President Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia is planning new large-scale attacks. He emphasized the importance of air defense systems and urged partners to expedite and increase their supply. Zelenskyy also mentioned that the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is working on the issue and warned citizens to heed air-raid warnings. This follows a previous warning on January 8th and recent attacks on Lviv and Kyiv regions.
Read More
Analysis of videos from the US operation in Caracas, Venezuela in January 2026 reveals that several Russian-made Buk-M2 air defense systems were either disconnected from radar or stored at the time of the attack. These systems, stationed at locations like La Guaira and La Carlota air base, were unprepared for the US strikes, with some destroyed during deployment. The New York Times reports, based on US officials, that the systems may not have been operational for years, potentially due to lack of Russian maintenance, which may have been diverted to the war in Ukraine or part of a strategic agreement with the US. This suggests that Venezuela’s air defenses were caught off guard despite months of warnings.
Read More
Ukraine has recently bolstered its air defenses by deploying two more Patriot air defense systems to protect its cities and critical infrastructure. This deployment follows a defense agreement with Germany, providing significant financial support and spare parts for the systems. The Patriot system, a sophisticated air defense system capable of intercepting various threats, has been crucial in reducing losses from Russian missile strikes. These systems have been instrumental in defending against advanced weapons, while Western allies continue to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses with other systems like IRIS-T, NASAMS, and SAMP/T.
Read More
During the December 22-23 attacks, Ukrainian Air Force pilots flying F-16 fighter jets intercepted the majority of Russian cruise missiles, demonstrating high effectiveness. Specifically, 34 out of 35 cruise missiles were shot down, highlighting the importance of air defense. The Air Force has emphasized the critical need for increased supplies of both air-to-air and air defense missiles from partners. Ukraine’s military leadership, including the President, has repeatedly requested more missile supplies to bolster existing systems, some of which are currently inoperable due to lack of ammunition.
Read More
Britain commits over $800 million to Ukraine air defense in largest single-year military package, a move that undoubtedly carries significant weight in the ongoing conflict. This isn’t just a gesture of goodwill or altruism, although there’s certainly a moral component at play. It’s a strategic calculation, a recognition that a weakened Russia benefits Europe as a whole. A Russia that achieves territorial gains, especially through an unprovoked invasion, chips away at the foundations of international law and the European security order.
Therefore, this commitment is more than just aid; it’s a calculated investment in self-interest. The cost of standing idly by and watching this conflict unfold, ignoring the clear dangers, is inevitably paid later and, most often, at a far higher price.… Continue reading
The Netherlands has committed to purchasing $290 million in U.S. arms for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, including drones, missiles, and air defense equipment. This marks the second time the Netherlands has funded arms for Ukraine under the PURL program, following an initial commitment in August. Furthermore, the Dutch Defense Minister signed an agreement with Ukraine for joint drone production. This support comes as Kyiv faces intensifying Russian air strikes, necessitating enhanced air defenses and continued allied assistance.
Read More
The U.S. government approved a potential sale to upgrade Ukraine’s Patriot air defense launchers to the latest M903 configuration, a deal that could be worth up to $105 million. This upgrade includes equipment and services to improve existing launchers, along with ground support and training, enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian attacks. This move follows the initial delivery of Patriot systems in 2023 and aims to provide more advanced missile defense. The sale, supported by contractors like RTX Corp. and Lockheed Martin, will also provide critical training.
Read More
Video analysis confirms Venezuela’s deployment of the Russian-supplied Buk-M2E air defense system near Caracas, bolstering its air defense capabilities and posing a direct threat to U.S. aircraft and missiles. The Buk-M2E, capable of engaging targets up to 45 km away, includes advanced radar systems, like the 9S36 fire-control radar, which can simultaneously engage multiple targets, and the Kupol target radar which can detect a large amount of targets from a great distance. This system is a significant threat to U.S. airpower, including fighters and cruise missiles, complicating U.S. military planning, and forcing the U.S. to take further ISR operations. This deployment signals Venezuela’s intent to restrict U.S. access in the region.
Read More
Germany has delivered Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as announced by President Zelensky, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. This delivery follows a prior agreement, with Berlin having previously pledged to provide two Patriot systems by the end of 2025. The move is crucial amid escalating Russian aerial attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. The additional batteries supplied by Germany come after an agreement with the U.S. manufacturer.
Read More
On October 31st, Ukraine’s Special Operations Command announced a joint operation with the Russian resistance movement Chornaya Iskra that occurred on September 28th, targeting Russian air defense systems. The strike in Russia’s Rostov region resulted in the destruction of a Buk-M3 air defense launcher and damage to a Nebo-U radar system, critical components of Russia’s southern air defense network. These systems, valued at tens of millions of dollars each, were vital for protecting airspace and their destruction will likely weaken Moscow’s ability to counter Ukrainian attacks. This follows an earlier announcement by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) regarding the destruction of additional Russian air defense assets.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood