World military today (April 29): Russia deploys mysterious UAV...

* Russia deploys new mysterious UAV in Ukraine

In recent days, there have been many reports that Russian forces have begun deploying a new series of suicide drones (UAVs) using jet engines, called "Banderol", in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian electronic warfare and communications expert Serhiy Flash Beskrestnov, Banderol was seen in attacks on the Odessa and Mykolaiv regions. Initial assessments show that the new UAV resembles the Shahed-238 UAV.

While the specific technical details of the Banderol remain unclear, according to available information, the platform is powered by a jet engine that can reach an estimated speed of 400-500 km/h. This speed is significantly higher than previous propeller-driven UAVs, which could make interception difficult.

The Shahed-238 suicide UAV is believed to be a model of the Banderol UAV recently deployed by Russia in Ukraine.

Analyzing images of Banderol, experts said that this UAV has a significantly improved aerodynamic model compared to previous models, helping to increase speed and range.

The design of the Banderol is said to incorporate radar-absorbent materials, making it difficult for the UAV to be detected and tracked by radar-guided air defense systems. Experts also point out that the Banderol is equipped with a modern navigation system that is highly resistant to interference, thanks to the combination of an inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS/GLONASS satellite navigation. This helps increase attack accuracy, even in environments with electronic interference. In addition, the Banderol's warhead can be larger and more powerful than previous UAVs such as the Geran series, making it more effective at attacking fortified targets.

However, to date, Russia has not made any official statement about the existence of Banderol. The deployment of Banderol fits into Russia's larger strategy of improving its UAV capabilities.

* India buys Rafale Marine jets from France

On April 28, Dassault Aviation announced that India and France have signed an intergovernmental agreement, allowing India to purchase 26 Rafale Marine jets for its Navy.

The deal, worth about $7.6 billion, includes the supply of 22 single-seat Rafale Marine fighter jets, four two-seat Rafale B trainers, as well as weapons packages, performance-based logistics (PBL) support, maintenance, training simulators, auxiliary equipment, personnel training, etc.

Deliveries of the Rafale Marine are expected to begin around May 2028, some 37 months after the contract is signed, with completion expected in 2029-2031. Photo: French Navy

Deliveries of the Rafale Marine are expected to begin around May 2028 and be completed in 2029-2031.

While awaiting delivery, the French Navy’s Rafale M aircraft are expected to be used temporarily to train Indian Navy pilots. The package includes the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, capable of destroying targets at a distance of over 150km, and the Exocet AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile, designed for maritime strike missions.

Additionally, Dassault Aviation is also considering setting up a final assembly line in India, to meet growing domestic and export orders, in line with the goal of strengthening India's defense industrial capacity.

The Rafale Marine is based on the Rafale fighter aircraft built by Dassault Aviation. It is designed with a reinforced airframe, arresting hook and specialized landing gear, adapted for carrier operations. It is equipped with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for multiple target tracking and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, providing radar warning, electronic jamming and infrared countermeasures.

The Indian Navy's purchase of the Rafale Marine is seen as a temporary solution to meet operational requirements while the country develops its own indigenous twin-engine carrier-based fighter (TEDBF), which is expected to enter service by 2031. It is also an important step in the modernization strategy of the Indian Air Force and Navy, not only replacing the MiG-29K fleet, but also part of the Navy's long-term plan to enhance its maritime combat capabilities and protect national interests in the region.

* Philippines to equip future landing ships with heavy machine guns

The Philippine Navy recently signed a contract with Sarsilmaz Silah Sanayi AS, a Turkish company, to supply up to 16 SAR 127 MT 0.50 caliber heavy machine guns for two LPD landing craft under construction at PT PAL Indonesia shipyard.

Future LPD amphibious transport ships will be able to carry one 10-ton helicopter in the hangar and two 10-ton helicopters on deck. Photo: Twitter/Max Montero

These LPDs are part of the amphibious ship procurement project under the Horizon 2 modernization plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The ships are expected to be delivered in 2026-2027. The installation of SAR 127 MT heavy machine guns on these landing ships will enhance the protection and fire support capabilities for the future combat, logistics and relief missions of the Philippine Navy.

The SAR 127 MT machine gun uses 12.7×99mm NATO ammunition. The gun has a rate of fire of 500-600 rounds/minute, with a muzzle velocity of 900m/s and a maximum range of up to 6,800m. The SAR 127 MT weighs about 38kg (excluding magazine), is equipped with a quick-change barrel with stellite coating, and is compatible with anti-aircraft sights.

QUYNH OANH (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-29-4-nga-trien-khai-uav-bi-an-moi-tai-ukraine-250931.html