Ukr War Update NEWS: Military Aid News - F-35s, Archers & Arthurs, Long Neptunes
Table of Contents 📖
"There seems to be a massive change of ethos, of objectives for the United States, of who their friends are and who their adversaries are. It seems to be a bit of a 180 flip going on."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:34⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics update, focusing on the second part of the Ukraine War news for 15th March 2025. He highlights that the video will focus on military aid to Ukraine, noting significant developments and the impact of American positioning on the arms industry in the US and the response from its allies.
Return to top⤴️
EU Proposes €20-40 Billion Military Aid Fund for Ukraine
🎦 00:34-00:52⏩
Citing Euroactive, Jonathan discusses the EU's proposal to establish a fund worth €20-40 billion for military aid to Ukraine, including 2 million rounds of ammunition. The initiative aims to navigate potential vetoes from countries like Hungary through voluntary participation.
Return to top⤴️
Keir Starmer Convenes Meeting on Supporting Ukraine
🎦 01:06-01:30⏩
Jonathan mentions Keir Starmer is holding a virtual meeting with around 30 nations to discuss maintaining support for Ukraine, particularly in light of the US's stance.
Return to top⤴️
EU to Continue Arms Supplies Despite Potential Ceasefire
🎦 01:30-02:33⏩
Jonathan, citing DW, reports that the EU plans to continue supplying arms to Ukraine even if a 30-day ceasefire is established. This stance reflects a firm position against Russia's aggression and attempts to impose maximalist objectives. He notes that European nations are taking a strong stance against Russia's aggression and are committed to supporting Ukraine's defense. He emphasizes the need for strong rhetoric against Russia and continued military support for Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
Germany Announces $3.2 Billion Military Aid Package
🎦 02:33-04:14⏩
Jonathan reports, citing Christian Mertz, that Germany will commit $3.2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. He expresses caution about reports on German aid, noting that they can be repetitive or inaccurate. He highlights the Kiev Independent’s report that a parliamentary coalition agreed to support the new aid package, part of Germany's plan to increase defense spending. The aid package will focus on a three-level air defense system called "Sky Shield" and include SMART 155 shells and Gimler's components, guided multiple launch rocket systems.
Return to top⤴️
European Industry Increases Capacity to Support Ukraine
🎦 04:14-04:34⏩
Jonathan emphasizes the importance of European industry increasing capacity to help Ukraine, noting the crucial need for ballistic missile defense systems to counter Russian attacks, especially given the increasing drone attacks on Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
France to Increase Defence Spending Despite Budgetary Constraints
🎦 04:34-05:28⏩
Citing Politico, Jonathan reports that French President Macron is demanding increased defense spending, presenting a challenge for the government to find funds without raising taxes or cutting social security. He notes that France already has a significant amount of borrowing.
Return to top⤴️
Sweden Provides $300 Million Artillery Package to Ukraine
🎦 05:28-06:48⏩
Jonathan discusses Sweden's latest military aid package to Ukraine, totaling $300 million, which includes 18 Archer artillery systems, five Arthur artillery hunting radar systems, and ammunition. He notes that Sweden previously donated eight Archer systems, which have proven effective against Russian forces.
Return to top⤴️
Sweden Joins Artillery Coalition to Coordinate Support for Ukraine
🎦 06:48-07:10⏩
Jonathan highlights Sweden's decision to join the artillery coalition, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's long-term artillery capabilities and enhance interoperability with NATO. He praises Sweden's contributions as "excellent news."
Return to top⤴️
Canada Provides $35 Million in Energy Aid to Ukraine
🎦 07:10-08:13⏩
Jonathan discusses Canada's pledge of $35 million in energy aid to Ukraine, partially offsetting the US's decision to cut its USAID energy infrastructure support by $75 million. He notes that Canada's support is a welcome stopgap, especially given that the US has canceled 83% of its aid programs. He highlights that Ukraine received 2.5 billion Canadian dollars, secured by frozen Russian assets.
