Yellowstone END

Thursday, 18 September 2025

EPISODE #002: ARTEMIS-2 — HUMANITY'S FIRST STEPS INTO DEEP SPACE AND THE FIRST BIOMEDICAL EXPERIMENT BEYOND EARTH IN 50 YEARS

Astronauts of the Artemis 2 mission will conduct scientific experiments on humans during their journey around the moon.

🚀 Mission Context

The Artemis-2 mission, scheduled for September 2025, will be historic for several reasons:

First crewed flight around the Moon since 1972 (after Apollo 17).
First manned test of the SLS rocket + Orion capsule combination.
Crew of four astronauts — including the first Canadian and the first woman to fly to the Moon.
Duration: ~10 days, with about 6 days in deep space, including a lunar flyby at a distance of up to 8,889 km behind its far side.

But beyond engineering tasks — testing life support systems, navigation, communications — the main "scientific payload" will be the astronauts themselves.

🧪 Biomedical Experiments: What Will Be Studied?

Unlike the ISS, where conditions are microgravity + Earth's magnetosphere protection, Artemis-2 will take humans into deep space, where:

Gravity changes (from 1g at launch → 0g in flight → brief overloads during maneuvers).
Radiation levels are 100–300 times higher than on Earth, and 2–3 times higher than on the ISS.
Psychological pressure — isolation, remoteness from Earth, no possibility of rapid evacuation.
Circadian rhythms — disrupted due to the absence of the usual "day/night" cycle.

NASA will focus on three key aspects:

1. 🧬 Impact of Space Radiation on the Body

Dosimeters installed inside spacesuits and the capsule.
Analysis of biomarkers in blood and urine before, during, and after the flight — for DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions.
Special attention to cognitive functions: daily tests on memory, attention, reaction speed.

Goal: Understand the risks for future Mars missions, where radiation exposure is even higher.

2. 😴 Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Deep Space

Astronauts will wear actigraphs — devices that track sleep-wake cycles.
The Orion cabin features adjustable LED lighting, simulating Earth's cycle (blue light in the morning → warm in the evening).
Diaries of subjective well-being and fatigue are kept.

Problem: In space, without natural light and gravity, the brain loses "anchors" for biorhythms. This leads to insomnia, decreased concentration — critical for mission safety.

3. 😰 Psychological Stress and Group Dynamics

The crew undergoes daily psychological surveys.
Cameras and microphones (with crew consent) are used to analyze communication, voice tone, non-verbal signals.
Testing mental health support tools: VR relaxation, family communication, "smart" interfaces to reduce cognitive load.

Note: The Artemis-2 mission is a rehearsal for Artemis-3 (Moon landing) and beyond — for Mars. It is crucial to understand how people behave in isolation, 400,000 km from Earth, without the "safety net" of the ISS.

🌍 Why Is This Important?

Since 1972, no human has ventured beyond Earth's magnetosphere. All data on the effects of deep space on humans is theoretical or obtained from animals/ground simulators.

Artemis-2 is the first live human experiment in real interplanetary space conditions.

This data will:

Help design radiation protection systems for future lunar bases and Martian ships.
Allow optimization of sleep and rest regimes for long-duration missions.
Provide the key to maintaining mental health in isolation — critical for expeditions to Mars (2–3 years!).

👨‍🚀 The Crew — Not Just Pilots, but "Living Laboratories"

The astronauts:

Reid Wiseman

Commander, USA

Victor Glover

Pilot, USA — first African American on a lunar mission

Christina Koch

Mission Specialist, USA — first woman in lunar orbit

Jeremy Hansen

Mission Specialist, Canada — first Canadian beyond the ISS

They are not just "flying around the Moon." They are the first volunteers of a new era in space medicine.

🔬 Connection to the ISS — But With a New Level of Complexity

Yes, the effects of microgravity have been studied on the ISS for decades: muscle atrophy, bone mass loss, changes in the cardiovascular system. But in deep space, two new factors are added:

Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) radiation — high-energy particles that penetrate even through the spacecraft's hull and damage cells.
Lack of "psychological proximity" to Earth — from the ISS, you can see your home continent. From lunar orbit, Earth is a small ball. This is a powerful psychological trigger.

📆 What's Next?

Data from Artemis-2 will be immediately integrated into preparations for:

Artemis-3 (2026–2027) — landing near the Moon's south pole.
Lunar Gateway station — a permanent "point" in deep space.
Mars missions — planned for the 2030s.

🌌 Conclusion: Humans as Explorers — and as Subjects of Study

Artemis-2 is not just a "flight around the Moon." It is humanity's return to deep space — and the first step toward understanding how to survive there long-term.

The astronauts on this mission are heroes not only of engineering, but of science. They risk not only their lives, but their health — so that future generations can live and work beyond Earth.

They are not just flying to the Moon.

They are flying beyond the known — and bringing science with them to light the way for all of us.

P.S. In 50 years, schoolchildren will study "Artemis-2" as the mission that began the era of humanity's permanent presence in deep space — and the first steps of space medicine beyond Earth.

