About 1/3 of the funds are lost to corruption.
Posted on 02/24/2024 5:59:01 AM PST by SpeedyInTexas
This list only includes destroyed vehicles and equipment of which photo or videographic evidence is available. Therefore, the amount of equipment destroyed is significantly higher than recorded here. Loitering munitions, drones used as unmanned bait, civilian vehicles and derelict equipment are not included in this list. All possible effort has gone into avoiding duplicate entries and discerning the status of equipment between captured or abandoned. Many of the entries listed as 'abandoned' will likely end up captured or destroyed. Similarly, some of the captured equipment might be destroyed if it can't be recovered. When a vehicle is captured and then lost in service with its new owners, it is only added as a loss of the original operator to avoid double listings. When the origin of a piece of equipment can't be established, it's not included in the list. The Soviet flag is used when the equipment in question was produced prior to 1991. This list is constantly updated as additional footage becomes available.
(Excerpt) Read more at oryxspioenkop.com ...
No means no, even if Lukashenka shows some leg every once in a while.
Lukashenko: Russian Annexation of Belarus Means War
Kyiv Post reports:
“Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko rejected the notion of Belarus formally joining Russia during an interview with the Russian news outlet Izvestia.
The interview, published on Friday, had Lukashenko commenting on local geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine and the Belarusian presidential elections in 2025.
At one point, the journalists asked Lukashenko about the prospects and challenges currently facing the Union State of Belarus and Russia – a 1999 treaty that abolished borders and established a common economic zone between the two – and Lukashenko rejected proposals in some quarters for Belarus to become a part of Russia, adding that this would mean war...
...”it’s not the Middle Ages, when you captured a territory, pay taxes and that’s it – the world has changed, the world is different. That’s why you shouldn’t set stupid goals for yourself, and you should always think about what will happen next,” he added.
Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts (Russian objective: Expand combat power without conducting general mobilization)
The Russian MOD continues to rely on Russia's prison population to replace depleted Russian units on the frontline. Ukraine's Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on October 29 that Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov signed an order on October 10 authorizing the formation of Russian assault units in the Russian 1435th Motorized Rifle Regiment (27th Motorized Rifle Brigade, 1st Guards Tank Army, Moscow Military District [MMD]) and the Russian 1437th Motorized Rifle Regiment (15th Motorized Rifle Brigade, 2nd Combined Arms Army [CAA], Central Military District [CMD]) composed of Russian convicts afflicted with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.[75] The GUR reported that approximately 1,500 prisoners out of the 10,000 total prisoners affected with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C expressed interest in joining Russian assault units. ISW has previously reported on Russian efforts to mobilize those who are partially or completely medically unfit in order to boost military recruitment efforts, as well as Russia's various convict recruitment schemes.[76]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-29-2024
Feeding the grinder.
Someone should let Putin know this🤔😀
BRICS is going to Save RuZZia!
“‘Silver economy’ boom: China transforms kindergartens into senior care homes as demographic crisis deepens”
“Plagued by shrinking birth rates and a rapidly aging population, tens of thousands of Chinese kindergartens have scaled back operations, closed down entirely or pivoted industries to survive.
One preschool in the eastern province of Zhejiang still operates as a daycare, but instead of serving children, they’re now catering to senior citizens.
Last year, Zhuang Yanfang, 56, repurposed her kindergarten in the city of Jinhua, Zhejiang, into a senior nursing center. She told local media that she came up with the idea after she struggled to get enough babies and toddlers to fill her classroom.
Barely any remnants of a kindergarten could be seen in photos of the renovated quadrangle-shaped building. Its once-colorful walls were repainted milky white, and the chalkboard was replaced with a bulletin board, littered with information about health care and nutritional meals for the elderly.”
20,000 preschools closed in TWO YEARS
“It’s no surprise then, that preschools — including public and private — also closed down over those two years, dropping by 20,000 across the country, according to CNBC’s analysis of data from China’s Ministry of Education”
I’m not sure I believe this report.
“Iran to carry out “definitive and painful” response to Israeli strikes, high-ranking source tells CNN”
“Israel’s recent attacks on Iran will be met with a “definitive and painful” response that will likely come before the US presidential vote, a high-ranking source told CNN on Wednesday.
