Raytheon has received a $72 million contract to support the TOW missile guidance system in the US Army

Raytheon has received a new contract from the US Army worth $72 million. Raytheon will now support and maintain the advanced target detection system, ITAS. This is an important component for targeting TOW anti-tank missiles, which have long and reliably served the US Army.

The ITAS platform helps to accurately detect, track and hit armored targets. The work under the contract will ensure the smooth operation of this system in all conditions, including upgrades and maintenance.

Such a contract is a sign that even long—standing developments like TOW remain in the spotlight and continue to play a key role in defense, especially given the importance of anti-tank capabilities on the modern battlefield.

Tactical Signals/Gestures: A Guide for Western and NATO Military Personnel

 

Communication and Guidance

You (You) — Pointing a finger at the interlocutor.

Me (I) — The thumb is pointing towards the chest.

Come Here (Come here) — The hand is palm up, the movement of the fingers is "luring".

Message Received (Message received) — Fist raised.

Do Not Understand - Turning your hand palm up.

Understood (Understood) — Clenched fist, short downward movement.

People and Goals

Hostage — A hand on the neck, symbolizing capture.

Sniper — The index finger touches the eye, then points into the distance.

Kid/Children (Child /Children) — Touching the head and imitating growth (hand up).

Suspect — Pointing forward, followed by a short downward movement.

Female (Female) — Touching the chest crosswise.

Male (Man) — A hand on the groin, like a waist belt.

Commander — Touching the shoulder with his fist.

Directions and Movement

Move Forward — Circular movement of the hand forward.

Corner - Pointing with the elbow bent to the right or left.

Window - A rectangle in the air with your hands.

Door — The "door handle" gesture, a sideways movement.

Faster/Hurry (Faster) — An up-and-down moving fist.

Halt/Stop - Raised palm, fingers up.

Enter (Enter) — Pointing forward with a sharp movement.

Down (Lie down/down) — Pointing down with an open palm.

Regroup (Collection) — Rotation of the index finger in a circle.

Support and Maintenance

Cover Me (Cover me) — Touching your shoulder and pointing forward.

Silent (Softly) — Finger to the lips.

Don't Worry /Disregard (Don't pay attention) — A sharp waving gesture.

Tear Gas is a gesture of putting something in the face (mask).

Dog — The hand in front of the body, palm down, moving forward.

Adult - An indication of height, palm on top of head.

Weapons and Equipment

Shot Gun (Shotgun) is an imitation of reloading a pump—action shotgun.

Automatic Weapon — Holding an imaginary machine gun.

Rifle - A raised hand with simulated aiming.

Handgun/Pistol — The hand is like an imitation pistol.

Ammo (Cartridges) — Imitation of pulling out the clip.

Transport and Construction

Car / Vehicle (Car) — Two hands make a circle, imitation steering wheel.

Single File (Single build) — Vertically raised finger.

Single Line - Horizontal extended forearm.

These signals provide visual, silent and understandable interaction between fighters in conditions where voice communication is impossible. It is important to know them by heart and practice them to the point of automatism.

PROFESSOR JEFFREY SACHS' VIEW ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE, THE OUTCOME OF THE WAR AND PEACE NEGOTIATIONS, ISRAEL AND EUROPE

 

 In a recent episode of the Judging Freedom program, Judge Andrew Napolitano had a conversation with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, who joined the broadcast from Moscow. The discussion touched upon complex geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, as well as the potential role of Donald Trump in peacekeeping efforts.Judge Napolitano began by mentioning recent events and statements regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted the statements of the US Vice President and the Secretary of State, who, according to him, hinted at a possible cessation of US support for Ukraine if the situation was not resolved in the near future. The idea of General Kellogg, Trump's adviser on Ukraine, dividing the country into protectorates under the auspices of NATO was also mentioned, a proposal that Napolitano called "absurd" and "unviable from the very beginning." Special attention was paid to the recent short conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, which took place in an unusual place – St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican, without the presence of others. Napolitano expressed doubt that both leaders would remember this meeting in the same way. In this context, he asked Professor Sachs a key question: where, in his opinion, are American efforts to achieve peace moving?

