Examination of debris from a Russian Oreshnik missile used in a November 21 attack on Dnipro reveals a component with a 2017 production date, contradicting Putin’s claims of cutting-edge technology. The missile’s components, including a control system linked to Roscosmos contractor NPTSAP, suggest production began around 2017-2018, likely utilizing older technologies and components from other Russian missile programs. This finding further supports accusations that Russia violated the INF Treaty. Ongoing analysis promises to reveal more details about the missile’s origins and development timeline.
Read More
A fire at a Russian warehouse destroyed components for 400 Shahed-136 drones, highlighting the vulnerability of Russia’s drone production. The destroyed components included thermal imaging cameras and, previously discovered, Starlink units, suggesting a more advanced, GPS-independent drone variant capable of real-time target acquisition. This incident, one of many targeting Russian arms production facilities, underscores a shift in the conflict towards preemptive strikes on drone production and supply chains. The increasing sophistication of both Ukrainian defenses and Russian drones suggests the war’s evolution will continue to focus on disrupting drone production and deployment.
Read More
Anti-regime forces in Syria captured a sophisticated Russian Podlet-K1 radar system, a significant intelligence coup potentially impacting the region. The system, part of a three-vehicle unit, is a modern air defense radar used in Ukraine and capable of detecting low-altitude targets. Its capture by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, likely near Hama, raises concerns about Western access to sensitive Russian military technology. This follows a pattern of substantial equipment losses by Syrian and potentially Russian forces during the ongoing rebel offensive.
Read More
Andrew Rettman, EUobserver’s foreign editor since 2005, specializes in foreign and security affairs. A Polish national raised in the UK and currently residing in Brussels, his expertise is reflected in his contributions to prominent publications such as The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online. His background provides a unique perspective on European affairs.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker