Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"By the time you hear it, it's already too late,"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:25⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of his Ukraine War Update, apologising for the late posting of the first video, attributing the delay to absentmindedly forgetting to press "go". He acknowledges omitting content from the previous video, specifically concerning the destruction of Russian S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and radars by Ukrainian forces in Belgorod Oblast.
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Ukraine destroys Russian Tornado-S system in Belgorod
🎦 00:25-02:52⏩
Jonathan highlights the recent destruction of a Russian Tornado-S multiple rocket launcher system in Belgorod. This is significant because the Tornado-S system is considered a counterpart to the US-supplied HIMARS, possessing a longer range (72 miles) than the standard HIMARS rockets (84km). Despite its purported superiority, the deployment of Tornado-S systems by Russia has been limited, potentially due to ammunition scarcity. Jonathan observes that while the Tornado-S may theoretically rival HIMARS, its practical application has been negligible, with Russia favouring Iskander missiles for similar targets.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: Ukraine use of Western weapons in Russia will not escalate the conflict
🎦 02:52-03:41⏩
Jonathan welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent statement asserting that Ukraine's use of German and Western-supplied weapons within Russian territory will not escalate the conflict. He commends this as a positive development and a strong stance by Scholz. Jonathan highlights the significance of Germany granting permission for Ukraine to deploy these weapons in Belgorod, suggesting a shift in policy following a previous reprimand directed at Ukraine for utilising a German Patriot system to target Russian aircraft within Russian territory.
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US approves Ukrainian strikes on Russian S-300 systems in Belgorod
🎦 03:41-05:15⏩
Jonathan discusses a report outlining a sequence of events that led to the recent US authorisation for Ukraine to target Russian S-300 air defence systems within Russia. The report suggests a delayed response from the US, who initially denied Ukraine's request to strike the S-300s. It was only after Russia used the S-300s to bomb Kharkiv that the US granted permission. Jonathan questions the delay, suggesting that Ukraine should not have to request permission to engage enemy targets, advocating for a more proactive approach to military support.
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Italy sends SAMP/T air defence system to Ukraine
🎦 05:15-07:40⏩
Jonathan discusses the SAMP/T air defence system, considered comparable to the US Patriot system. Developed by France and Italy, the SAMP/T has reportedly successfully intercepted a Russian ballistic missile. While its effectiveness against ballistic missiles remains debated, with some arguing it may have a shorter range compared to the PAC-3 Patriots, Jonathan points out its 360-degree coverage and smaller crew requirements as advantageous features. Jonathan reports that Italy has committed to sending an additional SAMP/T system, currently stationed in Kuwait, to Ukraine. This decision follows confirmation from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, confirming prior media reports. However, Tajani reiterated Italy's stance against sending military personnel to Ukraine or allowing Italian weaponry to be deployed within Russia.
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Italian position on Military Aid to Ukraine
🎦 07:40-08:38⏩
Jonathan examines Italy's position on military aid for Ukraine, describing it as "compromised" due to the differing stances within the governing coalition. He notes that while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, her coalition partners, Matteo Salvini of the League and the late Silvio Berlusconi's party, have displayed pro-Russian sentiments. This internal divide creates a situation where the Italian administration expresses support for Ukraine while simultaneously imposing restrictions on the use of its weaponry. He cites the example of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini forbidding the use of Italian missiles within Russia as an illustration of this contradictory stance.
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NATO to unveil security package for Ukraine
🎦 08:38-09:53⏩
Jonathan discusses NATO's intention to unveil a security package for Ukraine, serving as a steppingstone towards potential membership. While acknowledging that full membership during an active conflict is improbable, the package aims to provide tangible support. Citing Julianne Smith, the US ambassador to NATO, the package encompasses several key elements: a clear articulation of Ukraine's membership aspirations, the formal integration of existing bilateral support under NATO command, the identification of new resources for Ukraine, and a resolute message to Moscow regarding NATO's enduring presence. Jonathan expresses curiosity about the implementation of this plan, considering that NATO, unlike individual member states, doesn't possess its own military equipment. He observes the potential for overlap and complexity given the multitude of existing aid frameworks, including the EU, the Ramstein Contact Group, and bilateral agreements.
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NATO planning for potential Russian invasion of Europe
🎦 09:53-10:45⏩
Jonathan expresses his amusement at recent news reports highlighting NATO's development of logistical plans to counter a potential Russian invasion of Europe. He finds the surprised tone of these reports perplexing, emphasizing that countering Russian aggression is fundamental to NATO's existence, rendering such planning an inherent aspect of the alliance's purpose. He reiterates that preparing for potential Russian aggression is not a novel or unexpected development but rather a core tenet of NATO's founding principles.
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German Air Defence Initiative (IAAD) for Ukraine
🎦 10:45-13:13⏩
Jonathan delves into the German Air Defence Initiative (IAAD), aimed at bolstering Ukraine's air defence capabilities. He reveals that the initiative has garnered support not only from within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (the 50 nations participating in the Ramstein format) but also from countries outside the group. He lists the known contributors, including:
- Germany (Patriot battery)
- Lithuania (six AMBER 1800 air surveillance radars)
- Belgium (unspecified)
- France (unspecified)
- Great Britain (unspecified)
- Romania (unspecified, though potentially a Patriot battery)
- Spain (likely Patriot missiles)
- USA (unspecified).
Financial contributors include:
- Belgium (€200 million)
- Netherlands (€150 million)
- Denmark (€134 million and co-financing a Patriot battery)
- Canada (C$52 million for RBSL missiles)
- Norway (unspecified financial contribution).
