Latest news with #MiG29
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Kim Jong Un does Top Gun: North Korean leader puts pilots through their paces as he calls on his people to step up preparations for war
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un channeled his inner Maverick this week as he supervised drills by the nation's air force and called for the military to step up its preparations for war. Kim inspected anti-aircraft combat and air strike manoeuvres by North Korea 's 1st Air Division on Thursday, state media reported. The hermit kingdom's 'Supreme Leader' spoke to troops while wearing a leather jacket straight out of Tom Cruise classic Top Gun. The North Korean premier called for 'all units in the entire military' to bring about 'a breakthrough in war preparation', KCNA reported. Footage of the drills on North Korean state TV showed a MiG-29 jet launching a missile. The projectile appeared to be a North Korean version of a Russia-developed mid- to long-range air-to-air missile, Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said. Kim has spent much of the last month trying to project strength with a series of military-related engagements. He has overseen a missile test, inspected tank and munitions plants, made a rare visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang reaffirming the country's alliance with Russia, and supervised tank firing drills and special operations unit training. Kim, dressed in a leather jacket, speaks to troops on Thursday - one of many military-related engagements the 'Supreme Leader' has carried out over the last month North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) saluting a MiG-29 flypast during anti-air combat and air raid drills by the Guards 1st Air Division of the North Korean Army at an undisclosed location in North Korea North Korea also slammed the U.S. State Department for placing it on a list of countries that do not fully cooperate with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Pyongyang has been placed on the list every year since 1997, South Korea 's Yonhap News Agency said. 'The more the U.S. provokes the DPRK with unnecessary and inefficient malicious acts, the further it will escalate the irreconcilable hostility between the DPRK and the U.S.,' a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, using the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 'The DPRK will... take effective and proper measures to cope with the U.S. hostile provocations in all spheres.' Earlier this month North Korea and Russia announced that they have begun building their first road link between the two countries announced. The two nations hailed the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their political and economic ties. The kilometre-long Tumangang Road bridge, which is expected to take 18 months to construct, aims to expand cross-border travel of people, tourism and circulation of commodities, Russian and North Korean news agencies reported. Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunition and troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is giving a round of applause by pilots from the country's military North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) watching a flypast of three Saetbyol-9 multi-purpose attack drones during anti-air combat and air raid drills by the Guards 1st Air Division of the North Korean Army Kim Jong Un talks to military members as he inspects projectiles during a visit to an airfield in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency In April Kim unveiled a nuclear-capable naval destroyer that he claimed would bolster North Korea's ability to defend itself in the face of perceived aggression from the US and its regional allies. The North Korean leader attended the warship's launch ceremony at the western port of Nampo with his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, according to state-run media.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Nato and Russian fighter jets face-off over Baltic Sea
Russian and Nato fighter jets faced off in a confrontation above the Baltic Sea, after Estonia tried to detain a sanctioned oil tanker. Nato member Estonia spotted the sanctioned Jaguar tanker heading towards Russia and dispatched a helicopter and a navy patrol boat to try and stop the ship, which was allegedly sailing under no flag. Nato aircraft, including Polish MiG-29s, were scrambled as the vessel refused to cooperate. In response, Moscow scrambled a Su-35 to protect the sanctioned tanker, and is alleged to have entered Nato airspace while trying to do so. The tanker was able to escape and is now anchored near the Russian port of Primorsk. Video footage posted on X shows the confrontation. Filmed from a bridge of a tanker believed to be the Jaguar, the video shows a navy surveillance boat, a helicopter and a patrol aircraft hovering nearby. 'This is Estonian warship... follow my instructions, alter your course to 105 immediately,' says a voice on the radio. In Russian, a voice says off-camera: 'We are met by helicopters, they demand we go on anchor.' Military jets are seen flying around the vessels. The Jaguar tanker is part of Moscow's shadow fleet and was sanctioned by Britain last Friday. But on Tuesday, it was spotted heading towards Russia. The ship was near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio, Commander Ivo Vark told Reuters news agency. As it was sailing 'without a nationality', Estonia 'had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status', he said on Wednesday. 