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Russia unveils a new dangerous weapon – strikes Ukraine and threatens Europe
Putin boasted that Russia produces ten times more missiles than NATO and plans to produce even more. He announced serial production of Russia’s new Oreshnik (Hazel) missile and the continuation of its testing, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and threats to Russia’s security. He admitted that the missile might be used to attack Ukrainian “decision-making centers” in Kyiv. According to Russian claims, the Oreshnik’s striking components reach temperatures of 4,000 degrees Celsius. Everything at the epicenter of the explosion disintegrates into elementary particles, turning into dust. The missile can hit even heavily protected and deeply buried targets. The Kremlin also warned that the missile might demonstrate its power in Europe.
Start pocisku rosyjskiego RS-26 Rubież. fot. mil.ru
Russia used the new Oreshnik ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear payloads up to 6,000 kilometers, for the first time in a recent attack on the city of Dnipro. It was intended as a show of force and a warning for allowing Ukraine to strike targets in Russia with Western long-range missiles, which Putin sees as direct Western involvement in the conflict. However, it seems unlikely that this delayed decision by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden to allow such strikes will significantly influence the course of the war-nor will threats involving the Oreshnik missile. Russia reportedly possesses only a few of these missiles. The problem is that Ukraine currently lacks air defense systems capable of countering such missiles.
End of the war in Ukraine? Zelensky ready to lose territory? What does he want in return?
In an interview with Sky News on 29 November 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his readiness to sign a peace agreement even if Russia does not immediately return the territories it occupies.
“If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to bring the territory under our control under NATO’s umbrella” Zelensky said. These surprising words contrast with his previous declarations rejecting the idea of giving up Ukrainian territories to Russia. Zelensky is a pragmatist. The war is entering an unpredictable phase, leading him to suggest he might agree to a ceasefire if NATO were to guarantee the security of territory under Kyiv’s control.
Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, responded by stating that Kyiv’s push for NATO membership is key to prolonging, not ending, the war. He rejected freezing the conflict and declared that Russia would not allow the West to arm Ukraine under the guise of agreements. One of Putin’s initial conditions for halting the fighting is Ukraine’s declaration that it will not join NATO. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has proposed delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years. A difficult moment is approaching for Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. The current situation resembles the negotiations with Hitler in 1938. Is a new “Munich Agreement” on the horizon?
During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, 1 December 2024, attended by representatives of the new leadership of the EU administration – the new President of the European Council, António Costa, as well as the new EU Commissioners for Diplomacy and Enlargement, Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos – Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s invitation to NATO cannot apply to only part of the country. However, security guarantees during the war cannot cover the entire state, which is why he insists on NATO supporting Ukraine in this manner now.
– There cannot be an invitation to NATO for only part of Ukraine’s territory. That would be an automatic recognition that all other territories are not only in danger but also that those other territories are not Ukrainian. This is why Ukraine will never accept such an arrangement – Zelensky said.
World War III by the end of the decade? The West still fears escalation with Russia
“Russia is preparing for war with the West” said Bruno Kahl, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND). He warned that military confrontation is becoming a plausible option for the Kremlin. Speaking to Die Zeit, Kahl stated that such a scenario could materialize by the end of this decade, when Russia’s army may have the capacity to attack the West. German intelligence assessments suggest that Moscow might test the credibility of NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one member state as an attack on all. Putin is well aware of the West’s fear of escalation. His primary demand in such a situation would be negotiations. However, effective talks with Putin can only occur from a position of strength – a fact the West is slowly beginning to understand.
Polish Army to receive modernized “Katyusha” systems
The Polish military has decided to modernize its WR-40 Langusta rocket launchers, of which 75 are in service and remain a key component of Poland’s rocket artillery. The modernization, along with the acquisition of accompanying vehicles, is expected to cost approximately PLN 1.3 billion. According to the Ministry of Defense, the upgrade will integrate the launchers with advanced GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). These navigation systems enable precise targeting, significantly improving accuracy. As a result, the WR-40 Langusta system can effectively support combat operations on the battlefield, firing volleys of 40 rockets with a range of up to 41 kilometers.
