Free Republic

Russia - Masque Of The Red Death Vladimir Putin has been hailed perhaps as the pivotal post cold war Russian leader. He has executed a skillful dog and pony show, convincing both the Bush and Blair administrations that the former Soviet Union was not only no longer a military threat to the West but was indeed now becoming a close ally. Obviously Russia's cooperation with the French and German UN delegation's intransigence in dealing with Iraq has done much to throw cold water on this heretofore-budding union. It's important to note that such a relationship offered hope, though ultimately unfounded,...

When the Stryker entered service in Iraq with it’s slat armor “cage” (to protect against RPGs), there was some criticism, and some crude humor, directed at that particular rig. But the slat armor did the job, and now Russia is offering it’s similar BTR-80 vehicle, equipped with slat armor. While the United States abandoned wheeled armored vehicles after World War II, Russia kept theirs, and constantly improved their BTR series. While not as heavy, or as high tech, as the American Stryker, the BTR vehicles are popular with many nations, especially for use by police and paramilitary forces. The current...

WASHINGTON, July 25—Tomorrow the Army is scheduled to receive the first pre-production Stryker Mobile Gun System from prime contractor General Dynamics in Michigan. The Stryker is a key part of the Army’s effort to transform into a lighter and more agile force. Stryker is a 19-ton wheeled armored vehicle that will come in 10 different types of platforms, of which the Mobile Gun is one. General Dynamics has already delivered pre-production models of several other types of Stryker platforms. In November 2001, the Army awarded a six-year requirements contract to a joint venture between General Motors and General Dynamics...