southfront--2020-05-02--The Kinzhal Isn’t A Hypersonic Missile: The National Interest

For a while now , after it turned out that Russia is far ahead in terms of hypersonic technology , and is ready to even field weapons such as the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle and others , the U.S. media has been widely reporting that the hidden progress Washington had been making on its own weapons .
It is well known that the US Department of Defense and DARPA are working hard on the short-term High Speed Strike Weapon ( HSSW ) program , designed to produce results by the end of 2020 , which includes two projects to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept ( HAWC ) for tactical aviation and Tactical Boost-Glide ( TBG ) for strategic aviation .
Lockheed Martin is involved in the TBG project , and Lockheed Martin and Raytheon ( in conjunction with Northrop ) are working on the HAWC in parallel .
In addition , Lockheed Martin is developing several more projects .
These include the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon ( ARRW ) is an air-based hypersonic missile system , plus the creation of the SR-72 hypersonic drone and an aircraft missile under the Hypersonic Conventional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since 2010 , Boeing has been developing the X-51A Wiverider hypersonic missile , which should launch from land , sea and air carriers .
Most US programs are close to a technological breakthrough in the field of hypersound , but still have not reached the stage of flight prototypes .
Research centers , such as the NASA Glenn Research Center , NASA Langley Research Center and the University of Texas at Arlington ( UTA ) , have not yet completed work on the creation of engines , materials and control systems that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypersonic speeds .
Until recently , these projects had planned and calm work , but now everything has changed .
At first , the Pentagon announced a shift in the HSSW program for 2019 , and then it became known about the allocation of $ 1 billion to Lockheed Martin Corporation for ARRW and HCSW programs .
It turned out that these projects needed to be fast-tracked since the technology gap wasn ’ t being closed , rather it was widening .
On May 6th , the American online publication Military Watch reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian MiG-31s with Kinzhal missiles .
In particular , the US military drew attention to the fact that “ the existing air defense systems of the US Army and Navy are not able to withstand weapons that reach speeds of more than Mach 3 , despite the fact that the new Russian systems can fly at a speed between Mach 10 and 20.
” They also said that thanks to the Kinzhal “ Russia can strike in Europe , all ships in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean.
” Almost simultaneously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its expert Dave Majumdar , who took the opposite position .
In his opinion , in fact , the “ Kinzhal ” is not a hypersonic weapon , since it is not equipped with a hypersonic ramjet engine ( scramjet ) .
The Kh-47M2 missile , which is part of the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle , is really not equipped with a scramjet , which Majumdar is right about .
He most likely made such conclusions when analyzing information on hypersonic missiles : the Russian X-90 GELA and the Indian “ Bramos-2 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the expert did not pay attention to the fact that the GELA is a hypersonic experimental aircraft , in fact – a prototype , technology demonstrator , on the basis of which hypersonic systems are created in Russia .
When creating the Kh-47M2 , the Russian designers had to play with the weights , dimensions and power of the solid propellant rocket engine to create the best option , which would have the maximum range and speed , controllability in height and course , as well as the power of the warhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyer to an aircraft carrier .
When the first shots of the MiG-31K with the Kh-47M2 missile were shown , some experts were surprised by its location under the fuselage of the aircraft .
But such placement of weapons has been known for a long time .
The Mikoyan Design Bureau previously developed MiG-31D projects with the 79M6 Kontakt anti-satellite missile and MiG-31I with a rocket for launching satellites into space ( Ishim project ) .
In these projects , the missiles were located just under the fuselage .
And , yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be considered an aged aircraft .
However , thanks to the on-board electronic equipment , the MiG-31 can exchange target information with the A-50 AWACS aircraft and ground-based air defense systems .
The Russian Armed Forces are armed with 250 of these aircraft , of which ten MiG-31K are on combat duty in the South-East Military District with the Kinzhal hypersonic guide vehicle equipped .
The combination of the MiG-31 and Kh-47M2 determines the combat radius of the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle at 2,700 kilometers .
This excludes the possibility of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the TacTom ( tactical Tomahawk ) , which warships like the USS Arleigh Burke and Ticonderoga have equipped .
Thus , the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle can create an A2/AD zone along the Russian sea borders with a width of 1,500-2,000 km , which makes the deployment of an enemy carrier strike group ( ACG ) before an attack an incredibly difficult combat operation .
As you know , according to the accepted doctrine of the “ Global Instant Impact ” , the US Navy has 96 hours to do this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypersonic glide vehicles the Russian Armed Forces can carry out in that time frame .
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For a while now, after it turned out that Russia is far ahead in terms of hypersonic technology, and is ready to even field weapons such as the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle and others, the U.S. media has been widely reporting that the hidden progress Washington had been making on its own weapons.
It is well known that the US Department of Defense and DARPA are working hard on the short-term High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) program, designed to produce results by the end of 2020, which includes two projects to determine the appearance of hypersonic missile weapons: the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) for tactical aviation and Tactical Boost-Glide (TBG) for strategic aviation.
Lockheed Martin is involved in the TBG project, and Lockheed Martin and Raytheon (in conjunction with Northrop) are working on the HAWC in parallel.
In addition, Lockheed Martin is developing several more projects.
These include the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) is an air-based hypersonic missile system, plus the creation of the SR-72 hypersonic drone and an aircraft missile under the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) program.
Since 2010, Boeing has been developing the X-51A Wiverider hypersonic missile, which should launch from land, sea and air carriers.
Most US programs are close to a technological breakthrough in the field of hypersound, but still have not reached the stage of flight prototypes.
Research centers, such as the NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA Langley Research Center and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), have not yet completed work on the creation of engines, materials and control systems that can ensure the stable operation of products at hypersonic speeds.
Until recently, these projects had planned and calm work, but now everything has changed. At first, the Pentagon announced a shift in the HSSW program for 2019, and then it became known about the allocation of $1 billion to Lockheed Martin Corporation for ARRW and HCSW programs.
It turned out that these projects needed to be fast-tracked since the technology gap wasn’t being closed, rather it was widening.

On May 6th, the American online publication Military Watch reported that the Pentagon expressed concern about equipping of Russian MiG-31s with Kinzhal missiles.
In particular, the US military drew attention to the fact that “the existing air defense systems of the US Army and Navy are not able to withstand weapons that reach speeds of more than Mach 3, despite the fact that the new Russian systems can fly at a speed between Mach 10 and 20.”
They also said that thanks to the Kinzhal “Russia can strike in Europe, all ships in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean.”
Almost simultaneously, The National Interest published an article by its expert Dave Majumdar, who took the opposite position. In his opinion, in fact, the “Kinzhal” is not a hypersonic weapon, since it is not equipped with a hypersonic ramjet engine (scramjet).
The Kh-47M2 missile, which is part of the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle, is really not equipped with a scramjet, which Majumdar is right about.
He most likely made such conclusions when analyzing information on hypersonic missiles: the Russian X-90 GELA and the Indian “Bramos-2”, which include the scramjet.
However, the expert did not pay attention to the fact that the GELA is a hypersonic experimental aircraft, in fact – a prototype, technology demonstrator, on the basis of which hypersonic systems are created in Russia.
When creating the Kh-47M2, the Russian designers had to play with the weights, dimensions and power of the solid propellant rocket engine to create the best option, which would have the maximum range and speed, controllability in height and course, as well as the power of the warhead, guaranteed to destroy warships – from destroyer to an aircraft carrier.
When the first shots of the MiG-31K with the Kh-47M2 missile were shown, some experts were surprised by its location under the fuselage of the aircraft.
But such placement of weapons has been known for a long time.
The Mikoyan Design Bureau previously developed MiG-31D projects with the 79M6 Kontakt anti-satellite missile and MiG-31I with a rocket for launching satellites into space (Ishim project). In these projects, the missiles were located just under the fuselage.
And, yes, it could be admitted that the MiG-31 could be considered an aged aircraft.
However, thanks to the on-board electronic equipment, the MiG-31 can exchange target information with the A-50 AWACS aircraft and ground-based air defense systems. The Russian Armed Forces are armed with 250 of these aircraft, of which ten MiG-31K are on combat duty in the South-East Military District with the Kinzhal hypersonic guide vehicle equipped.
The combination of the MiG-31 and Kh-47M2 determines the combat radius of the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle at 2,700 kilometers.
This excludes the possibility of the enemy using sea-based cruise missiles, such as the TacTom (tactical Tomahawk), which warships like the USS Arleigh Burke and Ticonderoga have equipped.
Thus, the Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicle can create an A2/AD zone along the Russian sea borders with a width of 1,500-2,000 km, which makes the deployment of an enemy carrier strike group (ACG) before an attack an incredibly difficult combat operation.
As you know, according to the accepted doctrine of the “Global Instant Impact”, the US Navy has 96 hours to do this. And it is undisclosed how many Kinzhal hypersonic glide vehicles the Russian Armed Forces can carry out in that time frame.
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southfront--2020-05-02--SAAB Delivered First GlobalEye Airborne Warning And Control System To UAE

