Uncrowned Guard

Kongsberg Secures Historic Air Defense Agreement with the Netherlands Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace recently unveiled its most substantial air defense contract to date, revealing a deal with the Netherlands for NASAMS and NOMADS systems through an announcement on social media. Strengthening Defense Through the CITADEL Program The landmark contract, executed on November 21, comes in the wake of a recommendation from the Dutch government tendered to Parliament on October 14 under the CITADEL program. This governmental initiative is geared towards enhancing the country's integrated air and missile defense proficiencies. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed optimism following the successful contract signing and lauded the Netherlands' decision. "By choosing NASAMS and NOMADS, the Netherlands significantly augments its air defense arsenal with a system capable of addressing short- and medium-range threats. As a committed member of the extensive NASAMS user community, we are delighted to usher in the Netherlands as NOMADS’ first international user," Lie stated. Building on Established Defense Systems The Netherlands' defense capabilities were initially boosted with the procurement of the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) in 2006. This new purchase serves to intensify and broaden its ground-based air defense. Incorporated into the CITADEL solution is NOMADS (National Manoeuvre Air Defence System), a highly agile configuration designed for the specific purpose of short-range air defense intended to safeguard land forces in disputed territories. The NOMADS system seamlessly integrates with NASAMS as well as other NATO systems, allowing for both independent and networked operations across multiple vehicles. The Netherlands is set to commence receiving NASAMS and NOMADS systems in 2028. This marks a crucial leap forward in updating the country’s defense structure. NASAMS: A Versatile Component for Future Defense Jointly developed by the multi-national firms Kongsberg and Raytheon of the United States, NASAMS claims the status as the first operational network-centric short- to medium-range ground-based air defense system worldwide. The system is designed to provide robust protection against a broad range of aerial threats, making it an adaptable element for contemporary air defense. View full article

Kim Jong Un Accuses U.S. of Pushing Thermonuclear Conflict Potential In what can be seen as a strong statement on international relations, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on November 21 blamed the United States for inciting global discord that may culminate in a catastrophic thermonuclear war. While addressing a military showcase in his nation's capital, Pyongyang, Kim relayed his belief that past negotiations with the U.S. revealed an inherent hostility and aggression from the U.S. towards North Korea. Kim was quoted as saying, "Never before has the situation on the Korean peninsula been more perilously poised towards a catastrophic thermonuclear war". He expressed a cynicism, borne from previous negotiations, towards the United States' aggressive stance, which, he believes, cannot be changed. Russia's Launch of IRBM—A Concurrent Development Interestingly, Kim's remarks coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement about the successful testing of his country's latest missile, the "Oreshnik" Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), targeted at Dnipro in Eastern Ukraine. Putin stated the missile test was a response to Ukraine targeting Kursk and Bryansk, within Russian territory, using long-range ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, reportedly supplied by Western forces. Even though the "Oreshnik" missile has the capacity to carry nuclear warheads, Putin asserted that in this scenario the missile was not nuclear-equipped. He issued a stern warning, though, saying Russia would be prepared to retaliate against any country supplying arms used against Russian targets. Increased Military Collaboration Between Russia & North Korea In related news, a Pentagon spokesperson revealed that North Korea has dispatched an impressive number of 10,000 troops to assist Russia, with a majority of these forces stationed in the western region of Kursk Oblast, actively participating in warfare. It was also reported that Russia is amassing a 50,000-strong military force, comprised of many North Korean soldiers, to carry out a counter-offensive against a Ukrainian salient located in Russia's Kursk Oblast. This move comes after Russia sustained heavy losses in the previous month, leading some analysts to speculate whether the additional North Korean troops are supplementing depleted Russian forces. View full article

