Salvation!

Industrial shock, I think, would be the more appropriate description. And I frame it that way because it is more of a condemnation of every other developed nation that has failed to prioritize the need for industrial policy for security. Fortunately, the pace of change has not been overtaken by the pressures of conflict yet, and there seems to still be time to shift national policies before the next major conflict.

While Iran dominated the headlines for months, officials became increasingly worried about danger from Russian attacks. “When do we stop calling it gray zone?” asked a third official briefed on the intelligence, referring to a Russian drone attack on a massive air freighter, used to carry military assistance to Ukraine, at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany in August. One drone hit the cargo plane but failed to explode, another struck a different aircraft, and a third was found near the airport. “That’s what Putin always does. He keeps testing us, pushing us, to see how far he can go,” said the official. That official and another said that the intelligence proved there was “no question” that Russia was behind the operations. Russia has denied responsibility.

“A newly surfaced photograph of a dark grey Ilyushin Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker has renewed speculation that Russia may be preparing to supply China with a previously reported order for 20 aircraft. The aircraft carries a marking on its tail resembling part of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) insignia, although the marking is only partially visible and its intended customer has not been confirmed. Neither the Russian nor Chinese government has publicly acknowledged a contract for the aircraft. The photograph was reportedly taken as the aircraft emerged from the factory in early October, as unconfirmed reports have indicated that deliveries are scheduled for 2027 and 2028.”

I know MW Magazine is a pretty trash source, but the pic seems pretty legit. What do you guys make of this, given the current state of the Chinese tanker fleet?

Well, let's say he has fancy military equipment rivaling most countries on earth in terms of military capability .

-15 SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines) with shrimp sonar cross section.

(France + UK only combine only have 9 SSBN meanwhile USA has only 10 of them)

• 30 5th-generation aircraft/jets with 'bee' RCS (radar cross-section)

(Most countries have no 5th gen jets btw.)

-a15k-man commando force with exoskeletons

(Most countries barely have functioning Infantry let alone exoskeletons)

-5 drone motherships

(Well if you have seen Ukraine Russia war you would know drones are important aspect of warfare in 21st century)

-90 stealth helicopters

(Because why not stealth helicopters allows you to fly right inside a country undetected )

-100 heavy tanks.

Let's say rich Gulf states ,..., countries without credible defense) started paying for his services .

Say $15 Billion deal for musk to protect let's say Saudi Arabia.

Then he could even protect Europe from Russia. I don't know how Congress would react.

If we run math if each SSBN is 3 billion usd per unit then it cost 50 billion ,then 5th gen is 2 billion usd at approx 50 million usd per unit and, ..., 15k commandos at 150k a year is 2 billion usd . We run the math with multiple deals he can pay it all back fast . Then he could even protect Europe from Russia. I don't know how Congress would react.

If we run math if each SSBN is 3 billion usd then it cost 50 billion then 5th gen is 2 billion usd smat approx 50 million usd per unit and, ..., 15k commandos at 150k a year is 2 billion usd . We run the math with multiple deals he can pay it all back fast .

Then he could even protect Europe from Russia. I don't know how Congress would react.

Iranian President is on now his way to Russia to meet Putin aswell, at the time of posting. He is set to meet with both Putin and the Qatari emir tomorrow.