On April 29th , Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates .
In total , the UAE ordered 3 such aircraft , with the contract initially concluded in 2015 .
In November 2019 , it announced that it plans to amend the contract and purchase 2 additional systems , meaning 5 in total .
But the contract hasn ’ t been finalized yet .
“ The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab , but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world to the United Arab Emirates ” , says Micael Johansson , President and CEO of Saab .
According to spotter aviation resources , the second GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE , which made its first flight at Saab in Linkoping ( Sweden ) on January 3rd , 2019 , was actually the first to be delivered .
In the evening of April 28th , 2020 , this aircraft flew from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 29th at the Emirate Air Base Al-Dafra ( Abu Dhabi ) .
The first GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was pumped out in Linkoping on February 23 , 2018 and has so far been tested and tested on-board systems .
The third GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was deflated in October 2019 and is also being used for testing .
All three aircraft under the terms of contracts should be delivered by the end of 2021 .
In November 2015 , the UAE signed a contract with Saab AB worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two GlobalEye control systems based on a Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft , and in 2017 signed an additional contract for the supply of the third system .
In November 2019 , the UAE began negotiations on the order of two more GlobalEye aviation systems , but the contract has not yet been concluded .
The UAE Air Force became the first customer of this AWACS system and GlobalEye control , previously designated the Swing Role Surveillance System ( SRSS ) , which is a new generation of the well-known Saab Erieye radar system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ER radar with AFAR with gallium nitride antenna elements .
The GlobalEye aircraft is also equipped with an additional Leonardo Seaspray 7500E marine target radar with AFAR in the ventral fairing , Star SAFIRE 380-HD round-the-clock electronic surveillance system , HES-21 radio and electronic reconnaissance system , AIS automatic defense identification system , airborne defense complex .
According to Saab , GlobalEye ’ s continuous patrol duration is up to 13 hours .
Currently , the UAE Air Force is already operating two AWACS and Saab 340 AEW & C control aircraft with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saab AB under a 2009 contract .
Aircraft AWACS and control with a complex of previous generation Erieye are also in service with the air forces of Sweden , Greece , Brazil , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Pakistan and Thailand .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • SAAB Delivers Its First New CB90 HSM Assault Boat to Swedish Navy

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On April 29th, Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates.
In total, the UAE ordered 3 such aircraft, with the contract initially concluded in 2015. In November 2019, it announced that it plans to amend the contract and purchase 2 additional systems, meaning 5 in total. But the contract hasn’t been finalized yet.
“The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab, but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control. We have set a new standard for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world to the United Arab Emirates”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
As per Saab’s website:
“GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.”
According to spotter aviation resources, the second GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE, which made its first flight at Saab in Linkoping (Sweden) on January 3rd, 2019, was actually the first to be delivered.
In the evening of April 28th, 2020, this aircraft flew from Linkoping and arrived in the morning on April 29th at the Emirate Air Base Al-Dafra (Abu Dhabi).
The first GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was pumped out in Linkoping on February 23, 2018 and has so far been tested and tested on-board systems. The third GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was deflated in October 2019 and is also being used for testing. All three aircraft under the terms of contracts should be delivered by the end of 2021.
In November 2015, the UAE signed a contract with Saab AB worth $1.27 billion for the supply of two GlobalEye control systems based on a Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft, and in 2017 signed an additional contract for the supply of the third system. In November 2019, the UAE began negotiations on the order of two more GlobalEye aviation systems, but the contract has not yet been concluded.
The UAE Air Force became the first customer of this AWACS system and GlobalEye control, previously designated the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), which is a new generation of the well-known Saab Erieye radar system, with a new more powerful Erieye ER radar with AFAR with gallium nitride antenna elements.
The GlobalEye aircraft is also equipped with an additional Leonardo Seaspray 7500E marine target radar with AFAR in the ventral fairing, Star SAFIRE 380-HD round-the-clock electronic surveillance system, HES-21 radio and electronic reconnaissance system, AIS automatic defense identification system, airborne defense complex.
According to Saab, GlobalEye’s continuous patrol duration is up to 13 hours.
Currently, the UAE Air Force is already operating two AWACS and Saab 340 AEW&C control aircraft with the Erieye radar system, supplied by Saab AB under a 2009 contract.
Aircraft AWACS and control with a complex of previous generation Erieye are also in service with the air forces of Sweden, Greece, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Thailand.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Russian Military Built Six More Medical Centers As Part Of Its Anti-Coronavirus Campaign (Videos)

The website of the Russian Defense Ministry reports ( source ) : Specialists of the Military construction complex of the Russian Defence Ministry commissioned six multifunctional infectious medical centers at once .
New buildings were commissioned in Podolsk , Smolensk , Volgograd , Novosibirsk , Ussuriysk and Orenburg .
The delivery of the medical equipment to these centers have been completed , including x-ray equipment , CT scanners , ultrasound devices , anesthesiology and endoscopy equipment , as well as artificial lungs ventilation ( ALV ) devices .
The readiness of the center in Smolensk to be commissioned was checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a working trip to the troops of the Western Military District .
Previously , two multifunctional centers were put into operation – in Nizhny Novgorod and Odintsovo .
They are equipped with medical personnel , as well as all necessary equipment and are fully ready to work .
At eight more sites , work has been deployed around the clock , and more than 12,000 people are already involved .
The design and construction of centers takes into account the location of the centers , including the seismic activity of the regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence Ministry are being built on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin against the background of the coronavirus pandemic .
8.8 billion rubles were allocated for this purpose .
All 16 centers will be completed by May 15 .
The total number of medical equipment , special equipment and various devices supplied to military medical institutions will be about 500 thousand units .
The work of 16 medical centers will be provided by 400 military doctors , 950 secondary and 800 junior medical personnel .
In total , more than 2,300 military and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical specialists have already completed training and advanced training at the Kirov Military Medical Academy in Saint Petersburg .
Completion of the construction will provide the necessary specialized medical care for both military personnel and the civilian population , if necessary .

