Corporal Frisk
@corporalfrisk.com
Robin Häggblom, Finnish defence and national security analyst, Senior Advisor at Risk Intelligence. My business card preaches the value of Knowing Risk.
The irony gets deeper in that A26 could have been the German bid (okay, not really, but still, that was one of their yards).
The UK apparently favoring both Hanwha's bid for submarines in Canada and the Swedish effort in Poland appears to cause a bit of a stink with Berlin. Supposedly this is about Babcock having a stake in both programs. Anyway.
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
Streit um U-Boot-Deals - Grätsche aus London
Der deutsche Rüstungskonzern TKMS hofft auf Mega-Deals: Kanada will zwölf neue U-Boote kaufen, auch Polen will seine Flotte erneuern. Nun sorgt die Positionierung der britischen Regierung nach Informa...
www.tagesschau.de
November 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The irony gets deeper in that A26 could have been the German bid (okay, not really, but still, that was one of their yards).
I know everyone thinks what they are used to is the obvious answer, but I can't help to point out that in Finland we get a small folded paper where you write the number of the candidate, and the meter long paper that lists all candidates and their numbers is on the wall in the inside of the booth.
November 18, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I know everyone thinks what they are used to is the obvious answer, but I can't help to point out that in Finland we get a small folded paper where you write the number of the candidate, and the meter long paper that lists all candidates and their numbers is on the wall in the inside of the booth.
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
there's a lovely James C. Scott line about how "the same mechanisms can be used to track cholera or round up Jews"
Bureaucracy is essential to freedom, it’s just hard to see this because not only can it enable tyranny, the mechanisms that make freedom possible superficially resemble tyranny as well. Postal services and secret police alike keep standardized registries of the names and homes of the citizenry.
Look it's weird to say "the city is liberation. Bigness is liberation. Bureaucracy is liberation." But it so often is. The village is inherently tyrannical. Sherly Jackson knew this.
November 18, 2025 at 5:33 AM
there's a lovely James C. Scott line about how "the same mechanisms can be used to track cholera or round up Jews"
Someone threw a spanner into the joyous Swedish news about up to 150 Gripen E for Ukraine. Now just waiting for the LoI for 100-150 Eurofighters 🙃
TBH, currently neither is funded, and the winner will likely be the one to first secure funding, which then will take at least the major share of orders
TBH, currently neither is funded, and the winner will likely be the one to first secure funding, which then will take at least the major share of orders
Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to buy up to 100 Rafale warplanes from France, the Ukrainian Embassy and the French president’s office said.
Ukraine signs a letter of intent to buy up to 100 Rafale warplanes from France
Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to buy up to 100 Rafale warplanes from France. The Ukrainian Embassy and the French president’s office announced the agreement on Monday.
bit.ly
November 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Someone threw a spanner into the joyous Swedish news about up to 150 Gripen E for Ukraine. Now just waiting for the LoI for 100-150 Eurofighters 🙃
TBH, currently neither is funded, and the winner will likely be the one to first secure funding, which then will take at least the major share of orders
TBH, currently neither is funded, and the winner will likely be the one to first secure funding, which then will take at least the major share of orders
Not rare to see workers shift from labour/social democrats to right-wing populists, while at the same time the green-left consolidating (though as seen in other countries, there's nothing that says the move will be permanent, nor that a liberal/right-wing party couldn't bag some of the green voters)
3) Politically, Labour's 2024 voters are abandoning them for both the Greens and Reform. At the same time, Reform are holding on to most of their voters and attracting lots of 2024 Conservative voters. Full data here www.ipsos.com/en-uk/labour...
November 17, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Not rare to see workers shift from labour/social democrats to right-wing populists, while at the same time the green-left consolidating (though as seen in other countries, there's nothing that says the move will be permanent, nor that a liberal/right-wing party couldn't bag some of the green voters)
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
Two views of Dresden from the right bank of the Elbe, above the Augustusbrücke & below, painted in 1747 & 1748 by Bernardo Bellotto, pupil and nephew of Canaletto, died #OTD 1780; used as important references in the reconstruction of Dresden after World War II bombing.
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
November 17, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Two views of Dresden from the right bank of the Elbe, above the Augustusbrücke & below, painted in 1747 & 1748 by Bernardo Bellotto, pupil and nephew of Canaletto, died #OTD 1780; used as important references in the reconstruction of Dresden after World War II bombing.
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
A fascinating detail was that in the immediate aftermath of the battle, an engineer from a passing merchant vessel stole one of the cartridge casings from the SMS Schleswig-Holstein (and two smaller ones from the land-based artillery). The souvenir was then used as a pole for mounting his mailbox.
November 14, 2025 at 7:47 AM
A fascinating detail was that in the immediate aftermath of the battle, an engineer from a passing merchant vessel stole one of the cartridge casings from the SMS Schleswig-Holstein (and two smaller ones from the land-based artillery). The souvenir was then used as a pole for mounting his mailbox.
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
🇨🇴 #Colombia Contract negotiations finalized - media
FM Radio reports: 17 x #Gripen E/Fs in contract (long term 24) after payment plan allowed for +1 Gripen.
Agreement could be announced today (Nov 14) during 106th anniversary of the Colombian Aerospace Force.
