As was all too likely when I was drafting last night’s update, Russia did launch a missile attack on Ukraine as late night gave way to early morning.
Last night, Ukraine was under a massive combined drone and missile attack again.
What has changed since the last big combined attack? russia sent 20 drones to attack Poland last week and three jets violated Estonia’s airspace yesterday.
Unpunished evil always grows.
Always!— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 1:37 AM
To stop the war, arm democratic Ukraine to the teeth, and savagely sanction fascist Russia: This has been Ukrainian government’s message since Day One of the full-scale Russian invasion.
Well over three years on, the West still hasn’t done it, and the war is escalating.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Russia’s overnight attack on Ukraine was relentless: 40 missiles, both cruise and ballistic, and nearly 580 drones of various types were launched.
Dnipro and its surrounding region, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, and communities across Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:24 AM
The targets were clear: infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, and civilian enterprises. In Dnipro Russian missile struck an apartment building directly. At least three people were killed in the attack.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Ukraine’s Air Force responded during Russia’s large missile strike on 20 September. The footage shows air defense systems, mobile fire teams, and F-16s in action. Most of today’s downed Kh-101s were hit by Ukrainian Fighting Falcons.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Interception of Russian cruise missiles by Ukrainian F-16 pilots during today’s Russian mass attack. It is noted that the absolute majority of downed Russian cruise missiles today are the result of the work of F-16 crews.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Here is Ukraine’s air defense tally from last night/this morning:
Another huge attack on Ukraine – though not a record so not likely to get much attention abroad: 579 drones, 40 missiles – 94.2% shoot-down rate, missile or drone hits in 10 locations, damage from shoot-down debris in another 10 locations.
Air alert still on in north-center.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:33 AM
This is the key point about Turkey’s response to Russia’s incursions back in 2015:
In response to Russia’s airspace violation over Estonia, Turkish journalist Ragıp Soylu recalled why Turkey shot down a Russian jet in 2015. After at least five such incidents in October that year, Ankara warned Moscow it had changed its engagement rules — and then took action.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
This Week Has Brought Us Closer to Finalizing the 19th Sanctions Package; We Expect Its Approval Soon and Will Quickly Synchronize the Package in Ukraine – Address by the President
20 September 2025 – 18:28
I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!
Right now, I am at our magnificent Saint Sophia’s Cathedral. And it is here that our new yet already established tradition has taken root – receiving letters of credence. Ambassadors who come to Ukraine, who begin their path here – they officially start it right here. And that’s how it has been since 2022. It’s a special rule, so that everyone who works with Ukraine sees and knows what kind of country we are, what history we have, how much depends on Ukraine, and what that means. And that Russia can never steal it. Today, I accepted the letters of credence from the Ambassadors of Germany, Norway, and the Czech Republic. They are our strong partners. We spoke. I thanked them for their clear support of Ukraine, of our independence, of our sovereignty. Europe’s positions are growing stronger, and each year we enhance Europe’s capabilities. All of us, contributing together. Due to our unity, due to our joint projects. I thank every partner.
This week has brought us closer to finalizing the 19th sanctions package against Russian aggression; we expect its approval soon. We will quickly synchronize the package in Ukraine. Russia’s energy resources are being restricted. As well as the infrastructure of the shadow fleet – it will face new pressure. Cryptocurrency schemes used by Russia specifically to bypass sanctions will also be countered by Europe. Thank you.
I am grateful that many of Ukraine’s proposals have been taken into account in the EU sanctions package. We are constantly working on this with every one of our partners, and of course, above all with the European Union and the Group of Seven. We now expect strong sanction steps from the United States as well – Europe is doing its part.
Today, I also signed decrees imposing new Ukrainian sanctions. Three packages were signed. In particular, against propagandists helping Russia; against individuals doing business in occupied territories and feeding Russia’s budget, sustaining this system of evil; and against those destabilizing Moldova in Moscow’s interest. Ukraine is helping Moldova, and we are invested in the stability of our neighbor – in Moldova’s success.
A few more things. Today, the Office of the President sent to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine a law with my signature on the Cross of Military Merit – on the strong status of this award, our combat award. This also means state guarantees and respect for our fallen warriors. Since this award was founded, 331 Ukrainian warriors have been recognized with the Cross of Military Merit. Strong warriors. Thank you.
