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Justin Bronk

@justin-br0nk.bsky.social
5K followers 325 following 163 posts

Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Military Technology at RUSI, London. Associate Professor II at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy. Pilot. Views are my own. RUSI biography and publications: t.co/wgeOUvRQdO

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Reposted by Justin Bronk
Maria Popova @popovaprof.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Headline writers saying Putin "warned the West against escalation" should stop helping the russian dictator manipulate the narrative. He started the war. If he attacks more European countries, he'll be escalating. The West hasn't matched his escalation, let alone ever escalated.
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Sébastien Roblin @sebastienroblin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Great analysis of options to stand up a dedicated counter-drone squadron, landing in favor of the L-39 as the most efficient option (the available turboprop aircraft not being fast enough to keep pace with jet-Shaheds.) Poland's new FA-50s could prove of unexpected value to this mission too...
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
New from me for RUSI today Why NATO should urgently set up a multinational squadron dedicated to intercepting one-way-attack drones; including the rough performance, avionics and weapon requirements and aircraft options available. Free to read here: www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
rusi.org
Options for a NATO Multinational Drone-Interception Squadron
A dedicated multinational NATO squadron of armed jet trainers could shoot down Russian drone incursions without burning through frontline fighters and scarce air-to-air missiles.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
This is really quite a leap forward from the US Navy. The fact that it fits inside the F-35C (and therefore F-35A) bay is likely to make this interesting for a lot of other potential users too! But I imagine exports will be tightly restricted, like the AIM-260.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Did a fascinating eval flight on the Aero L-39NG ‘Skyfox’ last week, as a potential C-UAS platform It combines jet trainer performance at turboprop operating costs, and 5 hardpoints. Thales + LAU-131 rocket pods (for laser/IR guided rockets), .50 gunpods and 2 targeting pods are already integrated.
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AnarchoTerran @anarchoterran.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
We investigated Russia’s military indoctrination of Ukrainian children in occupied territories – what we found was more shocking than we could have imagined theconversation.com/we-investiga...
theconversation.com
We investigated Russia’s military indoctrination of Ukrainian children in occupied territories – what we found was more shocking than we could have imagined
International law forbids the indoctination and militarisation of children in occupied territories.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Irritatingly, Russia is still producing really excellent new SSNs - the Yasen/Severodvisks are reportedly extremely quiet, and have significantly better build quality in that regard than late-Soviet era boats that tended to degrade quickly. High-end ASW is a non-discretionary task for the RN + RAF.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
New for RUSI today - An Update on the Air War over Ukraine four years on: www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
rusi.org
Four Years On: An Update on the Air War Over Ukraine
An established Ukrainian F-16 Fighter Wing and the overstretch of fighters and air defences on both sides by sustained long-range strike campaigns have changed the nature of the air war.
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Evergreen Intel @vcdgf555.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Since it was asked what I think are the remaining Tu-95 Bear-Hs, here is from my notes. 32 likely airframes available at the beginning of the war with 1 test airframe (317 RED), 1 stored, and 9 losses (destroyed or probable economic hull loss). Realistically 21 Bear-Hs that still have teeth.
A list of Bear-H bombers put together by yours truly
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MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦 @maks23.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🚁🔥 Magyar: Minus Russian Mi-28 "Night Hunter" in Belgorod region, Viazove village!
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David @puca.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Not every day you see a photo of a Bear-F dropping a sonobuoy, while an F-35B sits off its wing. www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/albu...
Photo of F-35B off starboard wing of Bear-F.

A sonobuoy has just been dropped by the Bear-F and a drogue parachute is deployed from it.
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Reposted by Justin Bronk
Ward Carroll @wardcarroll.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Latest episode just posted (featuring @justin-br0nk.bsky.social):
youtu.be
Ukraine Getting Gripen Fighters as Drone War Intensifies
YouTube video by Ward Carroll
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alina @ramshackle78.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Finally @justin-br0nk.bsky.social can write articles about Gripen and Ukraine in the present tense! Achievement unlocked www.calibredefence.co.uk/what-does-th...
calibredefence.co.uk
What does the Gripen bring to Ukraine?
A lack of long-range air-to-air munitions has constrained Ukraine’s pilots. How could the addition of the JAS 39 Gripen change that?
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Kate Watson @loreandordure.com · 20/06/2026
Deskilling happens horrifyingly fast and is really difficult to reverse!
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H I Sutton @covertshores.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The four types of Ukrainian drone observed (so far!) in today's strikes on strategic targets in Moscow, Russia: * Antonov an-196 Liutyy * Fire Point FP-1 / FP-2 * Sichen / Behemoth * BARS cruise missile #OSINT
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MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦 @maks23.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
❗️Russian action artist Semyon Skrepietsky was murdered in 🇵🇱Poland, - NEXTA He gained fame thanks to numerous political cartoons in which he harshly ridiculed the Russian leadership, in particular Putin and Kadyrov, and also criticized the war and post-Soviet reality in Russia.
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🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 @specialkhersoncat.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
✈️🔥 The final moments of the Russian Tu-22M3 before today's crash in Irkutsk Oblast.