Professor Sachs outlined his analysis, highlighting two main points. Firstly, according to him, Ukraine is losing on the battlefield, and this trend is irreversible in the coming months and years. Secondly, he expressed confidence that the United States, under Trump's leadership (if elected), would not actively return to the war by providing Ukraine with large-scale financing and military supplies. Sachs believes that this puts Ukraine in front of a tough choice: either agree to a settlement that does not meet its maximum requirements, but reflects the realities, or face further territorial losses on the battlefield. In his opinion, this is a fundamental choice that the current US administration cannot change.Sachs also touched upon the position of European leaders. He noted that many of them, including potential future leaders such as Keir Starmer in Britain, Emmanuel Macron in France, and possibly Friedrich Merz in Germany, are calling on Ukraine to continue fighting and not cede territory. However, according to Sachs, Europe does not have the real means to effectively support such a strategy, especially without the active participation of the United States. Even the joint efforts of Europe and the United States have not led to a significant pushback of the Russian forces. Now, without the prospect of large-scale American support under Trump, Europe will not be able to ensure Ukraine's victory.Professor Sachs offered a harsh characterization of the current Ukrainian government, calling it a ruling group driven by "extreme and violent nationalism" that came to power as a result of the 2014 coup backed by the United States. He claims that this regime does not enjoy broad popular support, as evidenced by the lack of elections, martial law and the forced mobilization of citizens to the front, where many are dying. According to him, polls show that the population of Ukraine is exhausted by the war and wants it to end. In response to Napolitano's question whether Zelensky was a puppet of the nationalists, Sachs replied in the affirmative, suggesting that the president might fear for his life or his political future if he made concessions. Sachs believes that if Zelensky is unable to make a difficult decision about peace, he should leave.In an interesting way, Sachs rethought the roles in the conflict. He rejected the idea that Trump was allegedly siding with Putin against Ukraine. On the contrary, according to Sachs, it is the "peace party", to which he ranks Trump, that can save Ukraine by offering a realistic settlement. Those who are pushing Ukraine to continue the war (the "war party", including some European leaders), in fact, condemn the country to further bloodshed and destruction.   

Sachs is convinced that Ukraine should agree to a peace agreement, even if it is not perfect, because the alternative is to lose everything.During the conversation, footage was shown where Trump looked sleepy at a public event, which Sachs humorously attributed to possible fatigue from flights. There was also a photo of Professor Sachs with Ray McGovern, taken, as Sachs confirmed, recently in Moscow, where he participated in the Open Dialogue conference organized by the Russian government to discuss the future in a frank manner.Then the conversation turned to the Middle East. Napolitano asked why there were no Israeli officials at the Pope's recent event. Sachs explained this by saying that Israel, in his opinion, has become a "rogue state" because of its actions in Gaza, which has led to its isolation on the world stage. He stressed that Trump's idea of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia without resolving the Palestinian issue is erroneous. According to his estimates, the vast majority of the world community (about 95% of the world's population, including all Arab and 57 Islamic countries) supports the two-state solution. Sachs noted that the only obstacle to recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations is the US veto in the Security Council, since Israel does not have such a right. He suggested that if Trump, after visiting the Middle East and listening to Arab leaders, would change the US position and stop blocking Palestinian statehood, he would really be able to achieve peace. Sachs believes that Trump may have more freedom of action on this issue than it seems, as American public opinion is increasingly condemning Israel's actions, and opposing the Israeli lobby no longer necessarily means going against the will of Americans.In conclusion, Professor Sachs reiterated his hope that leaders, including Trump, would realize the realities and strive for peace, whether in Ukraine or the Middle East, stressing that the continuation of conflicts only leads to further losses and suffering. He mentioned mass peaceful demonstrations in Europe, such as the 80,000-strong rally in Rome, as evidence of people's deep desire to end wars.

North Korea will send troops to Russia in accordance with the agreement

 "Based on the analysis and assessment of the current situation, Comrade Kim Jong-un came to the conclusion that it falls under the scope of Article 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the DPRK and the Russian Federation, and decided to send our armed forces to participate in hostilities, notifying the Russian side."

North Korea has officially announced the dispatch of troops to Russia in accordance with the strategic partnership agreement, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reports.

RIA Novosti also reports that, according to Kim Jong-un, a "monument of military glory" will soon be erected in the capital of the DPRK to honor the memory of "fallen fighters" as a sign of "eternal memory from the Motherland and the people."

The DPRK will continue to support the sacred cause of the Russian army and people, and will always remain committed to any actions based on the spirit of the interstate agreement with Russia, KCNA writes.

