NATO is not to attack, but siege Russia

Source : http://english.pravda.ru

Independent military expert Vadim Fersovich says in a telephone interview, that no direct military actions should be expected from the NATO forces.

"Previously the Armed Forces strategy comprised active military operations, but now the whole world turns to the siege strategy. That is, economic siege, political, etc. So, during the coming years they will stifle, but not attack. In addition to it, the European Armed Forces are comprised of people, who don't have a will to fight," Fersovich said.

The current relations between Russia and the NATO states have seriously aggravated. The Russians also do their military service in the NATO, and they are not ready to bear arms against the Russian army.

"Everything we see is a political game of certain economic groups, that have to support their business. Nobody thinks of a war. A cold war is first of all an economic development of some corporations and smothering of the others," the expert claimed.

Fersovich highlighted that humankind is not capable of leading any war at the moment. "They can lead only proxy wars, what they actually do now in Ukraine and other countries. They just try to destabilize the state. It is much cheaper and doesn't bring any protests in their native land, where they don't like it, when their citizens are killed."

Russia Ramps Up Black Sea Fleet With Modernized War Aircraft

Source : http://sputniknews.com

The aviation units of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Air Force, Air Defense and Naval aviation have received modernized attack aircraft and fighter jets, including Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-30M2 fighters, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters and Mi-8MTPR electronic warfare helicopters.

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Air Force, Air Defense and Naval aviation units have received 10 new and modernized aircraft and helicopters, the press service of Russia’s Southern Military District reported on Friday.

Among the new military hardware are Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name Fullback) twin-engine, two-seat strike fighters. Based on Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker', the two-seat Su-34 is designed primarily for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets.

Modernized, multipurpose Su-30M2 fighters are designed to gain air superiority by destroying manned and unmanned aircraft with medium- and short-range air-to-air guided missiles, engaging surface and ground targets with all kinds of weapons, primarily precision ones.

The main features of Su-30M2 include a modified weapon control system cwith advanced capabilities of destroying ground and sea targets; a new cockpit display system with multifunctional color liquid crystal displays; improved navigation and radio communication systems; a modern onboard defense system; a wide range of “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” weapons hosted on 12 hardpoints and an in-flight refueling system.

The jet's strengthened airframe and landing gear ensure that it can operate with full fuel tanks and maximum combat load at take-off weigh up to 38 tons. The Su-30M2 weapon control system provides for the detection, tracking and destruction of air, ground and sea targets with aircraft weapons in all weather conditions, day and night.

The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name "Havoc") is an all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter.

And Mi-8MTPR electronic warfare helicopters are designed to be able to detect and suppress electronic command-and-control systems as well as the radars of surface-to air and air-to-air missiles.

All the hardware has been tested by the engineering and technical services of the manufacturers, the press services said. The units are now holding exercises, to improve the skills of handling and operating the new combat equipment.

Over 50 more new and modernized aircraft and helicopters will be transferred to the aviation units of the military district in the near future.

Kremlin regrets confrontational tone of US national military strategy

Source : http://tass.ru

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. A new version of Russia’s national security strategy, currently in the draft phase, will envisage countermeasures against all likely threats, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in reply to a question from TASS. As he commented on Washington’s new military strategy, he expressed regret the document by no means contributed to the cause of normalizing relations with Russia but on the contrary carried an outspokenly confrontational message.

"True, such work is underway," he said about the drafting of a new version of Russia’s strategy. Peskov believes it is too early to disclose the contents. "Let us wait for the publication of the document," he said. "Naturally, all national security threats are being taken into account and scrutinized and the corresponding countermeasures devised."

Peskov expressed regret the US strategy described Russia as a "revisionist state" that allegedly does not respect the sovereignty of its neighbors and is prepared to use force to attain its aims.

"As far as the United States is concerned, one can merely express regret, because the security concept is a medium-term and long-term document. The document’s wording is indicative of a confrontational mood, devoid of any impartiality towards our country," Peskov said.

He believes that this confrontational attitude was likely to last. The Kremlin official is certain "this can hardly contribute to attempts to somehow steer our bilateral relations towards normalization, which is extremely necessary for joint struggle against the existing challenges no single country can cope with on its own, such as the dangerous expansion of the Islamic State and other manifestations of terrorism."