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

EPISODE #001:"DEATH RACE: HOW F1 BUILT A TANK THAT FLIES OVER SWAMPS"

"Imagine: a Formula 1 car, but with a cannon, armor, and a mission to destroy the enemy — before they hear your engine. This isn't fantasy. This is the CV90. And it's already on the battlefield."

CLASSIFIED REPORT #05.22.25

(Classification: EYES ONLY — level "for those who understand: war is now a race for survival")

2025. Sweden. BAE Systems secretly integrates Formula 1 technologies into the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. The result? A tank capable of reaching 70 km/h on swamps, "reading" terrain in real-time, and maneuvering under fire like a racing car on the Monaco circuit. The first tests shocked the military: "This isn't a machine. It's a beast with intelligence."

TECH-THRILLER: "F1 ON THE BATTLEFIELD — ENGINEERS REWROTE THE RULES OF WAR"

What Was Discovered / What Happened

BAE Systems hired former Formula 1 engineers — those who tuned cars for Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari.
Goal: Transfer dynamics, suspension, and aerodynamics technologies to the CV90 combat platform.
Result: The fastest IFV in off-road conditions — 70 km/h on mud, swamps, and forests. For comparison: standard IFVs barely reach 40–45 km/h.
The machine received "intelligent suspension" — with sensors and algorithms that adapt to terrain in real-time.

How It Works

"It's like a 'smart' Formula 1 car learned to wage war."

Suspension with "brains" — like an F1 car: scans the surface, predicts bumps, instantly redistributes load. The crew isn't shaken — they sit like in a sports car on the autobahn.
Center of gravity — lower than a Lamborghini's — due to mass redistribution according to the principle "every gram in its place."
Aerodynamics? Yes, for a tank. Optimized body reduces air resistance and improves cooling — critical during long sprints.
Engine + transmission — upgraded according to F1 principles: quick response, maximum output, minimal losses.

"The CV90 doesn't drive — it 'reads' the ground and chooses the optimal trajectory, like a pilot on a track. Only instead of a pit stop — reloading the cannon."

Why This Changes the Rules of the Game

Tactical revolution: the machine can burst onto the enemy's position before they can aim.
Survivability: maneuverability = evasion from ATGMs and artillery. The faster you move — the harder you are to kill.
Psychological effect: the enemy expects a "slow tank" — but gets an adrenaline monster that appears out of nowhere.
The crew doesn't get tired — less shaking = more concentration = higher shooting accuracy and decision-making.

"War is no longer about 'who has stronger armor.' Now it's about 'who is faster with their brain and suspension.' The CV90 is the first step toward the 'sports army of the future.'"

HIDDEN CONTEXT: "DID THE SIMPSONS WARN US?"

"Season 6, Episode 12: 'Team Homer.' Homer accidentally creates a bowling team using racing technologies — and beats everyone.

In 2025 — F1 engineers create a combat machine using racing technologies — and redefine war.

Coincidence? Or did someone in Springfield know: the next world war wouldn't start on the front — but on the racetrack?"

STATISTICS / FACTS OF THE DAY

▶️ Max off-road speed: 70 km/h (IFV record)

▶️ Center of gravity: 18% lower than the previous version

▶️ Suspension: Adaptive, with real-time AI algorithms

▶️ Acceleration 0–50 km/h: Less than 6 seconds (like a BMW M3)

▶️ Armament: 35-mm or 50-mm cannon + ATGMs

▶️ Crew: 3 + 8 infantrymen

▶️ Test nickname: "The Swamp F1"

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

If you commanded an army — would you put thousands of these "racing tanks" on the assembly line?

Or is this a dangerous precedent — when war turns into a race where the winner isn't who's right, but who's faster?

— The choice is yours

P.S.
They took technologies created to win on the track.
And turned them into weapons to win on the battlefield.
The next step?
Perhaps — drone races against fighters.
Or AI pilots in tanks.
You're not in the game yet?
You already are.
From the very first episode.

Sources

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23): Underwater "spy" of the 21st century — analysis and context

USS Jimmy Carter: The "top secret" Seawolf-class reconnaissance submarine of the US Navy

Why is it unique?

The USS Jimmy Carter is not just a submarine. It is a hybrid of a combat unit, a reconnaissance platform, and an underwater laboratory, designed for missions that are not publicly discussed even at the Pentagon. Its difference from other Seawolf class submarines is the Multi-Mission Platform (MMP) — turns it into something like an "underwater aircraft carrier" for special operations.

> Fact: The MMP adds 30 meters of length and 2,500 tons of displacement — it's like attaching an entire underwater module to a boat for espionage.

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Historical context: From Cold War to Cyber War

Initially, Seawolf was created as killers of Soviet submarines — quiet, fast, deadly. But after the collapse of the USSR and the reduction of the program (only 3 boats instead of 29), Jimmy Carter was redesigned for new threats: cyberwarfare, underwater infrastructure, hybrid conflicts.

She inherited missions from the USS Parche, the legendary "spy submarine" that connected to Soviet submarine cables in the Pacific Ocean in the 1970s and 1990s (Operation IVY BELLS). Jimmy Carter is probably doing the same thing today, but with fiber optic cables that carry 90% of the world's Internet traffic.

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Technological superiority

- Pump-jet instead of a propeller — almost complete noiselessness.

