Русский корабль - иди нахуй

atomheartbevo · August 11

This is floating around, looks like a tire fire inside the cooling tower

if so, they maybe trying to ruin the cooling tower. The fire is at the base, and air is sucked in through the base and pumped out the top of the tower.

MillerEP · August 11

https://www.threads.net/@nickmelnick.osint/post/C-ix991gQD3?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

🤔The front line in Russia’s Kursk region is still not established. On the sixth day of the operation, Ukraine still maintains the initiative and is making breakthroughs in the enemy's defenses by several kilometers.
This is why Putin's forces are not digging trenches but are setting up checkpoints near important sites in the region.
🦅💣And here, the well-known octocopter "Baba Yaga" comes to the rescue and destroys the checkpoint.1

https://www.threads.net/@meanwhile_in_ua/post/C-iPistKjLT?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

Ukraine has successfully destroyed a massive Russian weapons supply in Rostov, russia.
Hear that loud explosion?
That's the sound of freedom knocking at your door, russians.
It's knocking so forcefully now that the door is about to be blown off its hinges.
Time to open the door to your new reality, russians.

MillerEP · August 11

https://www.threads.net/@nickmelnick.osint/post/C-ipqgTgRJi?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

⚡️In the Kursk region, Ukrainian Armed Forces also captured Chechen militants. These Kadyrov units were supposed to guard the state border but instead simply fled.
As seen in the video, some of them took off their military uniforms and changed into civilian clothes to increase their chances of escaping.
Overall, this is a significant success because one “Akhmat" fighter can be exchanged for 2-3 Ukrainians.

https://www.threads.net/@ghostoflviv_/post/C-i3PQySDwi?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

Footage of a Ukrainian Stugna-P ATGM engaging a Russian armoured vehicle somewhere in Kursk

BamaATL · August 11

56 minutes ago, atomheartbevo said:

This is floating around, looks like a tire fire inside the cooling tower

if so, they maybe trying to ruin the cooling tower. The fire is at the base, and air is sucked in through the base and pumped out the top of the tower.

I'd say that's pretty clear signaling from Putin and Co, he's saying, "I don't give a fuck if you take Kursk NPP, I'm not giving you Zaporizhzha or anything else back in trade."

Gatorubet · August 11

I do not know this guy’s bona fides, but what caught my eye was him saying that jets roared overhead.

That sounds extremely telling if Ukraine has air superiority over the part of Russia they are invading.

Nice Guy Eddie · August 11

Was there much Russian military presence in this area before this past week? From maps, the area is completely rural with the largest towns around 5k population.

Gatorubet · August 11

interesting snippet from Russian television by Julia Davis. This is not a terribly long video, and here the Russian war correspondent Sasha admits that Ukraine has a robust air defense system in the area, preventing Russian sorties.

The war correspondent says that things are “extremely tense and difficult”. He later admits there may be several thousands of Ukrainian troops.

This is so awesome, because everyone in Russia now knows that Ukraine has invaded Russian territory, the mighty Russian Air Force is currently powerless, and the situation is “difficult”.

It’s nice to hear that confirmation from Russia itself.

Edited August 11 by Gatorubet

NAVY · August 11

Watching this unfurl in Kursk, the Chinese must be thinking about taking a huge bite out of eastern Russia.

Parliament · August 11

Let’s hope so. Maybe we can loan them some recon satellite time?

Herbie Hancock · August 12

Fires at nuclear power plants don’t typically end well.

BamaATL · August 12

9 minutes ago, Herbie Hancock said:

Fires at nuclear power plants don’t typically end well.

Generally not, but if I recall, the reactor(s) have been in cold shut down for well over a year. From what I recall, the fuel rods will still be hot for a period of several years, but not dangerous during this period. The fire in the cooling tower isn't great, it would render that useless in the future, but I don't think there is any current concern for the actual reactors. At this point, Ukraine has more or less overcome/learned to deal with the power from this plant, so I don't think that's a big concern either. Lastly, I think I remember that all of these reactors were due to be decommissioned or rebuilt within the next few years prior to the war.