'The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia... given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' An Estonian patrol escorted the Jaguar until it reached Russian waters, he added. Estonia's foreign minister described the situation as 'really serious'. 'The Russian Federation sent a fighter jet to check the situation, and this fighter jet violated Nato territory for close to one minute,' Margus Tsahkna told reporters in the Turkish city of Antalya. 'We need to understand that Russia has officially tried and connected itself to the Russian 'shadow fleet',' he said, speaking ahead of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers. '(The) Russian Federation is ready to protect the 'shadow fleet'... The situation is really serious,' he added. The Jaguar is one of more than 100 ships in Russia's shadow fleet, a term Western countries use for ships they accuse Moscow of deploying to avoid international sanctions, typically unregulated and uninsured by regular Western organisations. On Thursday, the Jaguar was anchored near the Russian port of Primorsk, Marine Traffic data showed. It was listed there under the flag of the central African nation of Gabon.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Watch dramatic Nato vs Russia sea clash erupt as warplanes buzz Putin's ‘shadow fleet' vessel as it's ordered ‘stop NOW'
BOTH Nato and Russia scrambled warplanes in a dramatic dogfight over the Baltic Sea after a tense standoff over an undercover Russian tanker. Estonian sea and air forces stalked and tried to board an oil tanker called Jaguar - thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet. 7 7 It was draped in the Gabon flag, but was sanctioned by Britain on Friday over accusations it is a Russian pawn. Nato aircraft - including Polish MiG-29s - were scrambled as the vessel refused to cooperate. In response, Russia scrambled a Su-35S fighter jet which is said to have violated Estonian airspace as it stormed in to cover for the fleeing Jaguar. In dramatic footage, the Polish Nato plane can be seen tailing the Russian Su-35 in a dogfight over the Gulf of Finland - part of the Baltic Sea. A Russian voice on the bridge of the tanker goaded the Estonians, calling them 'clowns' as they tried and failed to board. The tanker ultimately anchored near Gogland Island - controlled by Russia - in the eastern Baltic Sea. Footage shows the high drama in one of the most tense regions in the world amid disputes between Russia and Nato over Ukraine. 'This is how we're greeted with helicopters,' said a voice -apparently Russian - on the tanker. "They're demanding we anchor.' A message is heard saying: 'This is Estonian warship Papa 6732. 'Your request will be denied. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters 'Follow my instructions. Immediately change course to 105. Over.' A voice from the tanker in Hindi says: 'That looks like our drone in front….' A Russian voice demands: 'Go on, hit it running….' Referring to the Estonians, he says: 'What a bunch of clowns!' The Estonian vessel comes close to the tanker seeking to swerve it to the right. 7 7 An Estonian A139 helicopter and an M-28 Skytruck plane of the Estonian defence forces were seen circling the vessel. Boasting a success against the West, pro-Kremlin news outlet Izvestia reported: 'Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel. 'The Jaguar ultimately reached Gogland Island, a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf [of Finland], and resumed its route to Primorsk'. Russian outlet News-Pravda reported, 'Sailors from the Baltic Republic [Estonia] twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.' After the extraordinary clash, Nato state Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, who was handed a note of protest, accusing the Putin warplane of violating the republic's airspace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: "From Estonia's point of view, this is a very serious and regrettable incident that is in no way unacceptable." He demanded that Russia "must face tougher, faster sanctions" . The tanker had been near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio at 15:30 GMT on Tuesday, said Commander Ivo Vark. He added that it was was sailing "without a nationality' and Estonia "had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status". "The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia [...] given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' Estonia escorted it until the vessel reached Russian waters. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the ship was sent from Estonian to Russian territorial waters to prevent a threat to his country's critical infrastructure. 7 7 He said: "The issue was the ship's flag state, and our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved." The 800-ft long Jaguar is a crude oil tanker reportedly sailing under the flag of Gabon. The Equasis database suggested the ship changed its name and flag state at the beginning of February. According to this data its name is now Argent and its flag state is Guinea-Bissau. Putin uses a vast network of non-Russian tankers - called a shadow fleet - to avoid oil sanctions.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS NATO and Russia clash in Baltic Sea 'dog fight' as Polish jet tails SU-35 warplane and Estonian forces 'try to board 800ft Moscow oil tanker sanctioned by Britain'
