Russia’s MiG-31BM Fighter Jets Take to the Skies: A Glimpse into the Ocean-2024 Exercise
Today’s world military (September 16) has the following content: Anduril launches Barracuda-M cruise missile line, India’s new Zorawar light tank, MiG-31BM fighter jet participates in Ocean-2024 exercise.
* Anduril launches Barracuda-M cruise missile line
Anduril Industries, an American defense technology group specializing in autonomous systems, said it is developing the Barracuda-100M, Barracuda-250M and Barracuda-500M cruise missiles on the Barracuda-100, Barracuda-250 and Barracuda-500 autonomous aerial vehicles (AAV) platforms.
With an operating range of over 80km and a payload of over 45kg, the Barracuda-500 can be launched from the air in large numbers to provide a variety of effects for long-range missions. Photo: Anduril)
The Barracuda family of AAVs offers operational flexibility. Barracuda variants can be used by a variety of air, land, and sea platforms to support a variety of missions. The missiles are compatible with the internal weapons bays of 5th generation fighters, external weapons pylons of 4th generation fighters and helicopters, MFOM launchers, launch tubes, and surface ships, providing battlefield commanders with flexible employment options.
The Barracuda-500 missile has an operating range of more than 800km, a payload of more than 45kg, and a flight time of more than 120 minutes. Its high speed, high maneuverability, and extended operating range are achieved thanks to the missile being equipped with the Barracuda’s turbojet engine.
A Barracuda missile saves over 50% of production time, 95% of tooling and 50% of parts compared to competing solutions on the market today. As a result, the Barracuda AAV family is on average about 30% cheaper than other solutions.
* BAE Systems unveils ATLAS CCV unmanned ground combat vehicle
The ATLAS CCV unmanned ground combat vehicle is equipped with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster machine gun.
ATLAS CCV unmanned ground combat vehicle. Photo: en.defense-us.com
At the Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Melbourne, Australia, BAE Systems introduced the new vehicle, saying it is cost-effective and modular. The vehicle is positioned as a “combat supporter” (similar to the Loyal Wingman drone, which must perform missions alongside manned fighter aircraft). According to BAE Systems, the ATLAS CCV is a useful support for existing manned platforms, especially tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
The vehicle is capable of avoiding obstacles, planning routes, and making tactical decisions independently. To do this, a number of sensors have been integrated into the vehicle, providing situational awareness and ensuring communication with other platforms, both unmanned and manned.
Firepower is still controlled by the vehicle operator. The vehicle can identify the target, but the operator will make the decision to destroy the target once identified.
The vehicle can be equipped with a 120mm mortar. At the exhibition, the vehicle version was equipped with the Vantage automatic turret system with the M242 Bushmaster 25mm gun. This is an optimal solution, taking into account the effectiveness of light armored vehicles and tanks.
The vehicle has a dual loading system, which can “switch” between different types of ammunition, with a 260-round magazine. Weighing 11 tons, the vehicle can be transported by container, aircraft and landing craft.
* MiG-31BM fighter jets participate in Ocean-2024 exercise
Russian MiG-31BM fighter jets practiced interception missions, using long-range air-to-air missiles against simulated enemy targets at the Ocean-2024 exercise taking place from September 10 to 16.
The MiG-31 is one of the fastest fighter jets in the world, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.83 (about 3,497 km/h). Its advanced radar systems, such as the Zaslon-M, can detect and engage a wide range of targets, including low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft. The MiG-31’s ability to carry long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the R-33 and R-37, allows it to intercept high-value targets at long ranges, bolstering Russia’s multi-layered air defense strategy.
The MiG-31BM can reach speeds of Mach 2.83. Photo: MWM
According to Bulgarian Military, Ocean-2024 is one of the largest military exercises of the Russian Armed Forces in recent years. More than 400 warships, submarines, support vessels, over 120 aircraft and about 90,000 servicemen are taking part in the exercise in various sea areas, including the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the Caspian Seas. High-precision weapon systems such as Kalibr and Oniks missiles are also put to rigorous testing during the exercise. Coastal defense and naval defense systems, such as Bastion missile complexes, are also deployed at strategic locations.
MAI HUONG (synthesis)