Combat use and characteristics of the TOS-3 Dragon heavy flamethrower system: range up to 18 km

The new TOS-3 Dragon heavy flamethrower system has become a notable breakthrough in the field of jet weapons. Created on the basis of previous models of the CBT series, it combines the best tactical and technical characteristics of its predecessors and a significant increase in firing range - now the weapon is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 18 kilometers.

The main characteristics of the TOS-3 "Dragon"

- Firing range: up to 15-18 km, which is almost twice as long as that of the TOS-1 and TOS-2 models, whose maximum combat radius did not exceed 10 km. This allows you to strike from a safer distance and strengthen the fire support position.

- Launcher: includes 15 rocket guides arranged in three rows of five tubes. This is the optimal number of projectiles, given the use of highly efficient thermobaric missiles of a new generation.

 Combat effectiveness: the system is equipped with TBS-M3 thermobaric projectiles, which create a giant fire cloud and a powerful overpressure in the affected area. These effects leave virtually no chance for enemy manpower and armored vehicles.

- Protection and maneuverability: The TOS-3 is built on a tracked chassis, probably based on the T-72B3 tank, which provides high maneuverability and mobility in difficult terrain conditions. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with protection based on lattice screens and dynamic Relic armor, which significantly reduces vulnerability to enemy attacks and drones.

- High-tech fire control system: Modern navigation and command and staff equipment allows for accurate and effective fire damage with both single shots and volleys.

TOS-3 "Dragon" is used to destroy enemy manpower, equipment and fortified structures at long distances. The presence of thermobaric ammunition makes it possible to cover significant areas, destroying manpower even in fortifications, which is also facilitated by a large impact radius of up to several hectares. This firepower makes the system equivalent in impact to tactical nuclear weapons in a conventional war.

The increased firing range allows artillery units not to approach the front line, reducing the risks to crews and equipment. At the same time, the new missiles retained their high impact power. By reducing the number of guides, the missiles have become more energy-intensive and long-range.

The developers paid special attention to protection against modern threats, including kamikaze drones: the launchers are protected from damage by special means of electronic warfare and physical armor.

The TOS-3 Dragon has already entered service and has demonstrated the potential to become the main heavy flamethrower system of the Russian army. Due to the increased range, increased accuracy and improved protection, this complex is able to effectively support offensive and defensive operations over long distances.

Another advantage is that crews who have already been trained to work with previous versions of the TOC will be able to quickly adapt to the Dragon, as the platform was created on a similar basis.

It is planned that in the future the system will be equipped with satellite navigation and control devices to increase the efficiency and accuracy of fire.

France is considering arming the A400M Atlas with missiles to expand its combat capabilities

Airbus A400M Atlas

France is actively exploring the possibility of transforming the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft into a heavy combat aircraft with multi-purpose capabilities beyond the traditional tasks of tactical transportation and aerial refueling. This step will make it possible to equip the A400M with missiles and significantly increase its combat potential, making it not only a transport, but also a strike weapon on the battlefield.

The idea of arming the A400M with missiles is driven by the desire of the French military space forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, AAE) to maximize the potential of existing platforms and ensure flexibility of use in modern conflicts. In the face of growing threats and the need for rapid response, multifunctional aircraft are becoming a key element of national defense.

Initially, France planned to purchase fifty A400M Atlas aircraft for its military space forces. However, in August 2023, the Law on Military Programming for 2024-2030 (LPM) was passed, which reduced this number to at least thirty-five units by 2035. This reduction reflects a review of priorities and budget constraints, but does not negate the desire to modernize the fleet.

The upgraded A400M can get the following features:

- The ability to launch cruise and anti-ship missiles from aboard a transport aircraft.

- Performing fire support tasks, including striking land and sea targets.

- Maintaining the main tasks of transporting troops, equipment and supplies, as well as refueling in the air.

Retrofitting the A400M Atlas with missiles will allow France to increase the mobility and firepower of its armed forces, as well as expand the range of missions carried out by one type of aircraft. This is especially important in conditions of a limited number of purchased vehicles and the need for efficient use of each side.

The US Space Force has signed a $1.2 billion contract with BAE Systems for missile tracking satellites

The U.S. Space Force has signed a $1.2 billion contract with BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems to supply 10 missile tracking satellites. The contract was concluded on May 29 under a fixed price and other Transaction authority (OTA) agreement, according to a press release from the Space Systems Command on June 2.

This initiative is part of the Resilient Missile Warning Tracking Epoch 2 (RMWT Epoch 2) program, which represents the second phase of the US Space Force's efforts to create and develop a network of satellites tracking missile threats in medium Earth orbit (MEO).

The satellites supplied under this contract will provide more stable and reliable detection and tracking of ballistic and other missile threats, which will enhance the early warning and defense capabilities of the United States and its allies.

The placement of satellites in medium Earth orbit makes it possible to expand coverage and reduce the vulnerability of the tracking system compared to traditional geostationary platforms.

The RMWT Epoch 2 program is a key element of the modernization of the US space infrastructure and reflects the growing importance of outer space in ensuring national security.

Israeli planes hit Beirut

 Israeli planes struck the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday after a warning issued about an hour earlier. This is the third Israeli strike on the area since the ceasefire came into effect at the end of November.

In a statement after the strike, the Israeli military said the target was a depot of precision-guided missiles for the militant group Hezbollah. They added that storing such equipment is a violation of the agreement reached to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

South Korea launches new military spy satellite

 

South Korea's defense ministry said Seoul has launched a new military spy satellite from the U.S. space base at Cape Canaveral in Florida using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The satellite is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that works by sending microwave signals to Earth, which are then reflected back, creating a detailed radar image, although it looks different from the satellite images we are used to seeing.

Unlike satellites that use optical cameras, SAR satellites do not need a light source such as the sun, so they can operate at night. They are immune to weather conditions that can obscure optical satellite images.