I don't think I'm wrong that this is essentially the first large-scale conflict between militaries equipped with truly modern weapons, and it feels rather Spanish Civil War-ish in the sense that modern militaries are getting a real-time lesson in what works and what doesn't in the modern arsenal.
As a former air defender (e.g., surface to air missile soldier), there is a lot about what is happening in Ukraine that is fascinating. While my knowledge is dated, at one time I knew quite a bit about how the air and ground wars interact.
Though brief and unfolding on a smaller scale, the Falkland’s War in 1982 between the UK and Argentina has served as an intense conflict of study by fascinated military experts and historians for several reasons.
For one, both sides possessed and used sophisticated weaponry against each other. It’s the first instance of a modern nuclear-powered submarine using its weaponry to sink another Navy Ship in open ocean conflict. In response, Argentina’s Air Force used advanced Exocet missiles to sink a British destroyer.
The conflict also offers a rare modern example of an amphibious invasion coordinated between Naval Surface, Naval Air, and Royal Marine Forces. Of particular emphasis of study is the British use of a Carrier Strike Group in which the Carrier is protected from sea and air threats by formations of Destroyers and Frigates. This is similarly how the U.S. Navy still projects sea power with their Carriers.
Though looked back as an oddity, like a freak accident between two unlikely opponents in an otherwise quiet corner of the world, the Falklands War became a point of reference for the U.S. Navy’s preparations for rotating Carrier strike groups into the Gulf of Aden and Persian Gulf during both Iraq Wars.
Anyway, back to Ukraine. Wouldn’t at all mind hearing, from your experience, any insider observations you might have regarding the news you’ve seen from Ukraine.