MillerEP · August 12

https://www.threads.net/@meanwhile_in_ua/post/C-iY1BzqMCD/?xmt=AQGz2HUERY_XyIh0zl1Z-_EuIOsPLMHyoxU7KUwkWzx4yg

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine are beginning to encircle Kursk. The situation is critical"

There is no panic. None. Everything is fine.

https://www.threads.net/@nickmelnick.osint/post/C-jGe3hosu2/?xmt=AQGzYSsukuc4vcd1PnkoRElc1eUkcEUQMsnO-CyTUhlvMw

Loading Russian prisoners of war into an American MRAP MaxxPro in the Kursk region.

This is a rare instance where a Russian soldier has been in a real MRAP.

Hefeweizen · August 12

That could be a trade, Zap for Kursk.

Or better yet, let’s do Prokhorovka 2.0 electric boogaloo. This time with Russia going to fight on dragons teeth.

MillerEP · August 12

https://www.threads.net/@nickmelnick.osint/post/C-jNzGnoDc7/?xmt=AQGz9j_VtyCkCVh0EV1YcdU4gwByYhAgv4-_J-6D2i5TRQ

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have captured a Russian T-80BV (2022 model) tank in the Kursk region.

🫡Welcome to the bright side.

https://www.threads.net/@ghostoflviv_/post/C-jAi-OSMPU/?xmt=AQGzD-tJ3hdNg-jHhxlAdKLm6Yyz4e5BPDyhHUyGuHkIlw

Reports that Ukrainain drones are attacking the Chkalovsky airfield in the Moscow region

MillerEP · August 12

Sorry if it looks like I’m double posting. I’m using tapa on my phone and it’s doing something wonky, it’s not me.

AUS-97HORN · August 12

2 minutes ago, MillerEP said:

Sorry if it looks like I’m double posting, sorry. I’m using tapa on my phone and it’s doing something wonky, it’s not me.

Sorry if it looks like I’m double posting, sorry. I’m using tapa on my phone and it’s doing something wonky, it’s not me.

Nice Guy Eddie · August 12

1 hour ago, Herbie Hancock said:

Fires at nuclear power plants don’t typically end well.

Not great, not terrible

1 hour ago, Herbie Hancock said:

Fires at nuclear power plants don’t typically end well.

Not great, not terrible

BamaATL · August 12

InkaUtexas · August 12

33 minutes ago, BamaATL said:

Went down the Reddit rabbit hole. Found this one.

Who on this site made this?

Edited August 12 by InkaUtexas

atomheartbevo · August 12

5 hours ago, Gatorubet said:

interesting snippet from Russian television by Julia Davis. This is not a terribly long video, and here the Russian war correspondent Sasha admits that Ukraine has a robust air defense system in the area, preventing Russian sorties.

I like this part:

"Every single person is now ready to take up arms and explain that you cannot treat Russia this way"

Every single person....except those who are fleeing the Kursk region.

RPM · August 12

When will they learn? Don't fuck with cats.

Pato del Muerto · August 12

8 hours ago, atomheartbevo said:

Must be on a low sugar diet. Didn’t eat the bear claws.

27-25 · August 12

52 minutes ago, RPM said:

When will they learn? Don't fuck with cats.

Undefeated?

Bevo · August 12

Ukraine has just humiliated Putin. Long may it last

Kyiv’s forces have advanced into Russian territory. This may mark a turn in the West’s fortunes in the struggle against the Kremlin’s despot

Richard Kemp 10 August 2024 • 7:12pm

In an audacious armoured assault into the Kursk region of Russia, Ukrainian armed forces have advanced further than either side in almost two years. The attack by at least two brigades took the Kremlin by complete surprise. Or at least it was launched and seized significant territory before any counter move could put a stop to it. So much for the supposedly transparent battlefields of the 21st century.

The advantages of surprise in war are transient but even after four days fighting, Russian forces have yet to contain the incursion. That’s hardly surprising given the thinly spread defences along this part of the border. So far local irregular forces and conscripts have been sent in and at least one battalion of reaction forces was apparently largely destroyed by what seems to have been a long-range missile strike.

So far Kyiv has not commented on its objectives for this new offensive; entirely right when it is so important to keep the enemy guessing.

Whatever the strategic rationale, this is a substantial investment in forces that could potentially be destroyed or cut off at a time when Ukraine is short of troops and failing to hold back steady Russian advances in Donbas. It is a huge morale boost at a time when the country had reached the lowest point since the earliest days of the war.