Russia Allegedly Fires ICBM at Ukraine On the morning of November 21, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the eastern city of Dnipro. This would mark a significant development, as it would be the first time Russia has incorporated this type of weapon in an assault against Ukraine. Russia has yet to confirm this information. A national air raid alert was triggered in the early hours, citing the menace of ballistic missiles and the subsequent deployment of several Russian Tu-95MS bomber aircraft. The attack reportedly targeted Dnipro with a diverse array of missile types. Among these were Kh-47M2 'Kinzhal' aeroballistic missiles launched from a MiG-31K jet from the Tambov region, seven Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, and an ICBM from the Astrakhan area in the Russian Federation. The exact type of the ICBM has not yet been revealed. The Astrakhan region is situated over 700 kilometers to the east of Dnipro, at the southern edge of Russia. Akin to its neighboring country of Ukraine, the region shares borders with Kazakhstan, Russia’s Kalmykia Republic, Volgograd Oblast, and the Caspian Sea. Impact of the Assault on Dnipro The assault resulted in property damage, including an industrial enterprise and a rehabilitation center for the disabled, according to regional Governor Serhii Lysak and city Mayor Borys Filatov. Furthermore, at least two individuals were injured in the incident. The Ukranian Air Force reported that six of the Kh-101 missiles had been successfully intercepted, but it was unclear whether the ICBM caused any of the devastation in Dnipro. Insight into Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles While short-range ballistic missiles have often been used by Russia in aerial attacks against Ukraine, ICBMs are larger and capable of reaching targets positioned at much greater distances. Thanks to their ability to carry nuclear payloads, ICBMs are extremely potent. Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled, designed to ascend into the atmosphere before descending on their target. Despite their potential lack of precision due to guidance only in the initial stage of launch, they offer the advantage of extreme speeds—exceeding 3,200 kilometers per hour as they near their targets. Notably, they boast an impressive range, stretching from around 1,000 kilometers to more than 5,000 kilometers in the case of ICBMs. Implications of the Attack The soundness of the report that Russia launched a RS-26 Rubezh medium-range ICBM, as previously suggested by Ukrainian media, is yet to be confirmed. The Rubezh, which is said to have a range of up to 6,000 kilometers, can hold four warheads, each with an estimated payload of 0.3 megatons. If confirmed, defense expert Fabian Hoffmann of the University of Oslo indicates that this launch would present predominantly political, rather than military, importance. Considering that Russia is not known to possess a non-nuclear warhead for the Rubezh, the likelihood is that it transported a weight simulator instead of a warhead. In the wake of what appears to be Ukraine's first successful hit on a military target within Russia using US-supplied ATACMS missiles, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that his country would respond. View full article

A Boost to Ukraine's Defenses: U.S. Unveils $275M Military Package In a recent statement made by the Pentagon, the U.S. government has announced plans to fortify Ukraine's defenses with a noteworthy military package. Valued at an estimated $275 million, the financial aid aims to boost the Ukrainian military amidst ongoing crisis and conflict. The provision includes HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) ammunition, artillery shells, and Javelin surface-to-air missiles among others. A vast array of spare parts and equipment will also form a substantial part of the package. In adherence with the U.S.' enduring commitment to Ukraine's cause, this selected aid will conjoin efforts with around 50 Allies, aiming to augment Ukraine's current martial demands and formidably defend against Russian hostility. Changing of the Guard: Uncertain U.S. Commitment to Ukraine Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration has been a firm advocate for Ukraine, providing a substantial $60 billion in military aid. However, with President-elect Donald Trump set to assume the presidency in January 2025, the face of U.S. support to Ukraine could potentially see a significant shift. Trump has set a notably aggressive timeline to conclude the ongoing war, however, specifics relating to his strategy remain unclear. Speculation suggests that the cessation of financial aid may function as a leverage to impel Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. Biden Administration’s Military Strategy: Deployment of Defense Measures As President-elect Trump prepares to take the helm, the Biden administration remains firm in its support for Ukraine. Subsequent to his competitor’s election victory, Biden has expressed his continued support for Ukraine, pledging to provide additional aid to bolster the country's defenses. Significantly, Biden has authorized the transfer of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a decision expected to assist in curbing Russia's advancements in the country's east. Furthermore, the authorization of U.S.