Yellowstone END

Monday, 29 September 2025

EPISODE #008: DUTCH FOOD SHIELD — WHEN SUPERMARKETS BECOME THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE

📍 What's Happening?

The Netherlands — a country where bicycles are more important than traffic jams, and cheese is traded like stocks — is now preparing for the worst.

Dutch supermarkets are developing crisis plans in case of large-scale food supply disruptions. The reason?

Warnings from national security services: possible power outages, cyberattacks, and even sabotage provoked by geopolitical tensions.

The National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) stated directly:

"Critical infrastructure — including energy systems, water supply, and digital networks — can become a target. The food supply chain is vulnerable."

This is not panic. This is planned preparation for a new reality.

🔗 Sources:

Sources

🔥 Why Is This Alarming?

🔹 1. Food as the New Front Line

Supermarkets are no longer just retail outlets. They are lifeline nodes in peacetime and strategic pressure targets in crisis. If you disable refrigerators, block logistics, or hack warehouse management systems — you can trigger social panic within 48 hours.

🔹 2. Hybrid Warfare in the Supermarket

Russia, proxy groups, hacktivists — all understand: You don't need to bomb cities to paralyze a country. Just disrupt the supply chain.

Western analysts have long warned: the next stage of hybrid attacks is targeting civilian infrastructure:

Power grids
Water systems
Food distribution centers

The Netherlands is an ideal target:

Dense urbanization
High dependence on imports (up to 70% of food)
Key EU logistics hub (Rotterdam, Schiphol)

🔹 3. Supermarkets as the "Reserve Shield" of the State

The government doesn't hide that in case of emergency, state reserves won't save everyone. Therefore, retailers — Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus — are included in national response plans. Their tasks:

Maintain a minimum assortment (water, cereals, canned goods, medicine)
Have backup generators and alternative delivery routes
Ensure cyber resilience of cash register and warehouse systems

🕵️‍♂️ Who's Behind the Threat?

🔹 1. Russia — Through Hybrid Methods

Already used cyberattacks on power systems (Ukraine, Germany)
Uses economic pressure as a weapon (gas, grain)
Can simulate "accidental" failures in logistics through IT system compromise

🔹 2. Hacktivists and Proxy Groups

Pro-Russian hacktivists (e.g., Killnet) have already attacked Dutch government sites
Can use drones for sabotage at warehouses or DDoS against online delivery

🔹 3. Accident or Sabotage?

Authorities don't rule out technical failures — but the synchronization of threats (electricity + internet + logistics) suggests deliberate pressure.

⚠️ Why Is This Not Just a "Supermarket Problem"?

Because hunger is the fastest way to destroy stability.

In 2022, Europe saw how bread prices caused protests. In 2025, lack of bread could cause chaos.

The Netherlands is one of the most vulnerable EU countries in this regard:

No strategic grain reserves
Almost the entire cooling system depends on the power grid
90% of cargo passes through a few key nodes

If they are paralyzed — the country will stop.

📌 What's Next?

Installation of EW and drone protection systems around logistics centers
Creation of "blacklists" of suppliers from risky jurisdictions
Mandatory drills for retailers under "week without electricity" scenarios
Possible introduction of a "72-hour reserve" norm in each store

💎 Conclusion:

This is not just a "crisis plan."

This is recognition: the world has changed.

Now the supermarket is part of national defense.

And bread, water, and toilet paper are tactical resources.

The Netherlands is preparing not for a war with tanks.

It is preparing for a war without electricity, without internet — but with shelves that don't empty.

Because in the 21st century, the one who survives is not the one with more missiles...

But the one with more rice.

Stay tuned. The next target is not airports.
The next target is your refrigerator.

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

EPISODE #007: NORDIC NIGHT ALERT — DRONES OVER AIRPORTS: INCIDENT, PROVOCATION, OR WARNING?

Airports were suspended at night in Norway and Denmark due to the discovery of unknown drones

🔴 What Happened?

