Russia expels six British diplomats in Moscow on spying allegations.
KYIV, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Russia started producing a new long-range attack drone called the Garpiya-A1 last year using Chinese engines and parts, which it has deployed in the war in Ukraine, according to two sources from a European intelligence agency and documents seen by Reuters.
The intelligence – which included a production contract for the new drone, company correspondence on the manufacturing process and financial documents - indicated that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey, produced more than 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024.
The existence of the new Russian drone incorporating Chinese technology has not been previously reported. IEMZ Kupol and Almaz-Antey did not respond to requests for comment.
Read MoreThe two intelligence sources said that the Garpiya, which means Harpy in Russian, has been deployed against military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure as well as both civilian and military casualties.
The United States State Department has made a determination approving a possible sale of 32 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Romania, which offers a significant enhancement in Romania’s defense capabilities and strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Romania. This proposed sale will improve the security of Romania, a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.
The approximately $6.4 billion sale will provide Romania with the state-of-the-art F-35A multi-role fighter jet, offering advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and unparalleled air superiority capabilities. The acquisition of the two F-35A squadrons will significantly enhance Romania’s ability to address evolving security threats and contribute to regional defense efforts.
U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec stated, “This commitment is a testament to the strong partnership between our two nations and demonstrates once again that Romania’s leadership in the defense of regional security. Romania is a key NATO Ally in promoting security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond. The F-35As will provide Romania with unparalleled air defense capabilities and enhance interoperability among NATO air forces.”
The first delivery of the F-35A aircraft to Romania is expected by 2031. The United States will continue to work closely with Romania to ensure a smooth and effective integration of these advanced aircraft into their defense forces.
The White House is asking Congress for $1.95 billion to make up for a price gap for two submarines already funded as part of the congressional Fiscal Year 2024 budget, USNI News has learned.
The request was included in a list of anomalies the White House asked Congress to support in the event the government is funded by a continuing resolution past the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.
“Language is needed to appropriate $1.95 billion to the Shipbuilding and...
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Saturday said he feared potential Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants.
"The Russians have proven completely brazen about their attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. They've taken shots at Ukraine's nuclear power plants before and I think we could see that again," Sullivan said at a forum in Kyiv.