-made long-range missiles to target Russian territory has been recently approved under the Biden administration. However, such measures have generated controversy as they appear contradictory to the terms of the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits anti-personnel mines. Despite this, neither Russia nor the U.S. officially endorsed the treaty. Support Amidst Rising Concerns: U.S. to Absolve $4.5 Billion of Ukraine's Debt Adding to the contingent support, U.S. President Joe Biden has proposed to Congress his intent to absolve half of Ukraine's economic aid debt, rounding to approximately $4.65 billion. This comes after the Congress endorsement of a $61 billion security assistance package to Ukraine earlier this year, which included a $10 billion economic aid as a loan. The current terms under Biden allow him the authority to forgive up to 50 percent of this loan. However, with the upcoming presidential change and President-elect Trump’s impending inauguration, the remaining $6 billion in allocated aid is promised to be dispatched to Ukraine under Biden's regime. As anticipation builds for the presidential transition, the focus remains on Ukraine's evolving military strategy, shifting international allegiances, and the impact of changing U.S. foreign policy. View full article

Ukraine Reportedly Launches U.S.-made Missiles into Russian Territory Late November brought with it surprising reports, as several Ukrainian news outlets disclosed that Ukraine had fired U.S.-manufactured ATACMS missiles into Russia's Bryansk Oblast region. This marked an unprecedented shift, where Ukraine was alleged to have altered its previous military tactics of merely targeting Russian-controlled sectors within Ukrainian borders. Unverified Reports of Missile Strikes on Russian Military Facility These developments, rumored to have transpired on November 19, drew public attention due to anonymous Ukrainian military figures asserting that a Russian military compound in Karachev within the Bryansk Oblast region was successfully targeted. The Russian Defense Ministry also confirmed these events, although external scrutiny was unable to independently verify these claims. Furthermore, a Ukrainian military spokesperson refrained from divulging any details to the Kyiv Independent. Additional reports convey that an unclarified arsenal was utilized the night of November 19 to assault a Russian ammunition depot in Karachev, hosting a variety of artillery munitions, from North Korean to KAB guided munitions and anti-aircraft rockets, along with artillery shells. In lieu of these events, an official from America confirmed that Ukraine had unleashed eight ATACMS missiles toward the military compound although Russian air defenses could neutralize two of these. However, the Russian Defense Ministry retorted that five missiles were intercepted, one damaged, noting that while remaining debris initiated a fire at the Bryansk Oblast military facility, no losses or damages were observed. During the wee hours of the same day, at about 2:30 am, the Armed Forces General Staff in Ukraine reported twelve hearable explosions. Karachev Residents Report Attack on Military Base In a related development, Karachev locals conveyed sounds of explosions and detonations, with some alleging an attack on a military base. This information was leaked in local chats and carried by Russian news agency Astra. Karachev is situated well beyond the Ukrainian border, over 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. Remarkably, ATACMS missiles boast a maximum operational range of 300 kilometers (a little over 190 miles). In light of these recent events, unidentified American officials along with sources familiar with decision-making processes, suggested that Kyiv is prepping for its first-ever long-range missile strikes soon. Even Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out that "the missiles will speak for themselves." Introduction of Storm Shadow Missiles in Ukrainian Arsenal Against Russia On November 20, Ukraine debuted the usage of British-provided Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, reveals Bloomberg with reference to witnesses in the West. The attacks have been validated in response to the North Korean armed force's presence in Russia's Kursk Oblast, perceived as Russia’s strategy of inflaming tensions. Subsequent to outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's validation the previous day, Ukraine used these British-made Storm Shadow missiles. The reported attack targeted a Russian military facility in Karachev, Bryansk Oblast. Russia's Updated Nuclear Doctrine Amid Scenarios Despite the changes made to its nuclear strategic plans, according to the U.S. Pentagon, it did not appear from the analyses that Russia has prepared to deploy nuclear weapons in the Ukrainian context. Pentagon authorities saw Russia's nuclear policy discourse as simply an extension of its previous rhetoric, indicating no specific threat. Contradicting Russia's narrative on its updated nuclear regulations and a lower threshold for nuclear retaliation, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh declared the threats vague and baseless. She underscored that the deployment of troops from third countries—North Korea—was a sign of a clear and distinct escalation. However, on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized updates to Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy, allowing for a broader range of scenarios that may trigger a nuclear strike. View full article