The US new military strategy

The Pentagon on Wednesday published its own national military strategy. It describes so-called "revisionist states" and extremist groups as the worst threats to security. However, the strategy contains the recognition that Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, referred to as revisionist states, do not wish military confrontation with the United States. As follows from the strategy, Russia, although it made contributions to some security areas such as counternarcotics and counterterrorism, repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to use force to achieve its goals. "It also has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not respect the sovereignty of its neighbors," the strategy states.

The authors of the strategy claim that "Russia’s military actions are undermining regional security directly and through proxy forces."

Russia’s National Security Strategy extending till 2020 was authorized in 2009. The document sets the task of the country’s transition from a raw materials export-based development scenario to an innovative one, to creation of a highly professional army, special services, an increase in the people’s life expectancy and acquisition of indisputable authority in the international scene.

Last May, National Security Council secretary Nikolay Patrushev said the Security Council had made a decision to reconsider the National Security Strategy extending till 2020. "First and foremost this stems from the emergence of new military threats and challenges. Their manifestations were well seen in the Arab Spring events, in Syria and Iraq, and in Ukraine and around it," Patrushev said.

NATO Accuses Russia of 'Aggressive Methods' of Naval Intel Collection

Source : http://sputniknews.com

Speaking at a conference in London over the future of NATO's naval forces, senior NATO commander Adrian Bradshaw accused Russia of being "bold" and even "aggressive" in its methods of gathering intel about NATO forces in the bodies of water surrounding Russia's borders, AFP reports.

General Bradshaw, who presently serves as NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, noted that Russia shadows and gathers info about "NATO nation naval units in the Baltic, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, using methods that can be considered reckless and sometimes aggressive."

The senior commander added that this is a consequence of Russia's growing international maritime presence in recent years.

© FLICKR/ OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PAGE

US Latest Show of Strength Features Guided- Missile Destroyer Visiting Georgia

What exactly the commander means by "aggressive" intel collection is unclear, although NATO forces have repeatedly lodged complaints about everything from Russian aircraft flying uncomfortably close to US recon aircraft in the Baltic Sea, to naval aircraft buzzing the decks of US ships in the Black Sea near Russia's maritime borders.

The Russian Ministry of Defense recently reiterated that the intensity of combat training of NATO forces near Russian borders has increased significantly over the past year-and-a-half, making it clear that the defensive organization's 'imaginary enemy' is clearly represented by Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry has also repeatedly voiced its concerns over NATO saber-rattling, warning that it could undermine European stability and security.

British Vice Admiral Peter Hudson told the NATO naval conference that the organization will have to focus on improving its force projection capabilities on land using amphibious units and air power. "At the height of the Cold War in the '60s and '70s, the striking power of the US Navy, the delivery of large amounts of land forces to support Europe was quite a sophisticated art. You'll see a lot of our exercises in recent years, and certainly ones that are coming up in the future, are working hard to bring that capability back."

© SPUTNIK/ ANTON DENISOV

Russian Military Aircraft Flew Over NATO Warships in Baltic Sea - Media

NATO has recently confirmed that between September and November, it will launch its largest naval exercises in over two decades, in regions including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Russia To Boost Military Presence On Western Border With Over 20 Attack Helicopters By End Of 2015

Source : http://www.ibtimes.com

Russia is strengthening its forces on the country’s western border, and the Kremlin will further reinforce its army in the region with more than 20 attack helicopters by the end of 2015, Russia’s Western Military District announced Tuesday. The move comes amid growing tensions between Moscow and the West as NATO forces step up military presence in areas close to Russia's borders in Eastern Europe.

“New army aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge electronics that allow them to perform training and combat tasks 24 hours a day in any weather conditions,” Russia’s Sputnik News quoted Col. Oleg Kochetkov, chief of Russia’s Western Military District’s press service, as saying.

The attack choppers will include new Mi-28Ns, Mi-26Ts and Mi-8MTV5s, manufactured by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The helicopters will be deployed in Russia’s westernmost regions of Leningrad, Pskov and Smolensk, Sputnik News reported.

"" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; list-style: none outside none; margin: 0px auto 24px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: bottom;">

Tuesday’s announcement followed last week’s media reports that NATO may include about40,000 troops in its rapid response Spearhead Force, with most of those troops expected to be stationed in Eastern Europe. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter alsosaid Monday that the country will help NATO with aircraft, weapons and forces to help it protect Europe from security threats.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry is also planning to upgrade the entire fleet of the country’s Ilyushin-38 anti-submarine planes, TASS news agency reported Tuesday, citing naval aviation commander Igor Kozhin.