I want to thank today our defenders of the sky. There was another massive Russian strike: nearly 580 drones, mostly “shaheds,” and 40 missiles. Many were shot down. Drone interceptors performed well today, as did mobile fire groups, aviation – our F-16s and our army aviation. I thank you all. All of you did great. Thank you for every downed target. But there were still hits. Dnipro, Pavlohrad and other communities in the Dnipro region were among Russia’s targets. We still need to strengthen our air defense system, and this depends heavily on partners. And many of them have this power – the power that must protect lives. It should be used.
Everyone can now see Russian interference against Poland, and yesterday against Estonia. And these are not accidental incidents. The Russians will continue trying to spread their aggression, their destabilization, and their interference. That is their system. This must be countered, also systemically, and together.
I thank everyone who is helping. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine. And we are already preparing for important meetings next week – including with the President of the United States. Russia must feel the consequences of its actions.
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
Rustaveli Avenue blocked for the 297th day in a row. Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia. 🇬🇪
The illegitimate, repressive, pro-Russian regime must end.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 1:28 PM
GD has ties, and potentially physical reinforcement, from Ramzan Kadyrov’s thugs.
This is further reinforced by Tbilisi Mayor Kaladze’s recent hosting of Chechen MMA champion and Kadyrov’s friend Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev also got a Ferrari. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Later, Chimaev couldn’t comment to a journalist about Georgia’s territorial integrity. But GD couldn’t care less. 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:19 AM
🟥Media founder and prominent 🇬🇪journalist Mzia Amaglobeli has been unlawfully imprisoned for 252 days.
💢She is the first journalist in #Georgia to be recognized as a prisoner of conscience since the end of Soviet times.
www.freemzia.com
#Journalismisnotacrime
#FreeMzia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) September 20, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Poland:
Poland mobilized all its resources this night after Russia struck Ukrainian cities. Fighter jets took off, and air defense and radar units were put on high alert.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:36 AM
The EU and NATO:
It took them 3 years to figure out that they should do basic self-preservation, which is actually pretty quick for Poles but shameful for Romania.
— Bill McKay (@mckay4senate.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Lithuania and the Czech Republic:
Czech President Petr Pavel and Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Šakalienė called for Russian military aircraft violating NATO airspace to be shot down. Pavel called such incursions “grounds for activation of defence mechanisms”, while Šakalienė reminded that Turkey did exactly that in 2015.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM
The US:
Putin has concluded that military escalation is the best way to force Ukraine into talks on his terms and that Donald Trump is unlikely to do much to bolster Kyiv’s defenses – Bloomberg
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:08 AM
From Bloomberg:
President Vladimir Putin has concluded that military escalation is the best way to force Ukraine into talks on his terms and that Donald Trump is unlikely to do much to bolster Kyiv’s defenses, according to people close to the Kremlin.
Russian forces have already stepped up their attacks on military and civilian targets in Ukraine since the two leaders met in Anchorage last month and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected Putin’s demand to give up more territory in eastern Ukraine. Putin intends to continue targeting Kyiv’s energy network and other infrastructure, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing sensitive information.
The talks in Alaska left Putin convinced that Trump has no interest in intervening in the conflict, they added.
In response to Russia’s increased aggression, Trump has this week voiced his frustration with Putin’s approach and floated the idea of tougher sanctions on Moscow and its allies to shut off Russia’s oil revenue. But at the same time, he’s insisting that Kyiv’s European allies take difficult measures before the US makes a move.
Moscow’s recent tactics underscore the extent to which signs of restraint out of Washington are emboldening the Kremlin as it presses ahead with a war of attrition aimed at forcing Ukrainian concessions. Russian officials see the strategy potentially sapping Kyiv’s defenses and also shaping the ground for future negotiations.
“It is important for Putin to show Trump and Europeans that he can still afford to escalate the situation,” said Vita Spivak, a Russia analyst from the London-based consultancy Gatehouse Advisory Partners. “Putin is trying to increase his leverage for the next round of negotiations about Ukraine whenever it happens.”
In Anchorage, Putin offered to halt the fighting and freeze the line of contact in southern Ukraine if Kyiv agreed to cede unconquered territory in two eastern regions. He has previously demanded that Ukraine limit the size of its armed forces and abandon its goal of joining NATO.
Ukraine has rejected those terms and Putin believes that justifies his escalation, the people close to the Kremlin said.
More at the link.
Putin and his trusted agents have accurately assessed Trump and his senior natsec team, especially his isolationist Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD-P):
Always colby at the scene of the crime
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:33 PM
“Didn’t believe in the value” is crazy
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
I can’t believe he shitposted it into reality
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Remember, as I included in Thursday’ night’s update, Trump just cancelled $400 million of military aide to Taiwan.