U.S Embarks on a Significant Policy Shift: Biden Permits Ukraine to Use U.S.-Delivered Long-range Missiles In an unprecedented move, U.S. President Joe Biden has sanctioned the use of American-provided long-range ATACMS missiles by Ukraine for operations inside Russia, according to a report published by the New York Times on November 17. This critical change in U.S. policy gives Ukraine the ability to respond to threats on its soil from Russian and North Korean forces, beginning in the Kursk Oblast region. A cadre of unidentified official sources has suggested Washington could further greenlight the missile deployment in other regions. Even though specific details remain undisclosed due to operational security, unidentified U.S. officials and an insider connected to the decision have informed Reuters that Kyiv's initial round of long-range operations is imminent. Motivations behind the Policy Change and its Implications The move from President Biden arrives as Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean troops, mount an extensive offensive against Ukrainian troops in the contested Russian region. U.S. officials have indicated that, while this abrupt policy alteration is unlikely to 'change the overall course of the war,' it does aim to provide Ukraine with the means to target and disable critical Russian and North Korean military infrastructure. Simultaneously, it is expected to deter further escalations from Pyongyang. This change was reportedly initiated in August when Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited Washington and presented a list of high-value targets within Russia for the ATACMS strikes. In spite of apprehensions about escalating tensions with Russia, this marked transition in policy by Biden was widely seen as an opportunity to significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly amidst increasing military challenges from Russia, which is escalating drone and missile attacks. Green Light from the UK and France Broadens Ukraine’s Strategic Options In a simultaneous and notable shift, France and the UK seem focused on also endorsing Ukraine's use of their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for deep retaliatory strikes within Russian territory, Le Figaro confirmed on November 17. Prior to this, Ukraine received various long-range systems from allied nations like the U.S., France, and the UK but lacked approval to deploy them on targets inside Russia due to fear of Russian backlash. The policy revisions by these three nations have been widely anticipated. Observers believe that they notably enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities in the face of Russia's intensifying offensives and air attacks. Additionally, the presidential advisor revealed that Ukraine had requested additional ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to use against military targets in Russia to create domestic tension and weaken Russian forces. Associates of Upcoming Trump Administration Mock the Decision Despite these strategic calculations, President-elect Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., lampooned President Biden's policy shift. The decision attracted widespread criticism from Trump Jr., who referred to the Biden administration as "imbeciles" while reposting a news article on the policy change. Elon Musk, another official from the upcoming Trump administration, similarly ridiculed Ukrainian officials. Going forward, it remains unclear whether President-elect Trump will reverse Biden's decision, as neither Trump nor his transition team have provided any comments on this subject. View full article

US Military Tests Groundbreaking Anti-Drone System The US military has begun trialing the Teledyne Cerberus XL, an innovative anti-drone (counter-UAS) device capable of concurrently detecting as many as 500 targets. The high-tech system not only significantly enhances the military's drone detection capabilities but also proves valuable amid escalating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats globally. The Power of the Cerberus XL C-UAS Earlier this year, the cutting-edge Cerberus XL C-UAS made its debut in a US-led military exercise, showcasing its adeptness in long-range sensing and counter-UAS action. The advanced gadget combines next-gen thermal and visual imaging, 3D radars, and radio frequency (RF) detection to speedily locate and track drones. In addition, it employs non-kinetic effectors to nullify threats from as far as two miles away. The Cerberus XL C-UAS not only thrives in strenuous conditions but is also modular, meaning it can adapt to air, ground, and maritime threats. This makes it indispensable for multi-domain situational awareness in areas including military bases, airports, seaports, and critical infrastructures, as articulated by Teledyne FLIR, the US tech company behind the new system. Designed to address the entire