New video of Kalashnikov's ZALA Aero Group's Lancet loitering munition employed in Idlib against HTS (apparently by Russian SOF). Some of the footage was previously published for SSO day in February. (h/t @AndeySkovorodka)
The first part of this clip emerged last year, but I think this is the first confirmation that it was a Lancet (there was talk that it was Iranian). The second impact in this video appears to be a miss on a vehicle. 2/
Clip of a ZALA Aero Lancet loitering munition test. 3/
The video also showed a new ISR UAV with a hybrid engine capable of flying for almost an entire day and another helicopter type UAV. 4/
Screenshots of the Lancet in use in Syria. Interestingly, we saw a KUB loitering munition in the video, but it isn't clear whether it has been used as much as the Lancet in Syria or where it is in its development. 5/
Just discovered that the Russian MoD’s Zvezda network has its own TikTok channel. vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuTvCS9/
Unclear if Jay-Z and Beyonce approved of that Iskander and Smerch volley fire from Astrakhan, or if they believed Russia that the Iskander-M only had a max range of 500km.
If you’re wondering which Russian weapons are near the border of Ukraine that are causing concern, they include the BM-27 Uragan MLRS and 2S4 Tyulpan 240mm heavy mortar seen here. vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuTsVcn/
During a visit to the Northern Fleet today, Sergei Shoigu said the situation in the Arctic is complicated and that "competition between the world’s leading powers for access to the Arctic Ocean’s resources and transportation routes is increasing." vk.com/mil?w=wall-133…
Shoigu said the US and NATO were increasing their military presence in the Arctic and in the Black Sea area and Baltic region. He said that, over the past 3 years, NATO has increased its exercises near Russia's borders, and he mentioned the NATO Four 30s plan in the Baltics. 2/
He said, "the intensity of air recon has grown twofold and naval reconnaissance by 50% compared to last year" and that "40,000 troops and 15,000 pieces of military hardware, including strategic aircraft, will be concentrated" near Russia's borders. 3/ function.mil.ru/news_page/coun…
Video of a Rosgvardia VBSS exercise in Dudinka, Krasnoyarsk Krai with Rosgvardia SOBR and spetsnaz teams, as well as instructors from the Spetsnaz University in Chechnya. Officers inserted via parachute, Mi-8 helicopters, and snowmobiles and ATVs.
Second half of the video. In the Arctic, Rosgvardia is responsible for protecting 3 nuclear power facilities, 7 nuclear-powered ships (including the Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear plant), and 9 seaports on the NSR. 2/ vk.com/milinfolive?w=…
The exercise was supervised by the director of Rosgvardia, Victor Zolotov, as well as Ramzan Kadyrov's security advisor, Danil Martyanov (a former FSB Alfa officer). The exercise involved members of the Vityaz, SOBR Rys, and regional spetsnaz units. 3/ rosguard.gov.ru/ru/news/articl…
Being able to defend Crimea is an important mission for the Russian military given its location (Russia will test its ability to defend its other isolated region in Europe, Kaliningrad, during Zapad 2021), and a strong demonstration there makes sense with a new US admin.
Also worth noting that Ukraine's military continues to increase its capabilities, including procurement of TB2 UCAVs. So Russia may change its posture there in response to changes in the military balance of power vis-a-vis Ukraine that aren't always related to the US/NATO.
Nonetheless, the heightened response from the DoD indicates that there may be things we aren't seeing publicly, and there has been a recent increase in fighting in the Donbas. As Michael said, it is worth following without making strong conclusions yet. politico.com/news/2021/03/3…
There is an ongoing special operation near the city of Mytishchi with several Rosgvardia SOBR teams who came under fire after trying to search a home for weapons. This clip likely shows a GM-94 grenade hitting the window. t.me/ok_spn/11255
Video of Rosgvardia SOBR teams in a firefight with the barricaded gunman. 2/ t.me/ok_spn/11248
You can see a Rosgvardia Patrul MRAP and a quad copter UAV in this clip of the fire fight. 3/ t.me/ENews112/8387
Equipment has arrived at the Alabino training area in Moscow for the Victory Day Parade, including T-90M, T-80BVM, and T-72B3 tanks; T-15 Armata; BMP-2M; BMP-3; BMD-4M; BTR-82A; S-400 TELs; Buk-M3; Pantsir-S; TOS-1A; Iskander-M; Ural-VV and Patrul MRAPs.
Hmm, the Western Military District said it will vaccinate bomb sniffing dogs who will help secure the Victory Day Parade against COVID-19. 3/ militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=…