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The website of the Russian Defense Ministry reports (source):
Specialists of the Military construction complex of the Russian Defence Ministry commissioned six multifunctional infectious medical centers at once.
New buildings were commissioned in Podolsk, Smolensk, Volgograd, Novosibirsk, Ussuriysk and Orenburg. The delivery of the medical equipment to these centers have been completed, including x-ray equipment, CT scanners, ultrasound devices, anesthesiology and endoscopy equipment, as well as artificial lungs ventilation (ALV) devices.
The readiness of the center in Smolensk to be commissioned was checked by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov during a working trip to the troops of the Western Military District.
Previously, two multifunctional centers were put into operation – in Nizhny Novgorod and Odintsovo. They are equipped with medical personnel, as well as all necessary equipment and are fully ready to work.
At eight more sites, work has been deployed around the clock, and more than 12,000 people are already involved. The design and construction of centers takes into account the location of the centers, including the seismic activity of the regions.
Multipurpose medical centers of the Russian Defence Ministry are being built on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin against the background of the coronavirus pandemic. 8.8 billion rubles were allocated for this purpose. All 16 centers will be completed by May 15.
The total number of medical equipment, special equipment and various devices supplied to military medical institutions will be about 500 thousand units.
The work of 16 medical centers will be provided by 400 military doctors, 950 secondary and 800 junior medical personnel. In total, more than 2,300 military and civilian personnel will be involved.
Some medical specialists have already completed training and advanced training at the Kirov Military Medical Academy in Saint Petersburg.
Completion of the construction will provide the necessary specialized medical care for both military personnel and the civilian population, if necessary.


southfront--2020-05-02--Geo-Economic Battle for Russia

Geo-Economic Battle for Russia

As the world struggles to achieve any semblance of normality amid the developing economic and coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cries , China is playing towards increasing its influence throughout Eurasia .
In the first quarter of 2020 , China bought a record high number of Russian oil ( Urals ) – 4 million tones .
As a comparison , in the fourth quarter of 2019 , China received only 2.5 million tones .
The previous record of the supplies of Russian oil to China was registered in the third quarter of 2018 – 2.7 million tones .
Therefore , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 times .
This decision of the Chinese leadership could be seen as a politically-motivated move ; especially if one takes into the account the declining demand to oil supplies and massive discounts by Saudi Arabia on the Asian market .
Thus , Beijing is choosing to purchase Moscow ’ s crude oil , as a sort of a “ grant ” in the conditions of an economic crisis , taking place amid the coronavirus hysteria .
How the liberal-controlled economic bloc of the Russian government pushed the country to the brink of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current situation is another question .
Some critics could call the purchase of Russian crude by China a sort of political bribe , which would ensure either Russia ’ s compliance , or at least Moscow not getting in the way , while Beijing works to realize its geopolitical agenda .
This , however , leads to a bit of eyebrow raising , as Moscow and Beijing have , for a while now , cooperated in various fields of interest , as well as various common regions of interest .
This support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it is not surprising , as it also fits into the expected format of new strategic partnerships in Eurasia , that wish to compete with the United States ’ ambitions .
Purchase of crude oil or not , it is apparent that when it comes to geopolitical activity , China expects that Russia to either support or simply does not stand against the Chinese national security interests .
For example , China formed two administrative units aimed at specifically managing the artificial islands it constructed in the South China Sea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration will be based in Woody Island , also known as Yongxing Island .
Meanwhile , the Nansha administration will be placed in the Fiery Cross Reef , referred to as Yongshu Reef in Chinese .
The US strongly opposes China ’ s attempt to seize a larger area under its jurisdiction in the South China Sea , not least because it is the region through which the most trade passes year-round .
Meanwhile , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Xiao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article published on a Chinese website www.sohu.com titled “ Why Kazakhstan is eager to return to China ” .
Various plans of China ’ s territorial expansion are actively being discussed in the Chinese society itself .
And this appears to be taking place into most directions .
Alongside all of this , the intensification in the confrontation between China and the US appears to be all but avoidable .
Another important factor is that the increasing supplies of energy resources from Russia will allow China to be covered in the event of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf ( it will likely involve the US and Iran ) .
In these conditions , Russia , as a key Chinese partner , becomes the apparent and vital supplier of energy resources by contrast with Saudi Arabia and other large oil suppliers .
The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the dire situation in which the markets and state economies already were .
The crisis deepened the global and inter-regional competition , including those between the two key economic players : Beijing and Washington .
Russia is both an object and a subject of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an object by virtue of its size – it has a massive market which needs materials ( raw and otherwise ) , but it also produces its fair share of products and energy .
It is a subject in terms of the simple fact that it is the world ’ s second largest military power and is one of the leaders on the international diplomatic scene .
Due to the same reasons , the US might also move towards easing the rhetoric towards Russia , and attempt to expand trade and economic cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to do .
Even the media organization of Michael Bloomberg , a key Donald Trump competitor said that it was a possibility .
However , in the current situation , it is understandable that the Russian leadership is more inclined towards cooperating with China .
Beijing has demonstrated itself as a complicated , but also consistent and stable partner .
In contrast , the US has spent the last almost 30 years in very apparent attempts to entirely undermine any semblance of Russian strategic power and shake the foundations of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ :

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As the world struggles to achieve any semblance of normality amid the developing economic and coronavirus (COVID-19) cries, China is playing towards increasing its influence throughout Eurasia.
In the first quarter of 2020, China bought a record high number of Russian oil (Urals) – 4 million tones. As a comparison, in the fourth quarter of 2019, China received only 2.5 million tones. The previous record of the supplies of Russian oil to China was registered in the third quarter of 2018 – 2.7 million tones. Therefore, China expanded its import of Russian crude by 1.6 times.
This decision of the Chinese leadership could be seen as a politically-motivated move; especially if one takes into the account the declining demand to oil supplies and massive discounts by Saudi Arabia on the Asian market.
Thus, Beijing is choosing to purchase Moscow’s crude oil, as a sort of a “grant” in the conditions of an economic crisis, taking place amid the coronavirus hysteria. How the liberal-controlled economic bloc of the Russian government pushed the country to the brink of the crisis despite years of preparations for the current situation is another question.
Some critics could call the purchase of Russian crude by China a sort of political bribe, which would ensure either Russia’s compliance, or at least Moscow not getting in the way, while Beijing works to realize its geopolitical agenda.
This, however, leads to a bit of eyebrow raising, as Moscow and Beijing have, for a while now, cooperated in various fields of interest, as well as various common regions of interest.
This support from China towards Russia is not unexpected, and it is not surprising, as it also fits into the expected format of new strategic partnerships in Eurasia, that wish to compete with the United States’ ambitions. Purchase of crude oil or not, it is apparent that when it comes to geopolitical activity, China expects that Russia to either support or simply does not stand against the Chinese national security interests.
For example, China formed two administrative units aimed at specifically managing the artificial islands it constructed in the South China Sea.
“The State Council has recently approved the establishment of the Xisha and Nansha districts under Sansha city.”
According to the notice, the Xisha administration will be based in Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island. Meanwhile, the Nansha administration will be placed in the Fiery Cross Reef, referred to as Yongshu Reef in Chinese.
The US strongly opposes China’s attempt to seize a larger area under its jurisdiction in the South China Sea, not least because it is the region through which the most trade passes year-round.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Xiao.
Kazakhstan’s side reacted an article published on a Chinese website www.sohu.com titled “Why Kazakhstan is eager to return to China”.
“The meeting pointed out that an article of such content does not correspond to the spirit of eternal comprehensive strategic partnership reflected in the Joint Statement of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China, signed by the Heads of State on September 11, 2019. The parties agreed to closely cooperate in the fields of spreading information and mass media.”
Various plans of China’s territorial expansion are actively being discussed in the Chinese society itself. And this appears to be taking place into most directions. Alongside all of this, the intensification in the confrontation between China and the US appears to be all but avoidable.
Another important factor is that the increasing supplies of energy resources from Russia will allow China to be covered in the event of a new military conflict in the Persian Gulf (it will likely involve the US and Iran). In these conditions, Russia, as a key Chinese partner, becomes the apparent and vital supplier of energy resources by contrast with Saudi Arabia and other large oil suppliers.
The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the dire situation in which the markets and state economies already were. The crisis deepened the global and inter-regional competition, including those between the two key economic players: Beijing and Washington.
Russia is both an object and a subject of the global geo-economic standoff.
It is an object by virtue of its size – it has a massive market which needs materials (raw and otherwise), but it also produces its fair share of products and energy. It is a subject in terms of the simple fact that it is the world’s second largest military power and is one of the leaders on the international diplomatic scene.
Due to the same reasons, the US might also move towards easing the rhetoric towards Russia, and attempt to expand trade and economic cooperation, something which China would likely also plan to do. Even the media organization of Michael Bloomberg, a key Donald Trump competitor said that it was a possibility.
“Yet a small opening exists to professionalize a segment of bilateral U.S.-Russia ties. Russia has long been interested in pulling the United States into coordinating the global oil market. Although the United States does not need to join OPEC+ and its pledges to mandate production cuts, having regular exchanges about global energy trends could create a niche for constructive discussions between Russian and U.S. officials. It is not crazy to think that a dialogue around common energy interests could evolve into a more meaningful conversation about how to deal with Venezuela’s collapse, for instance,” one of the recent Bloomberg articles says.
However, in the current situation, it is understandable that the Russian leadership is more inclined towards cooperating with China. Beijing has demonstrated itself as a complicated, but also consistent and stable partner. In contrast, the US has spent the last almost 30 years in very apparent attempts to entirely undermine any semblance of Russian strategic power and shake the foundations of the Russian state itself.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Syrian Army Shells Southern Idlib As Russian Warplanes Scout The Region

