Home » World_News
Ukrainian Sea Drone Reportedly Downs Russian Fighter Jet Near Novorossiysk
May 03, 2025 |
Calitoday (03/5/2025): Sources with ties to the Russian military have confirmed the loss of a combat aircraft after an alleged Ukrainian naval drone attack in the vicinity of the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
The pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar broke the news late Friday, stating, "Regrettably, the enemy's strike was not without consequence. Last evening, a Su-30 naval aviation fighter was struck 50 kilometers west of Novorossiysk by a drone boat equipped with an R-73 air-to-air missile."
 |
| Ukrainian sea drone shot down Russian Su-30 in Black Sea with P-73 rocket |
While Moscow has yet to issue an official confirmation, further information came from Russian propagandist Ilya Tumanov, operator of the popular Fighterbomber aviation blog. Tumanov reported that the crew of the aircraft successfully ejected and were subsequently recovered from the water by a civilian cargo vessel navigating the area during the coordinated Ukrainian drone assault on the Russian naval base.
The downed aircraft is thought to be a two-seat Su-30SM belonging to the 43rd Naval Attack Aviation Regiment of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
Initial reports regarding the type of aircraft were ambiguous, with possibilities including a Su-24 or Su-30. This loss joins a growing number of naval and aerial assets that have become targets for Ukraine's increasingly sophisticated fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
This incident marks another reported instance of Ukrainian sea drones engaging Russian aircraft. Earlier reports detailed successful strikes against helicopters and attempts to damage Su-30SM fighters operating over the Black Sea. The reported arming of USVs with R-73 infrared-guided missiles signifies an advancement in Ukraine's ability to extend air-denial capabilities beyond traditional land-based defenses.
The Anh
Minneapolis shooter who executed 5 people had ties to Native Mob gang
May 03, 2025 |Calitoday (03/5/2025): Minneapolis Man Charged with Murder in Headshot Massacre Linked to Native Mob
Minneapolis, MN - Thirty-four-year-old James Duane Ortley has been formally charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder following a mass shooting in Minneapolis on April 29th. Court documents released in connection with the case allege that Ortley has ties to the Native Mob, a criminal street gang. Ortley is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
 |
| James Duane Ortley |
Law enforcement records reveal a chilling account of the incident, stating that the alleged gunman, identified as James Duane Ortley, reportedly opened fire on five occupants of a vehicle, shooting each victim in the head. The shooting occurred on 25th Street near Bloomington Avenue late Tuesday night.
According to an unsealed arrest warrant, Ortley faces three initial counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has indicated that an additional second-degree murder charge will be filed following the death of a fourth victim on Thursday.
Prosecutors had initially sought to seal the arrest warrant until Ortley was apprehended, citing significant concerns for witness and law enforcement safety given the alleged gang-related nature of the "execution shooting" and the potential for a severe sentence.
The U.S. Marshals North Star Fugitive Task Force and the FBI SWAT Team successfully executed a search warrant on Thursday afternoon on the 1600 block of South 4th Street, leading to Ortley's arrest.
Details of the Fatal Shooting:
Police responding to a call just before midnight on Tuesday discovered a horrific scene near the intersection of 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue. Inside a vehicle, they found five individuals – two men, two women, and a teenage boy – all suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.
A surviving female victim reportedly identified the shooter as "Little James," "Baby J," and "Little J," stating that he was seated in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle and shot each occupant before fleeing.
Tragically, three victims were pronounced dead at the scene: a 27-year-old man, a 20-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old boy. A 28-year-old man who sustained a critical brain injury was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
The female survivor suffered a serious gunshot wound to her face and was hospitalized. Her current medical condition remains unknown.
The arrest warrant further alleges that James Duane Ortley and members of his family have connections to the Native Mob, a criminal street gang active in south Minneapolis and surrounding areas. The precise role of these alleged gang ties in the mass shooting remains under investigation.
This rewritten version aims to present the same information with slightly different phrasing and sentence structure while maintaining clarity and accuracy.
The Anh
India replacing its MiG-29Ks and France's $7.4 billion deal to supply Rafale Marine fighters
May 02, 2025 |
Recent developments in India's naval aviation have highlighted a significant strategic shift. On Monday, France and India finalized a substantial $7.4 billion agreement for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. This decision comes amidst India's move to phase out its fleet of MiG-29K carrier-borne fighters. Understanding the rationale behind India's decision to retire the MiG-29Ks and opt for the French Rafale Marine is crucial to comprehending the evolving dynamics of its maritime security strategy.
The MiG-29K, a Russian-origin aircraft, was initially acquired to operate from India's aircraft carriers, primarily the INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant. While possessing certain strengths, the MiG-29K fleet has reportedly faced persistent issues related to maintenance, serviceability, and operational reliability. Reports have frequently surfaced regarding the low availability rates of these aircraft, significantly impacting the operational readiness of India's carrier strike groups. These technical challenges have likely been a major factor compelling the Indian Navy to seek a more dependable and readily available alternative.
The Dassault Aviation-built Rafale-M aircraft will replace the aging Russian-made MiG-29K fighters currently deployed on India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029 and conclude by 2031.
Furthermore, the operational demands of modern naval warfare have likely played a crucial role in this decision. The Rafale Marine, a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation, offers several advantages that address some of the perceived limitations of the MiG-29K. These include:
Superior Multi-Role Capabilities: The Rafale Marine is renowned for its ability to perform a wide spectrum of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, anti-ship strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. This versatility provides the Indian Navy with greater operational flexibility compared to the MiG-29K, which has been perceived as more focused on air defense.
Advanced Avionics and Weapon Systems: The Rafale boasts state-of-the-art avionics, including an advanced radar system, electronic warfare suite, and a comprehensive array of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. This technological superiority enhances its combat effectiveness and survivability in contested maritime environments.
Higher Serviceability and Reliability: While the Rafale platform has had its initial integration challenges with other air forces, it generally boasts a higher serviceability record compared to the MiG-29K within the Indian context. This improved reliability translates to greater aircraft availability for crucial naval operations.
Potential for Synergy and Standardization: India already operates Rafale fighter jets with its Air Force. Acquiring the Rafale Marine could lead to greater synergy in terms of training, maintenance, and logistics, potentially reducing overall operational costs and streamlining support infrastructure.
The decision to procure the Rafale Marine also aligns with India's broader strategic objectives of diversifying its defense procurement and reducing its reliance on a single source for critical military hardware. While Russia remains a significant defense partner, India has increasingly looked towards other nations, including France, Israel, and the United States, for advanced military technologies.
In conclusion, India's move to replace its MiG-29K fleet with the Rafale Marine is likely driven by a combination of factors, primarily the persistent serviceability issues plaguing the Russian-origin aircraft and the need for a more capable, reliable, and versatile multirole fighter to meet the evolving challenges of naval warfare. The Rafale Marine's advanced capabilities, coupled with the potential for improved serviceability and strategic diversification, make it a compelling choice for bolstering India's maritime air power and ensuring the operational readiness of its aircraft carriers. The $7.4 billion deal with France marks a significant step in this direction, shaping the future of India's naval aviation capabilities.
TheAnh