At night, in Norway and Denmark — two countries playing a key role in NATO's defense architecture — operations were suspended at major airports due to the appearance of unknown drones:

Copenhagen Airport (Denmark) — closed for 4 hours after detecting 2-3 drones. Flights were canceled or delayed. The drones disappeared on their own and were not shot down.
Oslo Airport (Norway) — initially switched to one runway, then completely closed for security reasons.

Both countries launched a joint investigation involving police, intelligence, and military. So far, no one has claimed responsibility, and the origin of the drones remains unknown.

🔗 Sources:

Sources

🕵️‍♂️ Why Is This Alarming?

1. Target: Disrupting NATO Infrastructure

Copenhagen and Oslo are not just civilian airports. They are strategic logistics hubs, especially given NATO's increased military activity in Northern Europe (including threats from Russia). Even a short-term closure is a blow to operational readiness.

2. Drones Were Not Shot Down — They Left on Their Own

This suggests either:

A low level of threat (e.g., amateur drones accidentally entering the zone),
Or a high level of operator preparation, who controlled the situation and left before air defense intervention.

3. Synchronized Incidents

Occurred simultaneously in two countries — not a coincidence. Possible scenarios:

Coordinated provocation
Testing of air defense systems and NATO response
Reconnaissance operation — gathering data on reaction times, airport shutdown algorithms, vulnerabilities.

🌍 Context: Scandinavia on the Front Line

Norway — NATO member since 1949, borders Russia, hosts alliance forces in the Arctic.
Denmark — controls access to the Baltic Sea, actively involved in protecting the Baltic states, has provided Ukraine with intelligence and weapons.
Both countries have strengthened military cooperation with the U.S. and NATO since 2022.

In this light, the drone incident is not just an "airspace violation," but a potential signal or test of boundaries.

🤔 Who Could Be Behind This?

1. Russia (Hybrid Warfare / Reconnaissance)

Frequently uses drones for data collection and destabilization.
Previous incidents with Russian drones near NATO borders.
Possible test of air defense reaction before more serious actions.

2. Proxy Groups or Hacktivists

Pro-Russian hacktivists (e.g., Killnet) have previously attacked Scandinavian targets.
Could have used kamikaze drones or simply disrupted systems.

3. False Flag / Internal Provocation

Less likely, but possible — to justify strengthening air defense or allocating budget.

4. Technical Malfunction / Private Drones

Least likely — given the scale, synchronization, and authorities' reaction.

⚠️ Why Weren't They Shot Down?

Risk of debris falling on residential areas or aircraft.
Low altitude and small size — difficult for radars and air defense.
No direct threat of explosion — drones did not attack, just "hovered."
Desire not to escalate — if this is a provocation, shooting them down could provide a pretext for retaliation.

📈 What's Next?

Strengthening air defense around airports — installation of electronic suppression systems (e.g., Drone Dome, AUDS).
Changing protocols — now even a single drone can cause a complete shutdown.
Political response — possible NATO statements, increased patrolling, accusations against Moscow (if evidence emerges).

💡 Conclusion:

This is not just "rogue drones."

This is a new round of hybrid warfare in Europe. Silent, technological, without direct confrontation. The goal: destabilize, intimidate, test resilience.

If drones paralyzed airports today — tomorrow they could attack power plants, ports, or military bases.

Scandinavia is not the periphery. It is the new front.

P.S. When drones start flying over NATO airports — it's not an "incident." It's a warning. And possibly a rehearsal.

Monday, 22 September 2025

EPISODE #006: SKUNK WORKS PRESENTS VECTIS AIR — THE NEXT-GEN STEALTH COMBAT DRONE: ANALYSIS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Skunk Works introduces the Vectis Air combat drone, which relies on stealth

📍 Event:

Skunk Works presents the Vectis Air combat drone, focusing on stealth. The new Lockheed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, expected to take flight in two years, reflects a more advanced approach compared to the types the U.S. Air Force has chosen so far.

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new, more advanced stealth drone of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) type called Vectis. This unmanned aerial vehicle is designed with a high degree of adaptability to operator requirements, both in the U.S. and worldwide, and is expected to enter service within two years. Vectis, in particular, follows Skunk Works' unsuccessful "gold-plated" bid for an ultra-low-observable aircraft for the first phase of the U.S. Air Force's CCA program but still emphasizes above-average survivability compared to other projects currently under testing.