Jonathan raises the intriguing question of which nations outside the Ramstein group might be supporting the IAAD, speculating that these could be countries officially neutral in the conflict or refraining from overt military support. He cites German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius' and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's outreach to Middle Eastern countries as a potential indicator, highlighting Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt as examples where Germany previously secured military equipment (Gepard anti-aircraft guns) for Ukraine. He suggests that while Israel, with its decommissioned Patriot fire units, might be a possibility, he considers it unlikely. He concludes by pondering the potential for undisclosed support from neutral countries, suggesting that some nations might recognise the strategic benefits of aiding Ukraine but refrain from public endorsement due to potential backlash, particularly from actors like OPEC or OPEC+ nations.
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French AASM guided glide bombs: Increased production and potential implications
🎦 13:13-15:17⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to the French-supplied AASM guided glide bombs, noting calls for increased production due to their effectiveness in Ukraine. Citing the CEO of Safran, the manufacturer, France has been providing 50 AASM bombs monthly to Ukraine, totalling 600 over 12 months. Safran's investment of tens of millions of euros to ramp up production offers hope for increased supply. However, Jonathan cautions that the AASM's success might attract orders from other countries, potentially impacting the availability for Ukraine. He uses the example of the Ukraine war inadvertently serving as a testing ground for Western weaponry, influencing procurement decisions by other nations observing their performance.
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Westland Sea King helicopter en route to Ukraine
🎦 15:17-16:13⏩
Jonathan notes the sighting of a Westland Sea King helicopter, a familiar sight for him due to his upbringing near a naval air base, en route to Ukraine. Spotted at Antwerp International Airport in Belgium, the helicopter sports Ukrainian colours. Jonathan speculates on whether this is an additional helicopter to the six Sea Kings pledged by the UK or a previously promised one undergoing refurbishment. He highlights the significance of the Sea King as a workhorse for the Royal Navy, Coast Guard, and other branches.
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Evidence emerges of US-supplied M30D Pick’em cluster munitions used by Ukraine
🎦 16:13-17:20⏩
Jonathan discusses the discovery of what appears to be the rocket motor of an M30D Pick’em, a cluster munition guided multiple launch rocket, found in Russia's Belgorod region. The finding is noteworthy as it suggests Ukraine might be utilising cluster munitions, potentially supplied by the US. Citing open-source intelligence, Jonathan highlights a comment indicating the US provision of M30 GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets equipped with M30D Pick’em cluster munitions to Ukraine. He remarks on the unexpected discovery of previously unlisted munitions finding their way to Ukraine, emphasizing the dynamic nature of military aid in the conflict.
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French-made Velos 330 high-speed drone: Potential game-changer for Ukraine?
🎦 17:20-21:53⏩
Jonathan discusses a high-speed French drone, the Velos 330, and its potential deployment in Ukraine. He references a video showcasing this drone, capable of speeds between 400 to 500 km/h, potentially neutralizing heavily armored vehicles within a 100-120km radius in under 30 minutes. While acknowledging that the project is currently in its demonstrator phase, with full-scale production pending the outcome of trials, Jonathan emphasizes the drone's potential significance for Ukraine. He contrasts the Velos 330 with the Russian Lancet drones, noting their effectiveness but also highlighting their reported difficulty in piloting. The Velos 330, with its impressive manoeuvrability, could potentially address this gap for Ukraine. Jonathan delves into the technical specifications of the Velos 330, emphasizing its speed, firepower, and potential to carry a variety of warheads from different manufacturers. He highlights the drone's ability to operate in GPS-denied environments, utilizing alternative navigation methods like inertial guidance and terrain mapping. This feature is crucial, given the increasing prevalence of electronic warfare and GPS jamming. Jonathan concludes by praising the French company EOS Technology for its swift development of the Velos 330, a process typically spanning five to eight years, recognizing the urgent need for such technology in the Ukraine conflict. He anticipates swift procurement and testing of the drone by Western militaries eager to assess its capabilities and impact on the battlefield.
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UK and Latvia launch bid for FPV drone supply to Ukraine
🎦 21:53-23:23⏩
Jonathan announces a joint initiative by the UK and Latvia, key players in the Drone Capability Coalition, to solicit bids for the supply of First Person View (FPV) drones to Ukraine. The initiative aims to leverage the strengths of Western industry to produce these drones at scale and at a competitive price point. Jonathan underscores the importance of affordability, particularly in light of Ukraine's burgeoning domestic drone production capabilities. He contrasts the traditional Western procurement processes, often characterized by lengthy timelines and inflated costs, with the urgency and pragmatism demanded by the current situation. The emphasis on speed, affordability, and scale in this initiative signifies a potential shift in approach.
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Germany to order 200,000 artillery shells from Rheinmetall
🎦 23:23-24:00⏩
Jonathan reports on Germany's plans to procure an additional 200,000 artillery shells from arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, exceeding initial projections. Citing a letter from the German Ministry of Defence to the parliamentary budget committee, the order for 155mm shells is valued at €880 million. Jonathan speculates on the intended recipient of these shells, whether they are meant for Ukraine or for replenishing German stockpiles.
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Russian complaints about North Korean artillery shells resurface
🎦 24:00-25:16⏩
Jonathan revisits the topic of Russian complaints regarding the poor quality of North Korean artillery shells. Referencing circulated reports, he highlights the frustrations expressed by Russian soldiers, describing the shells as poorly constructed and potentially damaging to their own artillery pieces. Jonathan refrains from reading the reports verbatim due to their expletive-laden nature, but encourages viewers to seek them out for their humour.
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Wrap up
🎦 25:16-25:20⏩
Jonathan thanks his audience for watching and encourages them to like, subscribe, and share the video. He expresses his appreciation for their continued support and signs off with a promise to return soon.
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