counter-drone kill chain - detect, track, identify, and defeat - the Cerberus XL C-UAS is primed for easy integration with kinetic defeat solutions, moreover, its sensor systems harness artificial intelligence (AI) to sharpen target identification precision. Recognition and Prospects for the Cerberus XL C-UAS In 2021, Teledyne FLIR Defense secured a $31 million contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to supply the Cerberus XL C-UAS as an integral part of a counter-drone solution for Ukrainian forces. Notably, the system has since demonstrated its prowess in operations. A study by Mordor Intelligence predicts that the military UAV market will rise annually by an average of 11.7% from 2024 through 2029, a testament to the escalating demand for cutting-edge technologies such as counter-UAS systems, which tackle the ever-evolving drone threats. Teledyne FLIR Defense president, Dr. JihFen Lei, attributes the system’s success to its marriage of innovative surveillance and radar technologies, saying customers can transition from zero counter-UAS capability to a full solution with this rapid-setup platform. Falcon Peak Initiative Showcases Cerberus XL C-UAS Recently, the Cerberus XL C-UAS was demonstrated during a static display at Fort Carson, Colorado, marking its inclusion in the Falcon Peak initiative. Spearheaded by the US Department of Defense, this initiative aims to evaluate potential solutions for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) incursions on US military bases. Various systems purposed for neutralizing or disrupting unauthorized drone operations underwent testing during the two-week event, with a particular emphasis on the ability to track, identify, and neutralize drones under diverse conditions and scenarios. The Teledyne Cerberus XL C-UAS's involvement in the Falcon Peak exercise is seen as integral in advancing the Department of Defense’s capability to address the transformative security threats posed by sUAS, offering crucial insights for conceiving future strategies and bolstering the safeguarding of US military bases from drone-related dangers. View full article

US Opens New Missile Defense Base in Poland Amidst Mixed Reactions On November 13, the United States unveiled a fresh air defense base in Redzikowo, northern Poland. As per Polish President, Andrzej Duda, this establishment highlights the assured defense of NATO's eastern territories. Russia's Stance on the New Base The strategically located base, in close proximity to the Baltic coast, extends NATO's missile defense shield across Europe. However, Russia criticized this development, terming it as a tactical demeanor to counter Russian military might. Historical Development of the Base and It's Significance The construction of the base traces back to the early years of the 21st century. It plays a critical role in NATO’s "Aegis Ashore" missile shield, which aims to safeguard Europe against any possible missile attacks. Inclusive of the shield are two sites in Poland and Romania, U.S. Navy destroyers in Rota, Spain, supplemented by an early-warning radar in Kurecik, Turkey. Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO Secretary General, emphasized the indispensable presence of missile defense as "ballistic missiles have been extensively employed in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.” He communicated via a press release in July 10 saying,"As a defensive Alliance, we cannot ignore that threat. Missile defense is an essential element for NATO’s core task of collective defense." During the inauguration of the base, President Duda echoed that the U.S's tangible presence in Poland is pivotal to the security of Poland and NATO's eastern flank, according to Polskie Radio 24. Poland's 'East Shield' Program This recently operational base is in consonance with Poland’s defense strategy embodied in its “East Shield” program. The program seeks to bolster defenses along Poland's borders with Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. Launched in May, the program encapsulates physical barriers, upgraded surveillance systems and infrastructure, featuring recent fortifications along the Kaliningrad border initiated on November 1. The Politically Charged Reception of the Base Reception to the opening of the base did trigger diverging opinions, given concerns among NATO allies over the U.S's commitment to collective security. Especially after the ascendancy of Donald Trump, who implied that the U.S. wouldn't defend NATO members negligent of ample defense spending. However, Polish leaders hold a more optimistic viewpoint, as told by Polish Gazeta Wyborcza's Mateusz Mazzini to Monocle. They hold a tenacious belief in the mutual benefits of Trump's presidency. Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of the United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa, celebrated the collaboration between the U.S. and Poland. In his statement to Polsat News, “The Polish and American nations stand shoulder to shoulder in the vanguard of defense against past Soviet and contemporary Russian imperialism and aggression." On the other hand, Moscow found the base to symbolize "a direct challenge to its security" and a measure to restrain Russia’s potential militarily." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized this point, hinting at an unspecified reciprocal response. View full article