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Shashank Joshi @shashj.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Wow. UK defence sec'y John Healey resigns. His resignation letter says DIP settlement he was given "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country" and that UK would be spending just 2.68% of GDP in 2030.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
New report on Fast Jet Training Modernisation options and important factors to consider Based on almost two years of research work, including visits to many OCUs, training squadrons and flights in most of the main new trainer options. Download full report free here: www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
rusi.org
Fast-Jet Pilot Training Modernisation Choices
Air forces modernising fast-jet training should prioritise core airmanship skills with regular live flying over increasing tactical complexity at early stages.
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Reposted by Justin Bronk
GripenNews @gripennews.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
🇸🇪 🇺🇦 Ukraine and Sweden sign agreement for #Ukraine to procure Swedish fighter jets. 16 x C/D donated. 20 x E/F procured with EU loan. (First step) C/D donation also includes long-range capabilities, ammunition, electronic warfare capabilities and support to innovation.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
My latest on the UK’s purchase of GBU-53/B glide bombs for the RAF and the RN; and what it says about how best to increase effective combat mass to bolster UK and European ability to deter direct Russian aggression: www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
rusi.org
Order Missiles and Bombs to Increase European Combat Air Mass, Not Drones
The acquisition of glide bombs for the F-35B is a welcome and overdue way to efficiently increase practical UK combat air mass in a NATO context.
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alina @ramshackle78.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Every so often, when too much nonsense has accumulated in the debate @justin-br0nk.bsky.social needs to write a 'capability reality check' article. Also important because very likely that the long delayed Defence Investment Plan will disappoint most people (lots of accumulated projection)
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 01/05/2026
New Images Show China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV with Landing Gear Extended The GJ-21 is considered a naval derivative of the GJ-11 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, as demonstrated by features such as launch bar and arrestor hook, meant to fly off the Sichuan LHD. Story: theaviationist.com/2026/05/01/n...
theaviationist.com
New Images Show China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV with Landing Gear Extended
The GJ-21 is considered a naval derivative of the GJ-11 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, as demonstrated by features such as launch bar and arrestor hook,
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Looks like the USAF has lost an F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran. Or at least a wingtip and part of a vertical stab were blown off, maybe by a SAM/MANPADS impact. Hope the crew are safe, but no word yet. Would be a fourth loss for the 48th FW in this war, after the three shot down by a Kuwaiti F/A-18.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
If genuine: A pop up attack with an IR sensor tracking the F-35 from the ground. Likely seen flying by day Iran has small IR SAMs derived from Soviet air to air missiles like R-27T/ET. Could also be Saqr-1/2 (358/359) loitering SAM Big Q: why didn’t F-35 EO/IR/MAWS warn the pilot, deploy flares?
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Hello RQ-180! Finally a good photo after a decade plus of ops… Photographed going into Larissa Airbase in Greece; likely an emergency diversion due to technical issues. Original article with sightings: www.onlarissa.gr/2026/03/18/m...
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Extremely good sign from earlier this week - an RAF Typhoon from 41 Test and Evaluation Sqn carrying out live firing trials with LAU-131 rocket pods, for APKWS II integration. Would give Typhoon (and the UK) an efficient counter-Shahed/Geran weapon option - essential, as shown this week re: Iran
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Russian forces pose a greater, albeit better understood threat to Western air capabilities than pre-2022, and Chinese counter-air capabilities are on another level entirely. Long read by me on the key changes to track since 2020: www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
rusi.org
The Evolution of Russian and Chinese Air Power Threats
Russian and, particularly, Chinese capabilities now pose greater threats to Western air power than in 2020.
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Ulrike Franke @rikefranke.eu · 15/12/2025
Such an important piece. And having looked only at the drones bit (while Justin is able to take a much broader airpower view) I agree that the small drones won’t be decisive. I keep thinking, however, that there will be a role for larger, more capable drone systems, especially for surveillance.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
I enjoyed writing this for Foreign Affairs on why the US Military’s most serious Chinese capability problems in the Indo-Pacific cannot be solved with “cheap massed drones”: www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
foreignaffairs.com
America’s Drone Delusion
Why the lessons of Ukraine don’t apply to a conflict with China.
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Thord Are Iversen @thelookout.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
This new RUSI report also includes an important chapter on the effectiveness of Russian air defenses, which is a lot higher than the popular online discourse can lead one to believe. www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 11/12/2025
U.S. Navy Awards BAE Systems APKWS Contract Worth Up To $1.7 Billion BAE Systems has received an initial order for 11,000 laser-guidance kits worth $322 million, with a maximum contract value of $1.7 billion, to equip the U.S. military and partners. Story: theaviationist.com/2025/12/11/u...
theaviationist.com
U.S. Navy Awards BAE Systems APKWS Contract Worth Up To $1.7 Billion
BAE Systems has received an initial order for 11,000 laser-guidance kits worth $322 million, with a maximum contract value of $1.7 billion, to equip the
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Great to finally see APKWS II and Sniper pods on Ukrainian F-16s! Offers a huge improvement in cost-per-engagement against Geran-2/3 and cruise missiles, greater ammunition availability and higher multiple engagement potential per sortie compared to AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder.
