Photo : nato.int
Photo : nato.int
War in Ukraine: Day 582
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 28 September, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General visited Kyiv. He reaffirmed NATO’s strong support for Ukraine. He commended the leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, and Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive. Stoltenberg highlighted NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s membership and three key decisions to enhance cooperation. He emphasized NATO’s collective efforts in providing military support and joint procurement initiatives. Stoltenberg welcomed Ukraine’s peace plan and stated, “Ukraine's future is in NATO.” He paid respects at the Wall of Remembrance for Ukraine’s fallen heroes and reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering solidarity.
On 28 September, Russia’s forces attacked using multiple drone groups against Ukraine. Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defences successfully downed over 30 drones during the massive assault. The operational situation in southern Ukraine remains tense as Russia’s forces continue their relentless attacks and explore new tactics. Air defence responses were active across various regions, and air raid warnings were issued in southeastern Ukraine. It was due to the threat of Shahed drones.
The Moscow View
On 28 September, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation announced a 70 per cent increase in defence spending for 2024. It will allocate resources to its ongoing Ukraine offensive. Moscow describes the conflict as a “hybrid war” instigated by the West. Amid concerns over a prolonged conflict, Russia’s economic policy now emphasizes defence capacity.
The West View
On 28 September, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office approved the establishment of a joint venture. It is between Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrainian Defence Industry group (UDI) in Kyiv. The joint venture will focus on service and maintenance, assembly, production, and development of military vehicles. It will initially operate exclusively in Ukraine. Cooperation aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector, including technology transfers and local value added. It is to gain the potential for joint production and development of military systems.
On 28 September, the UK's Ministry of Defence gave its intelligence update on Ukraine. According to it, Russia’s Aerospace Forces (VKS) have lost around 90 fixed-wing aircraft in combat since February 2022. It came with intensive wartime use, potentially shortening aircraft lifespans. Maintenance challenges arise due to spare part shortages, driven by increased demand and international sanctions. While the VKS can surge sortie rates, prolonged conflict could diminish long-term tactical airpower due to airframe wear and tear.
The Global Fallouts
On 28 September, Israel and Germany signed a EUR four billion deal for the Arrow 3 long-range air defence system. It is Israel’s largest-ever defence contract. This purchase aims to bolster Germany’s missile shield amid concerns of a new cold war with Russia. Arrow 3 batteries are primarily manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. It will begin arriving in Germany by late 2025. Germany has allocated EUR five billion for the Arrow system from a special fund created to enhance defence spending due to Russia’s invasion. The deal supports the European Sky Shield Initiative and aims to integrate Arrow into NATO’s comprehensive defensive shield.
References
“Secretary General in Kyiv: Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before,” NATO, 28 September 2023
Iryna Balachuk, “Russians carry out massive drone attack, Ukraine's air defence downs over 30 drones,” Ukrainska Pravda, 28 September 2023
“Russia Unveils Huge Spending Hike to Battle 'Hybrid War',” The Moscow Times, 28 September 2023
“Belarus says Polish helicopter violated its airspace,” Daily Sabah, 28 September 2023
“German Federal Cartel Office gives go-ahead to joint venture between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian Defence Ministry,” Rheinmetall, 28 September 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 28 September 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence, 28 September 2023
Carrie Keller-Lynn, “Germany signs nearly €4 billion deal for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system,” The Times of Israel, 28 September 2023