Vietnam is seeking to diversify its supplier base and reduce its dependence on Russian equipment as part of a broader move to become more self-reliant and strengthen its domestic defense industry.
The Pentagon is again accusing Russia of unsafe operations in the Middle East releasing a video taken July 5 that shows a Russian Su-35 harassing a U.S. MQ-9.
A promised supply of Western fighter jets has prompted a comprehensive review within Ukraine’s air force of its structure, training and logistics needs.
The new Storm Shadows in Ukraine’s inventory likely will prompt Russia to reconsider siting of high-value targets, logistics hubs and air defense systems.
EUCOM released the video from the MQ-9A’s belly-mounted MTS-B sensor on March 16 after Russia denied that the intercept by two Su-27s led to a collision.
Momentum for the handover of fighters to supplement Ukraine’s remaining air defense fleet of Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-27s and RAC MiG-29s is gradually gaining.