United Kingdom donates 3 SH-3 Sea King to Ukraine

Three former British military Sea Kings will be provided to Ukraine. Apparently first of them has already arrived.

The announcement was made by UK Defense Secretary from Oslo, where he was meeting with officials from allied countries to discuss further support to Ukraine.

In the last six weeks, Ukrainian crews were trained in the UK to fly and maintain the aircraft - to provide search and rescue capabilities.

The Sea King was previously used by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, with the last craft being retired by the Navy in 2018.

Few countries have sent manned aircraft to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, and requests by its government for Western nations to send fighter jets so far remain unanswered.

bbc

Images Of Turkey’s TF-X Fifth-Gen Combat Aircraft In Assembly Line

The TF-X program, also known as Milli Muharip Ucak (MMU, or National Combat Aircraft), began in December 2010 to build an indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft.
The footage was recorded on November 21.

Pictures show that the aircraft’s fuselage and wings have largely been assembled. 
The absence of horizontal stabilizers, dual engines, outward-canted tail fins, modern avionics, and an ejection seat is seen in the images. 
The aircraft’s prototype is expected to be completed in 2023, with the first flight scheduled for 2025.
Initially, it was intended that the first examples from the production cycle would go into service as early as 2028. However, it is currently anticipated that the Turkish Air Force will begin receiving the aircraft in the early 2030s.
The idea of a cutting-edge stealth air superiority fighter is the bedrock of the TF-X fighter jet’s development. The TF-X jet was meant to replace Turkey’s F-16C/D fighter fleet when it was first conceptualized in the early 2010s. 
At the time, the Turkish Air Force did not have a pressing need for a fifth-generation fighter because the country was an essential partner of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and had plans to purchase 100 F-35s. 
It even invested up to $1.4 billion in the F-35 program. However, Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program in 2019 by Washington as retaliation for Ankara’s earlier acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.
The TF-X program serves as a lifeline in some ways for Turkey’s domestic military sector, which is recovering from these significant and unexpected setbacks. But, the country’s ability to develop the aircraft also faces further challenges due to the loss of the F-35s.
In 2018, Turkey picked the F110-GE-129 or F110-GE-132 after-burning turbofan from General Electric to propel the fighter. However, the deterioration in US-Turkish ties made it appear a distant possibility. 
In July, the Turkish government launched a competition to develop a homegrown turbofan engine that will power TF-X fighter jets. Another engine choice is Rolls-Royce, which was first passed up in favor of GE as the TF-X power plant supplier.
In October 2016, Rolls-Royce proposed a collaborative production agreement with Turkey to supply the country’s future platforms and prospective third-party sales.
In its proposal, the business offered to build an engine production facility in Turkey that would also produce engines for helicopters, tanks, and missiles in addition to those for the TF-X.
In 2017, BAE Systems, and TAI agreed to a contract worth more than £100 million to develop the Turkish Fighter jet. 
Purchasing a Russian engine has also been mentioned, but it is currently an extremely remote possibility due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and sanctions on Moscow. 
Meanwhile, Turkey intends to purchase 40 brand-new F-16 Block 70/72 jets and the necessary kits to upgrade an additional 80 of its current F-16C/Ds. 
The new and upgraded F-16s would serve as a temporary solution until the TF-X can be deployed in large numbers. However, given the tense relationship between Ankara and Washington, such a deal is far from guaranteed.
eurasiantimes 

Rafale, MIrage 2000 or Gripen likely to be Bulgaria interim fighter aircraft

The Bulgarian government looks to be edging closer to reaching an agreement for an interim fighter aircraft after holding talks with Sweden and France, while the southeastern European nation awaits American F-16s.
The potential acquisition of the jets was prompted by Lockheed Martin when it delayed delivery of F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Sofia from 2023 to 2025.
Bulgaria requires an “interim” type to replace an aging MiG-29 fleet that’s expected to be unserviceable due to maintenance issues from the end of 2023 onward.
Until the F-16s reach full operational capability around 2028-2030, interim fighters will have to be used for the purpose of carrying out the Air Policing mission in the airspace of Bulgaria.
The interim fighter acquisition started out with Bulgaria sending letters to the United States, Sweden, France, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, detailing the possibility of leasing second-hand aircraft. The Netherlands, Spain and Italy have all since confirmed they are unable to meet the request, according to the Bulgarian MoD spokesperson. 

“Sweden and France have responded favorably to our request,” spokesperson said. “We have initiated talks with [both]… to explore the possibilities for [the] interim fighter acquisition. We have not received any offers yet.”
Sweden could offer Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft with France in a position to either pitch its Mirage 2000 or Rafale jets. Both the Swedish and French governments have not responded to requests for comment.
breakingdefense 

Russia’s 200-Ton ‘Monster Missile’ RS-28 Sarmat ICBM Enters Serial Production

The RS-28 Sarmat is a Russian silo-based missile system armed with a heavy liquid-propellant orbital intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The General Director of the Makeyev State Missile Center, Vladimir Degtyar, said in an interview recently that the serial production of the latest R-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile has started in Russia.

According to Degtyar, the R-28 Sarmat missile will boost the Russian military’s combat capability over the next 40 to 50 years to ensure the nation’s security. He said this ICBM would become the primary means of the nuclear deterrent and a guarantee of preserving peace in the current geopolitical environment.

This announcement comes at a time when Russia is allegedly reeling through difficult times due to a shortage of missiles in its arsenal. With Ukraine having retaken some of the territories that Moscow occupied in the initial weeks of the operations, there’s a significant need to hold on to other regions in the south.

Last week, the state media reported that Russia had successfully tested the R-28 ICBM silo.

“The flight tests of the Sarmat missile system have been successfully carried out. The Yars road-mobile missile system has also proven its capabilities by launches at the Plesetsk state testing spaceport”, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

This shows the alacrity with which Russia has developed, tested, and manufactured the monster missile.

The first test of Sarmat was conducted in April 2022, and a month later, in May, the former Roscosmos chairman Dmitry Rogozin, a close aide of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that around 48 Satan-2 missiles were in “mass production” and would soon go into combat service.

“Sarmat” (RS-28) will replace “Voevoda” RS- 20V, the most powerful strategic missile in existence. The development of RS-28 Sarmat was started more than a decade ago, in 2011.

The new missile will be able to penetrate enemy missile defense systems and have the ability to travel through both the North and South Poles to deliver multiple reentry vehicles to any location on Earth.

The Sarmat missile system will join the Strategic Missile Forces once the test program is completed. The head missile regiment in the Uzhur missile formation in the Krasnoyarsk Territory is already getting ready to be rearmed with this new missile system.

The induction of this missile in service would further create anxieties in the West about Russian nuclear fear-mongering.

Earlier this year, Russian state television had simulated a nuclear attack on three European capitals, including Paris, Berlin, and London, stating that the Sarmat ICBM with a nuclear warhead would destroy these three cities in less than 200 seconds.

According to Russian media, the ‘most dangerous’ missile on the planet, the RS-28 Sarmat, can deliver a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warhead weighing up to 10 tons anywhere in the world.

As per information made public during the Army-2019 exhibition, the Sarmat IICBM’srange is 18,000 kilometers, and the launch weight is more than 200 tons, of which 178 tons is fuel. The missile measures 3 meters in diameter and 35.5 meters in length overall.

eurasiantimes 

Japan, UK, Italy to agree on next-generation F-X fighter development

The authorities of Japan will soon reach an agreement with the United Kingdom and Italy on the development of a successor for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)’s F-2 fighter.

A formal agreement is expected in December 2022, as reported by the local daily newspaper Asahi. The arrangement will include provisions for the export of the future fighter jet.
Japan’s next-generation fighter jet will replace the Mitsubishi F-2, a Japanese version of the F-16, currently operated by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. It should be a twin-engine stealth fighter which will include the research done on the experimental X-2 Shinshin, a canceled fifth-generation fighter jet program. In November 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) was awarded the leadership of the F-X program. 

British aerospace manufacturer BAE Systems will help Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develop the F-X fighter, while Rolls-Royce will assist IHI Corporation with developing the XF9 engine for the aircraft. According to Asahi, Avio Aero from Italy will also be involved in the development of the engine.