Donald Trump’s reported pause on $400m (£297m) in weapons aid to Taiwan has fuelled fears he is using US support of the island to negotiate with China.
Trump’s pause on weapons provisions, if confirmed, included orders for lethal munitions and autonomous drones, but could still be reversed, the Washington Post reported on Friday.
It came amid US efforts to negotiate a trade deal with China after a long and punishing trade war, and hours before Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping spoke on the phone on Friday. Trump said they had made “productive” progress on issues including trade, fentanyl and TikTok. They also agreed to meet in Korea in October, and for Trump to visit next year.
But analysts noted the respective readouts of the call did not mention Taiwan, Beijing’s most sensitive issue in its foreign relations, particularly with the US. The ruling Chinese Communist party (CCP) plans to annex Taiwan as Chinese territory, by military force if necessary.
Taiwan’s government and people overwhelmingly reject the prospect of CCP rule, and the standoff has prompted an arms buildup on both sides of the Taiwan strait, with much of Taiwan’s stocks coming from the US, Taiwan’s most significant backer in its resistance.
“To avoid war and defend peace we must build defence capabilities and societal resilience through continued preparedness,” said Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, on Saturday.
During Trump’s first term, weapons sales to Taiwan soared past $10bn for the first time since the 1990s. Since 2022, US presidents have had congressional approval to send up to $1bn in US weapons stocks to Taiwan and Ukraine annually.
But in Trump’s second term there has been a significant cooling on Taiwan. He has questioned the worth of US support, mused that Taiwan should pay for US “protection”, and spurned the security aid mechanism in favour of actual sales. Taiwan has boosted its defence spend accordingly, with plans to reach 5% of GDP by 2030.
News of the pause was unexpected, and rippled through an annual defence expo in Taipei on Thursday, as arms dealers displayed the latest weaponry and tech. Staff manning one well-known multinational firm’s stand began frantically Googling when asked for their thoughts, according to one attender.
Back to Ukraine.
FRV drones with automatic targeting system attack Russian boats from infantry in the Dnipro River.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🇺🇦 Zelensky announced the creation of a separate branch of the Armed Forces – assault troops.
“We have assault battalions, regiments, which will certainly show good results throughout 2025. And we decided that we need to go into the legal plane.”
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Dnipro:
One of the targets of Russia’s strike on Dnipro was the warehouses of ATB.
ATB is one of Ukraine’s largest supermarket chains, with thousands of stores nationwide. Its warehouses store food and essential goods, making them a critical part of civilian supply infrastructure.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
The reaction of people when russian Shahed drone got intercepted 🫠
Dnipro, Ukraine, this morning.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Russian cruise missile strike in Dnipro.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) September 19, 2025 at 11:48 PM
A Russian missile with cluster munitions hit a residential area with high-rise buildings in Dnipro this morning. Footage shows the moment of impact. One person was killed and dozens injured.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 7:34 AM
This is what the Russian munitions that struck Dnipro this morning were loaded with. People are finding these fragments scattered across the streets and stuck in the walls of their apartments.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Damage to residential building in Dnipro due to Russian attack. 3 killed, 26 injured in attacks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russians used cluster munitions in some missiles to maximize chance of civilian casualties.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Kyiv:
Cars on fire in western Kyiv due to fall of debris from shot-down Russian Shahed attack drone.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) September 19, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Russian occupied Crimea:
🙂 Situation in Crimea overnight:
🔊 Strike in Feodosiya.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:56 AM
💥 Strike on Russian air defense position near Lake Chokrak.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Kherson:
Today is the Day of Kherson.
The people of this proud city — relentlessly bombed and targeted by russian drone safaris — survived occupation and never surrendered.
Think and speak for Kherson today — and every single day until terrorussia is defeated.
Photo Ivan Antypenko.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 7:45 AM
And yet half of the international community insists we must leave our people under russian occupation.
But this is not about territories.This is genocide.
#Ukraine #UkrainianView— Roman Yeremenko (@roalyr.bsky.social) September 19, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Chernihiv Oblast:
Russian drones targeted Chernihiv region. Local officials reported strikes on transport infrastructure with no casualties. Footage also shows an alleged hit on an oil depot in Bakhmach shared by local channels.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast:
Russian milbloggers are deeply concerned about the situation near Dobropillia. The area they proudly advanced into is now at risk of becoming a pocket.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Chasiv Yar:
Footage of Ukrainian fighters from the 18th Guards Sloviansk Brigade of the National Guard hunting Russian occupiers in Chasiv Yar at night.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast:
💥 Destruction of Russian soldiers and equipment near Pokrovsk by “Phoenix” unit!
