Uncrowned Guard

Update: This Deal Appears to be off due to a clash of mindsets between Trump and Zelensky. Historic Meeting Between Trump and Zelensky Culminates in Natural Resource Agreement Signing The presidents of the United States and Ukraine convened on February 28th in Washington D.C., signing a groundbreaking agreement on Ukraine's natural resources. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky successfully concluded weeks of grueling negotiations to formalize a deal that had initially been rebuffed by Ukraine due to a perceived lack of security countermeasures from the U.S. Disputes and Controversies Preceding the Agreement In the run-up to the agreement, initial drafts proposed by the U.S. Treasury were initially deemed inadequate by Ukraine. The rejected drafts were branded as imposing unilateral duties on Ukraine without sufficient security commitments from Washington. Trump's public denouncement of Zelensky following the rejection caused further controversies. Accusing Zelensky of dictatorial tendencies and denying democratic processes, Trump's harsh criticism parroted unfounded claims propagated by the Kremlin about Zelensky's legitimacy. Financial Fundamentals and Security Concerns of the Agreement The blueprint of the contentious agreement entails the creation of a fund to be financed with 50% of the earnings from the future liquidation of state-owned mineral resources. This portfolio includes oil, gas, and logistics infrastructure. While the Ukrainian negotiating team managed to soften some of the harsher stipulations set forth in the early drafts – such as a demand for Ukraine to contribute $500 billion to a reconstruction fund, and a 2:1 clause mandating that Ukraine doubles any aid provided by the U.S. – security guarantees remain largely absent from the final agreement. Trump's subsequent retraction of his derogatory remarks against Zelensky coincided with advancements made in the deal negotiations - a final draft was made available to the Kyiv Independent. After querying his earlier remarks about Zelensky being a "dictator" during a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed surprise, questioning whether he had made such a statement. The Path Forward: Security Commitments and Future Negotiations Following the agreement, Zelensky indicated that future negotiations with the U.S. and other allies are expected to focus on security concerns. Trump, however, has already communicated his anticipation that European allies shoulder the responsibility for Ukraine's post-war security. As it stands, the revolutionary agreement signifies a monumental milestone for both nations, despite the underlying points of contention, as they stride towards furthering their diplomatic and economic alliances. View full article

Staggering Death Toll: Over 165,000 Russian Soldiers Reportedly Killed in Ukraine Conflict Reports from independent Russian media outlets, Meduza and Mediazona, suggest a massive loss of life among the Russian armed forces in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Since the commencement of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an estimated total of 165,000 Russian troops have been killed according to the report published on February 24. Escalating Consequence: Rising Russian Casualties Year after Year To arrive at this shocking statistic, the investigators utilized open-source research and statistical analysis. The data indicates an unsettling trend - Russian casualties have been increasing with each passing year. In 2022, the death toll of Russian soldiers was around 20,000. However, this figure saw a significant increase, more than doubling in 2023, estimated to be between 47,000 and 53,000. By 2024, nearly 100,000 Russian soldiers had reportedly lost their lives. This alarming assessment doesn't take into account the forcible recruits from the occupied Ukrainian territories or foreign fighters aiding Russian forces. The final estimate was reached by cross-verifying the roll call of the deceased with Russia's Register of Inheritance Cases. The Greater Loss: Beyond The Deceased The overall impact of the conflict on Russian personnel expands beyond fatalities. The Ukrainian General Staff, on Feb. 24, reported a total of 868,230 cases, encompassing not only the dead but also wounded, missing, and captive personnel. Such overwhelming figures suggest that the devastation caused by the war is far wider and deeper than death alone. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky too shed light on the dire situation. Moscow had lost nearly 250,000 soldiers in the conflict, with battles in Russia's Kursk Oblast accounting for 20,000 of the total, Zelensky claimed on Feb. 15. He also noted that over 610,000 Russian soldiers had been wounded since the onset of the invasion. The Battlefront: Embroiled in War Against Ukraine In August 2024, Kyiv undertook a cross-border incursion into Kursk, initially securing about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory. The persistent presence of Ukrainian forces was met with additional forces being deployed. Approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Kursk Oblast last fall to assist Russian forces in combating Ukrainian soldiers. Russia's Painful Tide: Surging Cases of Missing Persons The rising death toll in the conflict has had tragic effects on the home front. Russian courts dealt with about 20,000 missing persons cases in 2024, which is a distressing two-and-a-half times the pre-war annual average, as reported by Mediazona on Feb. 4. The escalating conflict and increasing casualties, it seems, are leaving long-lasting marks on Russia, both in its ranks and among its civilians. View full article