The military considers this type of rocket artillery, and the ammunition produced for it in Poland, to be forward-looking. Mesko, a Polish defense company, is working on localizing the production of the Phoenix missile for these launchers. Soon, they will also be used with the Homar-K systems, a Polish version of the South Korean K239 Chunmu launchers. In addition to existing capabilities to fire guided rockets with an 80 km range (CGR-080) and ballistic missiles with a 290 km range (CTM-290), the systems will also be able to fire 122 mm caliber rockets.
The Orka submarine program remains submerged in delays
“We will do everything to sign a contract for modern submarines in 2025”, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on 28 November 2024. However, similar promises have been made by defense ministers over the past 30 years, with no results. The Orka program involves acquiring 2–3 submarines for the Polish Navy, with a budget of approximately PLN 10 billion. Several countries have expressed interest in selling submarines to Poland. Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that partners have submitted offers and that negotiations are ongoing to select the best option. The submarines are expected to be highly advanced technologically (see more: Uniqueness of training submarine crews in South Korea).
Polish success in military communications
Radmor, a Gdynia-based company from WB Group, announced the successful interoperability testing of European military radios equipped with the ESSOR-HDR waveform. Radmor used a radio platform developed within the national GUARANA system. This digital radio, ensuring secure communications, was developed in cooperation with companies from Finland, France, Germany, and Italy. The test demonstrated the waveform’s potential for coalition use, enabling ground forces from different countries to communicate during joint military operations, despite the diversity of SDR platforms. This success provides the Polish Armed Forces with cutting-edge military communication technologies for coalition operations.
American air defense missiles for Poland
Deputy Minister of Defense Paweł Bejda announced that Poland has finalized the purchase of 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, eight months after receiving U.S. Congressional approval. The deal, worth approximately PLN 712 million, includes short-range air-to-air missiles for F-16 and F-35 aircraft and possibly the FA-50PL jets acquired from South Korea.
Poland, which first acquired these missiles with F-16 aircraft in 2004, joins dozens of countries using Sidewinders. Although the missile design dates back to the 1950s, it has undergone continuous modernization. The version ordered by Poland represents the latest in air defense technology.
An innovative manufacturer of unique infrared modules grows stronger
VIGO Photonics, one of Poland’s most innovative private producers, globally recognized for its advanced photonic infrared detectors, has released its financial results for Q3 and the first nine months of 2024. In Q3 2024, VIGO Photonics reported consolidated revenues of 15.7 million PLN, while the company’s consolidated revenues for the first nine months of 2024 reached 54.2 million PLN. The total value of orders and contracts as of the end of October 2024 amounted to 84.8 million PLN, including 73 million PLN in confirmed delivery orders.
The company from Ożarów is a global leader in the production of advanced photonic detectors and detection modules for the mid-infrared spectrum, as well as semiconductor materials. It also develops its own electronics, which, when integrated with detectors, form ready-to-use detection modules widely recognized and appreciated in many countries across several continents.
More Rak self-propelled mortars systems for the 12th Mechanized Brigade
Paweł Bejda, Deputy Minister of National Defense, announced that the Polish Armed Forces have received another delivery of modern equipment. The 12th Mechanized Brigade took delivery of a company-level fire module of self-propelled mortars. This shipment included one company fire module, comprising eight 120mm Rak self-propelled mortars, four command vehicles, and accompanying support vehicles. This is the fourth and final module delivered to the 12th Mechanized Brigade.
The Rak company fire module is designed to provide fire support at the mechanized and motorized battalion level, enabling engagement at ranges exceeding 10 kilometers. Each mortar is operated by a crew of four soldiers. The 120mm Rak mortars are among the most renowned self-propelled artillery systems, developed by Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) companies, including Huta Stalowa Wola and Rosomak. In total, the Polish Armed Forces have received 15 company fire modules.