Both NATO and Russia scrambled warplanes in a dramatic 'dogfight' above the Baltic after a major standoff over a tanker in Vladimir Putin 's shadow fleet. Estonian forces sought to board the 'Gabon-flagged' oil tanker Jaguar using a patrol vessel and helicopter, as well as a surveillance vessel. The Russian-bound ship is suspected of being used by Moscow as part of its shadow fleet to avoid international sanctions. It was sanctioned by Britain on Friday. NATO aircraft - including Polish MiG-29s were scrambled as the vessel refused to cooperate. Russia also deployed a Su-35S fighter jet which allegedly violated Estonian airspace as it sought to provide cover for the fleeing Jaguar. In dramatic footage, the Polish - NATO - plane was seen tailing the Russian Su-35 in a combat over the Gulf of Finland, which is part of the Baltic Sea. A Russian voice on the bridge of the tanker accused the Estonians of being 'clowns' as they tried and failed to board the vessel. The tanker ultimately anchored near Gotland Island - controlled by Russia - in the eastern Baltic Sea. Footage shows the high drama in one of the most tense regions in the world amid disputes between Russia and NATO over Ukraine. 'This is how we're greeted with helicopters,' said a voice -apparently Russian - on the tanker. 'They're demanding we anchor.' A message is heard saying: 'This is Estonian warship Papa 6732. 'Your request will be denied. 'Follow my instructions. Immediately change course to 105. Over.' A voice from the tanker in Hindi says: 'That looks like our drone in front….' A Russian voice demands: 'Go on, hit it running….' Referring to the Estonians, he says: 'What a bunch of clowns!' The Estonian vessel comes close to the tanker seeking to swerve it to the right. An Estonian A139 helicopter and an M-28 Skytruck plane of the Estonian defence forces were seen circling the vessel. Boasting a success against the West, pro-Kremlin news outlet Izvestia reported: 'Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel. 'The Jaguar ultimately reached Gogland Island …. a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf [of Finland], and resumed its route to Primorsk'. Russian outlet News-Pravda reported, 'Sailors from the Baltic Republic [Estonia] twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.' After the extraordinary clash, NATO state Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, who was handed a note of protest, accusing the Putin warplane of violating the republic's airspace. 'From Estonia's point of view, this is a very serious and regrettable incident that is in no way unacceptable,' said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. He demanded that Russia 'must face tougher, faster sanctions' . The tanker had been near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio at 1530 GMT on Tuesday, said Commander Ivo Vark. It was sailing 'without a nationality' and Estonia 'had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status', said the Estonian. 'The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia... given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' Estonia escorted it until the vessel reached Russian waters. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the ship was sent from Estonian to Russian territorial waters to prevent a threat to his country's critical infrastructure. 'The issue was the ship's flag state, and our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved,' he claimed. The 800-ft long Jaguar is a crude oil tanker reportedly sailing under the flag of Gabon. The Equasis database suggested the ship changed its name and flag state at the beginning of February. According to this data its name is now Argent and its flag state is Guinea-Bissau. Putin uses a vast network of non-Russian tankers - called a shadow fleet - to avoid oil sanctions.
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Cheap Copy': Shehbaz Sharif's Meet With Soldiers Exposes How India Hit Pakistani Air Bases
Last Updated: Sharif addressed Pakistani soldiers on Wednesday at a location which was far away from the probably damaged airfield as one could see some choppers stationed at a big distance. When Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tried to copy Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Adampur air base, it turned out to be a rather poor attempt and one that exposes further how badly India had hit multiple Pakistani air bases, sources say. Sharif went to the Pasrur cantonment in Sialkot on Wednesday. Sharif addressed Pakistani soldiers on Wednesday at a location which was far away from the probably damaged airfield as one could see some choppers stationed at a big distance. There were no visuals either of Sharif landing at the airstrip, a dead giveaway that it was damaged, sources add. There were only shots of Sharif driving in a jeep, indicating flying there would not have been possible. Sharif also addressed Pakistani soldiers in a virtual field with a flex sheet behind him in backdrop of tanks that had little or no role to play in the conflict. He stood atop a tank with a board saying 'The Prime Minister of Pakistan'. This was in total contrast to Narendra Modi's visit to the Adampur air base in Punjab a day earlier and his address to the soldiers with the S-400 and MiG29 in the backdrop right next to the airfield. Modi also landed at Adampur in a Hercules aircraft, showcasing how the Adampur airbase had seen no damage at all. Modi's visit exposed the Pakistani claims that they had hit the Adampur airbase with a missile and destroyed an S-400. Modi's address also was a rousing one, taking on Pakistan in no uncertain terms and commending soldiers for teaching Pakistan a lesson. ' Humne unke ghar mein ghuske kuchal diya (We entered deep into their home and crushed them)," PM said. First Published: May 15, 2025, 09:16 IST