Nordic Nations Stand with Ukraine in Crisis Times On February 24, which marked the third anniversary of Russia's pervasive invasion of Ukraine, Nordic countries- Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, pledged substantial humanitarian, military, and energy aid to the beleaguered nation. The announcement underscored the joint visit of the Nordic leaders to Kyiv, Ukraine's capital city, on the inception day of the full-blown war. Denmark Increases Humanitarian and Military Assistance Denmark, according to its Foreign Ministry, is extending a generous sum of 405 million Danish kroner ($56.8 million) primarily for humanitarian aid and restoration endeavors in Ukraine amid the ongoing grave circumstances. The project is divided into two sections, with one-half intended to meet essential needs such as food, medicine, water, and shelter in Ukraine's most impacted areas. The other half will cater to the country's reconstruction demands. Since the outbreak of the invasion, Denmark's total humanitarian contribution to Ukraine has exceeded 1 billion Danish kroner (over $140 million). In parallel, Denmark's military aid to Ukraine during the invasion has escalated to about $7.5 billion. Norway Bolsters Aid for Ukraine's Humanitarian and Energy Security Norway pledged a substantial amount of 12.5 billion Norwegian kroner ($1.1 billion) in aid to Ukraine for humanitarian and energy security measures. This financial allotment forms part of the package sanctioned by the Norwegian parliament in November for the 2025 Nansen Support Program for Ukraine. This program has seen an accumulation of 35 billion Norwegian kroner ($3 billion) in support, from which $1.1 billion is allocated to civilian necessities and $2 billion is dedicated to military backing. Sweden and Finland Uphold Ukraine's Independence and Resilience Sweden, in its quest to support Ukraine's struggle for autonomy and security, will fund air defense systems worth 1.2 billion Swedish kroner (over $113 million). This sum is drawn from an aid package worth 13.5 billion Swedish kroner ($1.2 billion), initialized in January. "Strengthening Ukraine's capacity to defend itself against Russian hostility also uplifts our security," remarked Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Finland too, has extended its support by contributing €4.5 million ($4.7 million) through the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU). The aid will cover the period from 2025 to 2027, aiming to foster Ukraine's resilience and stability. "Reconstructing Ukraine and bolstering basic services will facilitate the country's resilience, an element also pivotal to achieving lasting peace," Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio asserted. Finland has already donated €4.3 million ($4.5 million) for the fund between 2022 and 2024 to ensure a robust, resilient Ukraine. View full article

France Boosts Defense Budget and Accelerates Rearmament Plan In the aftermath of several global conflicts, France is heightening its defense production and seeking additional financial investment for its rearmament plan. This announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, France's Armed Forces Minister, in an interview with newspaper, Le Parisien. The initiative comes within the context of the Ukrainian conflict and other issues in the Middle East which have pushed France to rethink its defense stance. Seeking Investors for the Future of Defense To meet the monetary demands of these ambitious plans, the French government is scheduling a conference for March 20. The event, which will take place in Bercy, is expected to gather key figures from private banking institutions, investment funds, and defense companies. This meeting aims to pool financial resources to fulfill France's rearmament commitment. Lecornu is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Economy to ensure the success of this event. The Minister acknowledged the immense costs of rearmament efforts in light of recent global conflicts. However, he emphasized the urgent need for such investment in the defense sector. To this end, Lecornu hopes to communicate the extent of these necessities not just to the French public, but also to the wider European audience. Enhancing France's Military Economy Lecornu revealed that, apart from state financing, new private funds are undergoing creation in support of this rearmament effort. Further, he discussed plans to invite French civilians to contribute to the defense budget voluntarily. Lecornu assured potential investors of considerable returns, stating that a 1-euro investment can become 2 euros in a decade, considering the durable lifespan of military equipment and ongoing increase in arms exports. The Minister also commented on the notable progress already made in France's military economy. Ground weapon and ammunition manufacturing such as Caesar guns and 155-millimeter shells have amplified significantly. Lecornu stressed that the focus should not solely rest on the strategic guidelines of France's military planning law, but also on the pace of its implementation. Expansion of Naval and Aerial Assets In terms of specific upgrades, Lecornu highlighted the essence of enhancing its naval and air capabilities. The French government intends to extend its fleet of frigates from 15 to 18, enabling control over multiple sea zones including the Baltic Sea. Additionally, the French forces look to augment their aerial prowess with the creation of 20 to 30 additional Rafale fighters. The ground forces will also benefit from this heightened focus on defense, with plans to equip them with drones and advanced electronic warfare equipment. These advancements are driven by the necessity to accommodate changing warfare strategies and to strengthen France's global defense positioning. View full article

