Category: Army
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Russia prepares massive exercise Tsentr 2019 with large Arctic component
Almost 130,000 soldiers will take part in Russia’s upcoming exercise Tsentr 2019. It takes place in the central region of Russia and will include a huge expeditionary exercise in the Arctic.
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Update on Russia’s weapon development programs
Russia has some impressive new weapons under development, but many of the projects have been struck by problems and delays. Here is an overview of how things are going with the most spectacular programs.
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US European forces chief wants more presence, Trump pushes for allies to pay
US general pushes for more warships in Europe to maintain American dominance. Trump wants allies to pay a premium for hosting US forces. The incompatibility between these two views is striking.
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Russia increases number of tanks in Kaliningrad
A new tank regiment has been formed in Kaliningrad. This more than doubles the number of tanks in the Russian enclave.
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Russian speaking U.S. soldiers on exercise in Estonia is brilliant information work
A television performance by two U.S. soldiers has achieved remarkable strategic effect. In fluent Russian they explain what the American soldiers are doing during an exercise in Estonia. It sends the right message to both the Russian minorities in the Baltic countries and to Russia as a potential enemy.
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Seems like SPIKE will be Estonia’s new anti-tank missile
It looks like Estonia will buy a EuroSpike anti-tank missile system, since no other company has made a bid in the competition. Spike is a well-tested missile with a long range and sophisticated features. This is the second step in the modernization of Estonia’s anti-tank force, which began when they acquired the smaller Javelin missile a few years ago.
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Estonia buys new 5.56 and 7.62 mm rifles from LMT
Estonia has decided to buy American rifles from the Lewis Machine & Tool Company. It is a somewhat unconventional choice. Only New Zealand has purchased LMT rifles at this scale for armed forces before.
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Poland expands army with new division
The timeline has been approved for the formation of Poland’s new Army Division. This will bring the number of Polish divisions up to four, and it is a part of the ambitious plan to strengthen the armed forces.
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Estonia leaves UNIFIL because Finland does
Finland has decided to leave the UN Mission in Lebanon, so the integrated Estonian platoon has to leave as well. This raises some interesting questions about benefits and dangers to cooperation among Europe’s armed forces.
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Political officers return in Russia’s military
Russia is reintroducing political officers – zampolits – that bring back memories of political commissars from the USSR. The goal is to ensure patriotism and political unity behind president Putin’s line.
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Russian officers struggle with work-life balance
Long work hours are a problem in the Russian military. But now initiatives are implemented to reduce the burden and make life more bearable for the Russian officers and their families.
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15,000 troops make Siil 2018 the largest exercise ever in Estonia
Siil 2018 is the largest military exercise in Estonia to date. More than 15,000 troops take part, including 2,000 from other countries. It takes place on 2-14 May.