The F-X fighter is set to be operational by 2035, when the F-2 will begin to be phased out.

aerotime 

France, Germany, Spain agree on moving on with FCAS development

France, Germany and Spain have reached agreement over starting the next phase of the development of a new fighter jet dubbed FCAS, Europe's largest defence project at an estimated cost of more than 100 billion euros.

The three countries and their respective industries had struck a deal.

A French official also confirmed that the industries, seen as the main stumbling blocks on the way to an agreement recently, had found a deal to move to the next phase of the warplane project.

Previously, sources had said that the next development phase for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is expected to cost some 3.5 billion euros ($3.63 billion), to be shared equally by the three countries.

France's Dassault, Airbus and Indra - the latter two representing Germany and Spain, respectively - are involved in the scheme to start replacing French Rafale and German and Spanish Eurofighters from 2040.

French President Emmanuel Macron and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel first announced plans in July 2017 for FCAS, which will include a fighter jet and a range of associated weapons, including drones.

Lately, the project - originally meant to unify Europeans after the migration crisis and Britain's decision to leave the European Union - has been a source of tension between the two countries.

Last month, Macron cancelled a joint Franco-German ministerial meeting over disagreements with Berlin on a wide range of issues including defence and energy projects.

Both sides had been struggling for more than a year to agree the next stage of FCAS's development, although the French and German government broadly agreed on the project.

Some sources saw the blame lying with Dassault, as the company had refused to budge in a long-running row over intellectual property rights.

Other sources blamed Airbus for pushing for a bigger workshare of the Dassault-led project, insisting it should be given "equal footing" with the French company.

zawya

Indonesia's planned purchase of F-15 jets in final stages

Indonesian Air Force planned purchase of Boeing Indonesia’s planned purchase of F-15ID fighter jets is in advanced stages and awaiting final sign-off from the government, the Indonesia’s defense minister said on Monday. Speaking after meeting his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in Jakarta, Prabowo Subianto said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer proposed and he was confident the package was affordable. In February, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of Boeing F-15ID aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia in a deal valued at up to US$13.9 billion. Indonesia has been seeking to overhaul its ageing air fleet for some time, which currently includes U.S.-made F-16 and Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 jets.

The Government of Indonesia has requested to buy up to 36 F-15ID aircrafts; 87 F110-GE-129 or F100-PW-229 engines; 45 AN/APG-82(v)1 AESA Radars; 45 AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS); 48 Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCP) II digital computers; 80 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); 92 Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) security devices; 40 AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods; 40 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP); 156 LAU-128 launchers; and 40 M61A “Vulcan” gun systems. Also included are Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) (P5 CTS); MS-110 Recce Pods; AN/ASG-34 Infrared Search and Track International; AN/ALE-47 counter-measures dispenser; AN/PYQ Simple Key Loaders; Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and support equipment and spares.

militaryleak 

Argentina near to select the JF-17 as future Air Force fighter

The bid submitted for the JF-17 weapon system complies with all the requirements established by the Argentine Air Force.

Details were given on the requirements established by the Argentine Air Force (FAA) and the models studied for its future supersonic multi-role fighter in a September report provided by the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers to the Argentine Congress.

Deputies of PRO (opposition party to the current Government) made the following diagnosis before asking questions to the Chief of Cabinet about the future incorporation of a supersonic fighter for the Argentine Air Force (FAA):

«At present, only a handful of A-4AR aircraft are in limited operational conditions. The aforementioned complement is not even a deterrent, much less sufficient to guarantee the integrity of the vast national territory.

Not only are the current capabilities patently insufficient, but they have also become dangerous for aviators, which could result in invaluable human losses of highly qualified military personnel. The situation of the equipment and its capabilities is serious and dangerous, affects the fundamental function of the force and allows the infringement of national sovereignty.»

The requirements established by FAA were:

• Multi-role supersonic fighter.
• In-flight refueling capability compatible with the FAA’s existing refueling aircraft.
• Airborne electronically scanning radar (AESA).
• Tactical Data Link capability.
• Electronic self-defense capability.
• Logistic and temporal potential and projection.
• No components of British origin.
• Availability (supply) for the use of armament.