- S6W nuclear reactor — decades-long autonomy, 300,000 hp capacity

- Trasters and manipulators — allows you to "park" at the bottom of the ocean or at the cable with an accuracy of up to a centimeter.

- Airlock — exit SEALS or ROVs without surfacing.

- Pressure-stable tunnel — the crew moves without decompression, as on the ISS.

It's not just a boat — it's an underwater space shuttle for special forces and robots.

---

Secret missions: what is known (and what is assumed)

1. Eavesdropping on cables — interception of data, tapping into communication lines (possibly even modification of traffic).

2. Exploration of the seabed — installation of sensors, cartography, search for objects (for example, debris or alien installations).

3. SEALs Support — covert delivery of saboteurs to enemy shores.

4. Technology testing — experimental drones, communication systems, sonar traps.

5. Control of underwater infrastructure — in the context of growing threats from China and Russia (for example, projects in the Arctic or off the coast of Europe).

> Jolly Roger Symbol — When Jimmy Carter returns with the skull flag, it's not just a tradition. This is the signal: the mission is completed, the target is hit — physically or informationally.

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Awards and recognition

Despite the secrecy, the boat has repeatedly received the highest awards of the US Navy — including Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Unit Commendation. This is rare for submarines whose missions are classified. This means that her contribution to national security is critical and confirmed.

---

Why is it named after Jimmy Carter?

For a reason. Carter is the only U.S. president who has been trained on submarines. He served on USS Pomfret and USS K-1, and participated in the Navy's early nuclear program. His technical thinking and ethics are a symbol for the crew. When he joked that it was "the best birthday present," he understood: It's not just a ship — it's a legacy.

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Geopolitical significance today

In the 2020s, submarine cables are a new battlefield. China is investing in its own cable networks, Russia is upgrading underwater drones (Poseidon), and the United States needs an invisible controller. Jimmy Carter is just such a tool.

Its modernization in 2024 is not just a repair. This is adaptation to new threats: hypersonic missiles, underwater UAVs, AI-guided systems. It becomes a platform for future submarine warfare.

---

Conclusion: "The laboratory is deep"

The USS Jimmy Carter is:

- The technological flagship of the US Submarine Fleet.

- An invisible spy working where satellites are powerless.

- A symbol of the transformation of naval strategy from "hunting for boats" to "control of the information space".

> In a world where war is fought not only with bullets, but also with bytes — Jimmy Carter remains the most dangerous and most mysterious weapon of the United States underwater.

Who knows what she's doing right now?

Probably listening to your messages.

Or preparing the next move in the quiet, cold darkness of the ocean.

—

P.S. If James Bond had served in the Navy, he would have wanted to be on board this particular boat.

Sources

Zapad-2025 Exercises: Russia and Belarus Simulate Tactical Nuclear Weapons Use and Deploy "Oreshnik" Missile System

Technical characteristics of the Oreshnik complex

As part of the Russian-Belarusian strategic exercises Zapad-2025, which took place from September 12 to 16, 2025, units of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus worked out key elements of joint defense, including planning the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons and the practical deployment of the Oreshnik mobile missile system. This was officially announced by the Chief of the General Staff, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Belarus, General Pavel Muraveyko.

According to the reports of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus and other reliable sources, the following important areas were implemented during the exercises:

1. Planning for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons

The participants of the exercise conducted command and staff training on planning and reviewing the conditions for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to hypothetical aggression. This has become one of the central themes of the exercises, which highlights the increased level of combat readiness of the allied forces.

2. Deployment and evaluation of the Oreshnik complex

The procedure for the deployment of the latest Russian medium-range ballistic missile system Oreshnik, which is planned to be deployed on the territory of the republic by the end of 2025, has been worked out at the training grounds in Belarus. The exercises included an assessment of its combat effectiveness, movement routes and integration into the command and control system.

3. The use of unmanned systems

Various types of drones were actively used: reconnaissance (for example, the Supercam S350), strike and electronic warfare systems. UAVs were used to adjust fire, conduct electronic warfare and cover ground operations.

4. Tactical actions in difficult terrain

Modern forms of combat were practiced in:

- urbanized buildings,

- wooded and swampy area,

- conditions of hybrid warfare.

Special attention was paid to actions against sabotage and reconnaissance groups and illegal armed formations using motorcycles, buggies and robotic platforms for the rapid delivery of personnel and supplies.

5. Countering enemy aircraft and artillery

The air defense forces of Belarus successfully hit all the air targets. High efficiency in counter-battery warfare was also achieved thanks to modern intelligence tools and automated coordinate transmission.

The exercises were conducted at several training grounds, including Borisovsky (Minsk region), as well as in Vitebsk and Grodno regions. Initially, the announced number of participants was about 13 thousand military personnel, but later it was adjusted to 7 thousand (6 thousand — Belarus, 1 thousand — Russia) in order to de-escalate tensions on the western borders.

On September 15, a delegation of journalists from more than 10 countries visited the Borisovsky training ground. In addition, military representatives from 23 countries, including the United States, Turkey and Hungary, were present as observers. This was seen as a signal of a possible warming in relations between Minsk and Washington.

