chris talpas

Could this approach work offensively? Use switchblade drones to target artillery assets, then use javelin NLAW to deal with tanks & IFVs and then finally artillery going after the softer targets. Use SAM assets to protect the artillery since ATGM equipped infantry can be more dispersed and easily hidden. Essentially trying to use stand-off technology to minimize UA losses.

Actually a great breakdown of what resources lUkraine has:

Some historical comparison. After Pearl Harbour, Admiral William Halsey said 'Before We're Through With 'em, the Japanese Language Will be Spoken Only in Hell" A sentiment shared I'm sure by many Americans at the time. Passions can run high during war time.

Here is a nice video on the Ukrainian Stugna P ATGM Chris

Borg SpottingTM a concept that was ahead of its time Come on Steve, are you sure you don't have some sorta time machine?

Very good synopsis of the situation and larger geopolitical analysis. A particular highlight is the eirily prescient comments of Oleksiy Arestovych given in an interview several years ago predicting this war. Highly recommend a view.

Wouldn't a Russian/Belarusian operation open the way for them to once again suffer heavy losses as they push into previously unconquered territory? I doubt they would be effective at cutting off supply unless they cozied up to the Polish border but that would be a new round of escalation and an awful lot of territory to try and hold. One has to wonder about the motivation level of any Belarusian forces, especially if they run into the expected fierce resistance.

Good interview with a Canadian commander who was involved in NATO training of the Ukrainian forces. She gets into changes that were instituted in nature of command structure empowering local commanders with taking initiative rather than the Soviet/Russian top down almost micromanagement approach. The development and importance of the senior NCOs was also discussed. She also expresses her immense pride in how the Ukrainian forces have performed and her confidence in them. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2011381827562

Pretty standard pathogens that you could see in analytical testing labs serving hospitals or pharmaceutical manufacture. The geobacillus stearothermophilus for instance is used as a reference organism (Biological Indicator) in the validation of sterilization cycles in pharmaceutical applications (primarily those manufacturing sterile dosage forms) since its spores are extremely hardy.

I personally think NATO should go ahead and give the planes to the Ukraine. We have already delivered countless anti tank and anti air missiles that have killed hundreds of Russian vehicles and many aircraft. Yes it is some escalation, but we've already sent so much. I also find it interesting that the Russian cease fire request came shortly after the Polish announcement. Coincidence? maybe. I don't think at this stage we want to suddenly have cold feet. We've been firm and true to our words of no NATO troops on the ground or in the air over Ukraine. However we have also provided unprecedented material support.

Wonder if there are any appropriate HARM's that could be used or interfaced with those MiG-29's that could deal with the more problematic SAM batteries? Not sure if the Ukrainian airforce ever trained for any Wild Weasel tactics to shut down air defenses? Could be useful to have some tasked in that role.

I think we are really seeing the real life effectiveness of standoff man portable anti tank weapons like the Javelin and NLAW against modern armor. I remember being in awe of what squads equipped with Javelins could do when Shock Force first came out -it was almost magical

How about then for the sake of fareness. How many countries, my own included1, have basically failed to adequately fund their militaries letting just a few of the NATO members do most of the heavy lifting? I think this conflict taught us that it is a 'come as you are war', where you better have adequate kit on hand since there will be no time to procure it. I'm pretty sure the U.S. wouldn't be upset at seeing all the members putting forth effort to shoulder more responsibility for the collective defense of the alliance. 1 -Not taking away from the amazing things the Cdn Armed Forces have done despite the less than ideal government support

Don't want to distract from the main Ukraine thread, but I would love to see a meaningful discussion amongst the Canadian members, and other interested allies in another thread (open to suggestions as to most appropriate sub-forum) on what would be the most effective reforms/rebuilding for the Canadian armed forces? How steps should Canada take to make our forces more effective in light of the reality of the current world that doesn't appear to believe in the post-national ideal? It would be interesting to hear what changes could be made to procurement policies: for example, given the realization that we are seriously under-prepared for the present situation, what changes can be made such that purchases of foreign off the shelf kit be made easier? How do you divide the pie between the Army, Airforce, and Navy? Then you can get into relative merit of kit.

As another Canadian, I hope our government takes note and brings our defense spending in line with the 2% GDP guideline. We really have been coasting along on our past reputation far too long. Lot of items for the shopping list.

Wonder if something like this could be an off-ramp? 1. Cease fire put in place, monitored say by the Indians or some other mutually agreeable 3rd party 2. Ukraine becomes officially neutral similar to Switzerland -but like Switzerland is appropriately armed to deter invaders, and like Swizterland be allowed to have vibrant political and economic connections with the European Union and beyond. 3. Internationally monitored referenda in the disputed areas on whether to be independent or remain part of Ukraine If they do become independent, then they too are bound by the neutrality clause forced upon Ukraine. Eventually #4 Reparations of some sort to rebuild infrastructure -heck they can spin it into the Georgy Marshallevsky Plan if they like

It seems filled with cruel cynicism. They know it is a non-starter yet still claim to be offering evacuation corridors. Almost like Putin's demands of NATO to pull back from Eastern Europe in terms of deployments. Its almost like they don't want to stop

Touche!

If the transfer of planes is going to occur, could get into an almost Battle of Britain feel to it . One important aspect of that historical success was that shot down British pilots were parachuting into friendly territory unlike the Germans. Same situation could apply here. We'll see

Speaking of creative ... Looks like Poland might be going to send more fighter jets to Ukraine and the U.S. will backfill their inventory with American made fighers.

You have to hand it to President Zelensky, he is quite determined and persuasive. Much like people are pleasantly surprised at the unity shown amongst democratric nations against Russia, who've instituted broad and punishing sanctions. The corporate world is showing significant initiative in instituting measures as well. No doubt driven in part by a fear by the general public who are quite supportive of the Ukraine's cause. Many are surprised at how this president, given his 'entertainer' background, would rise to Churchillian stature. Zenensky's atypical behaviour -he didn't go running to protect his butt, has not only inspired the Ukranian people but the rest of the world as well. That the Ukrainian people are continuing to resist and shown no signs of surrender against significant odds, tells me that they are a people worth fighting for. Forgive me for this politically incorrect statement -but these Ukrainanians are no Afghans. How much blood and treasure did NATO spend in Afghanistan and for what? Not only the US, but many of the Alliance's nations served there, bled and died. Let us remember that when we see these brave Ukrainians begging for help. How can we be creative without crossing into direct Blue on Red conflict?

Perhaps they originally used the same advisor giving suggestions to Putin

Canada certainly has recent experience in this with China and the 'two Michaels" who were arrested and imprisoned in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou who was wanted by the U.S. Coincidently they were released and sent home the same day Wanzhou cut a plea deal with the U.S. They spent 1024 days in detention

@The_Capt Thanks for your comments on the above post and you make good counters on the difficulty of air resupply. Wondering if the Russians could also press into service any of their civilian air cargo fleet now that they don't have a whole lot of places to fly?

Some interesting analysis -a lot has been mentioned already in this thread, but adds some additional points on command and control and limits on manpower that can be supported by Russian logistics and their need to capture major airports.