Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"It's like, yeah, we don't have to do all these billions of worth of aid because we can just provide these SCALP-EGs and people get onto that and they see the success."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:46⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of his Ukraine War Update, apologising for the volume of content but highlighting the importance of discussing the latest developments in the war.
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German Military Aid & Taurus Missile Vote
🎦 00:46-12:08⏩
Jonathan addresses the German Bundestag's vote against supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He emphasises that the vote was non-binding and part of German party politics. He cites analysis from German Aid to Ukraine, who highlights the significance of Germany's ongoing military support, including €8 billion in aid this year alone, representing 50% of all EU aid. Jonathan details the recently delivered and pledged military aid from Germany: Delivered:
- 25 Hydrant drones (RQ-35)
- 8 FFG APCs
- 16 Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks
- 5 Border protection vehicles
- 3 Regular vehicles
- Ammunition for Leopard 1A5s
- EOD material
- 50 Satellite communication terminals (likely Satcube 1804)
- Helmets
- 500 LED lights (potentially FALCA light systems)
Pledged:
- 124 Hydrant drones (RQ-35)
- 15 Gepard SPAAGs (Cheetah version with improved radar)
- 20 Marder 1A3 IFVs
- 40 Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks
- 20 Mercedes-Benz Zetros refrigerator trucks
- 2,500 Combat helmets
- 1,500 LED lights
He argues that while the Taurus missiles are important, people should not overlook Germany's significant contributions. He expresses frustration at the criticism directed at Germany and German Aid to Ukraine, urging viewers to show their appreciation for their support.
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French Military Aid: Caesar Howitzers, AASM HAMMER Bombs, SCALP-EG Missiles and Potential Mirage 2000D Deployment
🎦 12:08-19:25⏩
Jonathan discusses France's announcement to produce 78 Caesar howitzers for Ukraine, with Ukraine purchasing six and the source of funding for the remaining 72 unclear. He highlights France's move towards a "war economy" and their increased ammunition production from 1,000 to 2,000 rounds per month, with a goal of reaching 3,000. He questions whether this production increase is sufficient compared to the US's significantly higher output. He also discusses the announcement that France will supply Ukraine with 50 AASM HAMMER guided glide bombs per month throughout 2024. These bombs, he explains, are comparable to JDAMs but are French-made. He ponders what aircraft will deploy these bombs, considering the potential for Mirage 2000Ds, given recent discussions between France and Ukraine regarding the aircraft. He notes the possibility of adapting the bombs for use with Ukrainian Su-24s or F-16s. He also addresses the potential limitations of the HAMMER bombs, citing their vulnerability to jamming and limited range, similar to JDAMs.
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EU Military Aid Dynamics: Bilateral vs. EU Funding
🎦 19:25-26:21⏩
Jonathan analyses the dynamics of EU military aid, focusing on the debate between bilateral aid and contributions to the EU's collective funding mechanism. He examines the differing perspectives of France and Germany, with France advocating for a stronger EU military identity and Germany expressing concerns about the potential for double-counting of aid contributions. He argues that both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, acknowledging the complexities of balancing national interests with the EU's strategic goals.
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BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase's Involvement in Ukraine's Reconstruction Bank
🎦 27:00-27:35⏩
Jonathan discusses Reuters' report on BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase partnering with the Ukrainian government to launch a reconstruction bank, which has already secured $500 million in committed capital. He questions the implications of this involvement, pondering whether it's a positive example of banks contributing to Ukraine's recovery or if it will lead to Ukraine becoming beholden to financial institutions.
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Military Aid Updates: Norway, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Canada
🎦 27:39-34:15⏩
Jonathan provides further updates on military aid:
- Norway: Allocating 2 billion Norwegian kroner for increased defence production, with 1 billion going to NAMO (Norwegian Defence Material Agency) for the ASAP program.
- Slovakia: Parliament approves a change allowing arms exports to Ukraine, shifting from the Prime Minister's earlier pledge not to send arms. Jonathan suggests this allows Slovakian companies to profit from arms sales while allowing the Prime Minister to technically keep his promise.
- Bulgaria: Still hasn't delivered 100 armoured vehicles approved by Parliament in December.
- Canada: Urges the US to expedite the transfer of NASAMS air defence systems to Ukraine, highlighting the real-world consequences of delays in military aid deliveries.
Ukrainian Drone Development: Baba Yaga Drone and Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drone
🎦 28:12-31:17⏩
Jonathan reports on two significant developments in Ukrainian drone technology:
- Baba Yaga Drone: This large drone can carry and drop four TM-62 mines, each containing a larger explosive charge than an artillery shell. However, its size and noise make it an easier target.
- Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drone: A video showcases a Ukrainian-developed kamikaze drone powered by a jet engine, increasing its speed and maneuverability, though potentially making it louder and more visible.
He connects these developments to reports of Russia's advancements in drone technology, particularly the development of a jet-powered Shahed drone. He stresses the importance of allied nations supporting Ukraine's drone development efforts to counter Russia's growing capabilities.
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Patriot Missile System Performance
🎦 31:18-32:54⏩
Jonathan discusses Zelensky's statement on the performance of the Patriot missile system in Ukraine. Zelensky claims that both Russia and Ukraine's partners are "in shock" at the system's effectiveness. Jonathan believes that this real-world experience in Ukraine will be invaluable for the US to gather data, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately create an even more formidable air defence system.
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Swedish Gripen Update
🎦 32:55-33:21⏩
Jonathan reiterates Sweden's position on supplying JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. He confirms that Sweden will provide the aircraft once their accession to NATO is complete. He suggests that Ukrainian pilots are likely already undergoing training on the Gripen in preparation for their delivery.
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Frankenstein S-300 System Analysis
🎦 34:22-35:10⏩
Jonathan revisits the recent downing of a Russian A-50 AWACS aircraft, citing Trent Alencon's analysis of the incident. Alencon suggests that while the "Frankenstein" air defence system, a combination of a Buk launcher and Sea Sparrow missiles, has been successfully used in combat, the A-50 was likely downed by a dedicated Patriot system.
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Wrap up
🎦 36:48-36:57⏩
Jonathan acknowledges the extensive amount of information covered in the video and concludes the military aid and geopolitical news update.
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