Belgium postpones F-16 delivery to Ukraine amid shortage of parts and pilots
Belgium's Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder revealed on December 18th that the delivery of the first batch of F-16 fighters to Ukraine has been postponed. The delay is attributed to a shortage of parts and an insufficient number of qualified pilots.
According to Le Soir, Belgium has also experienced delays in acquiring new American F-35 fighters, which were ordered back in 2018 to replace the older F-16s. Although the first batch was expected in 2023, delivery schedules have slipped to 2024. …
Putin dismisses Assad's overthrow as Russia’s defeat
Russian president Vladimir Putin does not consider the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad a defeat for Russia, citing internal changes among groups that fought against Syrian government forces. According to Putin, Russia has achieved its goal in Syria by preventing the creation of a "terrorist enclave" there.
"You mentioned Syria. You want to portray everything happening in Syria as some sort of defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not. And I'll tell you why: we went to Syria 10 years ago to …
Ukraine seeks U.S. license for local Patriot missile production amidst ongoing defense challenges
Ukraine has repeatedly approached U.S. authorities, requesting a license for local production of Patriot missile defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that while no one has explicitly denied the license request, no progress has been made.
He explained that the initiative is driven by the necessity to bolster the defense of Ukrainian cities and rear lines against Russian missile attacks. Delays in air defense deliveries are forcing Ukraine to seek solutions independently. After …
Ukrainian Security Service dismantles major Russian spy network targeting air defense and F-16 bases
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has dismantled the largest network of Russian spies targeting air defense systems and F-16 bases across five regions of Ukraine. This network, linked to the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was neutralized by the SBU in a successful operation, according to the agency's Telegram statement.
The Russian agents were caught hunting for critical strategic information, including locations of Ukrainian F-16 bases and radio-electronic warfare production …
Ukraine claims to have developed laser weapons
Ukraine has announced the creation of the "Trident" laser system, capable of hitting targets at distances of up to two kilometer. The Ukrainian Armed Forces' Unmanned Systems Commander, Colonel Vadim Sukharevsky, stated that this innovation can even target aircraft. However, in an interview with the TV channel "Espresso," defense technology expert Sergey Zgurets, Director of the information advisory firm Defense Express, urged caution regarding such claims. He explained that laser weaponry is …