“The contract is in the discussion phase. It is impossible to name any specific figures at this point (number of planes and dates), but the entire fleet is to undergo upgrade,” TASS quoted Kozhin as saying.

"" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; list-style: none outside none; margin: 0px auto 24px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: bottom;">

The Ilyushin-38 maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft will be upgraded to the Ilyushin-38N with an advanced search and target track system, called “Novella-P-38,” Kozhin said, adding that the upgraded aircraft will be ready for its maiden flight by 2020.

Kamchatka on Track to Host Borey-Class Nuclear Subs by October

Source : http://sputniknews.com

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) – The infrastructure to base Russia’s Borey-class strategic nuclear submarines in Kamchatka will be ready by October of this year, Navy Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Wednesday.

“The system for basing the Borey-class strategic submarines in Kamchatka is moving along according to schedule and the work will be completed by October 1 of this year,” Adm. Chirkov said.

The infrastructure will include recreation facilities for submariners, medical facilities, warehouses and a crane for missile embarkation, which is expected to be launched by October 1, Chirkov added.

As for now, three Borey-class submarines are built and another three are under construction. Eight Borey-class submarines are expected to enter into service by 2020 and become the primary nuclear force for the Russian Navy.

Kalashnikov Group to Showcase Drones, Army Assault Boats in St. Petersburg

Source : http://sputniknews.com

Russia’s renowned producer of the legendry AK-47 assault rifle, Kalashnikov Group, is now sizing up larger markets and is set to showcase its newly developed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and army assault boats at the International Maritime Defense Show, which has just kicked off in St. Petersburg.

Russia’s Kalashnikov Group is set to unveil its naval battle group of UAV-equipped multifunctional assault boats, according to the press service of the group. The boats will be showcased at the VII International Maritime Defense Show, which has just kicked off in St. Petersburg and will last until July 5.

“Kalashnikov Group will unveil a naval battle group of multifunctional assault boats equipped with modern weaponry systems and recently-developed UAVs, which are adapted to launch from the boat's deck,” read the press service's statement

NATO replacing policy of partnership with Russia with policy of deterrence - Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO

Source : http://m.rbth.co.uk

NATO is switching from partnership to deterrence in relations with Russia, Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO Alexander Grushko said.

This is the way in which decisions made at the meeting of NATO members states' defense heads in Brussels on June 24-25 should be interpreted, he said.

"This meeting has become another [example of] proof that NATO is switching from a policy of partnership to a policy of deterring Russia. Unfortunately, the political line we have observed in the past 18 months is nailed down in the sphere of military building and planning," Grushko said during a teleconference with Brussels on Tuesday.

"The technical decisions passed at the NATO Council meeting should be assessed namely this way," the diplomat said. It was announced during the meeting that NATO rapid response forces were to increase to 40,000 servicemen, he said.

"The plans to create by the end of the year six coordinating headquarters cells in Baltic countries, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria have been confirmed. It has been stated as well that NATO will study the possibility of creating additional cells - three countries were mentioned, these are Greece, Hungary and Slovakia," Grushko said.

The resolution of the Iranian nuclear problem will be "the moment of truth" for NATO in regard to its reasons for placing the missile defense system in Europe, Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO Alexander Grushko said.

"We know that the European segment of the missile defense system was placed under the pretext that it is necessary to defend Europe and allies from the Iranian nuclear threat. We hope that this issue will be removed from the international agenda as a security-related issue and then the moment of truth will come for our partners - why this system was created," he said.

Russia's Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko currently sees no case for renewing a constructive relationship between Russia and NATO.

"Today there is no objective case that would allow the putting of the Russia-NATO relationship back on the constructive track with a wave of the hand," he told reporters on Tuesday.

At the same time the diplomat said there is still a chance of cooperation with the alliance if it reviews its role in international relations.

"If NATO finds its niche, if NATO is prepared not to put its interests above those of the entire international community but provide support for international efforts, I think then there will be opportunities for efficient cooperation over a whole host of areas, at least, whatever has to do with the fight against terrorism, against extremism," Grushko said.

Saab Receives SEK270 Million Order for RBS 70 Missiles

Source : http://saabgroup.com

Defence and security company Saab has received an SEK270 million order for the delivery of RBS 70 missiles and additional equipment and training. Deliveries will occur between 2015 and 2016.

The Saab portfolio of short-range ground-based air defence missile systems includes the RBS 70 and the further enhanced RBS 70 NG. The RBS 70 system has an impressive track-record on the market with more than 1,600 launchers and over 17,000 missiles delivered to 19 countries.

“One of our customers of the RBS 70 system has placed an additional order to achieve added capacity of its forces. This order demonstrates the reliability of the RBS 70 system, as well as the high quality of our manufacturing and support capabilities,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.

"The RBS 70 is a modern system with a long lifespan. An increasing number of customers are discovering its flexible design, which allows for the system to be continuously upgraded,” says Görgen Johansson.

The details of this contract are covered by a confidentiality agreement between Saab and the customer. No further information concerning this order will be released. 

US Upgrades F-16 Fighter Jets With Sensor for Radar-Denied Environments

Source : http://sputniknews.com

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The air-to-air tracking system Legion Pod to be used for targeting in radar-denied environments was successfully tested on F-16 fighter planes, US defense contractor Lockheed Martin said in a statement.  “Legion Pod recently completed its first flight test, successfully tracking multiple airborne targets while flying on an F-16,” Lockheed said on Tuesday.  In February, 2015, Lockheed Martin introduced Legion Pod as a multi-function sensor system to support collaborative targeting between multiple aircraft in radar-denied environments.  © SCREEN SHOT  The $1 Trillion Plane: Beleaguered F-35 Begins 'Ski Jump' Test Trials for US Marines  The tracking sensor includes an infrared system and advanced technology that provides air-to-air tracking for fix-winged aircraft.  Legion Pod also accommodates additional sensors within its current structure to address diverse mission requirements across a variety of platforms.  The test verified the Legion Pod can be integrated without hardware or software changes to the F-16 jet.  Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland that is principally engaged in research, design, development, manufacture and sustainment of advanced technology systems and services.   

NATO’s turn against Russia plotted long before Ukraine events — diplomat

Source : http://tass.ru/en

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. NATO’s return to the Cold War era security perception was planned long before the Ukrainian crisis, Russia’s envoy to the alliance, Alexander Grushko, said on Tuesday.

"Today, the whole NATO machine is in fact turning to the East, in other words is going back to the sources. This is an extremely dangerous tendency as it envisages long-term trends," he told a video link-up between Moscow and Brussels.

"NATO links the need for such a turn to Russia’s alleged aggressive actions in Ukraine," the diplomat said. "But NATO cannot but see what efforts are made by Russia to ensure the full implementation of the Minsk agreements."

Not a single Russia-NATO cooperation program works — Russian diplomat

"However, those decisions that are taken are no way linked to the Ukrainian crisis, what is becoming another evidence that the military and political turn of NATO was devised long before the Ukrainian events," he said.

This turn comes first of all as the "epoch of major operations is over, showing NATO’s failure to adopt to new security conditions." In order to prove that this tool is still in demand, "the alliance has found nothing better than to return to the security perception of the Cold War time."

India to Develop New Tank, Use Russian Armata as Prototype

Source : http://sputniknews.com

Soviet and Russian military hardware makes up around 40 percent of all hardware in the Indian ground forces (it is even more in India's Air Force — 80 percent, and  Navy — 75 percent). In total, there are around 600 T-55 tanks, almost 2,000 T-72M1 and 640 T-90C tanks.The new tank the Indian Army plans to design and manufacture is known as the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV).

The new generation MBT will form the base platform for other armored vehicles, similar to the Russian-made Armata platform. The Indian army wants to use the platform for as many as 11 different tracked vehicles, including light tracked, wheeled, bridge layer and trawl tanks, self-propelled howitzers, air defense guns, artillery observation post and engineering reconnaissance vehicles, and armored ambulances, the Diplomat said.

India might likely use Russia's new Armata tank as a prototype for its own armored vehicle, Gazeta.ru reported. Earlier this month, defense expert Samir Patil from India's Gateway House analytical center said his country was willing to buy the Armata platform or some of its elements for future development of their own tank.

"I think India would like to purchase such a combat platform for its armed forces," Samir Patil said.

What makes the Armata tank stand out from its domestic and foreign counterparts is that the crew is securely enclosed in a multi-layer armored capsule separated from the ammunition container. The vehicle is fully computerized and only needs three servicemen to operate it.

The tank has an unmanned, remotely controlled turret, digitally controlled by a crew-member located in a separate compartment. It is believed that this would eventually lead to the development of a fully robotic tank.