Return to top⤴️
Austria to Send €7 Million to Ukraine
🎦 08:13-08:32⏩
Jonathan reports that Austria will provide €7 million in aid to Ukraine. Citing MAKS24, he notes the lack of specific details regarding the allocation of the Austrian funds.
Return to top⤴️
Spain Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
🎦 08:32-09:27⏩
Jonathan discusses Spain's continued support for Ukraine, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles assuring her Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, of Madrid's commitment to defense and peace efforts. He praises Spain's commitment to a "just and lasting peace" that ensures Ukraine's sovereignty. However, he notes that Germany often ends up providing funding for upgrades of vehicles sent to Ukraine by countries such as Portugal and Spain, demonstrating Germany's crucial role in European support for Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
Netflix Co-founder Donates $2 Million to Ukraine
🎦 09:27-09:54⏩
Jonathan reports that Netflix co-founder, Reed Hastings, has donated $2 million to support Ukraine's war effort, citing a report by Deadline. He expresses his relief that he doesn't need to boycott Netflix and praises Hastings for his contribution. He highlights Anton Gerashchenko’s confirmation of the news.
Return to top⤴️
US to Resume Shipments of Long-Range GLSDB Bombs
🎦 09:54-11:20⏩
Jonathan discusses the US's decision to resume shipments of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDBs) to Ukraine. He notes that Saab and Boeing, the manufacturers, have upgraded the bombs to counter Russian jamming, addressing previous issues with their effectiveness. He explains that these bombs are launched from systems like HIMARS and are considered a cost-effective way to strike targets at a significant range.
Return to top⤴️
Ukraine Low on Missiles for SAMP/T Air Defense Systems
🎦 11:20-12:09⏩
Citing Corriere Dallasera, Jonathan reports that Ukraine is running low on missiles for its SAMP/T air defense systems and has urgently requested 50 Aster-30 missiles from Italy and France. He notes that Italy, France, and potentially the UK are working to increase the production of these missiles, which are crucial given the potential shortage of Patriot systems.
Return to top⤴️
Ukrainian Company Develops Drones Using 100% Local Components
🎦 12:09-13:09⏩
Jonathan highlights the achievement of a Ukrainian company, Viri, in producing 1,000 FPV drones using entirely Ukrainian-made components. He recounts a question raised by a viewer, Mitch Mazerolle, during a livestream with Arena (Dzyga's Paw), regarding the availability of Ukrainian-made motors for drones, concluding that such production must exist given the entirely local manufacturing of these new drones. He praises this development and hopes the drones will be deployed quickly and effectively. He draws a comparison to the reported 10:1 drone advantage the Ukrainians hold over the Russians in Turetsk, which might be contributing to their success in the region.
Return to top⤴️
Rheinmetall to Develop Long-Range Missile Motors
🎦 13:09-14:13⏩
Jonathan reports that Rheinmetall is looking to build solid-fuel motors for missiles with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, a significant development for Europe's missile industry. He expresses his frustration that this initiative wasn't undertaken earlier, specifically before the start of the war. Jonathan and Fabian Hoffman emphasize that this is a crucial step towards establishing a European production line for medium-range ballistic missiles, reducing reliance on the US. He notes the limitations of European missile production, citing the Taurus, Scalp EG, and Storm Shadow missiles as examples.
Return to top⤴️
Zelensky: Ukraine's Long-Range "Neptune" Missile Passes Tests
🎦 14:13-15:06⏩
Jonathan discusses President Zelensky's statement that Ukraine's missile program is making progress. He notes that the "Long Neptune" missile, an adaptation of the "Neptune" anti-ship missile, has passed tests and seen successful combat use with a range of 1,000 kilometers.
Return to top⤴️
Potential "Neptune" Missile Strike on Russian Oil Refinery
🎦 15:06-17:14⏩
Jonathan reports on a potential "Neptune" missile strike on the Russian port of Tuapse, located 450 kilometers from the front line. If confirmed, this strike would indicate a significant increase in the range of the Ukrainian missile system. He analyses footage from the attack, noting the sound of a jet engine suggests it was a missile rather than a drone, as previously speculated. He also notes a missile alert in Krasnodar Krai and reports suggesting the missile might have bypassed Crimean air defenses, further supporting the potential use of a long-range missile.