But important though that is, it doesn’t seem adequate justification to take such a risk. Militarily, this operation could be aimed at reducing pressure elsewhere on the front lines, by forcing the Russians to redeploy significant forces to deal with it, something that may already be in the pipeline.

Some have also speculated that Kyiv’s objective might be to seize the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. That would be a major prize, and the risks of fallout would severely hamper efforts to recapture it. But it is around 40km beyond the ground Ukraine is currently fighting on and almost certainly out of reach.

The political value of this incursion might be greater than any specific military advantage. Ukraine’s successful counterattacks in the Kharkiv area and around Kherson in 2022 galvanised international support.

Failure of the summer offensive last year had the reverse effect, and that has been compounded by war in the Middle East which has diverted attention as well as resources from Ukraine. This bold manoeuvre might reinvigorate Western backing, most importantly potentially strengthening support in both camps in the US elections.

An adjunct to that might be to demonstrate that even an incursion on this scale does not attract Putin’s much-feared retaliation against the West. This may encourage Biden to relax restrictions on weapons use inside Russia, which have been a major impediment to Ukrainian operations. We saw that fear yet again as the attack into Kursk began and the Americans claimed it had taken them by surprise. That is far from plausible given Ukraine’s close integration with Nato, as well as US intelligence capabilities.

Another political consideration might be the increasing talk of peace negotiations. For Ukraine to occupy Russian territory could be a strong bargaining chip. That though would require digging in and holding on to this ground, including supply routes, for an extended period against increasing attacks from the ground and the air. Such a move for that reason could be premature.

We have no idea what General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, might now have up his sleeve. But whatever the military and political intentions, even he cannot know the outcome. However this operation does work out, though, Ukraine has shown the world it is still very much up for the fight.

InkaUtexas · August 12

6 hours ago, atomheartbevo said:

I like this part:

"Every single person is now ready to take up arms and explain that you cannot treat Russia this way"

Every single person....except those who are fleeing the Kursk region.

Or the kids of Putin's elite.

InkaUtexas · August 12

Hehehe, so they are all jittery. Good.

Russia’s emergency authorities say more than 76,000 people have fled their homes in areas of Kursk, where Ukrainian troops and armor poured across the border on Aug. 6, reportedly driving as deep as 30 kilometers (19 miles) into Russia and sowing alarm.

The governor of the Belgorod region adjacent to Kursk also announced the evacuation of people from a district near the Ukrainian border, describing Monday morning as “alarming” but giving no detail.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-incursion-kursk-afa42b9613323901bef07800ac2cae9e

KYHorn · August 12

Tik tokers got one. There's a video showing its capture.

... But it caused chaos among the locals. If only the ambush had taken place...

The author of the telegram channel "Stalin Strait" writes:

A tragicomic situation occurred in the Kursk region.

In the morning, near the village of Girey, a BTR-4E was spotted by locals, and many news channels were filled with news about a new breakthrough at the front and the work of an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group in our rear.

In fact, it turned out that the guys from the "Akhmat" special forces took the BTR away from the pigs and were taking it to the rear, loudly greeting their comrades they met along the way.

P.S. The tactical sign should have been painted over, the locals have been very nervous and angry lately - they even organized an ambush!

Edited August 12 by KYHorn

KYHorn · August 12

About time

Google AdSence in Russia seems to be over. YouTube bloggers received an email with a decision to deactivate all accounts of Russian users from monetization.

"We will deactivate all AdSense accounts whose country of location is Russia. This means that it will be impossible to receive monetization revenue through such accounts."

Before that, bloggers could earn income from foreign views. Now this will not be possible either.

Edited August 12 by KYHorn

Parliament · August 12

Why wasn’t that done 2.5 years ago?

Chad Fuck · August 12

[/url] About time

Google AdSence in Russia seems to be over. YouTube bloggers received an email with a decision to deactivate all accounts of Russian users from monetization.
"We will deactivate all AdSense accounts whose country of location is Russia. This means that it will be impossible to receive monetization revenue through such accounts."
Before that, bloggers could earn income from foreign views. Now this will not be possible either.

That last one, goddam.

KYHorn · August 12

Kel Varnsen · August 12

He ded

InkaUtexas · August 12

Putin sees it like this.