The remarks signal a departure from Iran’s initial attempts to downplay the severity of the strikes carried out by Israel on October 25, which marked the first time Israel has openly acknowledged striking Iranian targets.
“The response of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the aggression of the Zionist regime will be definitive and painful,” the source, who is familiar with Iran’s deliberations, said.
Although the source did not provide an exact date for the attack, they said it “will probably take place before the day of the US presidential election.””
Remains to be seen if Prohibition will be more effective in Russia than it was in US. My mom says they used to take the ferry from NJ to NYC and go to speak easies there. KNocking 3 times and whispering low.
Trumps brother died of alcoholism which Trump blames on his father’s treatment of brother. I wonder if he had a talk with Putin about how bad alcoholism was for Russia. The result of prohibition could have two very different result.
1) People could sober up and say “heck no I’m not going to be hamburger in a meat wave”, revolt against conscription, demand competent officers and fail to obey or mutiny against bad, vindictive officers. Might have major demonstrations in Moscow, scare the shxx out of Putin and effect some sort -of change. Parts of the country might refuse to discourage alcohol and home brew and form a nucleus for revolt and rebellion.
2) Sober citizens could make such an effective and well planned revolt against the system that Putin would either reform himself and improve the country, or else retire and let someone else play with the country instead. Fewer alcohol related crimes and fewer convicts to conscript. Happier wives and girl friends and non coerced reproduction.
And maybe it will have been Trump who created ruin or renewal for Russia. Time may tell.
The Kremlin is reportedly struggling to prepare for the September 2026 Russian State Duma elections campaign due to uncertainty about the course of the war in Ukraine, suggesting that the Kremlin is not confident that Russia will be able to win the war over the next two years. Russian opposition outlet Meduza reported on October 30 that Presidential Administration First Deputy Head Sergei Kiriyenko has not started to plan the “contours” of the 2026 Duma elections even though the Kremlin usually does so two years in advance of the elections.[8] A source close to the Presidential Administration told Meduza that the Duma elections’ policy framing depends on whether the war in Ukraine will continue in 2026. Meduza reported that a source within United Russia's leadership stated that it is unclear if United Russia's 2026 campaign should feature military personnel or a person who “symbolizes a return to peaceful life,” such as Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. A political strategist who works with the Kremlin and several regional governments reportedly stated that if the war continues during the 2026 election campaign season, then the Kremlin will need “a force that leans on ultra-patriotism,” such as an entirely new political party or a “slightly updated” A Just Russia party. The source stated that if the war ends, then the Kremlin will need “moderate forces.” A Just Russia notably held a congress on October 26 and announced that its new political course will be “patriotic socialism,” which the party described as necessary during Russia's war in Ukraine and “firmly based on the great achievements of Russian civilization and the most important condition for [Russia's] further development.”[9]
The US Treasury and State departments sanctioned nearly 400 entities and individuals from over a dozen countries on October 30 in one of the largest concerted efforts to address Russian sanctions evasions via third parties to date.[12] The sanctions targeted dozens of People's Republic of China (PRC)–, Hong Kong–, and India-based companies while also impacting targets in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, and Switzerland, among other countries. Russia has extensively used bilateral relations and devised mechanisms with countries, entities, and individuals to evade Western and international sanctions to support its war effort in Ukraine.[13]
Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts (Russian objective: Expand combat power without conducting general mobilization)
Russian occupation authorities continue to advertise Russian military service to civilians in occupied Ukraine. The Kherson Oblast occupation administration offered on October 30 a one-time payment of 800,000 rubles (about $8,200) and a 210,000-ruble (about $2,400) minimum monthly salary to individuals who sign contracts with the Russian military.[71] The Kherson Oblast occupation administration advertised that individuals who sign military contracts will receive combat veteran status, which would entitle them to social and economic benefits.