The models under evaluation are the following:

• JF-17
• F-16
• HAL TEJAS
• MIG-35

The bid submitted for the JF-17 weapon system complies with all the requirements established by the FAA and includes according to the information submitted by the Argentine Ministry of Defense

• Technology transfer to national companies
• Spare parts
• Simulators
• Instruction for personnel
• WS-13 engines of Chinese origin
• Ejector seat of Chinese origin
• Short- and medium-range air-to-air missiles (BVR capability)
• Ninety percent compatibility with JF-17 Block IIIs being manufactured by Pakistan for its own Air Force
• All material is free of restrictions

The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China. The builders say that the JF-17 can be used for multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance.

58% of the JF-17 airframe, including its front fuselage, wings, and vertical stabiliser, is produced in Pakistan, whereas 42% is produced in China, with the final assembly taking place in Pakistan.

The JF-17 Block III is the latest version of this type with a new electronically scanned radar as well as advanced electronics.

Second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets such as those offered by the US so far, could not meet the requirements (they lack AESA radar and they can’t be refueled by FAA KC-130H aircraft).

Meanwhile the US will do everything possible to prevent Argentina from buying Chinese or Russian defense material, so as not to allow the establishment of military relations with its geopolitical opponents in the region.

As already reported, the FAA has been searching for a new supersonic fighter aircraft since when the Dassault Mirage III interceptor fleet was retired in 2015.

It looks like the UK is the biggest hurdle: in the last years in fact Argentina tried to purchase JAS-39 Gripen fighters from Sweden and KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle jets from South Korea but since these aircraft use British equipment such as ejection seats built by Martin Baker, the UK blocked both the options.

Other potential solutions that have been reported included surplus Spanish Mirage F1s and Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoons, Leonardo M-346FA/FTs, CAC J-10s, and Aero L-159s. Even the Sukhoi Su-24 ‘Fencer’.

theaviationgeekclub 

Croatia to donate 14 Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine

Croatia is planning to donate 14 Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine.

Croatian Defence Minister stated that maintenance re-serves for some of the helicopters will end next year, and they are due to be replaced with more modern military equipment.
These helicopters were already slated for decommission by 2026, as Croatia plans to retire all of its Soviet-era equipment.

english.nv.ua 

France and Germany to fire up stalled FCAS fighter jet project

France and Germany are ready to move to the next phase of the FCAS jet project, removing a key irritant in their bilateral relationship. The two countries and Airbus and Dassault Aviation, are close to formally advancing to a crucial stage of the FCAS, during which the demonstrator jet will be built. A deal could be reached in the coming days.

About €3.8bn had been earmarked for this next phase — dubbed “Phase 1b” — and a deadline set for the end of last year. Talks stalled after disagreements over intellectual property between the companies, how work would be divided, and over the jet’s specifications.  

Speaking in Berlin on Monday, chief of Airbus defence and space, signalled the next phase of FCAS was on a surer footing. FCAS is Europe’s biggest defence project. It was designed to enhance the continent’s strategic autonomy, strengthen political and military ties between its biggest economies and breathe new life into the European aerospace industry. 

Paris was also alarmed at Germany’s decision in March to buy 35 American-made F-35 JFS.

Germany argued that the F-35s were urgently needed to ensure its continued role in Nato’s system of nuclear sharing. FCAS was conceived to include a next-generation jet that is designed to work seamlessly with drones and be fitted with advanced communications systems. If finalised, it could replace the fighter jets flown by European air forces, such as the Eurofighter, Germany’s Tornado and France’s Rafale. 