Skunk Works has not disclosed the exact start date of Vectis development but describes it as a product of a broader development philosophy adopted by the company called the Agile Drone Framework. Within this platform, priority is given to modularity and open mission systems, as well as compatibility in areas such as command and control architecture, rather than any specific hardware. The name Vectis comes from the Latin word for "lever" or "pole" and is intended to reflect the "force of impact" that the platform offers.

🔗 Sources:

Sources

🚀 What is Vectis? In Brief

Vectis Air is a new stealth combat drone (Collaborative Combat Aircraft, CCA) developed by Skunk Works — the legendary division of Lockheed Martin known for creating machines such as the F-117, SR-71, F-22, and F-35.

It is designed as a hybrid, modular, adaptive drone capable of operating in conjunction with manned fighters (such as the F-35 or NGAD) and performing a wide range of tasks — from reconnaissance to strikes and electronic warfare.

Key focus: stealth, survivability, and adaptability to different operator needs.

⚙️ Why is Vectis a Step Forward?

1. Lessons from the Past: The "Gold-Plated" Prototype Failure

Previously, Skunk Works participated in the first phase of the U.S. Air Force's CCA program, but its proposal was considered too expensive and complex — "gold-plated." Vectis is the response to this criticism: it retains stealth but focuses on flexibility and lifecycle cost.

2. Agile Drone Framework — The Philosophy of the Future

Vectis is built on Lockheed's new platform — Agile Drone Framework. This means:

Modular architecture — quick changes to payload: from radar to missiles or EW systems.
Open interfaces — compatibility with other manufacturers' control systems and allies (NATO, Japan, Australia, etc.).
Flexible software and AI — ability to update the drone's "brains" without changing hardware.
Rapid mission adaptation — from reconnaissance to "flying arsenal" or "electronic vampire."

This is not just a drone — it's a platform, like the "USS Jimmy Carter" submarine, but in the air.

🌍 "Vectis" — The Lever of Impact

The name Vectis comes from the Latin vectis — lever, pole, tool of impact. This is not accidental:

The drone is a force multiplier for manned aircraft.
It allows doubling firepower, reducing risks for pilots, expanding control zones.
Can act as vanguard, decoy, sensor node, or strike element.

One F-35 + 2–4 Vectis drones = the squadron of the future.

🕶️ Stealth — Not Just Shape, but Philosophy

Skunk Works doesn't disclose details, but based on style and tradition:

Fuselage and wing shape — optimized to reduce RCS (radar cross-section).
Materials and coatings — absorption and scattering of radio waves.
Internal weapon bays — no external hardpoints to avoid radar detection.
Thermal and acoustic masking — reduction of IR and noise signatures.

This is not a "cheap drone" like the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie — it's an elite invisible operator designed to operate in high ADA (Air Defense Area) zones.

📅 Timelines and Prospects

First flight — in 2 years (expected 2027).
Operational deployment — within 2 years after first flight? (possibly 2029).
Target customers: U.S. Air Force, NATO allies, Pacific partners (Japan, South Korea, Australia).

Lockheed is clearly focusing on export potential — modularity and open standards allow Vectis to be adapted to the needs of different countries.

🆚 How Vectis Compares to Competitors

Parameter	Vectis (Lockheed)	XQ-58 Valkyrie (Kratos)	YFQ-42A (General Atomics)	MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Boeing)
Stealth	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (highest)	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Survivability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Modularity	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Agile Framework)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost	??? (likely above average)	Low	Medium	Medium
Role	High-risk missions in ADA zones	"Expendable" drone-satellite	Strike/reconnaissance	Multipurpose partner

Vectis is not a replacement, but a complement to cheap drones. It is the elite, operating where others cannot survive.

🎯 Strategic Significance

Vectis is part of the Air Force revolution: the transition from "one pilot — one aircraft" to "one pilot — an entire pack of drones."

NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) — Vectis could become a key element of this program.
Multi-domain combat — integration with space, cyberspace, and ground systems.
Deterrence against China and Russia — operation in A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) zones where conventional aircraft are vulnerable.

💬 Conclusion: "The Pole" That Will Turn Air Warfare Upside Down

Vectis is not just a new drone. It is:

An evolution of stealth technology from Skunk Works.
A response to the challenges of 21st-century hybrid warfare.
A lever (vectis) that amplifies the power of manned Air Forces.
A platform that could become the standard of the decade.

If Jimmy Carter is the "deep spy," then Vectis is the "sky ghost" — invisible, adaptive, deadly.

Watch for 2027 — that's when the sky will begin to change.

P.S. When they say "Skunk Works is reinventing the future again" — they're not joking. Vectis is proof.

Sunday, 21 September 2025

EPISODE #005: SARMA MLRS — RUSSIA'S NEW WORD IN ARTILLERY: ANALYSIS AND CONTEXT

Sarma — new 300-mm high-precision MLRS on an armored KAMAZ

📍 Event:

Russia has unveiled its newest multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) "Sarma" — a heavy 300-millimeter launcher mounted on an armored KamAZ-63501 chassis. The system was demonstrated by representatives of Motovilikha Plants during Vladimir Putin's recent visit.

According to the information presented at the event, the Sarmat MLRS was developed as an evolution of the earlier "KAMA" project. It is equipped with six launch tubes for guided 300-mm rockets, providing a range of 20 to 90 kilometers with an accuracy of about 0.21%. Developers stated that the launcher can deliver a full salvo in less than 19 seconds.

🔗 Sources:

Sources

🚀 What is "Sarma"?

"Sarma" is the newest heavy multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), developed by Motovilikha Plants (part of Rostec) and first publicly presented during Vladimir Putin's visit to the enterprise in April 2025. This is an evolution of the "KAMA" project, but with serious improvements in mobility, accuracy, and firepower.

🛠️ Technical Specifications (Declared Data)

Caliber: 300 mm — same as the legendary "Smerch", but with new capabilities.
Launch tubes: 6 (vs. 12 in "Smerch") — fewer, but more powerful and accurate.
Chassis: KamAZ-63501 — 8x8, armored, high cross-country capability, with active protection system and likely stealth elements against thermal imagers and radar.
Range: 20–90 km — covers the entire tactical depth of the modern battlefield.
Accuracy: ~0.21% CEP — means a deviation of about 190 meters at maximum range (90 km). For unguided rockets, this is fantastic, indicating guided missiles (GLONASS/INS, possibly terminal guidance).
Salvo time: less than 19 seconds — high rate of fire for a heavy MLRS.
Combat weight: estimated at 30–35 tons.
Crew: 3–4 people (likely with an automated loading cycle).

⚔️ Tactical Purpose

"Sarma" is not a replacement for "Smerch", but an evolution and complement. It is designed for:

Destruction of high-value targets — command posts, communication nodes, depots, airfields.
Suppression of enemy artillery systems and MLRS — including HIMARS and M270.
Operation within network-centric systems — receiving targeting data from UAVs, satellites, ground reconnaissance groups.
High mobility and "fire-and-scoot" tactics — approach, fire salvo, retreat — classic MLRS doctrine, but with a new level of protection and automation.

Key advantage: combination of 300-mm projectile power, precision of a guided missile, and survivability on the battlefield due to armored chassis.

🔄 From "KAMA" to "Sarma": What's the Evolution?

The "KAMA" project (Kolomna-Motovilikha) was an experimental system with a similar layout, but "Sarma" appears to be a serial, combat-ready version with:

Improved fire control system.
Enhanced crew protection.
Compatibility with new types of ammunition (including cluster, thermobaric, high-precision unitary).
Integration into the Unified Artillery Command System.

🌍 Geopolitical Context

The appearance of "Sarma" is a direct response to Western HIMARS/M270 systems, which have shown high effectiveness in Ukraine. Russia is focusing on:

Accuracy — to avoid wasting hundreds of rockets on a single target.
Survivability — armor and camouflage against artillery reconnaissance and UAVs.
Autonomy — ability to operate without constant logistical support.

