Новости за 01.05.2024

North Korea’s increased threats and provocations are leading many U.S. experts to hope that some form of diplomacy will be able to prevent North Korean attacks and especially the North’s threatened use of its nuclear weapons. However, negotiators should be careful that North Korea doesn’t gain long-term advantages in exchange for promises of better behavior in the near term.

Summary: The Lockheed P-3 Orion, a turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft, has been a staple in aerial fleets worldwide since its first flight in 1959. Developed from the Lockheed L-188 Electra commercial airliner, the P-3 has served the military needs of various nations including the U.S., China, Japan, and South Korea.

Summary: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II continues to face scrutiny over its high costs and operational challenges, as highlighted in a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which pointed to increasing sustainability costs and decreased operational plans due to reliability issues.

Summary: The F-15EX Eagle II, an advanced iteration of the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, is designed to complement the U.S. Air Force's fleet by undertaking a variety of critical roles, including air superiority, homeland defense, and close-air support missions.

Summary: The decommissioning and disposal of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers have proven to be a complex and costly affair, reflected in the symbolic sale of retired carriers like the USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F. Kennedy for just one cent each. The negligible sale price underscores the challenges and high costs associated with dismantling such massive vessels, which are often laden with hazardous materials like asbestos and residual chemicals.

Summary: In a significant naval operation, the U.S. Navy deployed the SM-3 missile interceptor for the first time in combat to neutralize a barrage of ballistic missiles launched by Iran against Israel. The USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke, equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, utilized the SM-3 as a key defense mechanism.

Summary: The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman under the Long Range Strike Bomber program initiated in 2011, is set to replace older models like the B-52, B-1B, and B-2.

Summary: The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, a cornerstone of U.S. Air Force capabilities, was once considered for adaptation into a carrier-capable variant known as the "Sea Raptor." Despite the F-22's advanced features, including supermaneuverability, stealth, and supercruise capabilities, the Navy variant never materialized.

Summary: The AGM-129A was a pioneering air-to-ground stealth cruise missile developed by the U.S. Air Force to penetrate sophisticated Soviet air defenses during the Cold War.

Summary: Croatia has recently bolstered its air force by integrating the first batch of six Dassault Rafale fighters, with plans to complete the squadron by 2025. This acquisition enhances Croatia's defense capabilities within NATO and signifies a strengthening of Franco-Croatian military cooperation.

Summary: The F-22 Raptor, a cornerstone of U.S. Air Force stealth capability, is recognized for its advanced sensors, agility, and stealth characteristics that provide unparalleled air superiority.

Summary: The F-15EX Eagle II, an advanced version of the venerable F-15 platform, has been introduced into the U.S. Air Force at a cost of $90 million per unit, despite lacking stealth capabilities—a standard expectation for contemporary U.S. fighters. Some consider this a fatal flaw that can't be overcome, but not all experts agree. 

Summary: The AH-64 Apache is a pivotal asset in the U.S. Army's attack helicopter fleet, offering unmatched support to ground troops across various combat scenarios. Known for its heavy armament, including a 30mm M230 chain cannon, Hydra and CRV7 rockets, Hellfire missiles, and Stinger anti-aircraft munitions, the Apache excels in close air support, armed reconnaissance, and precision strikes.

Summary: The U.S. Navy is poised to repurpose its Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as modern mine countermeasures vessels, a move that could redefine their role within the fleet. The introduction of the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (MCM MP) aboard the USS Canberra (LCS-30) marks a significant shift from traditional Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships to more versatile platforms.