💀 Scooter O' Death 💀 | Spies | Iran Receives Su-35

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Edited by: Sidney McAlear

ADMIN

“Bingo…Bingo…Bingo…” That’s a wrap for 2024; time to take it back to the chocks! Thank you for being here — Thank you for sharing the Lowdown — Thank you for supporting the podcast.

I had no expectations when I hit the record button in January 2020. Four years later we trip past four million audio downloads and millions of views on our podcast videos. 😳

The Lowdown newsletter is the newest addition and my aim is to grow it in 2025. We doubled in size in 2024 and have an average 70% open rate. So, unless you say otherwise, I guess we will keep on trucking. Sharing with friends, colleagues, and family…it would be a great 🎄 Christmas gift 🎁 for us. See you in 2025!

Cheers,

-John

HISTORY OF THE DAY

The Sukhoi Su-35 began as an advanced version of the Su-27 Flanker, one of the Soviet Union's most iconic fighter jets. Originally designated Su-27M, it was first conceptualized in the 1980s to address the need for a more versatile air superiority fighter with improved avionics, weapons systems, and maneuverability. The Su-35's development included the addition of the Irbis-E radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and an advanced glass cockpit.

The modern Su-35, often referred to as the Su-35S, took to the skies in 2008 and entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. Renowned for its agility, speed, and combat versatility, the Su-35 has been marketed as a 4+ generation fighter, bridging the gap between the Su-27 family and next-generation aircraft like the Su-57. The jet has since been exported to countries like China and Egypt, with Iran reportedly acquiring the aircraft in 2024. While lacking stealth capabilities, the Su-35 remains a formidable platform for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

THREAT OF THE DAY…via Wikipedia

Sukhoi Su-35
Country of Origin: Russia
Nickname: Flanker-E
Initial Operating Capability (IOC): 2014
Proliferation Countries: Russia, China, Egypt, and reportedly Iran (pending delivery?)
Produced: Advanced derivative of the Su-27 fighter with significant upgrades in avionics, weaponry, and flight performance.
Speed: Mach 2.25
Range: 3,600 km (2,240 miles) with internal fuel
Radar and Targeting: Equipped with the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, capable of detecting targets at ranges up to 400 km (248 miles).
Armament:
🔺 Air-to-Air Missiles: R-77 (active radar-guided), R-73 (infrared homing)
🔺 Air-to-Ground Weapons: Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles, KAB-500 guided bombs
🔺 Other: 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon

“Fun” Facts:
The Su-35 features thrust-vectoring engines, giving it remarkable agility in dogfights, including the ability to perform complex maneuvers such as the Pugachev's Cobra. While optimized for air superiority, the Su-35 is also highly versatile, capable of engaging ground and naval targets. The aircraft is often marketed as a cost-effective alternative to 5th-generation stealth fighters, though it lacks stealth features itself. Its deployment to nations like China and Iran has raised concerns about its impact on regional power balances.

FLIGHT LINE

🎯 Russian General Killed in Moscow Blast, Ukraine Claims Responsibility |
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Chemical, Biological, and Radiation Defense Forces, was killed alongside his aide in Moscow by a scooter bomb, an act Ukraine's SBU security service has claimed responsibility for the attack, calling Kirillov a "legitimate target" for alleged war crimes. Russia's Investigative Committee reported the improvised explosive device (IED) was inside an electric scooter which detonated near a residential block, causing significant local shock. Kirillov, sanctioned by the UK for chemical weapons use in Ukraine, had faced accusations of overseeing over 4,800 chemical attacks.

🎯 Heavy Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Military Sites in Coastal Tartus Region |
Over the last week, Israel conducted its heaviest airstrikes in Syria's Tartus region since 2012, targeting strategic military sites, including air defense units and surface-to-surface missile depots, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The strikes are part of Israel’s campaign to neutralize Syrian military capabilities following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime last week. Reports indicate Israel has destroyed 80% of Syrian military assets to prevent their capture by hostile forces. The Islamist rebel group HTS, now in control of Syria, stated it aims to avoid further regional conflict.

🎯 China Orbits First Guowang Internet Satellites | China has successfully launched the first Guowang satellites, initiating a massive constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage. The project, comparable to SpaceX's Starlink, plans to deploy thousands of satellites to enhance connectivity and bolster China's presence in space-based internet services.

🎯 Iranian Air Force Begins Replacing F-14A Tomcats with Su-35s | Iran has reportedly received its first Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, signaling the start of its transition away from the aging F-14A Tomcat fleet. This move strengthens Iran's air combat capabilities, as the Su-35 offers advanced avionics, super-maneuverability, and a greater payload capacity compared to its predecessor.

🎯 Russian FSB Operative Charged in U.S. Influence Operation | The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Russian national Nomma Zarubina with orchestrating an influence operation on behalf of Russia's FSB. Zarubina allegedly sought to manipulate U.S. public opinion and political processes by leveraging social media and covert contacts.

🎯 UK Establishment Embroiled in China Spy Scandal | A recent investigation reveals that members of the British establishment, including prominent figures such as Prince Andrew, were targeted in an alleged Chinese espionage operation. The scandal has raised questions about vulnerabilities within UK institutions and the influence of foreign actors in the country's elite circles.

🎯 Intercepted Call Reveals North Korean Troops Suffering in Ukraine | An intercepted Russian communication suggests that North Korean troops deployed to Ukraine are facing severe casualties, with reports of "trainloads of wounded”.

🎯 Haiti Gang Massacre Claims 180 Lives | A brutal gang attack during a voodoo ceremony in Haiti's Artibonite region left at least 180 dead, highlighting the escalating crisis of gang violence in the country. Gangs now control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince and are expanding their grip nationwide.

🎯 Two Russian Tankers Wreck in Kerch Strait | A storm in the Kerch Strait wrecked two Russian tankers, killing one sailor and threatening a massive oil spill in the Black Sea. Authorities are working to contain the environmental risks posed by thousands of tons of leaked fuel oil.

🎯 Lockheed's Skunk Works Welcomes New Boss | O.J. Sanchez, a former F-22 pilot, has been named the head of Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works. He now leads the company's legendary division, renowned for its groundbreaking aviation and defense innovations.

🎯 Russian Warship Fires at German Military Helicopter | A Russian warship reportedly opened fire on a German military helicopter operating near the Baltic Sea, escalating tensions in the region. No injuries were reported, and Germany has called for an investigation into the incident, which highlights increasing maritime confrontations in the area.

Trivia:

B) 1982
Egypt first received its F-16 Fighting Falcons in 1982 under the Peace Vector program, a key component of U.S. military aid following the Camp David Accords. Today, Egypt has one of the largest F-16 fleets globally, with over 215 F-16s in various configurations..