Russian milbloggers continue to voice concerns about the deployment of drone specialists in assault operations, blaming local leadership in occupied Donetsk while deflecting accountability from the Russian military command. A Russian milblogger complained on October 30 that the practice of sending specialists on assaults is a “Donetsk issue” whereby local elites act against Moscow's intentions in an effort to prevent federal authorities from intervening.[72] The milblogger called for the Russian military to implement “massive” systemic repressions and to “cleanse “the Russian military structure of “mafias.” These complaints have emerged in the wake of a scandal involving drone operators in occupied Donetsk Oblast, who were killed in combat after they criticized their commander, who then disbanded their specialized drone unit.[73]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-30-2024
Speaking of declining birth rates: Since 1970, the US birth rate has declined 10%.
a 210,000-ruble (about $2,400) minimum monthly salary to individuals who sign contracts with the Russian military
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Which is relatively cheap, since so many die in meat wave attacks.
Israeli F-16I Shown Loaded-Up With Four Rampage Stand-Off Missiles (Updated)
Air-launched guided artillery rockets and ballistic missiles have become Israel’s weapon of choice for striking well defended targets at standoff ranges.
https://www.twz.com/air/israeli-f-16i-shown-loaded-up-with-four-rampage-stand-off-missiles
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Battle-Proven NASAMS Air Defense Systems Approved For Taiwan
NASAMS would be armed with advanced AMRAAM-ER missiles, but could also tap into existing Taiwanese AIM-120 stocks.
https://www.twz.com/air/battle-proven-nasams-air-defense-systems-approved-for-taiwan
What does $1 million buy in today’s world?
An AI Drone.
“American Drone Startup Notches Rare Victory in Ukraine”
“Shield AI’s drones have shown they can withstand brutal electronic warfare with the help of AI”
“Above a battlefield littered with failed American drones, California startup Shield AI notched an important victory in Ukraine.
The company in August became a rare Western supplier to demonstrate it can withstand the brutal electronic warfare that is downing drones across Ukraine. The country, which has preferred locally made drones, has now requested hundreds of Shield AI systems.
The company’s success is a bright spot for an otherwise anemic American drone industry. U.S. drone makers sent hundreds of drones into Ukraine with the hope of earning the badge of being battle-hardened. Few made the cut.
The sale of a big squadron of drones to Ukraine would more than double Shield AI’s revenue and potentially position it as one of the few winners in a new generation of military-tech startups. It is a field in which many have struggled to convert developing high-tech weapons into a self-sustaining business.
Shield AI said it had revenue of $163 million last year, nearly double what it earned in 2022, mostly from contracts with the U.S. and NATO governments.
The Ukrainians asked for more than 200 of the Shield AI drones, which typically cost about $1 million each, though they are cheaper when bought in bulk. “
“Shield AI drones operate autonomously without radio and GPS, using software and internal maps to maneuver above electronically jammed front lines. “
“The company has started worming its way into the U.S. defense complex. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps use the same long-range drone that was tested in Ukraine—the V-BAT, a vertical-takeoff and -landing drone about 9 feet tall. The U.S. Air Force is testing jet fighters that use Shield’s AI software to explore flying uncrewed aircraft. “
“Shield’s V-BAT has AI software, sensors and Nvidia chips on board. That technology enables the drone to maneuver itself, survey battlefields and identify targets without a remote pilot or GPS. It can fly for 12 hours or 600 miles and carry 25 pounds of explosives to drop on targets. “
“At a testing range west of Kyiv, the V-BAT was put through two days of intensive electronic-warfare tests—seven jammers running at full blast to try to down the aircraft. The V-BAT kept flying, according to the Ukrainian testers and a Ukrainian military document.
The V-BAT was later tested during a Ukrainian operation near Dnipro, southeast of Kyiv and close to the front line. It flew more than 60 miles and deep into Russian-controlled territory through airspace so jammed that GPS and most radios wouldn’t work. The drone spotted a Russian surface-to-air missile system and alerted the Ukrainians, who hit it with a rocket, Tseng said.
“It feels like a good drone for battle,” said a Ukrainian drone pilot who tested the V-BAT and goes by the call sign Kord. “A lot of the drones don’t pass this test because they don’t have the capabilities.””
Manufacturing facility location: Frisco TEXAS.
Drove to McKinney/Frisco many times when my daughter played travel softball. Decent cities.
anemic American drone industry
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If a drone does not cost millions of dollars and can only be made in limited quantities, the Pentagon wants no part of it.
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