UK and Norway Initiate Defense Pact Talks Amid Russian Threats In response to intensifying concerns over Russian aggression and wavering American commitment to Europe's security, the United Kingdom and Norway embarked on negotiations for a comprehensive defense pact on Feb. 20. This proposed diplomatic agreement is set to bolster both nations' armed forces while fostering industrial alliances. The British government voiced their stance: "With Russia persisting in the militarization of the High North and Arctic, this novel agreement will fortify the security of the U.K., Norway, and our NATO allies, strengthening defenses on NATO’s northern fringe." The dialogue includes explorations around the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, in the wake of several recent cable damages suspected of Russian interference. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed the nation's intent to step into a central role in ensuring European security, exhibiting solidarity in the face of adversity to protect shared interests. European Security Conscious of U.S. Withdrawal Amid signals from the Trump administration that suggest a reduced presence, European nations are joining forces to reinforce security measures. The U.S. has urged Europe to back Ukraine in the face of Russian threats. In response, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to propose a peacekeeping plan involving 30,000 European soldiers in Ukraine during his impending visit to Washington to meet with President Trump. Swedish Undersea Cable Damage Sparks Investigations Following a new incident of undersea cable damage, Swedish authorities have initiated a sabotage inquiry. According to a report by Goteborgs-Posten on Feb. 21, this case adds to a sequence of damaged undersea infrastructure in the region, which some have linked to hybrid attacks and Russia's "shadow fleet." The fiber-optic cable running between Finland and Germany suffered some damage near Gotland Island within Sweden's Exclusive Economic Zone, as stated by the Swedish Coast Guard. Though Finnish telecom operator, Cinia, characterized the damage as slight and maintained that the cable remained functional, Finnish media notes this is the third such incident within a short span. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the gravity of the situation: "We take all reports of potential damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea very seriously. As I have already said, these incidents must be viewed in the context of the existing serious security situation." NATO Increases Presence in Baltic Sea Amid Heightening Tensions Following repeated cases of infrastructure damage, NATO has augmented its presence in the Baltic Sea by assigning extra patrol vessels to counter potential sabotage. Despite numerous Russian-linked vessels being seized in connection to the incidents, there are divergent views within U.S. and European intelligence communities, with some attributing these to simple accidents. These incidents continue to strain NATO-Russia relations, particularly as Western nations rally behind Ukraine in light of the Russian invasion. View full article

President Trump Dismisses Gen. Charles Q. Brown as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff In an unexpected move, President Donald Trump dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown from his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last Friday. This decision sees a decorated and history-making pilot and senior officer removed from office amidst an ongoing drive to erase leaders advocating for diversity and equity within military forces. As the second Black general to hold the role of Chairman, Brown’s exit will likely send ripples through the Pentagon. His tenure, though short-lived at 16 months, had been dominated by ongoing conflict in the Ukraine and escalating unrest in the Middle East. Reactions to Gen. Charles Q. Brown's Dismissal "I want to express my gratitude to General Charles 'CQ' Brown for his extensive contribution, spanning over 40 years of service to our country, including his recent role as our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a gentleman of exceptional caliber and an inspiring leader. I wish him and his family all the best for their future," President Trump remarked on social media. President Trump also announced his nomination for Brown's successor, Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine. In a surprising turn of events, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proclaimed on Friday evening that Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force James Slife would also be removed from their positions. Franchetti earned her place in history in 2023 when she became the Navy's first female leader. Further Changes to Senior Military Leadership Moreover, advocates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force are also set to be replaced, according to Hegseth. This decision comes despite Brown's widespread congressional support and a seemingly amicable encounter with the President in mid-December at the Army-Navy football game. Brown had been regularly conferring with Hegseth, who only assumed his role at the Pentagon a mere four weeks ago. Hegseth expressed confidence in his statement regarding Caine, affirming that his embodiment of the "warfighter ethos" made him an ideal candidate for this critical role. "I look forward to collaborating with him," Hegseth stated. Furthermore, he lauded Brown for his distinction throughout a long-standing career, spanning four decades of duty, and praised him for his thoughtful advisement. View full article

Nimitz-class Aircraft USS Harry S. Truman Command Change In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. Navy has announced the relieving of the commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman. Citing a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," This development in the Navy command structure affirms the strict standards adhered to for naval officers. Dismissal Stemming from Collision Incident The dismissal of Captain Dave Snowden, the commanding officer (CO) of the aircraft carrier, arrives a little more than a week following a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, on Feb. 12. The Feb. 16 statement from the U.S. 6th Fleet sheds light on the incident, disclosing damage to the Truman’s exterior wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space. The damage also extended to a line handling space, the fantail, and the platform over one of the storage spaces. Despite the unfortunate incident, the Navy remains committed to its motto to hold on to high standards and accountability. Interim Appointment and Admiral Snowden's Future The commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, has been named as the officer responsible for relieving Snowden. Snowden's forthcoming assignment will be with the Naval Air Forces Atlantic. Filling in the gap after Snowden, Capt. Christopher Hill, currently commanding officer of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, will take on the role of interim commanding officer of the Truman. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance following its deployment in July 2024 to U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command. This strategic change in command is stated to be without impact on the Truman’s ongoing deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. A Year of Challenges for the USS Harry S. Truman While the USS Harry S. Truman is accustomed to challenging situations, the past year has been particularly eventful. In a separate incident, Truman’s F/A-18 fighter was inadvertently shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg in the Red Sea in December last year, with both crew members ejected and safely recovered. Despite these incidents, the USS Harry S. Truman continues its mission, portraying the resilience of the American Navy in the face of challenging situations. Rear Adm. Sean Bailey's Announcement Full Text In the full release, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey was confirmed to be relieving Snowden, who had been the aircraft carrier’s commanding officer since December 2023. The transfer follows the collision on Feb. 12 involving Truman and the merchant vessel Besiktas-M in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt. Bailey reiterated the line in the sand that the U.S. Navy has drawn – commanding officers are held to the highest standard and actions are taken when those standards are not met. Capt. Christopher Hill will temporarily serve as the commanding officer of the Truman. He assures that the change in command will not impact the deployment or the mission of the Harry S. Truman in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. View full article

Trump's Special Envoy Meets President Zelensky Amidst Controversy In an urgent diplomatic engagement on February 20th, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine sat down with Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine. The meeting focused on various critical issues, most notably the current battle conditions, the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), and the potential for stronger security arrangements. President Zelensky conveyed his country's readiness for a mutually beneficial agreement regarding significant U.S. investments and security enhancements. "Our proposal outlines the quickest and most efficient route to achieve the desired outcomes," Zelensky expressed on the social media channel, Telegram. Washington had initially planned a press briefing post this meet, however, a direct request from the U.S. led to no joint statements being issued, according to Ukraine’s presidential spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov. Kellogg's Diplomatic Mission in Focus One day prior to the meeting, on February 19th, Kellogg landed in Ukraine to forward Washington's conflict resolution efforts amidst the escalating full-scale war with Russia. On arrival, he expressed a keen intent to address Kyiv's concerns and to relay key insights to Washington. This visit follows close on the heels of the U.S.-Russia secret negotiations in Saudi Arabia on February 18th. These exclusive talks were conducted without Ukrainian representation, a development strongly decried by Zelensky who asserted his country's right to be involved in all conversations revolving around peacebuilding for the region. Tensions Simmer as Trump's Unfounded Claims Stir Outrage This diplomatic engagement comes amidst escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington, fueled by President Trump's unfounded allegations against Ukraine. Erroneously labeling Zelensky a "dictator" and alleging a refusal to conduct elections on his part, Trump's baseless accusations have not only stirred controversy but also blatantly overlooked Ukraine's constitutional clause barring elections during martial law, enacted due to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In addition to meeting with Zelensky, Kellogg also discussed key issues with top-ranked Ukrainian military and government officials during his visit to Ukraine. Although Kellogg's specific role in Trump's peace efforts is still ambiguous, there is palpable speculation in the diplomatic gallery about his absence from the talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18th. Suspicions attribute this absence to his perceived pro-Ukraine stance, triggering possible objections from Russia. Trump's recent pronouncements have stirred apprehension in Kyiv and amongst European allies, causing them to question Washington's wavering stance on the war. View full article

Collision Incidents Cause Noticeable Damage to USS Harry S. Truman Recently released images of the U.S. Navy warship, the USS Harry S. Truman, reveal significant damage sustained after colliding with a mercantile vessel last week. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, with an impressive length of 1,100 feet, took a notable beating to its exterior starboard quarter during the mishap. Post-incident, the warship had to undergo repairs and was subsequently docked at the U.S naval station in Souda Bay, Greece. The shots, made public by the Navy on Saturday, give a glimpse into the damaged areas that included the outer wall of two storage units and an area dedicated to maintenance tasks. Impact of the Incident on Combat Capabilities & Repair Plans Despite visible damage, the essentials of the ship remain intact and unaffected. The Navy confirmed in a statement that the accident did not compromise the ship's combat ability. It has been engaged in flight functions since the collision incident on Wednesday. Preparing to mend the situation, a group that includes structural engineers and naval architects is devising a comprehensive repair plan. The Navy has refrained from announcing a potential timeline for implementing this plan, keeping information about the duration of repair work under wraps. Details of the Collision and Its Ramifications In the Mediterranean Sea, near Egypt's Port Said, the Truman made an unfortunate collision with the Besiktas-M; a 617-foot, Panamanian-flagged carrier. This collision occurred in the congested waters close to the entrance to the Suez Canal. While the collision caused damage to both vessels involved, it fortunately did not lead to injuries aboard either ship as confirmed by the Navy post-incident. This occurrence happened near a popular anchorage area for ships crossing the canal, highlighting the hazards of marine navigation in crowded waterways. Expert Views on Risk Factors & Operational Status of the Warship Carl Schuster, a former U.S Navy captain and a current instructor at Hawaii Pacific University, comments on the inherent risk of navigating in restricted waterways due to the limited space for maneuvering. He explains, "Both ships need about one nautical mile to stop. Quick endangerment is possible due to minor navigation errors, such misinterpretation of the other ship's movements, or delay in decision-making." Prior to the unexpected incident, the Truman was involved in a working port visit to Souda Bay following two months of combat missions in the Central Command location. During this period, multiple strikes were conducted against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Air strikes were also launched against ISIS in Somalia, according to the Navy. Despite the incident, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, the commander of Truman's carrier strike group, assures that the Truman remains operational within the region. The group includes a guided missile cruiser and three destroyers. Bailey emphasizes the commitment to responding to any challenges in this dynamic and globally significant security environment. View full article

US-Russia High-Level Talks Spotlight Ukraine Crisis On February 18, top officials from the US and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marked the first substantive interaction between the two nations since Russia's full-fledged invasion of the conflicted region. Representing Washington was a delegation headed by State Secretary Marco Rubio, while his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov led his nation's delegation. High-level officials of both nations were present at this pivotal meeting held in Riyadh's Diriyah Palace. Post-meeting remarks from the Russian side painted a mixed picture of the talks, only deeming them as "not bad" and providing little clarity on possible points of agreement between the two nations. Intensive Diplomatic Engagements Amid Ukrain's Absence Following the US-Russia bilateral, another diplomatic dialogue involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to occur later this week in Saudi Arabia. Despite being the nation at the center of these discussions, neither Ukraine nor Europe was invited to the main round of talks, triggering unease in Kyiv and other European capitals. Zelensky stressed in an interview with the German network ARD that any peace agreement should involve Ukraine directly. He categorically rejected the notion of Ukraine accepting a peace deal that they played no part in negotiating. Amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia refuses to consider any territorial concessions to Ukraine. Notably, Russia controversially annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014 and took over Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts in 2022. Post-Talks Violence and Disinformation Accusations Following the US-Russia talks, the region of central Ukraine was troubled by a large-scale Russian drone attack. The attack damaged a residential block in the city of Dolynska, injuring a mother and her two children and sparking a rapid evacuation of inhabitants. In the ensuing counteroffensive, Ukraine claims to have shot down 103 of the 176 drones deployed by Russia, with 67 falling before reaching their targets due to electronic countermeasures. Amid these international discussions and military clashes, US President Donald Trump added more fuel to the fire by suggesting that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy should hold another election due to his supposedly low approval rating. Zelenskyy swiftly rebutted this claim and labeled it as Russian "disinformation," affirming his significant support among voters and his legitimate position as the Ukrainian President. As the war wages on, Ukraine finds itself negotiating the challenging terrain of military conflict, diplomatic discourse, and complex geopolitical interests. View full article