This is also a signal: Russian defense industry can create new systems even under sanctions.

🆚 Comparison with Analogues

Characteristic	"Sarma" MLRS (Russia)	"Smerch" (Russia)	HIMARS (USA)
Caliber	300 mm	300 mm	227 mm
Launch Tubes	6	12	6
Range	up to 90 km	up to 90–120 km*	up to 80–150 km (GMLRS-ER/PrSM)
Accuracy	~190 m at 90 km	100–500 m	<10 m (GMLRS)
Chassis	Armored KamAZ	MAZ-543	FMTV (light truck)
Crew Protection	Yes	No	Minimal
Salvo Time	<19 sec	~38 sec	~60 sec (reloading — 5–10 min)

* — with 9M544/9M542 missiles (guided).

Conclusion: "Sarma" is a heavy, protected, precise medium-range system, combining the best of "Smerch" and HIMARS, but with an emphasis on survivability and autonomy.

💡 Forecast and Significance

"Sarma" will enter service in 2025–2026, likely first in army artillery brigades and groupings in border regions.
It will not replace "Tornado-S" or "Smerch", but will occupy a niche between them and "Iskander" — as a system for precise but massive strikes on rear targets.
An export version is possible — especially for countries needing "Smerch" power but with less visibility and greater survivability.

🧭 Conclusion: "Sarma" — Fire, Armor, and Precision

"Sarma" is the new standard of Russian heavy artillery: fewer launch tubes, but more "brains", armor, and precision. It is designed for a war where every rocket counts, and crew survival is not a luxury, but a necessity.

This is not just an MLRS. This is artillery special forces: fast, precise, deadly, and with the ability to retreat before a counterstrike.

P.S. The name "Sarma" comes from a powerful wind blowing on Lake Baikal. Symbolically: a system that strikes the enemy suddenly, with enormous force — and disappears just as quickly.

Saturday, 20 September 2025

EPISODE #004: U.S. NEW RAPID RESPONSE FORCES AGAINST DRONES — ANSWER TO THE SILENT THREAT

📍 Event:

The new rapid reaction forces will resist drone incursions into military bases. Soon, teams of anti-drone experts equipped with sensors, electronic warfare systems, and drone interceptors will rush to bases that have been attacked by drones.

The United States Army will soon have groups capable of responding to drone incursions into facilities in the United States within 24 hours. The head of the Northern Command of the US Armed Forces (NORTHCOM), General Gregory Guillot, announced the new efforts during the Falcon Peak 25.2 anti-drone exercises at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. It was there that the equipment called the "evacuation kit" was demonstrated.

Over the past year, the number of reports of drone sightings has increased significantly over US military installations. From September 2023 to September 2024, about 230 cases of drone incursions were recorded. From September 2024 to March 2025, there were about 420 of them. It is still unclear whether this is a real increase in the number of drone flights or an improvement in detection systems.

🚨 Situation: Drones — New Threat on Home Soil

Over the past year, the number of drone incursions at U.S. military bases has nearly doubled:

September 2023 — September 2024: ~230 incidents
September 2024 — March 2025: ~420 incidents

This is not just statistics — it's an alarm signal. Drones are becoming more accessible, smarter, and more dangerous. They can:

Conduct reconnaissance (photos/videos, thermal imaging, radio intelligence)
Deliver explosives or biological agents
Attack infrastructure (radars, aircraft, storage facilities)
Disrupt security by creating chaos and diverting forces

Question: Is this a real increase in threats — or just better detection?

Pentagon's Answer: It doesn't matter. We need to respond either way.

🛡️ Solution: Drone Rapid Response Teams — "Drone SWAT Teams"

General Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), announced the creation of mobile drone countermeasure teams capable of arriving at any military base within 24 hours.