Return to top⤴️
Musk Cuts Funding for Team Locating Stolen Ukrainian Children
🎦 17:14-17:46⏩
Jonathan criticizes Elon Musk's decision to cut funding for a team dedicated to finding Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. This team played a crucial role in gathering information for the International Criminal Court's case against Vladimir Putin.
Return to top⤴️
Finland Rules Out Sending Troops to Ukraine
🎦 17:46-18:21⏩
Citing Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, Jonathan reports that Finland, while actively participating in discussions regarding the "Coalition of the Willing," has ruled out sending troops to Ukraine or involvement in peacekeeping missions. He questions the strategic wisdom of making such a definitive statement, suggesting that maintaining ambiguity would be more beneficial.
Return to top⤴️
Russia Develops Simple Electronic Warfare Testing Device
🎦 18:21-19:40⏩
Jonathan discusses Russia's development of a basic frequency analyzer named "REB test," used to check the functionality of their electronic warfare jamming units. This innovation follows the successful Ukrainian "mini SA pocket analyzer." He highlights the importance of these devices for both sides as they provide a means to verify the effectiveness of electronic warfare systems.
Return to top⤴️
Portugal Reconsiders Purchasing F-35 Fighter Jets
🎦 19:40-24:06⏩
Jonathan discusses reports that Portugal is reconsidering its plan to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US, opting instead for European alternatives. He attributes this shift to concerns over American political instability and a desire for greater autonomy in defense procurement. He cites Shashank Joshi's article in Avian Aviation, which provides a detailed analysis of the situation.
Return to top⤴️
Canada Explores Alternatives to F-35 Purchase
🎦 24:06-26:09⏩
Jonathan reports that Canada is also reconsidering its purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. He quotes Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, who states they are examining other investment options. He notes that Dean Blundell believes the decision to cancel the deal has already been made, citing concerns over software integration and the F-35's performance. He acknowledges differing opinions on the F-35's capabilities.
Return to top⤴️
US Allies Reassess Defence Procurement Strategies
🎦 26:09-26:37⏩
Jonathan emphasizes that US allies are reassessing their defense procurement strategies due to concerns about the US's commitment to its allies and its changing foreign policy. He predicts that this will worry US defense manufacturers, leading them to pressure the government to improve relations with allies to avoid losing significant business.
Return to top⤴️
UK Offers Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Turkey
🎦 26:37-28:27⏩
Jonathan reports that the UK has submitted a proposal to Turkey for the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. He notes that the deal requires approval from the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Germany, after initially objecting, has lifted its opposition. Jonathan sees this as a potential sign of Turkey aligning more closely with NATO, despite its interest in joining BRICS. He believes that selling Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey would benefit European economies of scale and strengthen the European defense industrial base.
Return to top⤴️
Lindsey Graham Calls for European Nuclear Deterrent
🎦 28:27-30:08⏩
Jonathan criticizes Senator Lindsey Graham's call for Europe to establish its own nuclear deterrent force by modernizing British and French stockpiles and strategically placing tactical nuclear weapons across Europe. He highlights Etienne Marcuse's point that French nuclear deterrence components are already more modern than their US counterparts. He provides a comparison of the production years of various French and US nuclear weapons systems, suggesting Graham is misinformed.
Return to top⤴️
US Department of Defense to Disestablish Office of Net Assessment
🎦 30:08-32:17⏩
Jonathan expresses concern over the closure of the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) within the US Department of Defense, a decision made by Pete Hegseth. He argues that this move is illogical as the ONA is responsible for long-term military strategy and played a vital role in the US winning the Cold War. He is concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the decision and the potential for the replacement unit to lack the necessary experience and expertise.
Return to top⤴️
Wrap Up
🎦 32:17-32:20⏩
Jonathan concludes the video with a final thought, expressing deep concern about the drastic shift in the US's approach to foreign policy, suggesting a potential realignment of alliances and a worrying lack of clarity regarding future objectives. He signs off and bids farewell to his viewers.
Return to top⤴️