* AFP writes that according to NATO Russian columns including tanks, artillery and infantry vehicles have been entering eastern Ukraine, in line with earlier reports from other sources such as Reuters. Artillery strikes have been reported [WSJ video] in Donetsk.
* Popular Mechanics paid a visit to Polish F-16 pilots stationed at Lask AFB. They’re concerned by Russia’s fielding of new aircraft in large quantities.
* Norwegian F-16s recently took a couple nice pictures of recently-inducted Russian SU-34s: VG [in Norwegian] | The Aviationist.
* According to the AP Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that:
“in the current situation we have to maintain military presence in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, as well as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.”
Middle East & Africa
* The UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) says more than 13 million people have been displaced in Syria an Iraq: statement | Reuters coverage. Displacement was part of the engine that sustained Europe’s 30-Year War, too, by adding new and desperate recruits. Who ravaged larger areas, creating more displacement. Repeat until burnout.
* Hurriyet relays a report from Cumhuriyet that the Turkish Armed Forces, known to be fiercely secular, will soon introduce elective classes on Islam.
* French shipbuilders DCNS and Piriou recently announced the 1st export sale of 2 OPV50s to the Gabonese Navy, 18 months after creating their Kership joint venture.
Future Aircraft Paradigms
* DARPA wants to explore the possibility [FBO RFI] of launching and recovering a number of small UAVs using existing large bomber or transport aircraft.
* Today’s video, from Bloomberg, presents Airbus’ Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), which the company says went through a successful civilian test flight in the UAE back in September. The idea is provide communications/internet support over large areas without incurring the high costs associated with satellites:
