A-10 to Leave Overseas | 🇷🇺 Russia Trades S-400🇰🇵 | OA-1K SkyWarden

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Edited by: Sidney McAlear

HISTORY OF THE DAY

In November 2014, the F-22 Raptor played a pivotal role in the U.S.-led coalition's air campaign against ISIS in Syria during Operation Inherent Resolve. This marked the first time the world’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter was deployed in combat. The F-22 conducted precision strikes against ISIS command-and-control facilities, training camps, and weapons storage sites, demonstrating its unmatched combination of stealth, speed, and advanced sensor capabilities.

The mission underscored the aircraft’s ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace and execute strikes with minimal detection—capabilities critical in modern warfare. As part of this operation, the F-22 also served as a force multiplier, providing real-time battlefield intelligence and targeting data to other coalition aircraft. The sortie reinforced the Raptor's status as a cornerstone of U.S. air superiority.

THREAT OF THE DAY…via Wikipedia

Threat: Shahed 138 and Shahed 238
Country of Origin: Iran (with Russian modifications)
Threat Type: Long-Range Kamikaze Drones
The Shahed-138 and Shahed-238 represent advanced variants of Iran's kamikaze drone arsenal. Both drones are increasingly utilized by Iran and its allies, such as Russia, in ongoing conflicts.

 Shahed-138

• Length: ~4.0 meters (13.1 feet)

• Wingspan: ~3.0 meters (9.8 feet)

• Propulsion: Single piston engine with propeller

• Range: Up to 2,500 km (1,550 miles)

• Payload: ~60 kilograms (132 pounds) of explosives

• Speed: ~185–200 km/h (115–124 mph)
  
  Shahed-238

• Length: ~3.5 meters (11.5 feet)

• Wingspan: ~2.5 meters (8.2 feet)

• Propulsion: Turbojet engine

• Range: Estimated 1,500–2,000 km (930–1,240 miles)

• Payload: ~45–50 kilograms (99–110 pounds) of explosives

• Speed: ~500–600 km/h (310–370 mph)

FLIGHT LINE

🎯 A-10 Warthog’s Overseas Service Ends with Korea Exit | The U.S. Air Force will withdraw 24 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Osan Air Base, South Korea, starting January 2025. This marks the end of the A-10’s overseas deployment as the Air Force modernizes its fleet with advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, including upgraded F-16s, F-35s, and F-15EX jets.

🎯 U.S. Embassy Guard in Norway Arrested for Spying for Russia and Iran | A Norwegian security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo was arrested on charges of espionage for Russia and Iran. The individual, in his 20s, allegedly collected and shared sensitive information with foreign authorities, according to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK. Norway’s intelligence service confirmed the arrest for activities involving state secrets. The suspect denies being a spy but consented to two weeks’ detention.

🎯 Chinese Hackers Target U.S. Critical Infrastructure for Potential Conflict | Chinese-linked hackers are infiltrating U.S. critical infrastructure IT networks to prepare for potential clashes, according to Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command. These cyber operations aim to enable disruptive attacks, such as manipulating HVAC systems in server rooms or disrupting energy and water systems, during a major conflict. Recent cyber espionage operations, dubbed "Salt Typhoon," included hacking U.S. telecommunications firms and stealing sensitive call and communications data. U.S. agencies, including the FBI and CISA, are providing technical assistance to counter these threats.

🎯 Russia Trades Air Defense Missiles for North Korean Troops in Ukraine | Russia has supplied air defense missile systems, potentially including S-400 surface-to-air missiles, to North Korea in exchange for over 10,000 troops sent to support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, South Korea's national security adviser revealed. This arms-for-troops deal raises concerns about Russia enhancing Pyongyang's defense capabilities, including counter-drone systems and missile technologies.

🎯 Russia to Mass-Produce New Hypersonic Ballistic Missile | Russian President Vladimir Putin announced continued testing and serial production of the hypersonic “Oreshnik” missile, claiming it to be impossible to intercept. The missile, capable of carrying multiple warheads, was fired at Ukraine’s city of Dnipro Thursday, marking the first use of such technology in warfare. Putin stated that Russia is developing additional short and medium-range missile systems.

Russia fired its experimental Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine’s city of Dnipro, carrying multiple dummy warheads without explosives. Ukrainian sources confirmed minimal damage, while President Putin claimed the test was successful, targeting a missile and defense facility. The missile, derived from the RS-26, has a potential range exceeding 5,000 km but flew only 700 km in this test. Western experts suggest the warheads may have been equipped with performance-monitoring instruments, marking the strike as a signal to the West. U.S. officials believe Russia possesses only a limited stock of these missiles.

🎯 Underwater Sabotage Suspected in Baltic Sea Cable Incidents | Two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea were severed this week, with Swedish authorities investigating the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3, which passed near the cables during the incidents. These latest disruptions follow a series of attacks on pipelines and cables, including the Nord Stream explosions in 2022 and the Balticconnector pipeline damage in 2023.

🎯 Air Force’s Special Operations ‘Crop Duster’ to Begin Training in Oklahoma | Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City will host the first training unit for the OA-1K Sky Warden, a modified crop duster designed for armed reconnaissance missions. The OA-1K will replace the MC-12 Liberty by 2027, bringing 150-200 permanent personnel to the base.