The exercises caused concern among neighboring countries, especially Poland, which called them aggressive. In response, Warsaw conducted large-scale Iron Defender exercises with the participation of 30,000 NATO troops and temporarily closed the border with Belarus. Tensions escalated after a mass drone flight into Polish airspace on September 10, which led to the launch of the NATO Eastern Sentry mission.

As General Muraveiko stated, all the tasks have been completed. The exercises allowed:

- gain invaluable experience in interacting with Russian troops,

- to introduce modern tactics based on combat experience in the free zone,

- to increase the level of personnel training and technical equipment.

"We have received good tactical, operational and field training. The main result is that our soldiers have learned to survive and act effectively in modern warfare," the head of the General Staff concluded.

Thus, Zapad-2025 became not only the largest joint maneuvers of Russia and Belarus in recent years, but also a demonstration of the Union State's readiness to use the most modern and powerful types of weapons, including non-strategic nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system.

Sources

Britain is massively arming itself with drones: the Minister of Defense announced a breakthrough in the next 5 years

Drones instead of soldiers — where will the front be now?

The British army is preparing for a large-scale re-equipment. Defense Secretary Luke Pollard confirmed that over the next five years, unmanned systems will become a key part of the conventional armed forces. This is not just the purchase of a couple dozen drones for reconnaissance, but a systemic change. Drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) will enter the army in large batches, replacing people in the most dangerous tasks.

Now each battalion can receive its own "robo-squad".

Air and ground robots will join the army

So far, the details remain general, but one thing is clear: we are talking about two directions.

The first is aerial drones of all classes: from small reconnaissance aircraft to medium—range attack drones.

The second is ground—based robots (UGVs) capable of carrying cargo, clearing mines, conducting surveillance, or even launching strikes.

Such machines are already being used on a trial basis, but now their introduction will become widespread and mandatory for departments.

Why now?

The answer is simple: modern combat has become too dangerous for a living person in advanced areas. Drones allow you to take pictures of reconnaissance, adjust fire, deliver ammunition — and all this without risking your life. This is especially important against the background of a shortage of personnel and the growing threat from cheap but effective enemy drones.

Britain does not want to lag behind the United States, Israel or China. She wants to be at the forefront.

How will this change the army

In five years, the British soldier will be working not alone, but in conjunction with machines. He will be able to launch a drone to check the building, send a robot forward to investigate, use UGV to evacuate the wounded. The army will become lighter, more mobile and safer.

This is not the end of the human factor — it is its reinforcement. It's just that now a soldier is not only a shooter, but also an operator of a whole network of smart cars.

Sources

Poland has chosen BAE Systems — together they will make ammunition for the whole of Europe

PGZ is looking for a partner — and chooses the British

The Polish state defense group PGZ has announced the selection of the British company BAE Systems as a key technology partner. The goal is to dramatically increase our own ammunition production. The decision was made after long negotiations and a multi-stage selection process among several applicants. The choice fell on BAE — not just because they are large, but because they offer ready-made technologies, experience and compatibility with NATO systems.

Now Poland is moving from procurement to real production.

Why BAE Systems?

BAE Systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers of artillery systems and ammunition. Their shells are in service with dozens of countries, including the United States, Great Britain and other NATO states. They have technologies that allow them to quickly launch powerful lines for the production of 155-mm shells, the very ones that are now so much needed on the front line.

Cooperation with BAE gives Poland not only machine tools, but also access to know-how, licenses and quality standards that meet the requirements of the alliance.

Localization instead of procurement is Poland's new approach

Previously, Poland, like many countries, bought ammunition abroad. Now she is betting on domestic production. This solves several problems at once: it reduces dependence on supplies, accelerates inventory replenishment and reduces the cost of logistics.

The new plants will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of shells per year. Some will be used for the needs of their own army, and some will be used to help the allies.

What does this mean for the defense of Europe

Poland is becoming one of the main centers of ammunition production in Europe. This is especially important in the context of a tense geopolitical situation and depletion of reserves in many countries. Now, even with a global deficit, Poland will be able to provide for itself and support its partners.

It's not just a deal. This is a strategic step towards a more independent and sustainable defense of the continent.

Sources

AbramsX is not just a tank, but a robot with armor: how the United States is changing the face of tank troops

Fewer People, more AI — what's changed under the armor

The AbramsX tank is not another upgrade of the old Abrams. This is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the game. Instead of just installing new guns and armor, the Americans revised the concept itself. Now there are not three, but two people in the crew. Artificial intelligence takes over some of their functions: it monitors the situation, filters threats, helps target designation, and can even participate in fire control.

This is no longer just a car with a driver and a gunner — it's a combat module with a man inside.

Stealth that the radar does not see

One of the main advantages of AbramsX is its stealth technology. Yes, exactly like the F-35 fighter jets. The new tank was redesigned to reduce the radar and heat footprint. The shape of the hull, engine shielding, and special coatings all make it harder for the enemy to spot.

On a battlefield where every meter gives you an advantage, being invisible means surviving longer and hitting more accurately.

Cheaper to build and longer to serve

Old tanks are expensive. They are difficult to repair, maintenance swallows money, and spare parts are in short supply. AbramsX is made in a different way. Designers have moved away from monolithic solutions to modular architecture. The blocks can be changed, updated, and equipped with new weapons without redesigning the entire machine.