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Russian occupied Luhansk Oblast:
🇺🇦✈️💣 Ukrainian aviation struck Russian oil facility in the Luhansk region where soldiers, ammunition and equipment stationed, – Soniashnyk
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Saratov and Samara Oblasts, Russia:
❗️Saratov and Novokuybyshevsk oil refineries were struck tonight by the 14th USF Regiment, which carried out most successful attacks on Russian oil facilities over the last 1.5 months.
📌 Support them with needed gear: www.help99.co/patches/spec…
Only €2,600 left to reach the €30,000 milestone.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 3:17 AM
🔥🛢️ Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery was the second one targeted tonight. This refinery has the capacity of 7.9mln tons of oil per year.
It’s the second time it’s targeted during the new campaign of strikes on Russian refineries. Previously it was hit on 2nd of August.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 2:46 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
DOG OF WAR:
During dinner with members of The Counteroffensive’s team, this patriotically-collared pup kept a close eye on the safety of the group!
— Tim Mak (@timkmak.bsky.social) September 20, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Open thread!
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
J. Arthur Crank
Thanks Adam. I did not see any mention of the cancellation of the military aid to Taiwan in my perusal of the headlines via the Apple News app, so I appreciate you keeping us on top of things.
Is there a continent left on Earth where Trump has not fucked up or otherwise embarrassed us? In the past 24 hours it has been at least three continents and counting.
Chetan Murthy
@J. Arthur Crank: WaPo, so not clicking-thru. It’s not clear from the quote, whether this is -aid- or -sales-. If it’s -aid-, I guess I’m less worried: Taiwan should be able to buy the weapons it needs. If it’s -sales-, that is ….. very, very problematic.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@Chetan Murthy: It’s aid. Supposedly they want Taiwan to buy what they need because they can afford it.
Unfortunately, that’s what they told our European and NATO allies and when they made the purchases Colby cancelled them.
Jay
@Chetan Murthy:
yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-blocks-400m-military-aid-104311797.html?guccounter=1&guce_referre…
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: @J. Arthur Crank: @AlaskaReader: You’re all most welcome.
Nukular Biskits
I’m late.
Do the standing NATO rules of engagement prevent the member states from acting unilaterally to shoot down Russian assets transiting their airspace?
Aziz, light!
Can Congress pass a law giving Trump a cut of any weapons sales or aid to Taiwan and Ukraine? Say two percent off the top. That would be the only way to get him to sign on. He’s already selling us out for personal profit; might as well make it official. “Fuck you, pay me” are the only words he understands.
Jay
@Nukular Biskits:
No.
Adam L Silverman
@Nukular Biskits: No. Not as far as I know. Turkey is a NATO member and they acted unilaterally in 2015.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam. There are still Republican supporters of Ukraine in Congress. I wish they would join Democrats in hauling Colby before a committee to give him an earful.
Gin & Tonic
That Patron tweet reminds me to remind you all, Tim Mak has a very good Substack on Ukraine, called The Counteroffensive. Well-sourced and well-written – if you have an inclination to support quality independent journalism, give it a look.
Chetan Murthy
I think I understand in what sense you mean this. I would argue that their support is -functionally indistinguishable- from bullshitters who pretend to support Ukraine but actually do not. This is pretty much the most important foreign policy issue in the world today, and these guys are choosing to let it go wrong, when they could join with Dems to make it go right. Sure, they have other issues they value more. Like white supremacy. Sure. But they could have their white supremacy -and- their Ukraine support, simply by caucusing with the Dems until Trump changes his position on Ukraine.
That’s not what I call support.
Nukular Biskits
@Jay: @Adam L Silverman:
Stating the obvious here, then it should be the default of all NATO member states to take immediate action the very second a Russian drone, missile, etc. crosses over into their airspace.
wjca
Thank you, Adam
Westyny
@Chetan Murthy: Don’t disagree. My comment was, erm, aspirational.
Chetan Murthy
@Westyny: a fair cop.
Adam L Silverman
@wjca: You’re welcome.
pieceofpeace
Thank you, Adam.
