Spotting a military ramp up

Sometimes, it’s the little things, the smallest of news announcements, which can tip off where industry and nations are headed. Destabilization, across the globe, is ramping up, in large part due to Russia trying to reclaim the Soviet Union territories, the expansionist aims of China to control (but not rule) foreign governments, and, never least, religiously and ethically-provoked conflicts boiling up on two continents.

Here are a few of the items ticking along in non-public news outlets, all way below the main news media threshold of printable “news,” that surely indicate a general preparedness desire by many, many, nations.

The U.S. is selling Poland 800 Lockheed Martin air-launched cruise missiles as “a small part of the nation’s buildup of weapons’ stocks.” Note that quote, “a small part.”

The Lockheed Martin F-35 production line has switched to full-rate production after having already made over 990 aircraft. And this announcement came as both the USAF and the US

Navy claimed they were reducing their “planned F-35 buys for the 2025 budget.”

Turkey’s Tusas Engine Industries has successfully made it first turbofan engine for its own fighter. 100% made in Turkey, available especially across all Muslim countries without U.S. or Russian control for the fighters they sell.

India, meanwhile, has successfully launched, tested, a multiple reentry capability (meaning multiple warhead delivery) intercontinental ballistic missile.

Russia, on the other hand, has started using ballistic intercontinental missiles to attack Ukraine; non-nuclear but lethal. Why? Because they are clearing older types by using them while they build their newest designs and refill stockpiles.

France has ramped up military sales, becoming the second largest military arms exporter after the USA. France makes very sophisticated missiles and planes.

Stratolaunch, in Mojave CA, successfully launched a Talon TA- test vehicle setting the stage for that hypersonic flight coming soon. Hypersonic flight is hard for defeat in battle.

Many countries, having deferred purchases of military hardware are all scrambling to fill orders as soon as possible. For example, the UK re-upped its order for 14 MG-47G Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters – an order negotiated three years ago.

Korea Aerospace has finally proved and tested it’s air-to-air refueling tanker, so it can remain in the sky, ready without the need to land if N. Korea starts an offensive action.

DARPA is upping funding for a reusable hypersonic prototype. They only do that after they have passed early tests in a non-reusable type (probably already in production). Hypersonic, in this case, means “Mach 5+.”

And one last item as reported: The USAF classified missile procurement for 2025 will be increased by 6%, and in 2026 by 20%, and in 2027 by 37%. So 2024, for just this one program, now spending over $500,000,000 will go to 530,000,000+ in 2025, 636,000,000+ in 2026, and 871,320,000+ in 2027. Missiles are more of an offensive than a defensive weapon.

Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, now lives in New Mexico.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

All are welcome at The Mahaiwe

Paquito D’Rivera performs at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington on April 5.

Geandy Pavon

Natalia Bernal is the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s education and community engagement manager and is, in her own words, “the one who makes sure that Mahaiwe events are accessible to all.”

The Mahaiwe’s community engagement program is rooted in the belief that the performing arts should be for everyone. “We are committed to establishing and growing partnerships with neighboring community and arts organizations to develop pathways for overcoming social and practical barriers,” Bernal explained. “Immigrants, people of color, communities with low income, those who have traditionally been underserved in the performing arts, should feel welcomed at the Mahaiwe.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Living with the things you love:
a conversation with Mary Randolph Carter
Mary Randolph Carter teaches us to surround ourselves with what matters to live happily ever after.
Carter Berg

There is magic in a home filled with the things we love, and Mary Randolph Carter, affectionately known as “Carter,” has spent a lifetime embracing that magic. Her latest book, “Live with the Things You Love … and You’ll Live Happily Ever After,” is about storytelling, joy, and honoring life’s poetry through the objects we keep.

“This is my tenth book,” Carter said. “At the root of each is my love of collecting, the thrill of the hunt, and living surrounded by things that conjure up family, friends, and memories.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Clued in

The first play in four years returned to the Webutuck Auditorium Friday, March 28. The production of Clue was put on entirely by students from the Webutuck Middle School and starred an ensemble cast of, from left to right, Jacob Dean as Mr. Green, Caroline Eschbach as Mrs. White, Brooke Bozydaj as Yvette, Liam Diaz as Wadsworth, Nolan Howard as Colonel Mustard, Mariah Bradley as Miss Scarlett and Lois Musgrave as Mrs. Peacock who is pictured on the floor of the stage.

Photo by Nathan Miller