These teams are not just patrols with rifles. They are high-tech units equipped with:

🔍 1. Detection Sensor Systems

Short-range radars (detection of small targets)
Radio frequency detectors (intercepting drone control)
Optoelectronic and infrared systems (visual tracking)
Acoustic sensors (detection by propeller sound)

📡 2. Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems

GPS and control jammers (force drones to hover or return)
Control takeover systems (hijacking)
Operator communication channel suppression

🕷️ 3. Physical Interceptors

Net guns (launching nets at drones)
Intercepting drones (catching "prey" in the air)
Laser systems (for destruction in the future)
"Hunters" with rifles (last resort — only if the drone poses a threat to life)

🎒 4. "Evacuation Kit"

Demonstrated at the Falcon Peak 25.2 exercises at Eglin Air Force Base — this is a mobile equipment set that can be quickly deployed at any base:

Modular tripod sensors
Portable EW stations
Tablets with analysis and control software
Communication systems and coordination with other units
Kits for collecting debris and analysis (who, where, why?)

🎯 Why Is This Needed?

Protection of critical infrastructure — air bases, nuclear facilities, weapons depots.
Preventing espionage — drones can record equipment locations, operating modes, vulnerabilities.
Deterring hybrid attacks — terrorists, hackers, foreign agents can use drones for provocations.
Preparing for future threats — mass drone swarm attacks are already a reality on battlefields (Ukraine, Middle East). The U.S. doesn't want to be caught off guard at home.

🧩 Who Is Behind the Drones?

Most cases are currently unidentified. Possible sources:

Enthusiasts / privacy violators
Protesters or activists
Criminal groups (e.g., smuggling contraband into prisons near bases)
Foreign intelligence (China, Russia, Iran actively test drones near U.S. borders and facilities)
Terrorist cells

Example: In 2023, drones with thermal imagers were spotted over an Air Force base in Nevada (possibly near "Area 51") — clearly not amateur equipment.

🔄 How Does This Work in Practice?

Scenario:

An unidentified drone is detected circling over an F-35 hangar at a Texas airbase.
→ Detection system is triggered.
→ Command requests NORTHCOM assistance.
→ Mobile team arrives within 24 hours.
→ Deploys sensors, jams control, intercepts drone with a net.
→ Analyzes it: chips, firmware, launch point.
→ Passes data to intelligence.
→ Base returns to normal operation.

📈 Trend: Drones vs. Anti-Drones — New Arms Race

The U.S. is investing billions in C-UAS systems (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems). This includes:

Artificial intelligence for automatic detection
Integration with air defense and missile defense systems
Training thousands of military operators across the country
Development of unified response protocols

NORTHCOM now coordinates efforts across all branches — Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard — to ensure no "blind spots".

💬 Conclusion: "The Silent War" Has Already Begun

Drones are a new type of threat that doesn't require an army but can cause strategic damage. The U.S. is responding not just by installing fences and cameras — they are creating specialized, highly mobile, technological forces capable of operating both on the front lines and on home territory.

24 hours is the new security standard.

If a drone appears over a base — help is already on the way.

And it won't go unnoticed.

P.S. The next step is integration with civilian security systems. Because drones don't distinguish between military and civilian targets. The war from the sky has come home.

Friday, 19 September 2025

EPISODE #003: NATO SHIPYARD CRISIS — WHEN SHIPS CAN'T KEEP UP WITH WAR

🚨 Crisis Core: Industry Lags Behind Geopolitics

Europe faces a systemic shipbuilding crisis that threatens not just budgets or delivery timelines — but the actual combat readiness of NATO at sea. In conditions where:

Russia is activating its fleet (including underwater drones, hypersonic missiles, modernization of Northern and Pacific Fleets),
China is expanding its presence in the Atlantic and Mediterranean,
Ukraine has demonstrated the vulnerability of maritime communications (attacks on the Black Sea Fleet, drone boats, mines),

Europe cannot build even frigates on time.

