that one can have the responsibility of either engineering or navigation of a large warship with a one-size-fits-all educational background is just mind boggling.
Landing ship Ivan Gren ready for delivery after 14 years in production
Russia’s new landing ship Ivan Gren is finally ready for delivery. It has been an unending saga of delays, but now the government has approved the results of the sea trials.
Russia’s military budget has nothing to do with the GDP of Spain
An often used reference to the GDP of Spain says nothing about Russia’s military potential. Instead, Russia’s defense budget gives them the same purchasing power as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom combined.
Russia builds six more Borei-A submarines and cancels Borei-B project
Russia has decided to build six more Borei-A submarines. This will give Russia a total of 14 modern strategic nuclear submarines. The development of the Borei-B class has been canceled.
How could Israel destroy a cutting edge Russian air defense system?
Israel destroyed a Syrian Pantsir-S1 air defense system last week. Did this modern piece of Russian weapon technology fail, or is there another explanation? Poor tactics and neglect on the part of the Syrian soldiers have probably played an important role.