On May 1 afternoon , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) shelled militants ’ positions in the Zawiya Mountain in the southern Idlib countryside .
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the army launched a barrage of rockets at the towns of Fatterah and Sufuhon .
Both towns are known to be under the control of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) and other terrorist groups .
The rocket strike was likely a response to recent violations of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib .
A few days ago , terrorists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” operations room shelled SAA positions in the region .
The ceasefire in Greater Idlib is a part of a wider agreement brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5 .
The agreement includes other important terms like the reopening of the M4 highway , between the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo .
Turkey is yet to implement this term .
In spite of repeated violations and the delays in the implementation of some terms , the March 5 agreement appears to be holding .
The collapse of the agreement could result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces in Greater Idlib .
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On May 1 afternoon, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) shelled militants’ positions in the Zawiya Mountain in the southern Idlib countryside.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the army launched a barrage of rockets at the towns of Fatterah and Sufuhon. Both towns are known to be under the control of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other terrorist groups.
“[The shelling] coincided with the flight of Russian reconnaissance planes in the airspace of the region,” the London-based monitoring group said in its report.
The rocket strike was likely a response to recent violations of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib. A few days ago, terrorists of the al-Qaeda-affiliated “Wa Harid al-Muminin” operations room shelled SAA positions in the region.
The ceasefire in Greater Idlib is a part of a wider agreement brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5. The agreement includes other important terms like the reopening of the M4 highway, between the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo. Turkey is yet to implement this term.
In spite of repeated violations and the delays in the implementation of some terms, the March 5 agreement appears to be holding. The collapse of the agreement could result in another confrontation between the SAA and Turkish forces in Greater Idlib.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Type 63A Amphibious Light Tank (Infographics)

It is based on the Soviet PT-76 design as was very successful in Vietnam and the Indians used it very @ @ @ @ @ in their 1971 Bangladesh campaign .
Even in direct firefights they proved superior to the @ @ @ @ @ the Pakistanis deployed around Dacca , Bogra and Jessore .
Most modern tanks can now @ @ @ @ @ can be sealed for NBC warfare .
https : //uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ff70beb9dc2eb79884b5070d3c8353ddca99564781a762384cb16fde392b7425.png

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The Type 63A (also known as the ZTS63A) is a Chinese amphibious light tank upgraded from the Type 63. It’s designed for river-crossing operations at inland rivers and lakes.
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southfront--2020-05-02--ISIS Cells Assassinate Syrian Intelligence Service Member In Northern Daraa

On April 30 , a service member of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by ISIS cells in the southern governorate @ @ @ @ @ group said in a statement published by its news agency , Amaq , that its @ @ @ @ @ the service member in the town of Kafar Nasej in Daraa ’ s northern countryside @ @ @ @ @ photo of the service member ’ s dead body .
However , SouthFront decided to @ @ @ @ @ .
Local sources in Daraa confirmed that ISIS cells assassinated Issa al-Jbawi , a native @ @ @ @ @ the ranks of the Military Intelligence Directorate ( MID ) .
This was the second @ @ @ @ @ Syrian intelligence personnel in Daraa this week .
On April 29 , the group ’ @ @ @ @ @ service member in the eastern countryside .
However , he survived the attack .
The @ @ @ @ @ ) and security forces are yet to take any action against ISIS cells in Daraa @ @ @ @ @ terrorist group to carry out even larger attacks .
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On April 30, a service member of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by ISIS cells in the southern governorate of Daraa.
The terrorist group said in a statement published by its news agency, Amaq, that its fighters had shot and killed the service member in the town of Kafar Nasej in Daraa’s northern countryside. Amaq also shared a photo of the service member’s dead body. However, SouthFront decided to not share the graphic content.
Local sources in Daraa confirmed that ISIS cells assassinated Issa al-Jbawi, a native of the region serving in the ranks of the Military Intelligence Directorate (MID).
This was the second attack by ISIS cells on Syrian intelligence personnel in Daraa this week. On April 29, the group’s fighters shot an MID service member in the eastern countryside. However, he survived the attack.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and security forces are yet to take any action against ISIS cells in Daraa. This could encourage the terrorist group to carry out even larger attacks.
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southfront--2020-05-02--U.S.-led Coalition, SDF Arrest ‘Mastermind’ Behind ISIS Assassinations In Deir Ezzor

The mastermind behind the recent assassinations in Deir Ezzor was captured by the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) , the North Press Agency ( NPA ) reported on April 29 , citing security sources in the SDF .
The terrorist , Moeen Taha al-Hamad , was apprehended by the SDF in the town of al-Busayrah in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside .
“ Moeen Taha al-Hamad was the mastermind of the assassinations carried out by ISIS in Deir Ezzor … He is responsible for the murder of many innocents , he also planned dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SDF told the NPA .
A second source told the NPA that al-Hamad was under surveillance for months , adding that attack helicopters of the coalition participated in the operation to capture him .
In the last few months , a series of assassinations targeted SDF personnel and supporters of the group in Deir Ezzor , especially in the southeastern countryside .
Earlier this month , the group ’ s cells assassinated the SDF ’ s fuel official in Deir Ezzor in the southeastern countryside .
Later , a prominent commander of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an assassination attempt in the same region .
The U.S.-led coalition and the SDF are intensifying their security operations in Deir Ezzor now .
This will likely improve security situation there on the short term .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Golan Heights Escalation And New Drama In Idlib

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The mastermind behind the recent assassinations in Deir Ezzor was captured by the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the North Press Agency (NPA) reported on April 29, citing security sources in the SDF.
The terrorist, Moeen Taha al-Hamad, was apprehended by the SDF in the town of al-Busayrah in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside.
“Moeen Taha al-Hamad was the mastermind of the assassinations carried out by ISIS in Deir Ezzor … He is responsible for the murder of many innocents, he also planned dozens of operations,” a security source of the SDF told the NPA.
A second source told the NPA that al-Hamad was under surveillance for months, adding that attack helicopters of the coalition participated in the operation to capture him.
In the last few months, a series of assassinations targeted SDF personnel and supporters of the group in Deir Ezzor, especially in the southeastern countryside.
Earlier this month, the group’s cells assassinated the SDF’s fuel official in Deir Ezzor in the southeastern countryside. Later, a prominent commander of the SDF’s security forces survived an assassination attempt in the same region.
The U.S.-led coalition and the SDF are intensifying their security operations in Deir Ezzor now. This will likely improve security situation there on the short term.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Golan Heights Escalation And New Drama In Idlib

Main playlist with id 1926 does not exist !
Early on May 1 , several missiles launched from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights hit positions of the Syrian Army near Tell Ahmar and Quneitra city .
The strike reportedly led to no casualties among Syrian personnel , but destroyed several pieces of military equipment .
This was the second Israeli strike on Syria in less than a week .
On April 27 , Israeli airstrikes hit the countryside of Damascus , including the al-Mazzeh Airport .
Pro-Israeli sources claim that underground facilities of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is developing in the militant-held part of Greater Idlib .
After briefly clashing with the Turkish Army near Nayrab , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham found themselves in the center of a new scandal .
On April 30 , the group ’ s fighters were confronted by supporters of other radical groups in the town of Maaret Elnaasan in western Aleppo .
According to pro-opposition sources , the main reason of tensions is the decision of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to open a crossing for commercial purposes to the government-held area .
This initiative faced resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Turkish Army even tried to block a road towards Maaret Elnaasan .
However , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants were able to suppress the protest and the crossing was opened .
The further protests that continued on May 1 forced Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to close the crossing .
Earlier in April , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to open a similar commercial crossing near Saraqib , but this attempt was also blocked by Turkish-led forces .
Representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham claim that the opening of such crossings is vital to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to them , a large part of goods produced within the militant-held area , first of all food , is being sold in the government-controlled territory .
Various fees on commercial activities and contraband traffic are among key sources of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham budget , which has been facing difficulties amid the shirking funding from its foreign sponsors .
On the other hand , the ability to fill own budget from independent sources of income allows the terrorist group to remain to a large degree independent from direct Turkish support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable of remaining a relatively independent player and the most powerful militant group in the entire Greater Idlib .
At least 4 Syrian soldiers were killed and several others were injured in an ISIS attack on the army convoy near the T3 pumping station in the province of Homs .
The terrorists used an improvised explosive device to strike the bus moving within the convoy and then shelled it with machine guns .
The attack likely came in response to the intensified security efforts of the army in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISIS militants and captured 2 vehicles belonging to the terrorist group .