Airbus and Dassault converged on the bare bones of an agreement just over two weeks ago, with each company making concessions. Dassault and Airbus declined to comment on the details of the discussions. The agreement salvages FCAS, although only for the prototype phase. The delays mean that delivery of a jet for 2040 is unlikely to be met. Tempest, which is developed by the UK and Italy with companies including BAE Systems and the UK arm of Italy’s Leonardo. Talks are continuing with Japan over whether to integrate its F-X fighter jet programme with Tempest.

ft.com 

Russian Air Force Receive A New Batch Of ‘Su-34 Fighter Bombers

The warplanes have been manufactured at the Chkalov Novosibirsk aviation plant of the United Aircraft Corporation (part of the state tech corporation Rostec). In a statement, the Russian government said that the aircraft had completed multiple ground and flight tests.

The statement added that the warplanes were delivered to the troops under the Coordination Council’s directives for fulfilling the demand of the Russian Armed Forces during the special military operation in Ukraine. 

eurasiantimes 

Thailand receives first Two T-6C turboprop trainers

Thailand has taken delivery of its first Textron Aviation T-6C Texan II turboprop trainers, with the Southeast Asian nation planning to use them for training and as light-armed aircraft.

Two T-6Cs arrived at the Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF base Kamphaeng Saen northeast of the Thai capital Bangkok, with a welcoming ceremony. Thailand ordered 12 T-6Cs under a $162 million contract in 2020. They’ll replace Pilatus PC-9 turboprop trainers that equip one of three squadrons with the RTAF’s flying training school at Kamphaeng Saen.

Mike Yeo- defensenews

 

UK selects Harland & Wolff, Navantia and BMT team for support ships

The UK MoD has chosen Team Resolute – comprising Harland & Wolff, Navantia and BMT – as its preferred bidder for a £1.6 billion ($1.9 billion) project to build three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships.

The decision represents a long-awaited conclusion to a programme vital for future UK Carrier Strike Group operations.

Navantia UK, a subsidiary of the Spanish shipbuilder, is prime contractor for the programme that will see finished ships assembled at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast shipyard.

Subject to final ministerial approval,  the Team Resolute consortium comprising BMT, Harland & Wolff and Navantia UK has been selected ahead of Team UK to build the three Fleet Solid Support Ships. This decision has been announced earlier than expected and will prove to be controversial.

TR says the majority of the blocks and modules for the ships will be constructed at Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast and Appledore, with components to be manufactured in their other delivery centres in Methil and Arnish. Final assembly for all three ships will be completed at Harland & Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast. Build work will also take place at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz in Spain, in a collaboration that allows for key skills and technology transfer from a shipbuilder with recent experience in naval auxiliary construction. Precisely how this work share will be split will be the most contentious aspect of this contract award.

Harland and Wolff will have to rely heavily on Navantia – the prime contractor of the consortium, having only a small workforce and no recent track record in naval shipbuilding. It appears TR is now committed to constructing a much larger percentage of each vessel in the UK than had initially been the case.

shephardmedia & navylookout

Spain Extends Mandate of Patriot System in Turkey until June 2023

The mandate of the Patriot air defense system, which was sent by Spain to contribute to Turkey's air defense and deployed in Adana, was ending at the end of the year. Spain has extended the mandate of the system and its enlisted soldiers until June 2023.

In 2013, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands Patriot air defense systems were deployed near the Turkey-Syria border, but all three countries had withdrawn their batteries within 2 years, as there was no missile threat and due to technical upgrade needs. Turkey's air defense needs were met with the batteries of Italy and Spain.

The Patriot air defense battery sent from Spain within the framework of NATO air defense umbrella had been used since June 2015, and the SAMP-T air defense battery sent from Italy since July 2016. The Patriot system was deployed in Adana, and the SAMP-T system in Kahramanmaraş.

raillynews 

Switzerland cleared to buy 72 PAC-3 MSE Patriot Missiles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Switzerland of PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC) 3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $700 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Switzerland has requested to buy up to seventy-two (72) PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC) 3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles. Also included are telemetry kits; PAC-3 MSE missile round trainers; PAC-3 MSE empty round trainers; PAC-3 missile skid kits; launcher stations heater controls; classified missile repair and return; classified PAC-3 concurrent spare parts; unclassified PAC-3 concurrent spare parts; PAC-3 MSE canister consumables; quality assurance; Field Surveillance Program; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics technical assistance; flight test support; flight test targets; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $700 million.
dsca 

Russian Su-35 Shot Down Ukrainian Su-25 & MiG-29 Jets During Combat Sortie

A Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jet successfully engaged and shot down Ukrainian Su-25 and MiG-29 aircraft during a combat sortie, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The pilot of the Su-35S fighter jet, said that a pair of Su-25s and one MiG-29 were spotted at a distance of around 200 kilometers. Apparently, the Su-25s were preparing to carry out the ground attack, and MiG-29s must have been escorting them.