Democratic Senators Call for Investigation into Elon Musk's Alleged Contacts with Russia Leading Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed have urged both the Pentagon and U.S. law enforcement agencies to look into reports about Tesla and SpaceX CEO's Elon Musk's communicative encounters with Russian officials. The senators' call to action includes communications allegedly held with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senators Express Their Concerns Over Musk's Involvement in Government Projects Jeanne Shaheen is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, while Jack Reed chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee. Both expressed their national security concerns in a joint letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the inspector general of the Pentagon. In the letter that Reuters saw on 15th November, both senators requested a review of Musk's participation in SpaceX projects for potential debarment and exclusion due to suspected contacts with Russia. Debarment would mean preventing Musk from participating in specific contracts and privileges, wreaking potential havoc in the space industry. In their letter, the senators quoted, "These relationships between a well-known U.S. adversary and Mr. Musk, a beneficiary of billions of dollars in U.S. government funding, pose serious questions regarding Mr. Musk’s reliability as a government contractor and a clearance holder." Musk's Communications with Russia Under Scrutiny Musk has had multiple interactions with Putin and Russian Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Kiriyenko. Both senators showed serious concern over Musk's alleged contact with Kiriyenko, who has faced charges from the U.S. Justice Department related to an AI-propelled propaganda campaign advocating Russian interests before the recent U.S. presidential election. In 2022, a new revelation made headlines when Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, stated that Musk had talked to Putin about the Ukraine war and the Kremlin's "red line" concerning nuclear weapon use. Musk, however, contradicted this claim, saying his discussions with Putin were about space-related issues 18 months prior. Impact on U.S. Government Contracts and National Security Musk manages SpaceX, a key player in the U.S. space sector, holding billions of dollars in U.S. government contracts with the Pentagon and NASA. It also has a $1.8-billion contract from the intelligence community to create a spy satellite network. Musk has asserted his U.S. security clearance, enabling him to access classified information. Shaheen and Reed highlighted in their letter that "Communications between Russian government officials and any individual with a security clearance have the potential to put our security at risk." This claim holds significant weight, especially in the backdrop of the escalating U.S.-Russia space rivalry since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. SpaceX, best known for its nearly 7,000-strong Starlink satellite network, plays a crucial role in U.S. military communications, which even includes battlefield communications of Ukraine’s armed forces. View full article

Savage Unveils Striker-Fired Stance XR Micro 9mm Savage has unveiled their latest creation, the striker-fired Stance XR Micro 9mm. This new arrival to the handgun market showcases a contemporary design specifically engineered for superior performance, encapsulated in the convenience of a compact everyday carry pistol. Savage has refined the design of the micro pistol into a slender, easily concealable weapon, assuring users that the Stance XR Micro offers as much practical use as it does portability. Striking Features of the Stance XR Micro 9mm The Savage Stance XR Micro presents a variety of configurations to cater to diverse users’ preferences. These options include matte black nitride stainless steel slides complemented by front and rear serrations and a chamfered front for simple reholstering. Moreover, Savage’s Quick Release Optics (QRO) plate enhances the slide, making the attachment and detachment of optics swift and effortless. Potential users can choose from standard 3-dot iron sights, night sights, or opt for an optics-equipped model that includes a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red dot straight out of the package. A Closer Look at the Details The Stance XR Micro boasts a polymer frame replete with a forward-facing Picatinny accessory rail, primed for installing lights and lasers. Added to this is an ambidextrous slide catch and magazine release, juxtaposed with a sturdy grip provided by aggressive surface textures. The wide-face trigger offers a short, sharp pull coupled with an equally brief reset. Users can customize the grip size to their preference with the inclusion of a pair of 18-degree interchangeable backstraps. Alongside it, Savage provides a 