The Siege of Budapest: a major turning point in WWII

From October 29, 1944, to February 13, 1945, Soviet forces launched the Budapest Operation, a decisive offensive aimed at capturing Hungary’s capital - a key Axis stronghold

⚔️ Led by Marshals Malinovsky & Tolbukhin, Soviet troops encircled Budapest, trapping 79,000 Axis soldiers inside

🌊 After crossing the Danube River, Soviet forces cut off supply lines, isolating the city

💥 Despite fierce German counterattacks, the siege held strong

🔥 February 13, 1945: Budapest falls. This victory paved the way for the Soviet Vienna Offensive, accelerating the collapse of Nazi Germany’s southern defenses.

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💥 Israeli strikes Southern Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force launched attacks on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, targeting military facilities and rocket launchers near Zebkin and Yater.

Despite a standing ceasefire, Israel cites threats as justification for extending troop presence beyond February 18.

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Russia to wow Abu Dhabi air show with new heavy drone, zippy light training aircraft

The February 17-21 IDEX 2025 military show will witness the WORLD PREMIERE of two new Russian aerial systems.

Forpost-RE

A multi-purpose, medium-range reconnaissance and strike drone.

🎯 Rugged in design and tested in combat across multiple theaters

🎯 Carries up to 40 kg of aerial bombs and missiles

🎯 Able to operate in temperatures ranging from -40° to over 50°, high tolerance to humidity and dust

🎯 Automatic takeoff and landing system using laser and video monitoring, meaning ability to operate without global positioning connection

🎯 Thermal imagers, color video, photo camera and other modules can be swapped out as needed

🎯 Low cost compared to heavy US drones

"The competitive advantage of the Russian Forpost-RE drone is its absolute protection from sanctions thanks to components, all of which are Russian-made, and many years of successful experience in real combat conditions, including the Middle East region," a rep from JSC UWCA, the drone’s makers, said.

UTS-800

A nimble, peppy and cost-effective new Russian turboprop trainer.

🛬 Two-person tandem cabin arrangement, with trainee in front and instructor in back. Can be flown by one pilot without need for balancing weights

🛬 Top speed: 460 km/h. Range: 1,200 km. Max altitude: 6,000M

🛬 High maneuverability allows for g-loads between +7 to -4

🛬 Good power-weight ratio thanks to use of advanced, repairable composite materials

🛬 Features include ejection seats, oxygen, air conditioning and anti-icing systems

🛬 Can operate in conditions from -30° to +45°, and using both paved and unpaved runways.

🛬 The Russian military got its first two UTS-800s in late 2024 for testing.

"Depending on the volume of purchases by a potential foreign customer and the capability of financing the R&D work, it is possible to modify the aircraft and adapt it to specific units at the request of the buyer," the JSC UWCA spox said.

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