BamaATL · August 12

There here......

The Dog · August 12

"Remember that the only unit that tried to chase Wagner as they broke off the front and moved through Rostov were the Chechens. There is no depth in the Russian reserves. The Chechens normally flee when attacked ( several examples, including in Kursk). The other forces on the Russian border are border police, conscripts and maybe some small groups of infantry. Russia assumed the border would not be attacked. This was illustrated by the earlier attacks in Belograd by the "Free Russia" small units that seemed to give the Russians problems. The entire border is only lightly defended (see current ISW report). Once loose beyond the border, AFU can go pretty where they want. So Russia is faced with looking in every direction from the Ukrainian salient and also facing possible border break-outs elsewhere on their front. This is combined arms maneuver warfare which requires tight command & control, mobility, and situational awareness. All qualities in limited supply in the Russian army in its best of times. The real test is when does the Russian army start "breaking" in large numbers. If we see major unit surrenders and failure of units to follow orders, you will know it has started."

SydneyCarton · August 12

17 hours ago, Sawbonz said:

Are we going to have to start saying 3 putt’d?

You'll have to be more specific. Will that reference posting obvious made up and conspiracy adjacent bullhsit, or the practice of posting tweets that others posted 2-3 pages back?

Chad Fuck · August 12

On 8/11/2024 at 6:31 AM, 956 Worldwide said:

Can someone help a brother out and do that thing where those of us who aren't on Elon's shitty platform can still read the stuff from Elon's shitty platform?

The Dog · August 12

7 minutes ago, Chad Fuck said:

Can someone help a brother out and do that thing where those of us who aren't on Elon's shitty platform can still read the stuff from Elon's shitty platform?

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1822460626947506554.html

A long thread about the two F-16's ferried from Tuscon to Rzeszow, and what the rest of Ukraine's Antonov 124 fleet was doing at the end of last month. The airframe in this picture is #50801B, the "hero" aircraft. Full information about the fleet's activities in this 🧵👇 1/18

The Ukranian An-124 fleet was saved from the same fate as Mryia. Most were out of the country when the invasion started, and were squirreled away for a few months before returning to duty and helping with the war effort. The fleet is four strong. All dates are based on GMT 2/18

For simplicity, they are A, B (our hero flight), C and D. Each An-124 has a roll on/off rear platform, as well as a hinged nose, allowing very large cargo space (more than a C5A). The airframe can be lowered on its landing gear as well to facilitate loading and unloading. 3/18

On July 22, only one of the fleet, C, was working. It arrived in Singapore. For the next five days, all four would coordinate to bring two F-16s and, in all likelihood, the necessary support equipment from the US to Poland. Each can carry 150 tons of cargo. 4/18

On July 23, A and B were stationed at their home base in Leizpig. A and B both crossed the Atlantic light on a single full tank. A landed in Fairbanks, Alaska. B landed in Tuscon, where photos have since been distributed of the F-16's being loaded. 5/18

C traveled from Singapore to the UAE - unknown if she was heavy or light. D was already in the USA, having been on the ground in Mobile, Alabama for a few days. It flew from Mobile to Ft. Worth. So three were in the states, and one was in the middle east. 6/18

Early on the 24th (GMT), C traveled from UAE to Leipzig, and then from Leipzig to Portsmouth, NH. While it was en route to NH, A left Fairbanks for Montreal, now heavy. Our hero B, loaded with two F-16's, wings and tail fins separate, followed to Montreal as well. 7/18

Meanwhile, D travelled from Ft. Worth to Portsmouth NH. A&B in Montreal, C&D in New Hampshire. This was the only date I could find when all four airframes were, at times, in the U.S.A. All four spent the night on the east coast of North America. 8/18

On the 25th (GMT), A departed Montreal and landed in Leipzig. The F-16s on B were delivered straight to Rzeszow. C remained in Portsmouth for the day. D took a circuitous route, first to Evenes in Norway, then proceeding to Leipzig. 9/18

On the 26th (GMT) A made trips between Leipzig, Leige Niersey, and Rzeszow, returning to Leipzig. Hero flight B returned from Rzeszow to Leipzig after dropping off the F-16s. C finally left New Hampshire, destination Rzeszow. D remained in Leipzig the day. 10/18