Marc
@Nukular Biskits: So I checked. It turns out the Estonian Air Force currently has 2 planes (jet trainer and small transport), 2 IRIS-T missile batteries, and 3 radar stations to protect 180 miles of border and the Baltic coast. Which makes sense, I’ve been there, it’s still a very poor country. Apparently, the rest of NATO is responsible for covering Estonia’s airspace, which is why there was a bit of delay before an Italian (?) fighter could get there to intercept.
MinuteMan
Dribbling arms into Ukraine might seem like the moderate, more humane strategy or cost-effective approach but it’s just the opposite. Arm them to the hilt: the Ukrainians are putting their flesh and blood into the meat grinder and they’re not asking for troops to fight a common enemy of the Free World who will devour Europe after Russia is done with its Ukrainian hor d’ouevre.
Jay
@Nukular Biskits:
It’s never as simple as that. Turkye had the benefit of the ruZZian Aircraft flying the same incursion routes.
So, you have an unidentified object flying towards your country, detected on radar.
You know it’s not a commercial flight, because it’s transponder is not responding. You know it’s not one of your warplanes, because the IFF is not responding. (Both can be spoofed).
It could be a Cessna, or a crop duster, etc.
If it’s fast, you know it’s not that. If it’s slow, it might be a drone.
Responsible, well trained nations, send up a pair of aircraft to visually identify the suspect, at the best, at the edge of your AIZ, which for North America, is quite a ways out, given the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Gulf of Release the Epstein Files. In Europe, your AIZ is basically at the land border, not 1500 miles out at sea.
That way, they don’t, like ruZZia shoot down Dutch Passenger aircraft or scheduled Azeri flights landing at one of their airports.
So, one of the Sasheed drones that crossed Polish airspace, was in Polish airspace for 30 minutes.
Launch of the flight, identification, request for authorization and shoot down, can take longer than that.
Traveller
This is an idea I’ve had bouncing around for a while…with no adequate rebuke or answer…to what maybe seems obvious to me.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”) Nobody wants them…they are being left for all practical purposed to rot.
They should, under these circumstances, be insanely cheap…for actual airframes or disassembled for spare parts.
I understand the initial objection to them on front-line battlefields….slow and therefore very vulnerable to Manpads and other Russian AD systems.
I get it.
But, I think, though maybe incorrectly, that they would be good for Ukrainian air defense, especially against russian Shahed drones far from the front lines, Kiev and Lviv…the Shahed’s are slow also….so why not?
Of course, friendly forces in the sky might be a complication and in danger of being shot down by Ukrainian AD.
I don’t know, the attraction to me is that they are so vastly cheaper than Patriot Missiles and other AD.
Just a Suggestion…that will go nowhere I know…but still, I’ll put it out there. Best Wishes, Traveller
Jay
@Traveller:
Zero A-10’s have ever been shot down. Gulf War, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Dubya Dubya Me Too, Islamic State.
It would be a good platform for Ukraine.
The UAF flies obsolete MI-8 helo’s in rocket attacks on the ruZZian front lines. No bloodbath of MI-8 aircraft and crews.
The UAF flies obsolete Mig-29’s and Floggers on lofting attacks against ruZZian front lines, and now, with glide bombs further into the ruZZian rear, with no blood bath, against the “vaunted” ruZZian AD systems.
The A-10 can carry a massive load, it’s gun is a marvel. it would be a great weapon to arm Ukraine with, but like Abram tanks, the US would rather they rot in the desert than arm Ukraine.
tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)
Thank you, Adam.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
I am letting my currently 2 favourite ladies Karma and Baba Yaga know all about Mr. Colby. Since it’s the time of the New Moon, I might throw in Hekate just for funsies.
Thank you Adam for keeping up with all this madness.
Chetan Murthy
@Traveller: I think the only real objection to the A-10 would be that surely there are cheaper planes that could do the job of drone shootdown. I’m sure the A-10s in the Arizona boneyard would require a lot of expensive work to make airworthy. And the A-10’s cannon would seem to be a pretty expensive way to shoot down drones, compared to a Cessna with a mounted machine gun. Or at least, one would think.
I saw a video of a Yak-52 trainer being used with two pilots to shoot down drones and thought: geez, you’d think somebody would front-mount a machine gun, do the necessaries to make sure the gun can shoot thru the propeller without shooting it off (I remember reading about that being an important first step in the development of warplanes, a century ago), and voila, you’d have a better solution (b/c only one flier needed). Heck, maybe they could use the extra weight for a radar?