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Abby Innes @abbyinnes.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
“Students are afraid to fail, and AI presents itself as a saviour. But what we learn from history is that progress requires failure. It requires reflection. Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead.” 🌻👇
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Amen. A drum I have been banging in futility for a decade too! The use of the word ‘Kamikaze’ to describe what are essentially propeller powered missiles is also insensitive and inappropriate. Kamikaze pilots were brainwashed, usually very young human beings.
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Shipwreck @shipwreck75.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Polish PM Donald Tusk confirms sabotage on Warsaw-Lublin rail line: Explosion destroyed track near Mika village; more damage found closer to Lublin. Key route for Ukraine aid—possible Russian hybrid attack. No injuries, but investigations ongoing. www.reuters.com/world/explos...
reuters.com
Polish PM says railway track blast was 'unprecedented act of sabotage'
An explosion that damaged a Polish railway track on a route to Ukraine was an "unprecedented act of sabotage", Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, and he vowed to catch those responsible for an incident he said could have ended in tragedy.
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 01/11/2025
China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV Captured in Clearest Image Yet Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on test-sites representing the ship. Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/01/c...
theaviationist.com
China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV Captured in Clearest Image Yet
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 28/10/2025
Second Prototype of China’s J-36 Uncovered with Notable Structural Changes Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online. Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/28/s...
theaviationist.com
Second Prototype of China’s J-36 Uncovered with Notable Structural Changes
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online. Several images showing what
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Brian Merchant @bcmerchant.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
There's been endless talk about an AI bubble, but less about exactly how, why, and how much it's a bubble. So I turned to the framework put forward by scholars Brent Goldfarb and David A. Kirsch, authors of "Bubbles and Crashes," for assessing tech bubbles. Spoiler: On a scale of 1 to 8, AI is an 8
wired.com
AI Is the Bubble to Burst Them All
I talked to the scholars who literally wrote the book on tech bubbles—and applied their test.
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GripenNews @gripennews.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
PM: Deliveries of #Gripen E to Ukraine could begin in just about 3 years time. PM also said donation of C/D still a possibility, but again, now it's full focus on F-16 and Mirage.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
President Zelenskyy in Sweden today: Ukraine plans to buy 100-150 JAS-39 Gripen E fighters. Certainly a positive sign for the post-war prospects of the Ukrainian Air Force. Great EW suite, modern AESA radar, Meteor missile compatible. But, it doesn't help win the current war.
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 18/10/2025
Indonesia to Become Next Customer for China’s J-10C Fighter Jet Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been signed already. Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/17/i...
theaviationist.com
Indonesia to Become Next Customer for China’s J-10C Fighter Jet
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been
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The Aviationist @theaviationist.com · 18/10/2025
First Look Inside the Su-57 Felon’s Weapons Bay A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed. Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/f...
theaviationist.com
First Look Inside the Su-57 Felon’s Weapons Bay
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed. We may have our first
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
And there it is… Ukraine will receive JAS-39 Gripen! Better late than never, I guess. The fighter that was always by far the closest fit to the Ukrainian Air Force’s operational needs is at long last officially on its way (timeline TBC for obvious reasons). unn.ua/en/amp/minis...
unn.ua
Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of Swedish Gripen fighters to Ukraine | УНН
УНН News of the World ✎ Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk stated that Ukraine expects the supply of Swedish Gripen, French Mirage, and additional F-16s.
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Well that’s a first (as far as I’m aware at least). A Ukrainian FPV successfully taking out a Russian Mi-8/17 helicopter. Looks opportunistic - FPV looking for targets on the road and reacts rapidly and with impressive pilot skill to seeing the helicopter rapidly approaching…
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Justin Bronk @justin-br0nk.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Interesting footage of China’s new J-35 and upgraded J-15T fighters, plus KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft practicing arrested landings and catapult launches from the Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian: youtu.be/YlSwXhB_7EE?...
youtu.be
003福建舰电磁弹射舰载机原声大片!J35第五代舰载机
YouTube video by 西葛西造舰
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
(Reuters) - Poland flatly rejected on Friday a suggestion by U.S. President Donald Trump that drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, describing them as "a deliberate Russian attack". @reuters.com www.reuters.com/business/aer...
reuters.com
Poland says Russian drone incursions could not have been a mistake, contradicting Trump
Poland flatly rejected a suggestion by President Donald Trump that drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, describing them as "a deliberate Russian attack".
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Joseph Trevithick @franticgoat.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Flown (Updated) www.twz.com/air/second-b...
twz.com
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Flown (Updated)
Air Force officials had previously said their was goal was to have two B-21s flying around the end of this year.
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Joseph Trevithick @franticgoat.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China www.twz.com/air/large-st...
twz.com
Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China
The mysterious low-observable flying-wing aircraft bears a distinct resemblance to a huge drone that appeared satellite imagery earlier this year. The mysterious low-observable flying-wing aircraft be...
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