Turkey’s High-Stakes Gamble: Trading S-400 for F-35 Supremacy
The world military today (September 26) includes the following main content: Türkiye gave up the S-400 to buy the F-35, the Russian company successfully sold 1,000 UAVs, the German Army ordered 19 systems. Skyranger 30 ground air defense system.
Türkiye gave up the S-400 to buy the F-35
Türkiye is said to be making important progress in discussions with the US on plans to stop using the S-400 long-range air defense missile system in order to be allowed to buy F-35 fighter jets and possibly restore the status of level 3 partner in the production program of this 5th generation fighter aircraft.
The S-400 air defense missile system is transported by transport aircraft. Photo: BulgarianMilitary
Previously, Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in July 2019 when the country began receiving components for the S-400 missile system. Washington has used the F-35 program to pressure Ankara to comply with NATO’s policy of limiting arms sales to the Russian defense industry.
Although the Turkish government has hinted at the possibility of purchasing Russian fighter aircraft such as the Su-35 or Su-57, the feasibility of this option remains unclear. Türkiye’s NATO membership, participation in Western military structures, and heavy dependence on the West for technology transfers, trade, political and military support, are all significant obstacles to this problem.
According to exclusive news from Greek media outlet Kathimerini, the US has made a detailed proposal to resolve the controversial issue of Türkiye’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense missile system. The proposal would allow Türkiye to keep the missiles on its territory but would effectively transfer control of them to the United States.
F-35 fighter is produced by Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA). Photo: BulgarianMilitary
The discussions appear to have made more progress than they had previously. Senior US officials have proposed moving Russian S-400 missile systems to the US-controlled area at the Incirlik base in southern Türkiye. This option is intended to help Ankara avoid losing face in the international arena, while ensuring that no terms in its contract with Russia are violated.
After successful negotiations with Washington, Türkiye may shift its priority from purchasing F-16 fighter jets to purchasing F-35 due to fewer export restrictions on this aircraft type.
Labour ty thatsell successfully 1,000 UAVs despite Western sanctions
Russian startup Integrated Robotics Technologies (IRT) is making great strides in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market, especially amid rising demand as Russia conducts a special military campaign. in Ukraine. According to Defense News, in 2023 alone, IRT sold more than 1,000 UAVs without being affected by Western sanctions.
One of the types of UAVs used in Ukraine. Photo: BulgarianMilitary
A company headquartered in the Republic of Bashkortostan in the southeastern Russian Federation, IRT is a prime example of Russian companies adapting to the wartime economy. Despite producing UAVs for the military, IRT has not yet faced Western sanctions.
Initially, the company focused on developing UAVs for civilian operations, such as energy pipeline inspections and agricultural land monitoring. However, after hostilities began in Ukraine, IRT shifted its business to marketing these UAVs as a tool to monitor enemy activities and attack.
IRT’s products are quite diverse. From cheap, disposable “kamikaze” UAVs, equipped with explosives for precise targeting, to modern UAVs with a flight time of up to 20 hours and covering a range of more than 1,600 km with photos has high resolution. Originally created for industrial use, these high-tech UAVs are now used in military operations. Western sanctions have hindered Russian businesses from purchasing essential components for UAVs, such as modern electronics and specialized materials. However, Russian companies like IRT have come up with creative ways to overcome these limitations.
Founded in September 2021, IRT is a leading company in the Russian UAV market. The company focuses on talented young engineers and hires about 20 employees. Although it is a private company, IRT has received many grants and contracts from the government. Their close relationship with the authorities has led to new programs to boost UAV production, such as new research centers and factories.
The German army placedPurchase 19 Skyranger 30 ground air defense systems
The German army will receive 19 new Skyranger 30 mobile ground-based air defense systems between now and 2028, with the first system expected to be delivered later this year. This advanced air defense system was first introduced by the German weapons manufacturing company Rheinmetall at an event in Zurich, Switzerland.
Combat vehicle mounted with Skyranger 30 mobile ground air defense system. Photo: ArmyRecognition
The Skyranger 30 is a state-of-the-art air defense system integrated into a turret that can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, including the highly mobile Boxer wheeled armored vehicle used by the German Army. This modular system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize airborne threats such as drones, helicopters, and fighter jets.
In particular, this system aims to deal with the activities of UAVs in modern warfare, like what is happening in Ukraine. After decommissioning the Gepard anti-aircraft artillery system, the German military identified a capability gap in its air defense system and the launch of Skyranger 30 aimed to solve this problem.
The power of the Skyranger 30 lies in its powerful 30mm revolver cannon, an improved version of the cannon used on the Swedish Viggen fighter aircraft. With a rate of fire of approximately 1,250 rounds per minute, this formidable weapon can fire explosive rounds designed to explode in mid-air for maximum effectiveness against drones and other aerial targets.
The Skyranger 30 air defense system has an effective range of up to 3km and can attack air targets at altitudes of up to about 3,000m. This allows the Skyranger 30 to be effective in short- to medium-range defensive operations against threats such as UAVs, helicopters and low-flying aircraft. In addition to the revolver gun, the Skyranger 30 is also equipped with a Stinger anti-aircraft missile launcher.
The Skyranger 30 is also equipped with advanced protection technologies, including the ROSY system, which allows the vehicle to quickly deploy smoke to obscure from enemy detection. In addition, the Skyranger 30 is also integrated with the Spexer 2000M radar system, capable of simultaneously tracking more than 300 moving targets, providing comprehensive situational awareness for the commander.
The procurement of the Skyranger 30 system shows the German army’s efforts to accelerate modernization. The country’s army has signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall Weapons Manufacturing Company to supply up to 49 Skyranger 30 systems. The initial order includes 19 combat vehicles worth 650 million Euros (nearly 724 million USD).
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