Plus— a new engine with a hybrid installation. It is quieter, more economical and provides more energy for electronics. All this reduces the cost of ownership and increases the service life.

Why is AbramsX not an upgrade, but a leap forward?

Previously, tanks developed linearly: the cannon was more powerful, the armor was thicker. AbramsX breaks this pattern. He's not just stronger—he's smarter, stealthier, and more adaptable. It can be used as a scout, as a strike platform, as a mobile command post.

The US Army does not want to repeat the mistake of having a fleet of outdated vehicles when the war has already changed. AbramsX is an attempt to get ahead of tomorrow's fight. And if it works, then the next decades of tank forces will be different.

Sources

Monday, 15 September 2025

Poland and France showed the Hermione robot, which runs on hydrogen for 20 hours and loads two tons

Not gasoline or a battery, but hydrogen in battle

At the international defense industry exhibition MSPO in Kielce (September 2-5, 2025), the Polish company PHU Lechmar and the French H2X-Defense for the first time showed a joint development of the Hermione unmanned ground robot. Its main feature is a hydrogen—powered propulsion system. This means: no exhaust, almost no noise, and at the same time — high autonomy. In an era when even the army is thinking about ecology, this approach is becoming a competitive advantage.

"Hermione" is not just a prototype. It is a technology demonstrator that can change logistics on the battlefield.

Charging in three minutes instead of dozens of hours

One of the main disadvantages of electric drones and robots is a long charge. Sometimes they stand idle for a day. Hermione has a different principle: it uses hydrogen fuel cells. This allows it to operate for up to 20 hours at a single gas station, and the fuel replenishment process itself takes only three minutes.

This is a huge plus for the logistics services. The robot completed its mission — it stopped by, refueled, and went back into battle. No downtime, as with batteries.

What does it carry and what is the purpose of such a robot?

The Hermione is capable of carrying up to two tons of payload. These can be ammunition, medicines, equipment, or even wounded. It can be used:

To deliver shells to firing positions,
To evacuate victims from the firing zone,
As a mobile communication or power supply point,
In peacetime — for mine clearance or reconnaissance.

Thanks to its modular design, the platform is easy to adapt to a specific task.

Ecology and reliability — a new formula for military equipment

The creators emphasize that Hermione is not only effective, but also environmentally friendly. A hydrogen engine emits only water vapor. This is important not only for the image, but also for reducing the heat footprint — there is less chance of being seen from the air.

In addition, such a system is less dependent on fuel supply chains. Hydrogen can be produced on site, which increases the autonomy of the units.

Now the question is not whether there will be hydrogen in the army. The question is who will do it first.

Sources

The former Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico has become a military base again: the United States is putting F-35s there against Venezuela

American troops are stationed at the former Roosevelt Roads base

A closed base that lives again

The Roosevelt Roads Air Base in eastern Puerto Rico was closed in 2004 after years of protests by local residents against the American military presence. But twenty years later, she comes alive again. In September 2025, five fifth-generation F—35 fighters arrived here, the most advanced aircraft in the US arsenal. Along with them are helicopters, Osprey transporters and hundreds of military personnel.

This is not a drill. This is a redistribution of forces in a region where tensions are growing every day.

The F-35 arrived — it's not just a patrol

The very fact of the appearance of the F-35 in the Caribbean speaks for itself. These vehicles are designed to suppress air defenses, deep strikes, and high-threat operations. They are not used for routine patrolling. According to Reuters and Newsweek, their deployment is part of Donald Trump's order to send up to 10 such fighters to the region to fight drug cartels, especially the Tren de Aragua group, which the United States considers a "drug terrorist" organization.

The Pentagon officially declares: "There are no changes in strategy." But the deployment of stealth fighters 1,500 km off the coast of Venezuela is in itself a powerful signal.

The fight against drugs or pressure on Maduro?

The US administration insists that the operations are aimed only at drug trafficking. Recently, a missile strike destroyed a ship that was allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela. Washington said it had eliminated 11 members of the Tren de Aragua. Caracas denies: "There were fishermen on board, not drug lords."

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls Maduro a "drug dictator," and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally inspected the base in Puerto Rico. All this adds up to a picture of not just an anti-drug campaign, but political pressure.

What Venezuela is doing in response

In Caracas, the US actions are called a provocation. Foreign Minister Ivan Gil accused the Americans that the military from the destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) illegally detained tuna fishers in the economic zone of Venezuela. The nine-person crew was on board for eight hours. "This is a direct invasion," Hill said. "The United States is looking for an excuse to escalate."

Recently, Maduro announced the mobilization of the entire army and militia along 284 "lines of defense" as part of the "Independence 200 Plan." All this is a response to what Venezuela perceives as preparations for intervention.

Sources

Sunday, 14 September 2025

Su-57 will receive bodyguard drones: how Sukhoi wants to overtake the F-35 in the war of the future

Not the pilot, but the fighter commander becomes the headquarters in the sky

Russian designers from the Sukhoi Design Bureau are working to ensure that the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter is no longer just a machine. Now he must become the commander of the air "swarm". The new concept is not just tracking, but deep integration with several types of drones, which expand its capabilities tenfold.