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Early on May 1, several missiles launched from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights hit positions of the Syrian Army near Tell Ahmar and Quneitra city. The strike reportedly led to no casualties among Syrian personnel, but destroyed several pieces of military equipment.
This was the second Israeli strike on Syria in less than a week. On April 27, Israeli airstrikes hit the countryside of Damascus, including the al-Mazzeh Airport. Pro-Israeli sources claim that underground facilities of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were the target.
Meanwhile, a new drama is developing in the militant-held part of Greater Idlib. After briefly clashing with the Turkish Army near Nayrab, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham found themselves in the center of a new scandal.
On April 30, the group’s fighters were confronted by supporters of other radical groups in the town of Maaret Elnaasan in western Aleppo. According to pro-opposition sources, the main reason of tensions is the decision of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to open a crossing for commercial purposes to the government-held area. This initiative faced resistance among militant groups directly controlled by Turkey. The Turkish Army even tried to block a road towards Maaret Elnaasan. However, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants were able to suppress the protest and the crossing was opened. The further protests that continued on May 1 forced Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to close the crossing.
Earlier in April, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to open a similar commercial crossing near Saraqib, but this attempt was also blocked by Turkish-led forces.
Representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham claim that the opening of such crossings is vital to contain the developing economic crisis in the militant-held area. According to them, a large part of goods produced within the militant-held area, first of all food, is being sold in the government-controlled territory.
Various fees on commercial activities and contraband traffic are among key sources of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham budget, which has been facing difficulties amid the shirking funding from its foreign sponsors. On the other hand, the ability to fill own budget from independent sources of income allows the terrorist group to remain to a large degree independent from direct Turkish support. Thus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is capable of remaining a relatively independent player and the most powerful militant group in the entire Greater Idlib.
At least 4 Syrian soldiers were killed and several others were injured in an ISIS attack on the army convoy near the T3 pumping station in the province of Homs. The terrorists used an improvised explosive device to strike the bus moving within the convoy and then shelled it with machine guns.
The attack likely came in response to the intensified security efforts of the army in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert. Just recently, government troops eliminated several ISIS militants and captured 2 vehicles belonging to the terrorist group.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Another Turkish Bayraktar Combat Drone Crashes In Libya (Photos)

On May 2 , a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) crashed in the district of Arada near the Mitiga International Airport .
The semi-civilian airport , located east of Tripoli , is known to be hosting Turkish troops .
Sources close to the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) said the UCAV was shot down by the army , right after taking off from the Mitiga International Airport .
These claims are yet to be verified by any independent source .
Local sources released photos showing the wreckage of the Bayraktar TB2 in Arada .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ least one MAM-L laser-guided small-diameter munition .
The Bayraktar TB2 , which was developed by Turkey ’ s Bayraktar , has an endurance of 24 hours and an operational range of up to 150 km .
Last week , sources in the LNA reported that a UCAV of this type was shot down near Bani Waled .
These claims turned out to be a propaganda stunt .
Several Bayraktar TB2 were indeed shot down by the LNA , and possibly UAE forces , over the last few months .
However , Turkish UCAVs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on army troops to support forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Over 20 Syrian Militants Killed In Libya In Past Few Days : Monitoring Group

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On May 2, a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) crashed in the district of Arada near the Mitiga International Airport. The semi-civilian airport, located east of Tripoli, is known to be hosting Turkish troops.
Sources close to the Libyan National Army (LNA) said the UCAV was shot down by the army, right after taking off from the Mitiga International Airport. These claims are yet to be verified by any independent source.
Local sources released photos showing the wreckage of the Bayraktar TB2 in Arada. The UCAV was apparently armed with at least one MAM-L laser-guided small-diameter munition.
#Libya– #LNA photos purportedly showing Bayraktar TB2 UAV wreckage & at least 1 MAM-L bomb (unlikely that it survived that explosion…) that crashed near Mitiga Airport, #Tripoli pic.twitter.com/KSTPm6DVvC — Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) May 2, 2020
The Bayraktar TB2, which was developed by Turkey’s Bayraktar, has an endurance of 24 hours and an operational range of up to 150 km.
Last week, sources in the LNA reported that a UCAV of this type was shot down near Bani Waled. These claims turned out to be a propaganda stunt.
Several Bayraktar TB2 were indeed shot down by the LNA, and possibly UAE forces, over the last few months. However, Turkish UCAVs of this type are still carrying out airstrikes on army troops to support forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
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southfront--2020-05-02--In Video: Russian Forces Intercept U.S. Convoy In Northeast Syria

The Russian Military Police intercepted on May 2 a U.S. convoy heading to the city of al-Qamishli in northern al-Hasakah .
According to local sources , Russian forces blocked the road leading to the eastern entrance of al-Qamishli with several armored vehicles , preventing U.S. troops from entering the city .
U.S. forces brought in 15 armored vehicles from their bases in the area of al-Rmelan .
Furthermore , coalition warplanes flew over al-Qamishli .
Nevertheless , Russian forces stood their ground until an understanding was reached .
The Russian move was likely a response to an earlier incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrol of Russian forces in the al-Rmelan oil fields in the northeastern countryside of al-Hasakah .
This was the first time the Russian Military Police intercepts U.S. forces in northeast Syria .
In the last few months , U.S. forces worked to prevent Russian forces from patrolling oil fields in the region .
In return , locals and government forces restricted the movement of U.S. forces around al-Qamishli .
Russia is working to solidify its presence in northeast Syria by deploying additional forces and building strong relations with local Arab tribes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian steps , as it is now trying to reclaim its influence in the region .
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The Russian Military Police intercepted on May 2 a U.S. convoy heading to the city of al-Qamishli in northern al-Hasakah.
According to local sources, Russian forces blocked the road leading to the eastern entrance of al-Qamishli with several armored vehicles, preventing U.S. troops from entering the city.
U.S. forces brought in 15 armored vehicles from their bases in the area of al-Rmelan. Furthermore, coalition warplanes flew over al-Qamishli. Nevertheless, Russian forces stood their ground until an understanding was reached.
The Russian move was likely a response to an earlier incident, in which U.S. forces blocked a routine patrol of Russian forces in the al-Rmelan oil fields in the northeastern countryside of al-Hasakah.
This was the first time the Russian Military Police intercepts U.S. forces in northeast Syria. In the last few months, U.S. forces worked to prevent Russian forces from patrolling oil fields in the region. In return, locals and government forces restricted the movement of U.S. forces around al-Qamishli.
Russia is working to solidify its presence in northeast Syria by deploying additional forces and building strong relations with local Arab tribes. The U.S. appears to be concerned by the Russian steps, as it is now trying to reclaim its influence in the region.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Over 20 Syrian Militants Killed In Libya In Last Few Days: Monitoring Group