John Mearsheimer on the conflict in Ukraine: diplomacy won't help

 

John J. Mearsheimer

John J. Mearsheimer, a well-known international relations theorist and professor of political science at the University of Chicago, views the current conflict in Ukraine with harsh realism, devoid of illusions about an early diplomatic resolution. His analysis, often available on his Substack platform ( substack.com/@mearsheimer ), paints a picture of a protracted confrontation, the outcome of which, in his opinion, will be decided not at the negotiating table, but on the battlefield. Mearsheimer argues that a diplomatic solution is currently unattainable. He stresses Russia's intransigence on its key demands, a position from which, in his assessment, Moscow will not back down. On the other hand, neither Ukraine nor its European allies are ready to accept these conditions. This fundamental impasse, according to Mearsheimer, makes negotiations futile at this stage.

In this context, the figure of Donald Trump seems to Mearsheimer to be a potential, albeit peculiar, catalyst for change. He admits that Trump, unlike the current European and Ukrainian leadership, could make concessions to Russia or, more likely in his analysis, end American military and intelligence support for Ukraine. Such a step, according to Mearsheimer, would radically change the dynamics of the conflict. He believes that even with the current level of American aid, Russia is already gaining the upper hand on the battlefield. Cutting off the supply of weapons and intelligence from the United States would put Ukraine in an even more desperate situation. Mearsheimer points out that Russia is actively building up and training its armed forces, equipping them with modern weapons and accumulating valuable combat experience. He refers to statements by high-ranking military officials, such as General Cavoli, confirming that the Russian army is much more powerful today than at the beginning of the conflict in 2022.

Analyzing Vladimir Putin's recent statements, Mearsheimer sees confirmation of his point of view. He interprets the Russian leader's words about expanding and modernizing the military-industrial complex, adapting tactics and weapons based on combat experience as a clear signal: Russia is preparing for a long war, not diplomacy. Putin, in his opinion, demonstrates confidence in Russia's ability not only to continue the war, but also to stay "one step ahead" by studying global military trends and adapting its army to future conflicts. Mearsheimer contrasts this Russian focus on military reality with what he perceives as unfounded optimism in the West and in Ukraine about Kiev's chances of victory.

He believes that Europeans and Ukrainians, as well as a significant part of the American national security establishment, continue to believe in the possibility of a turning point on the battlefield in favor of Ukraine – a belief that Mearsheimer himself considers illusory. According to him, only Trump and a narrow circle of his associates are ready to recognize the harsh reality and look for ways to end the conflict, even if this means concessions to Russia. This gap in perception and strategy, according to Mearsheimer, condemns the war to continue. He predicts that without American support, the balance of power will finally shift in favor of Russia, which will lead to the seizure of new territories and, ultimately, the collapse of the Ukrainian army. In such a situation, he believes, Ukraine will be forced to seek peace on terms dictated by Moscow.

Mearsheimer also expresses skepticism about Europe's ability to act effectively without strong American leadership, pointing to potential problems of collective action and disagreements between key European powers – Germany, France and Britain. Moreover, he extends his criticism to the American national security apparatus itself, including the military, whose analytical work and performance since the first Gulf War he considers unconvincing. In his opinion, there is a deep systemic problem in the West's approach to assessing military realities and developing a strategy.                 

Thus, Mearsheimer's analysis is a sober, albeit gloomy, assessment of the situation, where the outcome of the conflict is seen as a predetermined balance of military forces and the determination of the parties to continue the struggle, rather than diplomatic efforts or hopes for a turning point. He expects a further Russian offensive and believes that Ukraine's ability to resist, especially if American aid is cut off, is extremely limited.

BAE Systems and WZM sign license agreement to support M88A2 armored recovery vehicles

BAE Systems has announced a licensing agreement with Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne S.A. (WZM), a leading Polish defense company, to provide maintenance and support services for M88A2 armored recovery vehicles in service with the Polish Ground Forces.

Details of the agreement

- Objective: The agreement is aimed at increasing the operational readiness of the fleet of armored repair and evacuation vehicles (BREM) M88A2 of the Polish Ground Forces.

- WZM's Role: WZM, part of PGZ Capital Group, will use BAE Systems' intellectual property to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul tasks.

- Support for the Polish Defense Industry: The Agreement highlights the importance of the Polish defense industry in supporting the newly acquired assets and contributes to strengthening the local economy.

