Ukraine – Russia … not more of the last thread

[Dude#1279435]

200% tariff is the number I heard Trump wants to hit the EU with.

 

[Trell]

With some of the tariffs and other decisions being overturned by the courts and some decisions being rolled back, I think some of the bluster may fade. If he carries on, it means he's not paying attention or he's ignoring the resistance.

Someone just needs to take out Putin. Friendly fire is as good as anything.

You are completely missing the point: It's the uncertainty of US commitments under Trump with a captive and servile Republican party, and that might very well not change with a new administration or Congress.

Biden managed to restore much of the lost trust (in NATO) of the first Trump administration, but here we are with a close ally going fascist and harming us by allying itself with enemies of democracy.

 

[rnatalli]

The Gripen is a good alternative to the F-35. It’s a previous generation jet and can only carry half the payload, but is way less expensive to purchase and maintain, more maneuverable, has a higher top speed, and more range. Perfect fit for a smaller country like Portugal.

 

[Trell]

The Gripen is a good alternative to the F-35. It’s a previous generation jet and can only carry half the payload, but is way less expensive to purchase and maintain, is more maneuverable, has a higher top speed, and more range.

Actually, it is and was designed to be serviced by conscripts working off roads as landing strips if needed, just what Ukraine needs. However, it uses a number of US made components (like the jet engine) so US can and have stopped export of Gripen (including to Ukraine, by rumours).

Ukrainians have been in Sweden for training (pilots and service) and Ukraine have several times said they want the Gripen. As a side note is that Sweden have committed to give a huge amount (in dollars) of military hardware to Ukraine but they can only do that if they donate Gripen. Otherwise there is simply not enough military hardware to give.

 

[rnatalli]

Actually, it is and was designed to be serviced by conscripts working off roads as landing strips if needed, just what Ukraine needs. However, it uses a number of US made components (like the jet engine) so US can and have stopped export of Gripen (including to Ukraine, by rumours).

True, but I’m sure Volvo could adapt the engine to work without any GE or other American parts. I’m sure American jets aren’t entirely U.S. made either. I believe the F-35 uses parts from the Netherlands and other countries.

 

[Trell]

True, but I’m sure Volvo could adapt the engine to work without any GE or other American parts. I’m sure American jets aren’t entirely U.S. made either. I believe the F-35 uses parts from the Netherlands and other countries.

There is that, of course, but that will take many years and Gripen will be unavailable to Ukraine in the mean time. Do note that this blocking was done in the Biden, and not Trump, administration.

 

[rnatalli]

There is that, of course, but that will take many years and Gripen will be unavailable to Ukraine in the mean time. Do note that this blocking was done in the Biden, and not Trump, administration.

I doubt Ukraine would have ever seen a Gripen much less an F-35 as they’re more advanced jets. Although, they did receive F-16s which despite its age, remains one of the most formidable jets around given it’s engines and ability to carry a large payload. In any case, the point is Europeans will likely start producing and purchasing more local products so Portugal probably won’t be the last to look elsewhere. It’s also possible non-EU countries will show more interest in buying European military hardware. For example, the Franco-Italian air defense system which have shown they work quite well.

 

[Trell]

I doubt Ukraine would have ever seen a Gripen much less an F-35 as they’re more advanced jets. Although, they did receive F-16s which despite its age, remains one of the most formidable jets around given it’s engines and ability to carry a large payload. In any case, the point is Europeans will likely start producing and purchasing more local products so Portugal probably won’t be the last to look elsewhere. It’s also possible non-EU countries will show more interest in buying European military hardware. For example, the Franco-Italian air defense system which have shown they work quite well.

Ukraine do have the French Mirage 2000 jet fighters, though, since this winter.

Also, the Gripen would be very useful in shooting down Russian cruise missiles, like what the F-16s currently do.

 

[Eppie]

A big part of the problem is that a growing number of Americans are unable to discern truth from propaganda and their politicians are too willing to repeat those lies if they feel it will serve their interests. This could have gone under the Trump thread but addresses Ukraine specifically.

Journalist Julia Ioffe explains how Russia's disinformation attack on Ukraine works on Truth Social

youtube.com