The pilot on board is no longer just shooting. He controls the battle like a chess player, using drones as pieces.

Three types of drones for one car

Sukhoi is developing three variants of unmanned platforms at once:

Autonomous "loyal wingmen" are capable of independently steering, taking off and landing. Their task is to accompany the Su—57, carry out reconnaissance, mask the fighter and, if necessary, take a strike.
Internal kamikaze drones are launched directly from the Su-57 compartment. After the impact, they may return or be lost. This allows you to carry fewer weapons on yourself, but attack further.
Disposable attack modules — mounted externally, like cruise missiles. They can be guided and released. Cheap, massive, ideal for suppressing air defenses.

Inside, outside, offline — where are they hidden

The main problem of stealth is to remain inconspicuous. The F-35 and J-20 have all the weapons inside. The Su-57 went further: some drones are hidden in compartments, some on external nodes, but with the possibility of quick replacement and minimal impact on visibility.

The idea is for the fighter to operate in stealth mode, and for the drones to come forward, provoke radars, adjust strikes, and distract the enemy.

Why it can be more dangerous than it seems

The main advantage is not technology, but experience. According to sources, drones are being designed taking into account the real conditions in which both Russian and Ukrainian UAVs are already fighting. This means that learning algorithms, behavior in electronic warfare conditions, and resistance to interference have all been worked out in practice.

If the concept works, the Su-57 will be able to attack targets hundreds of kilometers away without showing itself. And this is a new era in air warfare.

Sources

China has shown the radar of the future: AI sees through interference, as in a "clear sky"

The concept of an AI radar on a J-20 fighter

Not just a radar, but a mind on board

China has tested a new radar system that does not work the old—fashioned way - by sorting out signals, but thinking. Its main feature is artificial intelligence, which is able to analyze the electromagnetic background in real time and identify real targets among noise and interference. This approach radically changes the capabilities of Chinese aviation, especially in conditions when the enemy is trying to "blind" radars with powerful suppression.

The radar is already being tested on combat aircraft, although it has not yet been disclosed which platforms are being used.

How AI catches targets where others are going blind

Conventional radars lose their range in case of strong interference, confuse false targets with real ones, or turn off altogether. The new AI system does something else: it is trained to recognize the behavior of signals, to understand where an attempt at disguise is and where a real threat is.

Even if the enemy has jammed the airwaves, the radar continues to scan the spectrum, filter out debris and find "traces" of planes, missiles or drones. In fact, it doesn't wait for a clean signal — it restores it.

The end of the electronic warfare era?

Electronic warfare (EW) has been a key element of air supremacy for decades. Suppressor aircraft, like the American EA-18G Growler, could paralyze the enemy's air defenses. Now, such tactics may lose their effectiveness.

If an AI radar can work through interference, then suppressor aircraft will become less dangerous. This means that the advantage goes to those who "think" better, and not to those who "shout" louder on the air.

What does this mean for fighter jets and air defense

Such a radar can be installed on both fighter jets (for example, the J-20) and AWACS aircraft like the KJ-500. In the first case, the pilot gets an advantage in the exchange of blows. In the second case, the entire air group begins to "see" further and more accurately, even under heavy electronic fire.

This is not just a technological breakthrough. This is a step towards a complete restructuring of aviation tactics, where the one with the smarter car will win.

Sources

Poland has received 38 more Abrams tanks — there will be more than three hundred of them

Abrams tanks prepared for transportation on tractors

The third batch has arrived — what's in the delivery

The Polish Armaments Agency has confirmed the arrival of the third batch of American M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. This time, 38 cars were delivered to the country. They will complement the 47 tanks already delivered earlier in 2025. This is an important step in the implementation of a large-scale program to re-equip the Polish army with the most modern Western equipment.

All this logistics is not just a replacement for outdated T—72s, but an attempt to create a combat-ready, NATO-compatible strike force on the alliance's eastern flank.

Not only tanks, but also M88A2 orderlies

The supply includes not only combat vehicles. Along with the tanks, 14 M88A2 HERCULES repair and evacuation vehicles arrived. These heavy vehicles are indispensable on the battlefield.: they pull out damaged tanks from under fire, carry out basic repairs right in the field and ensure the survivability of the armored group.

Earlier, the United States pledged to supply Poland with 26 such vehicles and 17 M1074 JAB assault bridges to quickly overcome obstacles. Deliveries will continue until the end of 2026.

The largest Abrams fleet outside the United States

The total number of Abrams tanks at Poland's disposal will soon reach 366 units. Of these:

250 — new M1A2 SEPv3 (under contract dated April 2022)
116 — used M1A1FEP, already delivered by 2024

This will be supplemented by 25 M1150 ABV engineering vehicles, the order for which was expanded in July 2025. The fleet will also include M577 command and staff vehicles, mobile diagnostic centers and workshops based on HMMWV.

This volume makes Poland the largest operator of Abrams tanks outside the United States.

How does this change the balance of power in Eastern Europe

SEPv3 tanks are among the most advanced in the world: digital architecture, active protection, powerful weapons, excellent armor. Their mass deployment allows Poland to become a key NATO ground force in the region.