At least 26 Turkish-backed Syrian militants were killed while fighting for the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Libya in the last few days , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on May 2 .
According to the UK-based monitoring group , the militants were killed in the course of clashes with the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) on different frontlines .
“ According to the observatory ’ s sources , the dead [ militants ] were killed during clashes on the axes of Salah Al-Din neighborhood south of Tripoli , the Ramla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the al-Hadba project , also in the battles of Misrata and other areas in Libya , ” the SOHR ’ s report reads .
The slain militants were fighting in the ranks of the Mu ’ tasim Division , the Sultan Murad Division , the Suleyman Shah Brigade , the Northern Hawks Brigade and the Hamza Division .
With the death of these militants , the number of Syrians that were killed while they were fighting for government forces in Libya has risen to 249 .
Earlier today , the LNA released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Syrian mercenary group fighting for the GNA .
The video reveals how Syrians militants are being used as “ cannon fodders ” on the hottest frontlines around the capital , Tripoli .
In spite of heavy losses , more Syrian militants are reportedly preparing for deployment in Libya .
According to the SOHR , at least 2,500 are currently receiving military training in Turkey before heading to Libya .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • POV Video Documents Last Moments Of Syrian Mercenary Group In Libya

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At least 26 Turkish-backed Syrian militants were killed while fighting for the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya in the last few days, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on May 2.
According to the UK-based monitoring group, the militants were killed in the course of clashes with the Libyan National Army (LNA) on different frontlines.
“According to the observatory’s sources, the dead [militants] were killed during clashes on the axes of Salah Al-Din neighborhood south of Tripoli, the Ramla axes near Tripoli airport and the axes of the al-Hadba project, also in the battles of Misrata and other areas in Libya,” the SOHR’s report reads.
The slain militants were fighting in the ranks of the Mu’tasim Division, the Sultan Murad Division, the Suleyman Shah Brigade, the Northern Hawks Brigade and the Hamza Division.
With the death of these militants, the number of Syrians that were killed while they were fighting for government forces in Libya has risen to 249.
Earlier today, the LNA released a video documenting the very last minutes of a Syrian mercenary group fighting for the GNA. The video reveals how Syrians militants are being used as “cannon fodders” on the hottest frontlines around the capital, Tripoli.
In spite of heavy losses, more Syrian militants are reportedly preparing for deployment in Libya. According to the SOHR, at least 2,500 are currently receiving military training in Turkey before heading to Libya.
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southfront--2020-05-02--ISIS Launches Coordinated, Large-Scale Attack On PMU Positions in Iraq’s Saladin (Video)

Early on May 2 , ISIS cells carried out a coordinated , large-scale attack on positions of the Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) in the northern Iraqi province of Saladin .
The attack targeted a newly-established position of the PMU near the town of Mukeshefah and another position in the town of Balad .
PMU fighters showed fierce resistance in the course of the clashes .
In spite of this , ISIS terrorists overrun the position in Mukeshefah .
The PMU acknowledged that ten of its fighters were killed during the attack .
Nine from the Tigris Regiment were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 41th Brigade was killed in the attack on Balad .
Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji , a spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations , said the attack on Mukeshefah was carried out by a group of ISIS terrorists who recently fled from nearby Matabija .
The group carried out the attack in cooperation with local cells in Mukeshefah .
ISIS has not yet commented on the attack .
The group ’ s agency , Amaq , usually releases details on such large operations within 24 hours .
This was one of ISIS ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
The attack proves that the group ’ s influence is still growing in the war-torn country , in spite of the continues efforts by Iraqi government forces .
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Early on May 2, ISIS cells carried out a coordinated, large-scale attack on positions of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in the northern Iraqi province of Saladin.
The attack targeted a newly-established position of the PMU near the town of Mukeshefah and another position in the town of Balad.
PMU fighters showed fierce resistance in the course of the clashes. In spite of this, ISIS terrorists overrun the position in Mukeshefah.
“PMU forces killed and injured a number of ISIS terrorists while repelling the attack, they also surrounded the targeted areas to track the criminal gangs of ISIS, after the arrival of aerial and ground reinforcements,” the PMU’s report said.
The PMU acknowledged that ten of its fighters were killed during the attack. Nine from the Tigris Regiment were killed in Mukeshefah and a fighter from the 41th Brigade was killed in the attack on Balad.
Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, a spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations, said the attack on Mukeshefah was carried out by a group of ISIS terrorists who recently fled from nearby Matabija. The group carried out the attack in cooperation with local cells in Mukeshefah.
ISIS has not yet commented on the attack. The group’s agency, Amaq, usually releases details on such large operations within 24 hours.
This was one of ISIS’ largest attacks since its defeat in Iraq in 2017. The attack proves that the group’s influence is still growing in the war-torn country, in spite of the continues efforts by Iraqi government forces.
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southfront--2020-05-02--Prominent Ahrar Al-Sham Field Commander Killed In Southern Idlib

On May 2 , a prominent field commander of the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham Movement was killed in a landmine explosion in the southern Idlib countryside .
The commander , known as “ Abu ‘ Arib , ” was reportedly on a reconnaissance mission when he entered a minefield set by the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) .
The commander immediately died after stepping on an anti-personnel mine .
According to sources in Ahrar al-Sham , Abu ‘ Arib was one of the field commanders leading the battle against the army in northern Lattakia over the last year .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Arib , the SAA artillery pounded militants ’ positions in the town of Sufuhon , Fatterah and Fleifel .
The army targeted the same region a day earlier .
The death of Abu ‘ Arib confirms that Greater Idlib militants are still preparing to carry out new attacks .
The SAA , which is now targeted the region again , appears to be well-aware of this growing threat .
Any large attack on the SAA may lead to the collapse of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib , that was brokered by Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THIS TOPIC : • U.S.-led Coalition , SDF Clash With ISIS Cell Near Gas Factory In Eastern Deir Ezzor

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On May 2, a prominent field commander of the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham Movement was killed in a landmine explosion in the southern Idlib countryside.
The commander, known as “Abu ‘Arib,” was reportedly on a reconnaissance mission when he entered a minefield set by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). The commander immediately died after stepping on an anti-personnel mine.
According to sources in Ahrar al-Sham, Abu ‘Arib was one of the field commanders leading the battle against the army in northern Lattakia over the last year.
A few hours after the death of Abu ‘Arib, the SAA artillery pounded militants’ positions in the town of Sufuhon, Fatterah and Fleifel. The army targeted the same region a day earlier.
The death of Abu ‘Arib confirms that Greater Idlib militants are still preparing to carry out new attacks. The SAA, which is now targeted the region again, appears to be well-aware of this growing threat.
Any large attack on the SAA may lead to the collapse of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib, that was brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5.
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southfront--2020-05-02--U.S.-led Coalition, SDF Clash With ISIS Cell Near Gas Factory In Eastern Deir Ezzor

Looks like the PsyOps crew at CENTCOM had a COVID-19 outbreak and had to let the officers take over for the weekend .
Either that , or SF forgot to mention The Onion as the source .
“ …According to the Deir Ezzor Media Center , four terrorists of the group riding a taxi opened fire at a military vehicle of the SDF near CONICO… ” Deir Ezzor Media Center ?
They ’ re on Facebook , right ?
Must be credible then , Heh… heh Taxis are expensive .
Is ISIS too good for Uber or some other ridesharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high !
CIA : can you look into their expense reports ?
So was the taxi driver an ISIS terrorist , too , or was there another head-chopper riding on the roof ?
Must have been one on the roof to hold the black ISIS flag ( allows easy identification of Taxi Cab of Terror ’ s true purpose ) .
Let ’ s see here , now… largest gas plant in Syria ( 50 mmcf/day ) stolen by CENTCOM – can be seen from space .
So four head-choppers suddenly decide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh , FFS… no , not even on a week ’ s worth of Captagon… “ …The terrorists injured three SDF fighters and fled the scene… ” Well , of course they fled – the taxi cab meter was still running .
An extended firefight to take over the largest gas plant in Syria could have led to ISIS burning through at least 40,000 or 50,000 SYP fare – not including tip .
“ …A unit of the SDF chased the attackers on CONICO-al-Izbah road .
After an exchange of fire , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others were captured… ” Headchopper Tip : Never use a taxi cab as a get-away vehicle if it can ’ t outrun an SDF truck .
“ …Later on , coalition personnel carried out an air landing operation and imposed control of the situation in the region , ” the Deir Ezzor Media Center said in a post on Facebook… ” It ’ s clear that the ‘ situation ’ was out of control – f ’ king sneak TAXI attack .
The SDF urgently needed some serious backup after this horrific near-takeover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asleep at the wheel once again .
Get a couple of Stryker Brigade Combat Teams to guard our war booty right now , damn it !
We better not hear about any taxis making it through the wire at al Omar , either .
You can be outsourced , CENTCOM .
“ Yeah… Sanckbar !
Looks great .
Most of the blood and brains come right out if you get to them before they dry .
OK , ready for your next jihad , brother… heh , just kidding !
” https : @

