OT: Putin's War in Ukraine

[bash]

Those are fair points, and if the Ukrainians don't want A-10s, we shouldn't try to foist our unwanted Warthogs on them. I'm kind of surprised that the Ukrainians aren't interested, though, given that they're using SU-25s on a regular basis, but I get that the supply of trained, experienced pilots is limited, and that the greater need is for fighter aircraft.

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I am not some sort of A-10 hater or anything but I find the mythology around it a little tedious. It's got a relatively short combat radius, little air-to-air capability, and is fairly slow. In an environment without air superiority and little in the way of SEAD from friendly forces it would be a sitting duck.

For the Ukrainians in particular it would be nearly useless. It can't mount any weapons they might have in stock. The moment it supplied ammo is spent the jets are just taking up a hangar. The A-10 also has no sensors besides what comes in attached pods. Unless the US is going to also send those then the A-10 is a gun and dumb bombs aimed with iron sights. Ukraine would be much better off getting resources to keep their SU-25s operational.

The A-10 as part of US forces can be formidable because other weapon systems exist to let it do its job. It would be far less effective in other militaries that don't have as deep of a weapon systems bench as the US does.

[pmulcahy11b]

For the Ukrainians in particular it would be nearly useless. It can't mount any weapons they might have in stock.

This is probably true of the Ukrainian supply chain in general. Ukrainian logistics officers must be having nightmares about supplying their troops -- particularly spare parts. Western aircraft would turn that into fever nightmares.

[swaghauler]

Presentation on Ballistic & Cruise Missiles in Ukraine

Here's another video on the employment and also the logistical aspects of the cruise and ballistic missile use in Ukraine.

https://youtu.be/_F7mt4rNVY0

Swag.

[Raellus]

Potential Escalations

North Korea might be sending 100k "volunteers" to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-army-of-north-korean-volunteers-reportedly-ready-to-help-russia

US AG-88 HARM ARMs have made an appearance in Ukraine.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u-s-confirms-air-launched-anti-radiation-missiles-sent-to-ukraine

I was under the impression that Cold War era Soviet combat aircraft would require significant modifications to employ advanced US/NATO weaponry.

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[kato13]

I was under the impression that Cold War era Soviet combat aircraft would require significant modifications to employ advanced US/NATO weaponry.

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Same here I was in a discussion where I thought the only really effective ARM option was Israeli autonomous drones (or the secret DARPA/Skunkworks/CIA equivalent I am sure exists). "Death finds a way" Paraphrasing Ian Malcolm.

[Targan]

It is sort of addressed in the article.

The AGM-88 could work with relatively minimal integration, potentially leveraging a federated interface, such as e-tablet, for very basic functionality. Ukraine's fighters are Soviet-era machines and totally lack the right interfaces, including the basic bus architecture, for modern NATO-compatible weaponry. But it's possible a relatively crude modification could have been adapted for this single weapon. There is also the possibility of a clandestine transfer of Soviet-era aircraft from NATO states that have been upgraded with NATO-standard bus architecture and adaptable avionics that could provide an interface for the HARM.

[Vespers War]

Apparently an Under Secretary of Defense mentioned that we sent anti-radiation missiles that could be fired from Ukrainian aircraft.

https://twitter.com/OstapYarysh/status/1556696165760081926

ETA: Also, Russia apparently lost a second BMO-T recently. Not many of those were built to begin with. They're a T-72-based Heavy APC intended for use by flamethrower troops, with 32 RPO-A Shmel thermobaric rocket launchers carried for use by the dismounts.

[swaghauler]

Armorcast has a video on the T90 that is pretty close to reality. I wasn't going to post this because it roasts the T90 pretty badly but it is kind of accurate. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/4Q83AIJCGaQ

Swag

[swaghauler]

US Lend Lease Breakdown

Here's Cappy breaking down the newest US aid bill to Ukraine (the 53 Billion dollar bill) and it looks like the winner here is going to be the US...

https://youtu.be/sLkgRJqij4k

Swag.

[swaghauler]

Ukrainian Mobilization

Perun has now downloaded a presentation on Ukrainian mobilization and it is certainly worth watching.

https://youtu.be/cVx3Nlifo4Q

Swag.

[swaghauler]

Taiwan's Revolver Drone

Here's Taiwan's gift to Ukraine... The Revolver Drone capable of holding EIGHT 60mm Mortar rounds...

https://youtu.be/kOHgVBtV3MQ

Swag

[swaghauler]

Ukrainian Technical, more sophisticated than African Technicals

Here is a very Twilight2000 Ukrainian Technical...

https://youtu.be/onroLhwyj0o

Swag

[Raellus]

Gepards to the Front

Finally!

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-gepard-anti-aircraft-systems-now-in-the-fight

I've long thought that an SPAAG of some sort would make an interesting PC vehicle- it strikes me as a bit more versatile, and less OP- in terms of armament- than an MBT. And what T2ker hasn't run across a Shilka or equivalent on campaign.

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[swaghauler]

Finally!

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-gepard-anti-aircraft-systems-now-in-the-fight

I've long thought that an SPAAG of some sort would make an interesting PC vehicle- it strikes me as a bit more versatile, and less OP- in terms of armament- than an MBT. And what T2ker hasn't run across a Shilka or equivalent on campaign.

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My one issue with any AA is the fact that TWILIGHT2000 really didn't address the radars that many AA Gun Systems & Missile Launchers have installed in them. Without those rules, the GM is left to fumble about trying to figure out what each radar can actually detect.

[swaghauler]

MK VI Patrol Boats Slated for Ukraine

The MK6 Patrol boat is finding its way into the Black Sea. Here's a video on the MK6...

https://youtu.be/1Dxt0XX_330

Swag