Three Russian scientists involved in hypersonic weapons development face what the Kremlin calls “very serious accusations” of treason. They were detained several days after Russian hypersonic missiles were downed by Ukrainian air defences last week. [node:read-more:link]
Having resisted for months the notion of supplying F-16 fighters to Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden today told allies that he would permit training on U.S. aircraft. He also said he is prepared to let other countries donate their Fighting Falcons to Ukraine. [node:read-more:link]
Ukrainian air defences downed 18 Russian missiles aimed at Kyiv early May 16, including six air-launched Kinzhal hypersonics, touted by Vladimir Putin as a key strategic advantage. Three residents of the capital were reported to have been wounded. [node:read-more:link]
Reuben Brigety, the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, has “apologized unreservedly” for claiming that the country exported weapons to Russia, the host foreign ministry said today. Brigety said on social media that he was “grateful for the opportunity to […] correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks” which prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to order a judicial inquiry. [node:read-more:link]
Accusations by the U.S. ambassador that South Africa has supplied arms to Russia despite its professed neutrality in the war in Ukraine have prompted an inquiry headed by a retired judge. Reuben Brigety said a Russian ship was loaded with weapons and ammunition in Cape Town last December and while President Cyril Ramaphosa’s confirmed the inquiry, it says Brigety offered no evidence to support his claim. [node:read-more:link]
A new Australian budget tabled today includes nearly AU$52.6 billion or 2.04 per cent of GDP in defence spending designed to enhance defence of Australia’s interests in the Indo-Pacific theatre. U.S. munitions, including long-range missiles, figure prominently in the government’s five-year plan. [node:read-more:link]
Ukraine is accusing Russia of using white phosphorus munitions in its siege of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Nicknamed “Willy Peter” by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, they are not technically prohibited in warfare but their use against civilians is considered a war crime. [node:read-more:link]
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says most arms promise to Ukraine have been delivered in time for an expected counter-offensive against Russia. “That means over 1,550 armored vehicles, 230 tanks, and other equipment, including vast amounts of ammunition,” he said. Coupled with 30,000 NATO-trained Ukrainian troops, it would put the country “in a strong position to continue to retake occupied territory.” [node:read-more:link]
Britain and Germany have signed a letter of intent on further development of an enhanced 120mm kinetic anti-tank ammunition. The new armour-piercing round is expected to be used on British Challenger 3 main battle tanks and German Leopard 2s but the partnership is looking at export opportunities. [node:read-more:link]
Russia says two Ukrainian drones were responsible for a massive fire at an oil depot in occupied Crimea on the weekend. It was the latest in a series of attacks ahead of an expected Ukrainian counter-offensive. [node:read-more:link]
Airbus subsidiary MBDA Systems and Poland’s state-owned PGZ have been awarded contracts worth the equivalent of US$3.1 billion to upgrade Poland’s short-range air defences. [node:read-more:link]
Domestic political and indusrial interests evidently have become a key factor as the European Union tries to decide how to spend €1 billion on ammunition for Ukraine. France has said it would prefer to see a procurement from European arms manufacturers but Poland wants no nationalist restrictions. [node:read-more:link]
The U.S. plans periodic nuclear submarine deployments to South Korea in response to the North’s escalating nuclear threat. The U.S. also agreed April 26 to involve the South in its nuclear planning operations in return for a commitment that it would not develop its own nuclear weapons. [node:read-more:link]
Forty sniper rifles and ammunition, new radios for the eight Canadian Leopard 2A tanks being prepared for Ukraine in Poland, as well as nearly $35 million in cash for non-lethal procurements, make up a new $39-million Canadian support package. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced it today while in Germany for talks with NATO allies. [node:read-more:link]
Ukraine has asked the European Union to provide more than 250,000 rounds a month of howitzer ammunition and while the EU did come up with a plan, it has stalled due to an internal debate about how “European” weapons should be. France is reported to be a key factor behind the “inaction” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says is “measured in human lives.” [node:read-more:link]