🎯 Lawmakers Urge Pentagon to Ground Ospreys Over Safety Concerns | Following reports of design flaws linked to over 21 major accidents, lawmakers have requested the Pentagon to re-ground the V-22 Osprey fleet until safety issues are addressed. Despite temporary grounding after a fatal 2023 crash in Japan, Ospreys resumed operations with restrictions. Pilots report needing to push the aircraft’s limits for safe landings, exacerbating wear on critical parts.

🎯 Ukraine Hits Key Russian Air Defense System | Ukraine targeted Russia’s Kursk region, striking an S-400 air-defense battalion and Khalino air base with U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. Russia admitted the attacks caused casualties and damage to radar systems, marking a rare acknowledgment of Ukrainian strikes inside its borders. Of the eight missiles fired, two bypassed Russian defenses.

🎯 U.S. and China Swap Detained Citizens in Diplomatic Breakthrough | The U.S. and China have exchanged detained citizens in a deal aimed at easing strained relations. China released three Americans, including businessman Mark Swidan, detained on drug charges since 2012, and Kai Li, imprisoned on espionage charges since 2016. In return, the U.S. freed three Chinese nationals and repatriated a fugitive. President Biden raised the issue during a recent meeting with President Xi Jinping in Peru. The U.S. subsequently downgraded its travel advisory for China, but concerns remain about potential detentions of U.S. citizens.

🎯 Former British Soldier Daniel Khalife Found Guilty of Spying for Iran | Daniel Khalife, a former British soldier, was convicted of sharing sensitive military information with Iran, including names of special forces soldiers. Prosecutors revealed he contacted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps via social media and shared classified documents, compromising UK national security. Khalife fled Wandsworth Prison in 2023 but was recaptured 75 hours later. His actions, breaching the Official Secrets Act, were labeled "reckless and dangerous" by UK authorities. Khalife faces sentencing early next year, with officials warning of severe penalties.

🎯 Storm Shadow Strike Targets North Korean and Russian Forces | A Ukrainian Storm Shadow missile strike in Russia's Kursk Oblast injured a North Korean general and killed multiple officers, according to Ukrainian and Financial Times sources. The precision-guided missile targeted dispersed North Korean military positions following their deployment to support Russia. The strike reportedly also hit a Russian administrative building.

🎯 China Investigates Top General Amid Sweeping Military Purge | Admiral Miao Hua, head of the Political Work Department of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), is under investigation for corruption as President Xi Jinping broadens his anti-graft campaign within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Miao, a close ally of Xi, joins a growing list of senior officers targeted, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. The crackdown has focused heavily on the Rocket Force and military-industrial complex, with over a dozen high-level officials purged since last year. Xi’s efforts aim to strengthen the PLA and curb systemic corruption but highlight deep-rooted issues within China’s military.

🎯 Delta Flight Attendant Charged with Attempted Murder in New Orleans | Joshua Smith, a Delta flight attendant, faces charges including attempted second-degree murder after allegedly attacking a co-worker in a New Orleans hotel. Police records reveal an argument escalated when Smith cut the victim multiple times on her arm and neck. The victim fled to another floor for help, but Smith followed, injuring a security guard who intervened. The victim is hospitalized in stable condition. Smith's bond is set at $173,000, and he is barred from Hilton properties. Delta stated it has "zero tolerance for violence" and is cooperating with authorities.

🎯 Unidentified Drones Spotted Over U.S. Air Force Bases in England | Unidentified drones were observed over three U.S. Air Force bases in England—RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell—between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26, prompting a coordinated response. Pentagon officials confirmed no immediate threats to residents, facilities, or assets, though an investigation is underway. Initial findings suggest the drone activity was coordinated, not the work of hobbyists. British troops have joined the U.S. Air Force to investigate the incidents, with approximately 60 personnel deployed.

🎯 Turkey Seeks Return to F-35 Program with Request for 40 Jets | Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced Turkey's renewed bid to acquire 40 F-35A fighters, citing positive signals from U.S. officials under the upcoming Trump administration. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 air defense systems. Recent talks suggest a potential resolution, including the transfer of S-400 systems to U.S. control at Incirlik Air Base.

However, Turkey’s challenges in modernizing its air force extend beyond the F-35. This week, Ankara scaled back a major $23 billion agreement with the U.S. to upgrade its fleet of F-16s to the Block 70 standard. The revised deal, now valued at $6.5–$7 billion, includes only 40 new F-16 Vipers and accompanying weapons, as Turkey shifts responsibility for modernizing older aircraft to its domestic industry. Under the ÖZGÜR program, Turkey’s defense sector has already integrated ASELSAN’s MURAD AESA radar into an F-16 Block 30.

Trivia:

Answer: C-130

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules first entered service in 1956 as a versatile military transport aircraft designed for tactical airlift. It first flew April 7th, 1955. Known for its rugged reliability, the C-130 has served the U.S. Air Force and over 70 other nations in a wide variety of roles, including cargo transport, troop deployment, medical evacuation, and even firefighting.