According to the pilot, after the missile was launched, the tags from the radars disappeared. Further, intelligence confirmed: two aircraft were shot down, and the cover fighter left the escort zone.

However, Russian fighters have remained very effective and lethal against Ukrainian aircraft throughout the war, particularly the Su-35S armed with the R-77-1 air-to-air missile (AAM), according to a recent study on the Russian Air War in Ukraine, conducted by London-based Royal United Services Institute.

Ukrainian fighter pilots cited by the experts at RUSI admit that Russia’s Su-30SM and Su-35S completely outclass Ukrainian Air Force fighters.

eurasiantimes 

Missiles land in Poland, killing two. Russia denies to be involved

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2. Two people have been killed in Poland after missiles landed near the Ukrainian border, reports say

1. Polish media and the AP news agency said Russian missiles were responsible, but there has been no official confirmation.

1. Russia's defence ministry said the reports amounted to a "deliberate provocation aimed at escalation"

1. The US and other international powers said they were investigating what had happened

1. Poland’s Bureau of National Security is meeting in an emergency session and is due to give a statement

1. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg have spoken to Polish President Andrzej Duda about the explosion.

   "I offered my condolences for the loss of life. Nato is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established," he said.

2. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the reports coming out of Poland and is speaking to Polish President Andrzej Duda, officials say.

   US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Polish counterpart Jacek Siewiera earlier.

3. In the last few hours images have been circulating on social media, reportedly showing missile fragments from the scene of the attack in Poland.

   Defence experts about from think tank CSIS, believes it may be from an S-300 system. This type of missile is typically used for surface-to-air attacks, and has been used by both Russia and Ukraine throughout the war.

4. Joe Biden speaking to Polish president

   US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the reports coming out of Poland and is speaking to Polish President Andrzej Duda, officials say.

   US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Polish counterpart Jacek Siewiera 

   1. US responds with caution to incident in Poland

   The White House, Pentagon and state department all say they cannot confirm what happened and are working with the Polish government to gather more information.

   They’ve also repeated America’s commitment to defend every inch of Nato territory if it comes under attack.

   The state department said that intent would be a factor in determining next steps.

   Kurt Volker, a former US special envoy for Ukraine, also told the BBC it was very important to establish whether any missile strike on Polish territory had been intentional or accidental.

   Nato should demand a clear explanation from Russia, he said, and, if a missile had gone astray, take steps to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.

   There was potential for mistakes on Tuesday, with Ukrainians trying to shoot down a massive barrage of Russian missiles targeting their electricity grids.

5. Polish President speaking to Zelensky

   After his earlier conversation with President Biden, Polish President Duda is now speaking to Ukrainian President Zelensky.

6. bbc

7. Poland 'set to trigger NATO's Article 4'

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9. NATO ambassadors will meet tomorrow at the request of Poland on basis of the alliance's Article 4, two European diplomats.

   According to Article 4 of the alliance's founding treaty, members can raise any issue of concern, especially related to the security of a member country.

   One of the diplomats said NATO would act cautiously and needed time to verify how exactly the incident happened.

10. sky
    

   Where did the 'missile' strike in Poland?

Claims have emerged that a Russian missile struck a Polish village close to the border with Ukraine.

Poland confirmed an "explosion" in Przewodow.

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   sky
   

Biden - Unlikely that missile was fired from Russia

US President Joe Biden, saidt is "unlikely" that the missile responsible for killing two people in Poland was fired from Russia.

'There is "preliminary information that contests" whether the incident in Poland was due to a missile fired from Russia.

"I don't want to say that until we completely investigate, but it's unlikely in the minds of the trajectory that it was fired from Russia, but we'll see."

bbc

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