Sweden strengthens support for Ukraine: purchase of 18 ARCHER mobile howitzers

ARCHER systems

Swedish Defense Minister Dr. Paul Jonson announced the government's important decision to purchase 18 modern ARCHER mobile howitzers from BAE Systems. The announcement was made during a visit to the BAE Systems Bofors plant in Karlskog, Sweden. This acquisition will be part of the 18th support package for Ukraine, which is aimed at strengthening the country's defense potential in the context of the current conflict.

ARCHER systems are high—tech artillery systems that combine mobility, precision, and range. They are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 60 km and provide rapid deployment and movement after firing, which makes them especially effective in modern combat conditions. In addition to the howitzers themselves, the package includes five additional radar systems for locating artillery, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces to detect and neutralize enemy targets.

The total value of the contract is about $ 300 million, which underlines the seriousness of Sweden's intentions to support Ukraine in its efforts to repel aggression. This step also demonstrates the close cooperation between NATO countries and Kiev in confronting common security challenges.

Dr. Paul Jonson said that this decision is part of Sweden's strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities both inside and outside the country. He noted that ARCHER represents an advanced level of technology that will help not only protect Ukraine, but also strengthen the security of the entire region.

ARCHER howitzers will be manufactured at the BAE Systems Bofors plant, which will also support the Swedish defense industry and jobs in the region. The transfer of the systems to Ukraine is planned for the coming months, and they will be integrated into the existing structure of the artillery forces.

This decision by Sweden once again confirms its role as a reliable partner in ensuring collective security and protecting democratic values. The new ARCHER systems are expected to play a key role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capability and helping to change the balance of power on the battlefield.

New UK loan to Ukraine: Support for defense capability in conditions of continued war

 

The war in Ukraine remains one of the key topics on the global agenda, and the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London confirmed the UK's readiness to continue supporting Kiev. The main financial result of the meeting was the announcement of a new loan in the amount of 2.6 billion pounds (about $ 3.3 billion) "to strengthen the Ukrainian defense." This decision demonstrates not only Britain's financial, but also its strategic commitment to maintaining the balance of power in the region.

The loan of 2.6 billion pounds is one of the most significant financial packages provided by the UK to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. Although the exact details of the use of the funds have not yet been fully disclosed, it is reported that they will be aimed at strengthening the country's defense capability. This may include the purchase of weapons, modernization of military infrastructure, as well as support for personnel training programs.

Such financial assistance plays a dual role: it not only provides for the immediate needs of the Ukrainian armed forces, but also serves as a signal to other international partners about the need to continue collective efforts to support Kiev.

Zelensky's visit to London took place against the backdrop of the ongoing confrontation in the Ukrainian theater of military operations. It was another reminder that Ukraine continues to need international support to fend off external threats. For the UK, this event highlights its role as one of Ukraine's key allies in the international arena.

The decision to allocate the loan was made at a time when issues of economic stability and defense spending are becoming increasingly relevant for Western countries. Nevertheless, London has demonstrated its willingness to prioritize security issues, especially with regard to partners whose interests are directly linked to the European balance of power.

Although the exact directions of spending funds are still the subject of internal planning, it can be assumed that they will focus on several main tasks.:

1. Acquisition of modern weapons: Funds can be used to purchase heavy weapons, ammunition, and technologies that will enhance the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces.  

2. Infrastructure modernization: Investments can be used to rebuild and improve military infrastructure, including airfields, warehouses, and communications systems.

3. Education and training of personnel: Funding can be directed to training programs for Ukrainian military personnel, including using the experience of British specialists.

4. Technological cooperation: It is possible that part of the funds will be used to develop joint projects in the field of developing new technologies for defense.

The allocation of such a large-scale loan is of great geopolitical importance. Firstly, it strengthens the UK's position as one of the main leaders in supporting Ukraine in the international arena. Secondly, it demonstrates London's long-term commitment to protecting Kiev's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, such a decision may also provoke a reaction from other players in the international arena, especially those who consider the current state of affairs to threaten their interests. Thus, granting a loan is not only a financial transaction, but also a powerful political gesture.

The war in Ukraine continues, and Britain's support for it remains a key factor in its outcome. By providing such significant resources, the UK is once again proving its willingness to play an active role in shaping the future of this region.