China is testing Shuiqiao amphibious barges for a covert amphibious operation off the coast of Taiwan

 

The People's Liberation Army of China is testing new Shuiqiao-class barges in the coastal waters after completion at the Guangzhou shipyard, according to Chinese military observers. Each amphibious vessel is equipped with a self-lifting platform and a ramp with a 120-meter-long mechanized bridge, which makes it possible to ferry across impassable terrain and disembark from warships.

The barge tests are taking place against the background of increased PLA activity. Military experts in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, believe that the coastal islands are likely to be the first target of an attack by Chinese forces, and are preparing to repel it. Apparently, the fears are not groundless, since the exercises organized by the PLA on amphibious landings involving the Shuiqiao barges took place 1.5 km from the coast of Fujian Province, while the ZBD-05 infantry fighting vehicles attacked the "beaches" of the alleged enemy.

The appearance of the Shuiqiao barges in the PLA arsenal indicates a large-scale modernization of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China and an increase in military power for operations in coastal regions. They open up new landing opportunities along the entire coast of Taiwan, especially in poorly protected areas and estuaries. Their maneuverability and civilian appearance complicate a defensive strategy and may pose an asymmetric threat to Taiwan.

While Chinese observers claim that the main purpose of the Shuiqiao barges is to quickly eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, Western commentators find similarities with the multi—purpose barges of World War II, with which the Allies were engaged in unloading ammunition and transport on the shores of Normandy.

The Taiwanese military fears that such vessels could bypass fortified beaches and ensure a quick PLA landing on coastal islands such as Kinmen or Matsue, long before the island's main defense forces can react.

ASML and TSMC have ways to disable the world's most sophisticated chip manufacturing machines in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. We are talking about EUV equipment, which allows you to print the smallest transistors of chips for artificial intelligence and military developments. The cost of one such car starts from 200 million euros. In fact, this is a backup way to deprive China of possible spoils of war — earlier, the leadership of TSMC and the Taiwanese authorities had already stated that all the company's factories would be blown up in the event of an invasion. But if the PRC manages to prevent an explosion, the EUV scanners will be destroyed through remote diagnostic and configuration tools. Last year, ASML already conducted such exercises.

A European fighter jet with artificial intelligence took off over the Baltic for the first time — the war could change forever

Imagine a fighter jet that doesn't sleep, doesn't get tired, doesn't panic, and accumulates a million hours of combat experience in three days. No living pilot can do it that fast. Now imagine: such an aircraft is already flying over Europe.

In May of this year, the first European fighter jet with artificial intelligence on board, the Swedish Gripen E, took to the skies over the Baltic Sea. It was not just a flight: there was an insurance pilot in the cockpit, but he did not even touch the steering wheel. All control was carried out through AI, developed by the German defense startup Helsing.

In a matter of days, this artificial intelligence has pumped more than a million virtual flight hours — such a result is impossible even for the most experienced pilots. This is made possible by powerful computing and real-time simulation of combat situations.

Such technologies can radically change the face of aviation battles. Imagine how AI instantly processes radar data, chooses the best routes, recognizes threats and responds to them faster than a human can figure out. And such aircraft can also be used in conjunction with manned ones — as a "smart cover" or a scout.

This is not a fantasy of the future, but a reality right now. And if development continues at the same pace, then European aviation can reach a new level of defense capability — without unnecessary risks to the lives of pilots.

US equips soldiers with advanced Danish anti-drone systems

Do you know how drones have become a real headache for militaries around the world right now? So the US Army decided to seriously upgrade the protection of its soldiers. They have signed a major contract with the Danish company MyDefence for the supply of wearable anti—drone systems - for as much as $ 26 million! This is not just another purchase of equipment, but a real breakthrough in how soldiers will defend themselves from drones in various parts of the world.

What kind of systems are these?

We are talking about modular, lightweight and user-friendly devices that soldiers can carry with them right on the battlefield. These gadgets will help detect and neutralize enemy drones, which are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and attacks. Imagine that every fighter will now have their own "anti—drone shield" - this will significantly increase the safety and effectiveness of operations.

Why is this important right now?

The threat of drones is growing every day. They are becoming more and more advanced, and the airspace is becoming more saturated and contested. In such circumstances, it is important to have flexible and mobile solutions that work in real time and can quickly respond to threats. That is why the United States relies on wearable systems — they give soldiers freedom of action and confidence in protection.

What does this mean for defense?

- Strengthening transatlantic ties: Cooperation with the Danish company shows that the allies are coming together to solve common problems.

- A new era in the fight against drones: mobile and efficient systems are becoming the standard in the arsenal of modern armies.

- Increased soldier safety: fewer risks and more opportunities for successful missions.

All in all, this is a great example of how technology makes war a little safer for those who wage it.