On the 27th and 28th, the entire fleet was at rest. Over the next several days, there was at least one more related flight. On the 31st, C flew light from Leipzig to Anchorage, departed on the 1st and came back heavy to Leipzig on the 2nd. 11/18

On the 1st, our hero B flew from Leipzig to Pease Air National Guard base, continuing on the 2nd to Ciudad Juarez (that's kind of... odd), on the 3rd to Dulles in DC, and returned to Leipzig on the 4th of August. 12/18

The An-124 can only fit two disassembled F-16s in its hold (yes, I did the maths). Which is one reason that, to date, we have only seen two F-16s in any photos from Ukraine. This is likely a PR move to show U.S. (ahem) "leadership" in arming Ukraine. 13/18

Additionally, as noted by people and periodicals, there seems to have been some interesting kit added to these older F-16s, including an advanced pod and newer IFF array. Its expected that the aircraft from Netherlands and other donor countries will need the same mods. 14/18

Although B, #50801B, brought the F-16s, the other three likely brought everything from armaments to maintenance equipment to spare parts, perhaps even an engine or two to cannibalize. An-124's are not inexpensive to fly, given their laden weight and fuel consumption. 15/18

In spite of that, it was probably less expensive for Ukraine to transport the first two F-16s and its supplies than if the US did a coronet flight across the Atlantic with at least two additional C-5A or three C-17s, based on carriage and internal dimensions of the An-124. 16/18

I expect that some of the equipment offloaded at Leipzig was shuttled to Rzeszow by smaller aircraft. Regardless, Ukraine now has two F-16s with an assortment of newer arms at its disposal. This big effort is not needed for F-16s already in Europe, as there is AAR present. 17/18

The Fleet will likely be utilized again when the US sends the next two refurbished aircraft over. But until then, when you hear about the US F-16s in Ukraine, take a moment to thank their An-124 fleet's crew for helping to make it happen in one big push. 18/18 END

Addendum: it was mentioned that that 4 F-16s had previously been carried in an An-124. While true, the difference is expediency. Four can be transported if broken down further to fit within the hold. These F-16’s were refurbished with some newer kit, and the mission… 19/+

…had the F-16s in Ukraine within days. I’m no fighter jet mechanic, but I expect they shipped with the airframes and avionics intact to preserve integrity for rapid reassembly. I expect the tail fins were removed, as were the wings at the strakes, to fit across the hold.

If you would like to follow the An-124 fleet, @thebaldgeek was inspired by this work to put up a tracker just for the fleet. It can be found at . (UA AN-124 button) It appears that 3 of them are in North America today!

The Dog · August 12

BamaATL · August 12

Well, if this is true, we can stop speculating on the gas station

Parliament · August 12

So basically Ukraine can go as far in as they trust their supply lines? Sounds cool, but it sounded cool to Napoleon as well.

The Dog · August 12

Russia's entire army is in Ukraine. Their border is completely undefended.

PTINS · August 12

1 hour ago, The Dog said:

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1822460626947506554.html

A long thread about the two F-16's ferried from Tuscon to Rzeszow, and what the rest of Ukraine's Antonov 124 fleet was doing at the end of last month. The airframe in this picture is #50801B, the "hero" aircraft. Full information about the fleet's activities in this 🧵👇 1/18

The Ukranian An-124 fleet was saved from the same fate as Mryia. Most were out of the country when the invasion started, and were squirreled away for a few months before returning to duty and helping with the war effort. The fleet is four strong. All dates are based on GMT 2/18

For simplicity, they are A, B (our hero flight), C and D. Each An-124 has a roll on/off rear platform, as well as a hinged nose, allowing very large cargo space (more than a C5A). The airframe can be lowered on its landing gear as well to facilitate loading and unloading. 3/18

On July 22, only one of the fleet, C, was working. It arrived in Singapore. For the next five days, all four would coordinate to bring two F-16s and, in all likelihood, the necessary support equipment from the US to Poland. Each can carry 150 tons of cargo. 4/18

On July 23, A and B were stationed at their home base in Leizpig. A and B both crossed the Atlantic light on a single full tank. A landed in Fairbanks, Alaska. B landed in Tuscon, where photos have since been distributed of the F-16's being loaded. 5/18