Estonia Questions US About HIMARS Production, Considers Alternative Options Uncertainty clouds the possibility of Estonia purchasing a second batch of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin, with the US government's ability to expedite production and provide better delivery slots in question. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has indicated that Estonia's decision hangs in the balance and an alternative course could be charted in the coming months. "Current data shows that the waiting period for the product delivery is quite prolonged, and unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of excessive time," Pevkur noted during a recent sideline interview at the Munich Security Conference. One of their key advantages is the ability to strike fixed targets. HIMARS has been a formidable asset for Ukraine, effectively disrupting Russian supply lines, ammunition depots, and command-control centers. Over 40 HIMARS units have already been supplied by the US to Ukraine, as stated on a US State Department factsheet. Alternative Avenues for Defense Assets and Equipment The US government's response determines if Estonia will pursue a second HIMARS consignment or divert to an alternate route, said Pevkur, suggesting the choice of a preferred platform could be announced in a few months. Rocket production firms such as Rocketsan's Khan from Turkey and the Israeli-built Elbit Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) seem likely contenders for Estonia's consideration. Pevkur specifically highlighted South Korea's K239 Chunmoo, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, as a strong competitor. Boasting clientele in Poland and under consideration by Norway, Hanwha Aerospace is no stranger to Estonia. The South Korean firm also supplies Estonia with 36 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, bolstering its chances. HIMARS Significance for Estonia Amidst Ukraine Support Estonia has prioritized investment in long-range weaponry, partly owing to its significant contribution of equipment towards Ukraine's defense efforts. These donations have required Estonia to refill the void in its hardware. Tallinn has made substantial headway in acquiring six HIMARS units, a $200 million deal that features rockets capable of traveling between 70km and 300km, as well as communication systems, training, and logistics. The official keys to these systems have been handed over to Estonia in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's headquarters last month, and they are expected to be delivered soon. While Pevkur indicated there still is some time to decide about future procurements like the XA-180 armored personnel carrier replacement. Currently, both Lockheed Martin and the US State Department have remained tight-lipped about queries related to HIMARS production. View full article

Smith & Wesson Unveils Latest CSX E-Series Micro-Compact Pistols In a recent move showcasing their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, Smith & Wesson has presented the latest addition to their concealed carry platform - the CSX E-Series. Building upon the success of the CSX line, which debuted only three years prior with the introduction of the aluminum alloy frame CSX micro-compact pistols, the premier gunsmiths have been diligently honing the line's design and features, and the results are anything but ordinary. Now, we turn our attention to what makes the CSX E-Series stand out. On Improved Specifications and New Design Upgrades The CSX E-Series, while holding on to its predecessor’s aluminum alloy frame, is packed with design enhancements that are far from trivial. Ranging in barrel lengths of 3.1” or 3.6”, these new-generation 9mm micro-compact weapons come bundled with three magazine capacity options of 12, 15, and 17 rounds, as well as 10-round compliant versions, thus catering to varied user requirements. Enhanced Optics and Ingenious Adaptability Shaping up as optics-ready firearms, the CSX E-Series pistols are fitted with an RMS-C footprint, fully compatible with the Holosun 507K, ensuring an unrivaled shooting experience. The ClearSight cut, a Smith & Wesson exclusive feature, effectively diverts gases from the optic lens, securing an unmasked view for the shooter. Additionally, the CSX E-Series emphasizes versatility, featuring a newly conceived modular grip adapter. This empowers users to adjust frame dimensions to their preference, be it for deep concealment or more robust handling and greater capacity. Other enhancements include an enlarged front strap for an improved grip, a redesigned trigger for better shooting accuracy, interchangeable backstraps, ambidextrous controls, standard white-dot sights, and a timeless flat-black finished frame. Pricing and Availability of CSX E-Series Variants With all four variants of the Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series now available in markets, they carry a listed MSRP of $699.00. Given their advanced design, adaptability, and feature-packed characteristics, these pistols unquestionably better the concealed carry platform. Smith & Wesson is asserting with the launch of the new CSX E-Series model that it embodies an enhanced evolution of a classic platform, evolving to meet the high demands of those requiring more from their concealed carry, making it more than just a firearm – it's a reliable companion. View full article