⚙️ Crisis Causes: Not Just "Lack of Money"

Financial Constraints and Budget Overruns
Building one modern frigate costs €1–2 billion and takes 7–10 years. Inflation, rising steel, electronics, and engine prices make projects increasingly expensive. Governments cannot revise funding quickly enough, and contracts "hang" in limbo.
Supply Chains Under Sanctions Pressure
Sanctions against Russia and China have disrupted component supplies — from microchips to marine diesels. Substitution is slow and expensive.
Labor Shortage
Engineers, welders, designers — professions requiring decades of training. Youth are moving to IT. Shipyards are aging along with their workforce. German and French shipyards report: thousands of specialists are missing.
Overloaded Production
Shipyards simultaneously:
- Build new ships,
- Repair old ones (often from the Soviet era!),
- Modernize systems,
- Maintain the fleet under heightened combat readiness.
→ Result: errors, accidents, missed deadlines.
Lack of Coordination
Each country builds "its own," duplicating efforts. There is no unified logistics, standardization, or workload distribution. France builds FREMM, Germany — F126, Italy — PPA — all different, incompatible, expensive.

🌍 Geopolitical Consequences: Who Benefits from NATO's Weakness?

Russia — gains a temporary window to strengthen its fleet without adequate NATO response in the Atlantic and Baltic.
China — increases influence through "peaceful" presence (trade ports, research vessels), but in reality — intelligence and pressure on the EU.
Turkey and other "unpredictable allies" — may use Europe's dependence for political bargaining (e.g., as with F-16 or submarines for Pakistan).

NATO Admiral's quote: "We are planning a 2035 fleet when we already lack ships to patrol the North Atlantic today."

🇪🇺 Sovereignty Problem vs. Efficiency

Europe wants "defense autonomy," but:

Germans insist on orders for ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
French push Naval Group as a "national treasure."
Italians lobby for Fincantieri.
Spaniards and Dutch also want "their piece of the pie."

→ As a result, instead of mass production under a single standard — small-batch, expensive, unique ships that cannot be quickly replaced or modernized.

💡 What Do Experts Propose?

Creating a Unified NATO Maritime Defense Agency
Centralized order planning, distribution among shipyards, unification of systems and logistics.
State Investments + Private Capital
Not just subsidies, but creating funds with industrial giants (Siemens, Thales, Leonardo) to modernize capacities.
Urgent Personnel Training Program
Naval technical schools, scholarships, immigration benefits for engineers, "defense internships" at universities.
Simplifying Bureaucracy
One contract — one responsibility. Currently, projects drown in approvals between ministries, agencies, parliaments.
"Modular Approach" to Construction
Like the U.S. (LCS, Constellation-class) — basic hull + interchangeable mission modules (air defense, anti-submarine, special operations). This reduces costs and speeds up production.

🇺🇸 U.S. Role: Savior or Reminder of Dependence?

American shipyards are also overloaded (especially with Virginia and Columbia-class submarines), but their production capabilities and coordination through DARPA and NAVSEA are an order of magnitude higher. The U.S. can "throw in" a couple of destroyers to Europe, but:

Long-term — this is not a solution. It's a reminder: without its own powerful industry, Europe will remain a "protector" only on paper.

🔮 Scenarios for the Next 5–10 Years

🔴 Pessimistic:

Europe fails to cope with the crisis → fleet ages → NATO loses control over the Atlantic → growth of Russian and Chinese influence → trust crisis within the alliance.

🟢 Optimistic:

The crisis becomes a catalyst for reforms → creation of a unified shipbuilding strategy → modernization of shipyards → release of unified ships → restoration of parity by 2030.

🔵 Realistic:

Partial successes in Germany and France, but overall weakness on the periphery (Poland, Romania, Baltic states). NATO will depend on the U.S. in maritime affairs for another 15–20 years.

🧭 Conclusion: Crisis as a Mirror

The shipyard crisis is not just an industrial problem. It is an indicator of Europe's strategic unpreparedness for prolonged confrontation. It shows:

Lack of a unified defense policy.
Illusion of "autonomy" without a real industrial base.
Dependence on global supply chains that break in wartime.
Inability to quickly adapt to new threats.

A fleet is not steel and screws. It is a projection of power, confidence, and sovereignty. If Europe cannot build its ships — it cannot defend its interests.

P.S. While USS Jimmy Carter quietly steals data from the ocean floor, European admirals wait for frigates that were supposed to be launched three years ago. The irony of history — is in the details.

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