UK Post

Russia has significantly escalated its use of Shahed-type drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since the start of 2024, Russia has deployed a total of 6,130 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to an update provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 20. This surge in drone attacks has intensified in recent weeks, with Russian forces targeting Ukrainian cities and towns almost daily since the beginning of September.

These drones, which have been described as cost-effective yet capable of inflicting damage, have become a central element of Russia’s military strategy against Ukraine. The use of Shahed drones first became prominent in the fall of 2022, and recent attacks have demonstrated a sharp uptick in their frequency and scale. On August 26, Russia carried out its largest assault to date, launching 127 missiles and 109 drones simultaneously, resulting in strikes on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and a dam in Kyiv. Ukraine’s air defences successfully intercepted a large portion of these threats, downing 102 missiles and 99 drones.

However, the recent shift in Russia’s tactics has placed a growing strain on Ukraine’s defences. On October 18, Russia employed 129 Shahed-type drones in a single attack, signalling an increased reliance on this weaponry. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed frustration with delays in receiving additional defence systems from allied nations, urging a more decisive international response. He emphasized the need to disrupt not only the storage of Shahed drones but also their production and logistics infrastructure.

In response to this intensified threat, Ukraine has made notable counterstrikes. On October 9, Ukrainian forces hit a key Russian base in Krasnodar Krai, which was storing 400 Shahed-type drones. Ukraine’s military is also working to bolster its defences against drone attacks. One of the latest developments is a domestically-produced drone called “Sting,” which is designed to track and intercept Shahed drones. This new technology represents a significant step forward in Ukraine’s ability to combat the growing drone threat.

While Russia initially relied on importing Shahed drones from Iran, reports from August 2023 suggest that Russia has begun domestic production of these drones, further complicating efforts to curb their use. As the conflict continues, the evolving drone warfare between the two nations highlights both the strategic importance of drone technology and the urgency for Ukraine to strengthen its air defence capabilities.

Prabowo Subianto, once a pariah, will be sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president today. Twenty-five years ago, he faced accusations of human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor, and his special forces abducted democracy activists in 1998, some of whom were never seen again. His military career ended in disgrace, and he was dismissed for “misinterpreting orders” during the fall of his father-in-law, President Soeharto.

After years in exile, Prabowo’s return to power marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s political landscape. He has openly expressed his disdain for democracy, calling it “very tiring” and “messy.” The political party he founded, Gerindra, seeks a return to the original 1945 Constitution, which granted extensive powers to the president and did not ensure human rights or separation of powers. Such a move would dismantle Indonesia’s democratic system established after Soeharto’s fall.

Outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has already paved the way for Prabowo’s authoritarian ambitions. Amendments passed under Jokowi’s administration have restored elements of the New Order, including allowing active military members to hold civilian positions. A new criminal code, set to take effect in 2026, will restrict press freedom and curb criticism of the government.

Civil society has also been targeted, with defamation cases and government actions against NGOs escalating. Activists fear further repression under Prabowo’s leadership, and some worry about his ties to conservative Muslim groups, which could pressure or undermine his critics.

Prabowo’s ascent raises concerns about the future of Indonesia’s fragile democracy and the potential resurgence of authoritarianism.

In 2003, the Australian Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux nearly suffered a catastrophic loss when a seawater pipe burst while operating near its maximum depth off Western Australia.

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An Australian Collins-Class Submarine Almost Suffered a Catastrophic Loss | The National Interest

The New Voice of Ukraine – English

In the early hours of October 18, Ukraine’s Air Force faced an intense wave of Russian drone attacks, successfully downing 80 out of 135 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched against the country overnight. These attacks, a continuation of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Ukrainian infrastructure and cities, represent one of the largest air assaults in recent months.

As the attack unfolded, Romania’s Defence Ministry took decisive action after radar detected an unidentified aerial object approaching the country’s airspace. Jets were scrambled as the object, potentially part of the Russian assault, crossed into Romanian territory near the town of Amzacea, approximately 200 kilometres south of the Ukrainian border. Romanian forces lost radar contact with the object shortly after, heightening concerns about the proximity of the war to NATO borders.

This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Romania and neighbouring NATO member Bulgaria have had to scramble their fighter jets in response to similar threats, as Russian missiles and drones have increasingly encroached on their airspace during cross-border skirmishes. Debris from Russian weaponry has been found in NATO-member countries on multiple occasions, underscoring the risk of accidental escalation between Russia and NATO members.

Meanwhile, further to the north, Belarus scrambled its own fighter jets. The Belarusian monitoring group Hajun reported that two drones were spotted flying toward the Belarusian border, prompting the deployment of its air force. Tensions remain high in the region, with Belarus acting as a key Russian ally. This marks another chapter in the complicated relationship between the two neighbours, with Russia relying on Belarus for logistical and military support during its offensive against Ukraine.

While 80 drones were successfully shot down, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that another 44 were “lost.” Military officials believe these UAVs were downed using electronic warfare tactics, a method that disrupts and disables the drones’ guidance and communication systems. Ukraine has increasingly relied on electronic countermeasures to combat the surge in drone warfare, often forcing drones to crash without the use of missiles or anti-aircraft weaponry.

Despite the sheer volume of drones involved in the attack, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that no significant damage was reported, and there were no immediate casualties from falling debris. However, the strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems continues to grow as Russia intensifies its drone warfare campaign.

The recurring intrusions into the airspace of neighbouring NATO countries like Romania and Bulgaria serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the proximity of the war to NATO borders. With each drone or missile that strays from Ukrainian airspace, the potential for a NATO-Russia conflict increases. The quick reaction by NATO forces, as demonstrated by Romania’s response, underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are treated.

As Ukraine continues to defend against Russian air assaults, its NATO neighbours remain vigilant, monitoring for potential spillovers of the conflict. The ongoing drone warfare highlights the evolving nature of modern combat, where electronic warfare, UAVs, and swift air defence responses play a central role in defending national borders and ensuring regional security.

For now, Ukraine remains steadfast in repelling Russian aggression, while NATO members continue to assess and adjust their defence postures in light of the growing challenges posed by the war in Eastern Europe.

Ray Payne – Frontline

Australia’s immigration levels are running at an unsustainable pace, contributing directly to the housing shortage and skyrocketing rental costs. This is making it increasingly difficult for young Australians to buy homes, start families, and cope with the rising cost of living, which is spiralling out of control.

Over the first eight months of 2024, Australia recorded an unprecedented 358,964 net permanent and long-term arrivals. This figure is around 5,000 higher than last year’s record, and a staggering 115,500 more than the same period in 2019. The sheer volume of new arrivals is placing enormous strain on an already overstretched housing market, driving prices up and pushing rents to unaffordable levels.

The situation is exacerbated by a lack of new housing developments and limited supply of rental properties. Young Australians, who are already burdened with high costs of living, are being priced out of home ownership. Many are delaying or reconsidering starting families due to the financial uncertainty caused by high mortgage rates, rent increases, and inflation.

As immigration levels continue unchecked, the balance between housing demand and supply grows more uneven. The government’s lack of control over this issue is hurting future generations, making it almost impossible for many to achieve the Australian dream of owning a home.

If Labor does not take immediate action to manage immigration numbers, the situation will only worsen. Australia’s young people will continue to bear the brunt of the housing crisis, and the country’s economic and social fabric will be strained by this ongoing pressure.

“We’re heading to Evans Head in Northern NSW tomorrow for a couple of weeks of relaxation and day trips to spots like Yamba and other nearby towns. Over the course of our stay, seven fellow veterans and their wives will be joining us—representing 105 Field Battery, 35 Squadron RAAF, 6RAR, and 1RAR. There will be daily happy hours and plenty of tall stories. If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to join us!”

Cheers Ray & Julie

According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), as of October 18, around 12,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to Ukraine. Yonhap, a prominent South Korean news agency, reported that the NIS has confirmed North Korea’s direct involvement in the conflict, with an estimated 1,500 soldiers being transported between October 8 and 13 in the first phase of deployment.

Approximately 18 North Korean soldiers have allegedly deserted their posts on the Russian frontline, prompting an ongoing search by Kremlin forces. The soldiers, deployed near the Russian regions of Kursk and Bryansk—roughly four miles from the Ukrainian border—reportedly abandoned their positions, according to Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Suspilne.

Citing intelligence sources, Suspilne revealed that Russian commanders are working to track down the missing troops while attempting to hide the desertion from higher authorities. This incident comes on the heels of reports suggesting that Russia is assembling a North Korean battalion, sent by Kim Jong Un, to bolster efforts to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region.

Ukrainian media outlet LIGA reported on October 16 that the North Korean troops were expected to engage in combat operations in Russia’s southwestern regions, where fighting with Ukrainian forces remains intense. The soldiers were reportedly slated to join a “special Buryat battalion,” named after the Buryat people, a Mongolic ethnic group native to Siberia, northern Mongolia, and China.