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On April 30, the U.S.-led coalition and the SDF clashed with a cell of ISIS that attempted to carry out an attack near the CONICO gas factory in eastern Deir Ezzor.
According to the Deir Ezzor Media Center, four terrorists of the group riding a taxi opened fire at a military vehicle of the SDF near CONICO. The terrorists injured three SDF fighters and fled the scene.
A unit of the SDF chased the attackers on CONICO-al-Izbah road. After an exchange of fire, two of the attackers were injured and two others were captured.
“Later on, coalition personnel carried out an air landing operation and imposed control of the situation in the region,” the Deir Ezzor Media Center said in a post on Facebook.
In the last few days, the U.S.-led coalition and the SDF intensified their operations against ISIS remnants in Deir Ezzor. On April 29, Moeen Taha al-Hamad, an ISIS commander responsible for a series of assassinations in the governorate, was apprehended in the southeastern countryside.
These operations are without a doubt harming ISIS’ influence in Deir Ezzor. Nevertheless, the terrorist group’s presence there will not likely end anytime soon.
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southfront--2020-05-02--IED Attack Kills, Injures Several Turkish-Backed Militants In Northern Raqqa

On May 2 , a vehicle of Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sharqiyah was attacked near the occupied town of Tell Abyad in the northern Raqqa countryside .
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , an improvised explosive device ( IED ) ripped through the vehicle as it was mobbing on a road between the towns of Suluk and Hamam al-Turkman .
The attack may have been carried out by Kurdish forces , which used to control the region , or ISIS .
The terrorist group ’ s cells are still active in different parts of Raqqa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inside job .
Ahrar al-Sharqiyah , which is known to be a hub for radicals , has many conflicts with other Turkish-backed groups .
In the last few months only , the group ’ s militants were engaged in internal clashes on several occasions .
Most recently , in the town of Jarabulus in northern Aleppo .
Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria are highly-unstable .
Attacks as well as internal conflicts are taking place there on regular basis , with Turkish forces turning the blind eye on most cases .
@ @ @ @ @

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On May 2, a vehicle of Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sharqiyah was attacked near the occupied town of Tell Abyad in the northern Raqqa countryside.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), an improvised explosive device (IED) ripped through the vehicle as it was mobbing on a road between the towns of Suluk and Hamam al-Turkman.
“Three [fighters] of Ahrar al-Sharqiyah were killed and two others were injured as a result,” the London-based monitoring group said in a report.
The attack may have been carried out by Kurdish forces, which used to control the region, or ISIS. The terrorist group’s cells are still active in different parts of Raqqa.
Another possibility is that the attack was an inside job. Ahrar al-Sharqiyah, which is known to be a hub for radicals, has many conflicts with other Turkish-backed groups. In the last few months only, the group’s militants were engaged in internal clashes on several occasions. Most recently, in the town of Jarabulus in northern Aleppo.
Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria are highly-unstable. Attacks as well as internal conflicts are taking place there on regular basis, with Turkish forces turning the blind eye on most cases.
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southfront--2020-05-02--SouthFront’s YouTube Channel Is Banned

SouthFront’s YouTube Channel Is Banned

On April 30 , we reported that Facebook permanently banned SouthFront ’ s public page with about 100,000 followers .
( LINK ) Now , the situation appears to be even worse .
On May 1 ( in the evening by CET ) , YouTube terminated SouthFront ’ s channels with a combined sum of approximately 170,000 subscribers .
The main YouTube channel in English had over 152,000 subscribers , 1,900 uploaded videos and about 60,000,000 views .
This happened despite the fact that our YouTube channels had zero active strikes .
As you know we cover conflicts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topic .
Therefore , we strictly follow YouTube ’ s Community Guidelines and comply with the Terms of Service .
SouthFront ’ s YouTube channels were terminated without any warning .
All that we got was a single automated email regarding the termination of our inactive channel in Farsi “ SouthFront Farsi ” that included several translations of our war reports .
However , even this email provides no details regarding the decision and just claims that “ SouthFront Farsi ” violated YouTube ’ s Terms of Service without any elaboration .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SouthFront repeatedly faced attempts to censor our coverage , analysis and videos .
However , the current blatant and illegal ban of our activity is an unprecedented case .
( LINK , LINK , LINK ) The only reasonable explanation , we may imagine , is that US authorities ordered YouTube and Facebook to cleanse the media sphere of sources of objective coverage and analysis on the Middle East region as a part of the ongoing preparations for a war with Iran .
( LINK ) We think that the current situation deserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the journalistic community beyond individual ambitions of separate media organizations and journalists .
WE CRITICALLY NEED YOUR INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE Please , help to share this message with the global audience .
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DEAR FRIENDS,
On April 30th, our Facebook page with about 100,000 subscribers was deleted without any warnings or an opportunity to file an appeal. (LINK)
Now, the situation appears to be even worse.
On May 1st, YouTube terminated all of South Front’s channels, with approximately 170,000 subscribers. Our YouTube channels were also terminated without any warnings or notifications. The main YouTube channel in English had over 152,000 subscribers, 1,900 uploaded videos and approximately 60 million views.
The termination of our channels occurred regardless of the fact that our YouTube channels had zero active strikes. Covering conflicts in the Middle East, we expressly understand the inherent sensitivity of the issue. Therefore, we have strictly followed YouTube’s Community Guidelines and have always complied with the Terms of Service.
SouthFront’s YouTube channels were terminated without any warning. All that we got was a single automated email regarding the termination of our inactive channel in Farsi “SouthFront Farsi” that included several translations of our war reports. However, even this email provides no details regarding the decision and just claims that “SouthFront Farsi” violated YouTube’s Terms of Service without any elaboration.
Throughout the past five years of our endeavors, South Front has been constantly subjected to pressure from different Euro-Atlantic structures and US tech companies that hold a monopoly on the dissemination of information. We have repeatedly faced attempts to censor our coverage of world events, in the form of written analysis, videos and livestream interviews. (LINK, LINK, LINK)
The only reasonable explanation, we may imagine, is that US authorities ordered YouTube and Facebook to cleanse the media sphere of sources of objective coverage and analysis on the Middle East region as a part of the ongoing preparations for a war with Iran. (LINK)
We think that the current situation deserves attention of the international public, including the journalistic community beyond individual ambitions of separate media organizations and journalists.
WE CRITICALLY NEED YOUR INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE
Please, help to share this message with the global audience. Also, please, inform your friends, your social circles about southfront.org as an independent platform covering crucial developments in the Middle East and around the world.
Also, in this hard time, your donations are especially important to keep SouthFront alive:
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SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence Team
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southfront--2020-05-03--Syrian Intelligence Officer, Hezbollah Collaborator Assassinated In Daraa

On May 2 , unknown gunmen assassinated a Syrian intelligence service member and a local man accused of cooperating with Hezbollah in the southern governorate of Daraa .
The intelligence service member , Abdul Rahman Faisal al-Jamous , was shot and killed in front of his house in the town of Dael in the northern Daraa countryside .
Al-Jamous , known as “ Abud al-Rattah , ” was reportedly servicing in the ranks of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate ( AFID ) .
The other victim , Muhammad Radwan Al-Mulhim , was a civilian accused of being a collaborator of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the western outskirt of Dael .
ISIS , whose calls are known to be active in Daraa , didn ’ t claim responsibility for any of the attacks .
This indicates that other sides , like the Israeli intelligence , may be responsible .
The recent attacks in Daraa appear to be the work of several sides , each with its own goals .
These attack have largely destabilized the situation in the governorate .
Government forces are yet to take action against the perpetrators .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Northeast Syria

