David Hambling

Ukraine has escalated its "Logistics lockdown" by systematically destroying Russian-held bridges, especially those supplying Crimea. This new capability, previously considered beyond Ukraine's reach, leverages long-range attack drones like the Fire Point FP-2 and Ruta cruise missiles. The FP-2, with a 350-pound warhead and FPV guidance, employs a "bit-by-bit" strategy to chip away at bridge supports. A "double tap" tactic has also been observed, hitting bridges then targeting repair efforts. The faster, AI-guided Ruta missile, with its 500-pound warhead, also precisely targets supports. This drone revolution, combined with mass production and weakened Russian air defenses, threatens to severely disrupt Russian supply lines to Crimea, marking a significant shift in modern warfare.

A bolt of lightning heats the air almost instantly to as high as 30,000C, causing explosive expansion and a supersonic shock wave that becomes thunder.

Russia's advanced Ka-52 helicopter was shot down by its own Mobile Fire Unit during an anti-drone mission, highlighting critical coordination failures in Russian air defense. This friendly fire incident, not the first, occurred as the Ka-52, equipped with anti-drone airburst ammunition, was targeting slow-moving Ukrainian drones. Poorly paid Russian mobile fire groups are eager to claim kills, leading to such costly mistakes. The incident underscores the challenges of deconflicting airspace amidst escalating drone attacks. With one crew member dead and a $16 million helicopter lost, Russia faces difficult decisions on effectively countering the evolving drone threat without further friendly fire, questioning the sustainability of using valuable assets against inexpensive drones.

David Hambling Low-emissivity or low-E window glass is a useful green technology for keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer … but a rare side-effect can set the neighbours' property on fire.

Low-emissivity windows also keep houses warm in winter, but use on bowed glass can have magnifying-glass effect

Russia's drone forces are actively preparing for a potential conflict with the West, according to expert Samuel Bendett. The upcoming Dronnitsa, Russia's annual drone forum, explicitly aims to "prepare for a big war with NATO." This isn't just rhetoric; it's practical technical preparation, with Russia learning from Ukrainian tactics and developing advanced solutions like fiber-optic drones. Russia currently boasts a significant, though temporary, advantage in drone production, making millions annually. This drone superiority could enable a swift invasion of the Baltics, potentially intimidating NATO and securing a crucial victory for Putin. The article warns against underestimating this threat, urging strong deterrence and increased Western drone development.

Ukrainian forces executed a world-first combat mission on July 13th, deploying a tracked robot (UGV) armed with a .50 Cal machinegun onto the Russian-occupied Kinburn Spit via an uncrewed boat. This innovative "marsupial drone" tactic signifies a major evolution in warfare, as Ukraine rapidly expands UGV production for combat roles. The strategically vital Kinburn Spit, a long-contested Russian stronghold, was the target of this remote-controlled assault. This operation highlights a shift towards "remote combined arms," where UGVs work alongside various drones to neutralize enemy positions without risking human lives. Experts suggest this could revolutionize future amphibious assaults, allowing robots to lead the way and secure areas before human troops arrive.

Ukraine's popular Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was dismissed after just six months, sparking widespread protests and dismay. Fedorov, a former entrepreneur, revolutionized Ukraine's war effort by pioneering drone warfare, overhauling corrupt procurement, and implementing deep and mid-strike capabilities that significantly blunted Russian aggression. His initiatives included boosting soldier pay and securing Starlink access blocks for Russia. However, his reforms and entrepreneurial approach created enemies among those benefiting from old procurement systems and traditional military figures, like General Syrskyi, who resisted his tech-focused vision. Critics view his sacking as a major setback, but Fedorov's "To be continued" message hints at a potential return.

Mackerel skies and mare’s tails signal arrival of warm fronts that push moisture to high altitudes and creates distinctive clouds

An open-source flight-control system found in consumer drones has been installed in Ukraine’s latest cruise missile, showing how cheap technology is making military hardware accessible to all