Hugh Harkins

Very interesting booklet about underwater robotic system for delivering nuclear first strike against naval bases and carrier groups.

Although not many details are revealed and what photos there are, are officially released ones, majority of them intentionally blurred, Poseidon seems to be a weapon that will enable Russia to level the field and - hopefully - make West think twice about engaging in what currently they see as a possibility of a sustainable nuclear war.

With what details are provided as I said very interesting booklet.

Recommended to anyone interested into unmanned vehicles and strategic weapons.… (more)

Book is made of three parts - information on Russian strategic air wing development from 1990's, information on three main bomber types in use - Tu-160, Tu-22 and Tu-95 - and finally strategic bomb missions over ISIS positions in Syria from end of 2015 'til February 2016.

I have a feeling that Russia's involvement in Syria and Middle East was The Great Affront to the West. After decades of wanton invasions, ridiculous excuses (but never ending the invasions) and starting one brush war after another in the Middle East for [at the moment] unknown reasons, West failed in Syria and truly embarrassed itself in the way it fought the air support for their Syrian proteges (of course those that opposed to Assad but siding with multiple sides in conflict). This was a great stain and extreme waste of resources and money (for whatever goals) and to put insult to injury strange oil smuggling convoys going towards Iraq suddenly got attacked by Russians and completely disrupted, plus what seems to be provocations by opening fire on Russian aircraft and executing air attacks on Syrian forces fighting ISIS failed to elicit aggressive response from Russians. What truly happened here is something that will remain the secret for a while.

Book would be 5 stars if it were better edited - sometimes spelling is off and some of the sentences are way too cumbersome. But for the presentation of the machines, weaponry and progress of the strategic bombarding campaign, book is bristling with the information.

Recommended to anyone interested in the current politics and conflicts.… (more)

If anything was proved in last few months it is that when it comes to full fledged warfare artillery and missiles play and will always play most important role.

This rather short [but very rich in illustrations and technical specifications] book describes the development of medium tactical ballistic missiles starting from Soviet Scud missiles, through TOCHKA family of weapons over OKA to modern Iskander.

Very interesting read, author gives lots of technical information (that is opened to public) about Iskander missile complex. And I have to say lots of what he noted in the book got confirmed in the news from the field.

Highly recommended.… (more)

Second book I read from the author on modern Russian artillery/missile systems.

Book shows that Soviets (and later Russians) were (and are) tip-of-the-spear when it comes to development of hypersonic and high supersonic missiles and cruise missiles, especially when it comes to coastal defense and anti-ship operations.

While BAL-E is dedicated anti-surface-vessel platform, Bastion is general anti-surface platform, able to target both surface ships and ground targets.

As is case with all the books from this author, lots of pictures, technical information on platform and missiles paired with information on development and deployments.

Excellent book, highly recommended.… (more)