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.