10-round flush fit magazine and a 13-round extended magazine. Customers can choose models with or without a manual safety feature. Aesthetic variations are also catered to with black, gray, and FDE frame color options available. The standard model of the Stance XR Micro 9mm, either with or without a manual safety, is priced at $469. However, models equipped with night sights are marked at $539, while the optics-equipped model is tagged at $659. Competition Abounds in the Micro-Compact Market The micro-compact market has been witnessing rising interest and influx of significant players in recent years. The introduction of Savage's Stance XR Micro 9mm, its diverse range of configurations, and competitive pricing pose the question of how it will fare against other offerings in this bustling market. Consumer feedback and in-depth reviews will testify to the product's performance and market acceptance in due course. View full article

Almost One Million Shells Delivered to Ukraine, Reveals EU Diplomat According to recent reports in The Kyiv Independent, over the course of 2024, the European Union (EU) has dispatched 980,000 artillery shells to Ukraine. This is in relation to one million that were initially pledged, as disclosed on November 11 by Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat. The Challenge of Fulfilling the Promise The delivery shortfall was elucidated by Borrell who stated that it occurred due to the unintended constrain of production capacity. Despite this setback, the total yield of EU-provided ammo to Ukraine is expected to surpass 1.5 million shells by the conclusion of the year. This projection takes into consideration both bilateral agreements with the EU and a separate initiative led by the Czech Republic. Czech-led Initiative Delivers Additional Support The Czech Republic, assisted by countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, has struck a campaign aiming to deliver up to 800,000 shells. As of mid-2024, Czechia has already shipped out 50,000 units. This initiative was announced earlier in the year as a coordinated effort to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, a response due to the deficiencies primarily precipitated by US aid delays. In addition to this, Ukraine and Czechia have agreed to an arrangement for the manufacturing of 155-mm and other large-caliber ammunition within Ukraine by the year 2025. Support Beyond Governmental Aid This initiative has also found supporters outside of governmental structures. Activists in Slovakia collected more than 4 million euros (equivalent to $4.3 million) for this cause after the Slovak government chose not to participate. Furthermore, Jana Cernochova, the Czech Defense Minister, declared in an interview with the Denik N newspaper in late July that Prague is preparing an additional announcement for a new initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine in 2025. View full article

North Korea Officially Enters Mutual Defense Treaty with Russia In a recent development, North Korea has announced the ratification of a defensive alliance with Russia, based on statements from official state media on November 12. This agreement obligates both countries to provide military aid to each other in the event of an armed attack. Rising Tensions and Mutual Goals The proclamation follows initial skirmishes between the Ukrainian forces and North Korean troops placed near Kursk, a border region of Russia. This comes after recent reports noted the first instances of conflict between Ukraine's military and North Korean soldiers stationed within the boundaries of Russia. Kim Jong Un's Decree This pact was confirmed by North Korea’s own KCNA news agency, stating that supreme leader Kim Jong Un had issued a decree ratifying the treaty. The news agency stated that “the treaty will take effect from the day when both sides exchanged the ratification instruments." Russia's Response and International Efforts Russian lawmakers gave a unanimous nod to this treaty the preceding week, following which President Vladimir Putin signed it into law. This agreement was first drawn up during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June of this year, and it commands immediate military support from either party in the event of an attack. North Korean Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui, during her latest trip to Moscow, declared her country's allegiance with Russia, insisting that Pyongyang will stand by Russia "until the day of victory." Accusations and Concerns Critics, including South Korea, Ukraine, and several Western nations, have accused North Korea of setting up approximately 10,000 troops to boost Russia's war efforts. Western governments have also claimed that Pyongyang has provided Moscow with artillery shells and missiles to be utilized in Ukraine. The G7 nations voiced their concerns last week over the escalating military collaboration between Russia and North Korea. They expressed fears that North Korean soldiers might receive training in the use of ballistic missiles, a move that would be in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. View full article