C traveled from Singapore to the UAE - unknown if she was heavy or light. D was already in the USA, having been on the ground in Mobile, Alabama for a few days. It flew from Mobile to Ft. Worth. So three were in the states, and one was in the middle east. 6/18

Early on the 24th (GMT), C traveled from UAE to Leipzig, and then from Leipzig to Portsmouth, NH. While it was en route to NH, A left Fairbanks for Montreal, now heavy. Our hero B, loaded with two F-16's, wings and tail fins separate, followed to Montreal as well. 7/18

Meanwhile, D travelled from Ft. Worth to Portsmouth NH. A&B in Montreal, C&D in New Hampshire. This was the only date I could find when all four airframes were, at times, in the U.S.A. All four spent the night on the east coast of North America. 8/18

On the 25th (GMT), A departed Montreal and landed in Leipzig. The F-16s on B were delivered straight to Rzeszow. C remained in Portsmouth for the day. D took a circuitous route, first to Evenes in Norway, then proceeding to Leipzig. 9/18

On the 26th (GMT) A made trips between Leipzig, Leige Niersey, and Rzeszow, returning to Leipzig. Hero flight B returned from Rzeszow to Leipzig after dropping off the F-16s. C finally left New Hampshire, destination Rzeszow. D remained in Leipzig the day. 10/18

On the 27th and 28th, the entire fleet was at rest. Over the next several days, there was at least one more related flight. On the 31st, C flew light from Leipzig to Anchorage, departed on the 1st and came back heavy to Leipzig on the 2nd. 11/18

On the 1st, our hero B flew from Leipzig to Pease Air National Guard base, continuing on the 2nd to Ciudad Juarez (that's kind of... odd), on the 3rd to Dulles in DC, and returned to Leipzig on the 4th of August. 12/18

The An-124 can only fit two disassembled F-16s in its hold (yes, I did the maths). Which is one reason that, to date, we have only seen two F-16s in any photos from Ukraine. This is likely a PR move to show U.S. (ahem) "leadership" in arming Ukraine. 13/18

Additionally, as noted by people and periodicals, there seems to have been some interesting kit added to these older F-16s, including an advanced pod and newer IFF array. Its expected that the aircraft from Netherlands and other donor countries will need the same mods. 14/18

Although B, #50801B, brought the F-16s, the other three likely brought everything from armaments to maintenance equipment to spare parts, perhaps even an engine or two to cannibalize. An-124's are not inexpensive to fly, given their laden weight and fuel consumption. 15/18

In spite of that, it was probably less expensive for Ukraine to transport the first two F-16s and its supplies than if the US did a coronet flight across the Atlantic with at least two additional C-5A or three C-17s, based on carriage and internal dimensions of the An-124. 16/18

I expect that some of the equipment offloaded at Leipzig was shuttled to Rzeszow by smaller aircraft. Regardless, Ukraine now has two F-16s with an assortment of newer arms at its disposal. This big effort is not needed for F-16s already in Europe, as there is AAR present. 17/18

The Fleet will likely be utilized again when the US sends the next two refurbished aircraft over. But until then, when you hear about the US F-16s in Ukraine, take a moment to thank their An-124 fleet's crew for helping to make it happen in one big push. 18/18 END

Addendum: it was mentioned that that 4 F-16s had previously been carried in an An-124. While true, the difference is expediency. Four can be transported if broken down further to fit within the hold. These F-16’s were refurbished with some newer kit, and the mission… 19/+

…had the F-16s in Ukraine within days. I’m no fighter jet mechanic, but I expect they shipped with the airframes and avionics intact to preserve integrity for rapid reassembly. I expect the tail fins were removed, as were the wings at the strakes, to fit across the hold.

If you would like to follow the An-124 fleet, @thebaldgeek was inspired by this work to put up a tracker just for the fleet. It can be found at . (UA AN-124 button) It appears that 3 of them are in North America today!

Interesting, and thought provoking, read. This really gives some insight about the "logistics tail" of the F-16.

Ukraine used its fleet of four AN-124, 4-engine cargo planes, over 5 days, to bring two F-16s and, in all likelihood, the necessary support equipment from the US to Poland. Each can carry 150 tons of cargo.

