North Korean Troops to Russia | 🚨 MiG-35 | Russian Cargo Plane Shot Down

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Edited by Sidney McAlear

IN HISTORY

Colonel John A. Warden III: Strategic Innovator of Air Power
Colonel John A. Warden III is recognized as a pivotal figure in modern air power strategy, particularly for his contributions during Operation Desert Storm. Born in 1943 in McKinney, Texas, Warden's military career spanned three decades, during which he became known for his innovative thinking and strategic acumen.

Military Career and Combat Experience
Warden graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1965 and served as a combat pilot during the Vietnam War. He flew 266 combat missions as an OV-10 Forward Air Control pilot. His early experiences in Vietnam shaped his views on air power and strategic planning.

Checkmate and Strategic Planning
In the late 1980s, Warden led the Checkmate division at the Pentagon, a think tank focused on developing advanced warfighting concepts. Checkmate played a crucial role in planning the air campaign for Operation Desert Storm. Warden's team developed "Instant Thunder," a strategic air campaign plan that emphasized rapid, decisive strikes against key Iraqi targets to achieve strategic paralysis.

The "Five Rings" Theory
Warden is best known for his "Five Rings" theory of warfare, which he outlined in his book The Air Campaign: Planning for Combat. This theory posits that an enemy's capability to wage war can be disrupted by targeting five critical systems: leadership, system essentials (infrastructure), infrastructure (industry), population, and fielded military forces. By focusing on these areas, air power can effectively incapacitate an adversary without extensive ground engagement.

Operation Desert Storm and Legacy
During Operation Desert Storm, Warden's strategic concepts were put into practice with great success. The coalition's air campaign crippled Iraq's military infrastructure and command capabilities, leading to a swift victory with minimal coalition casualties. His work during this period solidified his reputation as a leading air power theorist.

Colonel Warden retired from the Air Force in 1995 but continued to influence military strategy through his writings and lectures. His contributions to air power doctrine have left a lasting impact on how military operations are conducted today.

THREAT OF THE DAY: Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum

Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum-F
Country of Origin: Russia
NATO Designation: Fulcrum-F
Initial Operating Capability (IOC): 2019
Proliferation Countries: Russia; interest from countries like Egypt.
Produced: Limited production with ongoing efforts to expand export sales.
Variants:
🔺MiG-35S/D: Single-seat and dual-seat versions with advanced avionics and multirole capabilities.
Speed: Mach 2.25
Engine(s): Two Klimov RD-33MK turbofan engines with increased thrust and reduced infrared signature.
Range: Approximately 2,100 kilometers (1,135 nautical miles) without external fuel tanks.
Radar and Targeting: Equipped with a Zhuk-AE AESA radar capable of tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously and engaging multiple threats at once.
Armament:
🔺Air-to-Air Missiles: R-77 (AA-12 Adder), R-73 (AA-11 Archer)
🔺Air-to-Ground Weapons: Capable of deploying various precision-guided munitions for multirole operations.
“Fun” FactsThe MiG-35 is essentially an advanced iteration of the MiG-29, featuring significant upgrades in avionics and weaponry to enhance its multirole capabilities. It was designed to compete in the global fighter jet market as a cost-effective yet capable alternative to more expensive Western aircraft. Despite its potential, the MiG-35 has struggled to secure widespread international sales compared to its predecessor, the MiG-29.

FLIGHT LINE

🎯 North Korean Troops Sent to Russia for Ukraine War, U.S. Confirms | The U.S. has confirmed that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to support its war efforts in Ukraine. This development comes as Russia seeks additional manpower and resources for its ongoing military operations. 12,000 North Korean troops (up from the initial 3,000 assessment) are now in Russian-held eastern Ukraine.

🎯 U.S. Airstrikes Using B-2 Bombers | A U.S. Air Force B-2 bomber conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These strikes were in response to drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.

🎯 U.S. Steps Up Pressure on ISIS with Airstrikes in Syria | The U.S. military has conducted multiple airstrikes targeting ISIS training camps in Syria. These precision strikes are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorist group's capabilities in the region. The camps targeted were used to train ISIS operatives and plan future attacks.

🎯 Navy Identifies Aviators Killed in EA-18G Growler Crash | The U.S. Navy has identified the two aviators who tragically died in the crash of an EA-18G Growler last week. The crash occurred during a routine training mission near Washington state. The aviators were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

🎯 Pentagon Invests to Counter Cheap Drones | The Pentagon has awarded Anduril Industries a $250 million contract to provide over 500 Roadrunner-M counter-drone systems and associated Pulsar electronic warfare systems. These systems are designed to combat the growing threat posed by low-cost drones. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2024 and continue through the end of 2025.

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🎯 Air Force Maintainers Gain Access to Mishap Insights, Bound by NDAs | The Air Force will allow its aircraft maintainers greater access to mishap investigation reports to enhance safety and improve maintenance practices. However, maintainers must sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), preventing them from sharing details of these reports.

🎯 Cargo Plane with Russians On Board Shot Down in Sudan | A cargo plane, reportedly carrying Russian nationals, was shot down in Sudan. The plane, which may have been involved in supplying weapons to the Sudanese army, went down amid ongoing conflict in the region. Reuters reports that the aircraft's purpose is under investigation, adding complexity to Sudan's already tense security situation.

🎯 THAAD Anti-Missile System Deployed in Israel | The U.S. has deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in Israel as well as 100 U.S. Army troops as tensions in the region escalate. This advanced missile defense system is designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

🎯 F-16 Ramp Mishap Report Released | A U.S. Air Force F-16, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was damaged after being struck by a weapons loader (a.k.a “jammer“) during ground operations. The incident, which occurred on November 17th, 2023 at an undisclosed airbase in Southwest Asia, left the jet with significant damage, rendering it temporarily inoperable. The jammer was being utilized on an F-15E, parked nearby, when the maintainer placed it in reverse and could not stop it. The jammer struck the F-15E, eventually throwing the maintainer off the jammer and continuing on to the F-16 where it struck an external fuel tank and sparked a fire.

🎯 Australia Announces Purchase of U.S. Air Defense Missiles | Australia has announced a $4.7 billion deal to purchase advanced air defense missiles from the U.S. as part of its broader defense modernization efforts. The acquisition will include systems like the Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to enhance Australia’s defense capabilities against growing regional threats.