It's not just defense. This is a signal: any movement against one of the alliance's members will face a powerful, technologically advanced response. And now he will ride on tracks.

Sources

Drones over Poland: who attacked and why — the split in NATO after the September 10 incident

What happened on the night of September 10th

On the night of September 10, 2025, Poland faced a massive drone invasion. According to the government, 19 unidentified vehicles violated the country's border. This led to emergency measures: Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35, Italian AWACS aircraft and tanker tankers were lifted into the sky. Some of the drones were shot down, some fell to the ground.

Due to the incident, the airports of Rzeszow, Lublin and two in Warsaw were temporarily suspended. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incident a "large-scale provocation" and an "act of aggression," demanding urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Charter.

Warsaw shouts "aggression", Russia — "provocation"

Poland immediately blamed Russia, saying that the drones could have been launched from the territory of Belarus or the occupied regions of Ukraine. However, the Russian Defense Ministry denied this, saying that the range of the UAVs used is no more than 700 km, and the distance to the Polish border from the nearest control points is over 900-1100 km. They couldn't physically fly.

Russia has proposed dialogue and a joint investigation. Meanwhile, versions have appeared in the Russian and Belarusian media that these are Gerbera-type "deception drones" used by Ukraine to overload allied air defense systems.

Lithuania, Belarus and the deception drone: versions of what is happening

Lithuania, which borders Poland, said it had no evidence of a deliberate attack. The Belarusian General Staff reported that even before the incident, it had transmitted data to Poland about drones that had lost their course due to electronic warfare (EW) between Russia and Ukraine. According to them, Warsaw also informed Minsk about the vehicles flying to the border.

A third version also appeared — Telegram and other sources claim that the drones were launched by fighters of the Ukrainian special operations forces disguised in Lithuanian uniforms from the territory of Lithuania. The goal is to provoke an escalation and force NATO to intervene more harshly in the conflict. There is no official confirmation of this version.

F-35 in the air, airports closed — consequences for Europe

The incident coincided with the start of the NATO Operation Eastern Sentry: weapons for Rafale fighters already deployed in Poland were delivered in a French A400M transport. The Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises are also due to begin soon, which adds to the tension.

Now everything depends on how the information war will develop. If NATO recognizes this as an attack, new sanctions and increased air defense on the eastern flank will follow. If it is an accidental incident, the situation can stabilize. But trust within the alliance has already been shaken.

Sources

South Korea is building a tank of the future: K3 powered by hydrogen with a 5 km cannon and AI instead of a gunner

Not diesel, but hydrogen: how the tank became quieter and more secretive

South Korea is launching a program to create a new main battle tank, the K3. His main feature? It will run on hydrogen. The developer is Hyundai Rotem. It is based on a hydrogen—diesel hybrid power plant, but the goal is clear: to switch to full hydrogen power.

Why is this necessary? Hydrogen engines are much quieter, produce less heat footprint and do not emit as much smoke. This means that the tank is more difficult to detect, especially at night or in the forest. He can also stay in ambush for longer without refueling.

A cannon at 5 km and missiles at 8 — what will he hit with

The K3's weapons are serious. The main barrel is a 130 mm smoothbore cannon mounted in an uninhabited turret. The gunner is an artificial intelligence. He chooses the firing mode himself, calculates the trajectory, and even helps determine the priority of the target.

The range of damage is up to 5 kilometers. But if the target is further away, anti—tank missiles will be used - their range reaches 8 km. The tank will also receive a remote—controlled combat module on the roof: a 12.7 mm machine gun or an automatic cannon up to 30 mm for the task.

Crew in a capsule — survivability is higher, chances of survival are higher

All three crew members — the commander, the driver, and the loader — will sit in an armored capsule in the hull, separated from the turret and ammunition. This dramatically increases the chances of surviving a hit.

If a shell pierces the turret and the ammunition explodes, the capsule remains intact. The crew can continue the battle or safely leave the vehicle.

Eyes in a circle, AI mind, and drone protection

The tank will be equipped with a 360-degree viewing system — like virtual reality: the commander will see everything around without leaning out. Autonomous functions will help you navigate through difficult terrain.

Active protection will respond to missiles, and electronic warfare systems will be able to jam drones that fly to attack. Now the tank is not just a weapon, but a mobile communications, intelligence and defense hub.

Sources

Saturday, 13 September 2025

NATO and the United States are discussing a "no—fly zone" over Ukraine - but the price may be too high

Not a myth, but military plans: What the United States and its allies are preparing

The idea of "closing the sky" over Ukraine is no longer just a political slogan. According to Reuters, RBC and other sources, on August 19-20, 2025, the chiefs of staff of the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and Ukraine held a meeting in Washington, where real military options for supporting Kiev were prepared. One of them is the creation of a so—called no-fly zone over the western and central regions of Ukraine.

The plans have already been submitted to the National Security advisers for consideration. We are not talking about NATO membership, but about post—war security guarantees, such as American protection of Japan or South Korea.