These were not direct flights, but hopscotching and shuttling across the globe. The places they landed, multiple times, included ... Singapore, Leipzig, Fairbanks AK, Tucson AZ, UAE, Mobile AL, Ft. Worth TX, Portsmouth, NH, Montreal, Rzeszow in Poland, Evenes in Norway, Leige Niersey? in Belgium?, Anchorage AK, Ciudad Juarez Mexico (Tequila?), and Dulles in DC.

It's obviously more complex than jumping in a couple of F-16 and grabbing some tankers and flying across the ocean.

I remember many moons ago reading about the 1986 US raid on Libya, using F-111's from RAF Lakenheath, England, via the Straits of Gibraltar, as France & Spain refused to give the US overflight clearance. In an interview, the pilots made a distinction between flying commercial over the ocean and flying on the deck, with multiple aerial refuelings, at night.

The differences between the US air logistics command, a marvel of organization & coordination, and the Russian equivalent, is staggering.

DigglerontheHoof · August 12

23 minutes ago, Parliament said:

So basically Ukraine can go as far in as they trust their supply lines? Sounds cool, but it sounded cool to Napoleon as well.

The Dog · August 12

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces have taken more than 1,000 square kilometers in the Kursk Region. This is almost double of what I have tracked so far. Reminder, my maps are adjusted primarily by visual confirmation and reflect the lower/conservative end of estimated Ukrainian gains. General Syrskyi’s statements are also in range with Russian claims.

956 Worldwide · August 12

1 hour ago, The Dog said:

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1822460626947506554.html

A long thread about the two F-16's ferried from Tuscon to Rzeszow, and what the rest of Ukraine's Antonov 124 fleet was doing at the end of last month. The airframe in this picture is #50801B, the "hero" aircraft. Full information about the fleet's activities in this 🧵👇 1/18

The Ukranian An-124 fleet was saved from the same fate as Mryia. Most were out of the country when the invasion started, and were squirreled away for a few months before returning to duty and helping with the war effort. The fleet is four strong. All dates are based on GMT 2/18

For simplicity, they are A, B (our hero flight), C and D. Each An-124 has a roll on/off rear platform, as well as a hinged nose, allowing very large cargo space (more than a C5A). The airframe can be lowered on its landing gear as well to facilitate loading and unloading. 3/18

On July 22, only one of the fleet, C, was working. It arrived in Singapore. For the next five days, all four would coordinate to bring two F-16s and, in all likelihood, the necessary support equipment from the US to Poland. Each can carry 150 tons of cargo. 4/18

On July 23, A and B were stationed at their home base in Leizpig. A and B both crossed the Atlantic light on a single full tank. A landed in Fairbanks, Alaska. B landed in Tuscon, where photos have since been distributed of the F-16's being loaded. 5/18

C traveled from Singapore to the UAE - unknown if she was heavy or light. D was already in the USA, having been on the ground in Mobile, Alabama for a few days. It flew from Mobile to Ft. Worth. So three were in the states, and one was in the middle east. 6/18

Early on the 24th (GMT), C traveled from UAE to Leipzig, and then from Leipzig to Portsmouth, NH. While it was en route to NH, A left Fairbanks for Montreal, now heavy. Our hero B, loaded with two F-16's, wings and tail fins separate, followed to Montreal as well. 7/18

Meanwhile, D travelled from Ft. Worth to Portsmouth NH. A&B in Montreal, C&D in New Hampshire. This was the only date I could find when all four airframes were, at times, in the U.S.A. All four spent the night on the east coast of North America. 8/18

On the 25th (GMT), A departed Montreal and landed in Leipzig. The F-16s on B were delivered straight to Rzeszow. C remained in Portsmouth for the day. D took a circuitous route, first to Evenes in Norway, then proceeding to Leipzig. 9/18

On the 26th (GMT) A made trips between Leipzig, Leige Niersey, and Rzeszow, returning to Leipzig. Hero flight B returned from Rzeszow to Leipzig after dropping off the F-16s. C finally left New Hampshire, destination Rzeszow. D remained in Leipzig the day. 10/18

On the 27th and 28th, the entire fleet was at rest. Over the next several days, there was at least one more related flight. On the 31st, C flew light from Leipzig to Anchorage, departed on the 1st and came back heavy to Leipzig on the 2nd. 11/18