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On May 2, unknown gunmen assassinated a Syrian intelligence officer and a local man accused of collaborating with Hezbollah in the southern governorate of Daraa.
The intelligence service member, Abdul Rahman Faisal al-Jamous, was shot and killed in front of his house in the town of Dael in the northern Daraa countryside. Al-Jamous, known as “Abud al-Rattah,” was reportedly serving in the ranks of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate (AFID).
The other victim, Muhammad Radwan Al-Mulhim, was a civilian accused of being a collaborator of Hezbollah. His body was found in the western outskirt of Dael.
ISIS, whose cells are known to be active in Daraa, didn’t claim responsibility for any of the attacks. This indicates that other sides, like the Israeli intelligence, may be responsible.
The recent attacks in Daraa appear to be the work of several sides, each with its own goals. These attack have largely destabilized the situation in the governorate. Government forces are yet to take action against the perpetrators.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-03--Military Situation In Area Of Libya’s Tripoli On May 3, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in the area of Tripoli : • @ @ @ @ @ died in Libya during the last few days ; • Turkish-backed Syrian militants were filmed @ @ @ @ @ National Army in Saladin .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in the area of Tripoli:
Over 20 Turkish-backed Syrian militants died in Libya during the last few days;
A Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle crashed in Arada;
Turkish-backed Syrian militants were filmed during clashes with the Libyan National Army in Saladin.
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southfront--2020-05-03--Military Situation In Afghanistan On May 3, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • The government reportedly @ @ @ @ @ from the Pul-e-Charkhi Prison in Kabul as a part of the US-Taliban peace deal ; @ @ @ @ @ 40 civilian houses were destroyed by government forces in the Jaram district of Badakhshan province @ @ @ @ @ Taliban 2 civilians were killed in shelling by government forces in the Girda Chiri district @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Afghanistan On May 2 , 2020 ( @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
The government reportedly released about 100 Taliban prisoners from the Pul-e-Charkhi Prison in Kabul as a part of the US-Taliban peace deal;
The Taliban claimed that 40 civilian houses were destroyed by government forces in the Jaram district of Badakhshan province;
According to the Taliban 2 civilians were killed in shelling by government forces in the Girda Chiri district of Paktia province.
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southfront--2020-05-03--Globaleye Multi-Role Airborne Early Warning & Control Platform (Infographics)

GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control ( AEW & C ) platform developed by the Swedish defence and security company Saab .
It consists of a suite of sensors using Saab ’ s Erieye ER ( Extended Range ) radar and mission system installed in the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet .
SAAB Delivered First GlobalEye Airborne Warning And Control System To UAE ( 2.05.2020 ) : On April 29th , Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates .
In total , the UAE ordered 3 such aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
In November 2019 , it announced that it plans to amend the contract and purchase 2 additional systems , meaning 5 in total .
But the contract hasn ’ t been finalized yet .
“ The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab , but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control .
We have set a new standard for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Micael Johansson , President and CEO of Saab .
According to spotter aviation resources , the second GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE , which made its first flight at Saab in Linkoping ( Sweden ) on January 3rd , 2019 , was actually the first to be delivered .
In the evening of April 28th , 2020 , this aircraft flew from Linkoping and arrived in the morning on April 29th at the Emirate Air Base Al-Dafra ( Abu Dhabi ) .
The first GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2018 and has so far been tested and tested on-board systems .
The third GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was deflated in October 2019 and is also being used for testing .
All three aircraft under the terms of contracts should be delivered by the end of 2021 .
In November 2015 , the UAE signed a contract with Saab AB worth $ 1.27 billion for the supply of two GlobalEye control systems based on a Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft , and in 2017 signed an additional contract for the supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the UAE began negotiations on the order of two more GlobalEye aviation systems , but the contract has not yet been concluded .
The UAE Air Force became the first customer of this AWACS system and GlobalEye control , previously designated the Swing Role Surveillance System ( SRSS ) , which is a new generation of the well-known Saab Erieye radar system , with a new more powerful Erieye ER radar with AFAR with gallium nitride antenna elements .
The GlobalEye aircraft is also equipped with an additional Leonardo Seaspray 7500E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventral fairing , Star SAFIRE 380-HD round-the-clock electronic surveillance system , HES-21 radio and electronic reconnaissance system , AIS automatic defense identification system , airborne defense complex .
According to Saab , GlobalEye ’ s continuous patrol duration is up to 13 hours .
Currently , the UAE Air Force is already operating two AWACS and Saab 340 AEW & C control aircraft with the Erieye radar system , supplied by Saab AB under a 2009 contract .
Aircraft AWACS and control with a complex of previous generation Erieye are also in service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece , Brazil , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Pakistan and Thailand .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platform developed by the Swedish defence and security company Saab. It consists of a suite of sensors using Saab’s Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar and mission system installed in the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet.
SAAB Delivered First GlobalEye Airborne Warning And Control System To UAE (2.05.2020):
On April 29th, Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates.
In total, the UAE ordered 3 such aircraft, with the contract initially concluded in 2015. In November 2019, it announced that it plans to amend the contract and purchase 2 additional systems, meaning 5 in total. But the contract hasn’t been finalized yet.
“The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab, but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control. We have set a new standard for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world to the United Arab Emirates”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
As per Saab’s website:
“GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.”
According to spotter aviation resources, the second GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE, which made its first flight at Saab in Linkoping (Sweden) on January 3rd, 2019, was actually the first to be delivered.
In the evening of April 28th, 2020, this aircraft flew from Linkoping and arrived in the morning on April 29th at the Emirate Air Base Al-Dafra (Abu Dhabi).
The first GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was pumped out in Linkoping on February 23, 2018 and has so far been tested and tested on-board systems. The third GlobalEye aircraft built for the UAE was deflated in October 2019 and is also being used for testing. All three aircraft under the terms of contracts should be delivered by the end of 2021.
In November 2015, the UAE signed a contract with Saab AB worth $1.27 billion for the supply of two GlobalEye control systems based on a Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft, and in 2017 signed an additional contract for the supply of the third system. In November 2019, the UAE began negotiations on the order of two more GlobalEye aviation systems, but the contract has not yet been concluded.
The UAE Air Force became the first customer of this AWACS system and GlobalEye control, previously designated the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), which is a new generation of the well-known Saab Erieye radar system, with a new more powerful Erieye ER radar with AFAR with gallium nitride antenna elements.
The GlobalEye aircraft is also equipped with an additional Leonardo Seaspray 7500E marine target radar with AFAR in the ventral fairing, Star SAFIRE 380-HD round-the-clock electronic surveillance system, HES-21 radio and electronic reconnaissance system, AIS automatic defense identification system, airborne defense complex.
According to Saab, GlobalEye’s continuous patrol duration is up to 13 hours.
Currently, the UAE Air Force is already operating two AWACS and Saab 340 AEW&C control aircraft with the Erieye radar system, supplied by Saab AB under a 2009 contract.
Aircraft AWACS and control with a complex of previous generation Erieye are also in service with the air forces of Sweden, Greece, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Thailand.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-03--Military Situation In Yemen On May 3, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ in the Qaniya area ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported @ @ @ @ @ • The Southern Transitional Council returned to an idea of following the Riyadh agreement after @ @ @ @ @ Saudi-UAE negotiations on the Yemeni conflict .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 ( Map Update )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces erupted in the Qaniya area;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Moris area;
The Southern Transitional Council returned to an idea of following the Riyadh agreement after the recent round of the Saudi-UAE negotiations on the Yemeni conflict.
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southfront--2020-05-03--Military Situation In Syria On May 3, 2020 (Map Update)

The arrogance of the US Exceptionalists is stunning .
Why is there one US troop in Syria ?

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A brief overivew of the recent developments in Syria:
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