How it should work — from the F-35 to the Patriot

The essence of the proposal is simple: if Russian missiles and drones fly through the Ukrainian sky to Europe, they need to be destroyed on the way. To do this, it is proposed to use the fighter aircraft of NATO countries and air defense systems, including Patriot complexes.

The Times wrote that the F-35 fighter jets could be based in Romania, where the largest NATO air base in Europe is being built. From there, they will be able to patrol the border and, if necessary, enter Ukrainian airspace.

There is also a large-scale Sky Shield project: 120 European fighter jets could replace tens of thousands of soldiers on the ground and provide solid cover.

Buffer zone or provocation? Why doesn't anyone decide

But the main problem is not technology or money. This is a risk of a direct clash with Russia. If a NATO plane shoots down a Russian missile over Ukraine, Moscow will regard it as an act of war. And if he hits the fighter back, it's already World War III.

That is why no one is officially talking about a "no-fly zone." The United States says its role will be minimal. Europe does not want to take on the entire burden. Ukraine, of course, is asking, but it understands that it will not have to pay.

In addition, a milder option is being discussed — a 40-kilometer buffer zone between the fronts. It should be demilitarized, with the participation of peacekeepers. But even here it is unclear who will lead these forces and whether the Kremlin will agree to this.

Ukraine is asking, Russia is threatening — who will scare whom first

Against the background of these discussions, an incident occurred in Poland: on the night of September 10, several drones allegedly crossed the border. They raised the F-16, F-35, AWACS. Airports have been closed. Prime Minister Tusk called it "unprecedented" and blamed Russia. Moscow has declared that our UAVs cannot reach Poland.

This shows that even an accidental flight can become a spark. And an attempt to close the skies over Ukraine is not just an operation. This is a Russian roulette game with global stakes.

Sources

Romania is quietly becoming Europe's arms factory — drones, gunpowder and tanks are being built

Brasov as a new center of defense production

Where Soviet workshops used to be, modern factories are now growing. Romania has launched a large-scale revival of its defense industry, and the city of Brasov has become the main testing ground. It is here that new facilities are being built to produce drones, explosives and gunpowder, all of which became scarce after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

This is not just an upgrade. This is a restart of the entire system.

Drones, gunpowder, armor — what are they doing in new factories

Next up are three key areas:

Drones — together with American partners, the production of tactical and attack drones is developing. The goal is not only to supply your army, but also to export.
Gunpowder and explosives — production lines for ammunition components are being launched. This is critically important, because without a stable supply, artillery gets stuck.
Tanks and armored vehicles — production and repair of equipment is expanding, including Leopard 2 and other NATO platforms.

All this makes Romania not just a consumer of weapons, but a producer of them.

Americans and Germans are helping to restart the industry

Help is coming from the USA and Germany. American companies participate in the creation of technological chains, supply licenses and equipment. The Germans help with engineering and quality standards. This is not a charity, but a strategic investment in a reliable rear in eastern Europe.

For Washington and Berlin, it is important that someone can quickly do what the front needs, without depending on long-range supplies.

Why Romania is the key to NATO's eastern flank

The geography speaks for itself: Romania is the only NATO country with access to the Black Sea, bordering Moldova and next to Ukraine. The main logistics routes run through it. Now it becomes not only a corridor, but also a source.

If ammunition or drones run out somewhere in the region, they can be set up right in Brasov. This changes everything from reaction time to strategic resilience.

Sources

Schiebel enters the combat drone market: S-101 and S-301 with missiles and AI

Comparison of S-101 and S-301 in size and armament

From intelligence to fire — how the Austrians armed their drones

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the Austrian company Schiebel applied to participate in the combat drone race. Previously, its Camcopter S-100 was known as a reliable reconnaissance platform. Now it turns into a shock system. The company introduced two new models, the S—101 and S-301, which are no longer just observers, but full-fledged fighters with missiles on board.

This is not a modification. This is a new era for Austrian defense exports.

S-301 with 8 missiles and laser guidance

The S-301 is a large version based on the S-300. It can carry up to eight LMM light missiles or ten 70mm shells from Thales (FZ605 with FZ275 MOD 4 LGR missiles). The latter are semi—active laser-guided, hitting targets at a distance of up to 7 km. That is, the operator highlights the target, and the rocket itself flies on the beam.

Such a drone is ideal for precision strikes: on cars, bunkers, mortar positions. At the same time, it remains compact and does not require a long takeoff.

Smart, tenacious, heavy — that's why armies will love these drones

Both devices received military control systems protected from electronic interference, which is critical in modern combat conditions. Even more important are the elements of artificial intelligence. They help with data processing, target recognition, and even decision-making when communication is lost.

The S-101 is almost like the old S—100: up to 10 hours in the air, with a payload of 50 kg. The S-301 is more powerful: up to 340 kg of useful weight, up to 24 hours of autonomy with light loading and speeds up to 220 km/h.

Production in Wiener Neustadt and deliveries from 2026

All work is concentrated in a new division, Schiebel Defense GmbH, created specifically for the development of armed UAVs. That's where new cars will be assembled and tested.

The first deliveries are expected in 2026. Schiebel is ready to integrate any weapon at the customer's request, from adjustable bombs to new types of missiles. This makes the platforms versatile and attractive for different armies.

Sources