On the 1st, our hero B flew from Leipzig to Pease Air National Guard base, continuing on the 2nd to Ciudad Juarez (that's kind of... odd), on the 3rd to Dulles in DC, and returned to Leipzig on the 4th of August. 12/18

The An-124 can only fit two disassembled F-16s in its hold (yes, I did the maths). Which is one reason that, to date, we have only seen two F-16s in any photos from Ukraine. This is likely a PR move to show U.S. (ahem) "leadership" in arming Ukraine. 13/18

Additionally, as noted by people and periodicals, there seems to have been some interesting kit added to these older F-16s, including an advanced pod and newer IFF array. Its expected that the aircraft from Netherlands and other donor countries will need the same mods. 14/18

Although B, #50801B, brought the F-16s, the other three likely brought everything from armaments to maintenance equipment to spare parts, perhaps even an engine or two to cannibalize. An-124's are not inexpensive to fly, given their laden weight and fuel consumption. 15/18

In spite of that, it was probably less expensive for Ukraine to transport the first two F-16s and its supplies than if the US did a coronet flight across the Atlantic with at least two additional C-5A or three C-17s, based on carriage and internal dimensions of the An-124. 16/18

I expect that some of the equipment offloaded at Leipzig was shuttled to Rzeszow by smaller aircraft. Regardless, Ukraine now has two F-16s with an assortment of newer arms at its disposal. This big effort is not needed for F-16s already in Europe, as there is AAR present. 17/18

The Fleet will likely be utilized again when the US sends the next two refurbished aircraft over. But until then, when you hear about the US F-16s in Ukraine, take a moment to thank their An-124 fleet's crew for helping to make it happen in one big push. 18/18 END

Addendum: it was mentioned that that 4 F-16s had previously been carried in an An-124. While true, the difference is expediency. Four can be transported if broken down further to fit within the hold. These F-16’s were refurbished with some newer kit, and the mission… 19/+

…had the F-16s in Ukraine within days. I’m no fighter jet mechanic, but I expect they shipped with the airframes and avionics intact to preserve integrity for rapid reassembly. I expect the tail fins were removed, as were the wings at the strakes, to fit across the hold.

If you would like to follow the An-124 fleet, @thebaldgeek was inspired by this work to put up a tracker just for the fleet. It can be found at . (UA AN-124 button) It appears that 3 of them are in North America today!

So amazing to see those beautiful Antonovs still doing their work. Throwback to this photo I took on the apron in Rzeszow in March 2022. And now Ukraine is invading Russia.

Chopper · August 12

5 hours ago, Bevo said:

Richard Kemp 10 August 2024 • 7:12pm

...Whatever the strategic rationale, this is a substantial investment in forces that could potentially be destroyed or cut off at a time when Ukraine is short of troops and failing to hold back steady Russian advances in Donbas. It is a huge morale boost at a time when the country had reached the lowest point since the earliest days of the war.

But important though that is, it doesn’t seem adequate justification to take such a risk. Militarily, this operation could be aimed at reducing pressure elsewhere on the front lines, by forcing the Russians to redeploy significant forces to deal with it, something that may already be in the pipeline.

Interesting headline. <But some of the content is wtf.> I wonder if the dude who wrote it has any legitimacy at all, or if he's a fucking troll, feigning fake concern.

Quick look.

Edited August 12 by Chopper

0xdeadbeef · August 12

6 minutes ago, The Dog said:

Russia's entire army is in Ukraine. Their border is completely undefended.

Come on man, Surly a football board: Russia put 11 men in the box, and Ukraine is now running free behind them.

MillerEP · August 12

https://www.threads.net/@ghostoflviv_/post/C-kzbU6vxSk?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

Ukrainain forces driving around the center of Sudzha, Kursk.

^Not a destroyed building in sight, but safe to say they have complete control of that city

https://www.threads.net/@mx_ukr/post/C-k1WQ6vhx8?xmt=AQGz22JXj_xuxvAhexEMbGZDA6Zo90MJT6K3BsZkZ6NExA

The commander in chief has reported that. 1,000 k㎡ of enemy territory is under the control of the ZSU.
Героям слава!

Chopper · August 12

update https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/12/7469993/

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