Photo: Saab AB
FM Radio reports: 17 x #Gripen E/Fs in contract (long term 24) after payment plan allowed for +1 Gripen.
Agreement could be announced today (Nov 14) during 106th anniversary of the Colombian Aerospace Force.
Photo: Saab AB
November 14, 2025 at 4:08 AM
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
I mean, why would you? But equally, why wouldn't you? 🤔
This also firms up some of the things I've heard about Navy Wings' finances, as they cannot afford XT752 anymore.
vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-new...
This also firms up some of the things I've heard about Navy Wings' finances, as they cannot afford XT752 anymore.
vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-new...
World’s Last Flying Fairey Gannet Offered for Sale - Vintage Aviation News
XT752, the last airworthy Fairey Gannet and the oldest turboprop in operation, is now available for sale. With a remarkable history in the Royal Navy, Indonesian Naval Air Arm, and U.S. civilian owner...
vintageaviationnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I mean, why would you? But equally, why wouldn't you? 🤔
This also firms up some of the things I've heard about Navy Wings' finances, as they cannot afford XT752 anymore.
vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-new...
This also firms up some of the things I've heard about Navy Wings' finances, as they cannot afford XT752 anymore.
vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-new...
E-7 Wedgetail dead as NATO AWACS replacement. A huge shift, in particular as it is "Due to the US withdrawal" and "goal remains to have [...] aircraft operational by 2035" and "US withdrawal also demonstrates importance of investing as much as possible in European industry." Saab GlobalEye inbound?
Awacs-partners zoeken alternatief voor vervanging vloot
Nederland ziet samen met een aantal partnerlanden af van de verwerving van 6 Boeing E-7 Wedgetails. Ze waren in beeld als opvolger van de Boeings E-3A, die nu als Awacs-toestellen worden gebruikt. Dez...
www.defensie.nl
November 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
E-7 Wedgetail dead as NATO AWACS replacement. A huge shift, in particular as it is "Due to the US withdrawal" and "goal remains to have [...] aircraft operational by 2035" and "US withdrawal also demonstrates importance of investing as much as possible in European industry." Saab GlobalEye inbound?
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
Germany, after long discussions, is now apparently taking concrete steps to reactivate conscription, starting with mandatory medical examinations for men born after 1/1/2008, but drafting only volunteers at first.
Universal male conscription had been halted (not abolished) in Germany in 2011.
Universal male conscription had been halted (not abolished) in Germany in 2011.
Bundeswehr: Verpflichtende Musterung für Männer und Bedarfswehrpflicht – die Details zum Wehrdienstgesetz - WELT
Union und SPD haben den Streit über den neuen Wehrdienst beigelegt. Das neue Gesetz sieht eine verpflichtende Musterung für alle Männer ab 18 Jahren vor. Auch eine sogenannte Bedarfswehrpflicht ist mö...
www.welt.de
November 13, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Germany, after long discussions, is now apparently taking concrete steps to reactivate conscription, starting with mandatory medical examinations for men born after 1/1/2008, but drafting only volunteers at first.
Universal male conscription had been halted (not abolished) in Germany in 2011.
Universal male conscription had been halted (not abolished) in Germany in 2011.
Looks like dogfights are back on the menu 😎
Super Tucano was always going to be a natural for anti-drone work. In addition to the other systems involved, the decision to incorporate wing mounted .50 cal. guns in the original ST design is looking like a very good idea right now....
defence-blog.com/embraer-to-c...
defence-blog.com/embraer-to-c...
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Looks like dogfights are back on the menu 😎
I appreciate the Swedes' confidence which creates a 'Can do'-attitude that is the basis for many successful endeavors.
But doing a global deployment with an as yet unordered air-defence frigate in just 5-6 years, when the Navy hasn't had a ship based SAM since Sea Cat retired in the early 80's... 😶
But doing a global deployment with an as yet unordered air-defence frigate in just 5-6 years, when the Navy hasn't had a ship based SAM since Sea Cat retired in the early 80's... 😶
November 11, 2025 at 8:33 AM
I appreciate the Swedes' confidence which creates a 'Can do'-attitude that is the basis for many successful endeavors.
But doing a global deployment with an as yet unordered air-defence frigate in just 5-6 years, when the Navy hasn't had a ship based SAM since Sea Cat retired in the early 80's... 😶
But doing a global deployment with an as yet unordered air-defence frigate in just 5-6 years, when the Navy hasn't had a ship based SAM since Sea Cat retired in the early 80's... 😶
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
The Danish MOD announced the interim solution for short/medium range air defence has been converted into permanent confirming acquisition of (Altinget):
2 x NASAMS (Kongsberg) i.e. not leased
2 x IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
2 x MICA (MBDA)
In additon (long range)
2 x SAMP/T (MBDA)
2 x NASAMS (Kongsberg) i.e. not leased
2 x IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
2 x MICA (MBDA)
In additon (long range)
2 x SAMP/T (MBDA)
🇩🇰Denmark surprises nearly everyone and selects three interim short range ground-based air defence systems at one time in order to have everything in operation by 2026:
NASAMS (Kongsberg)
IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
MICA (MBDA)
Here we go!
www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2...
NASAMS (Kongsberg)
IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
MICA (MBDA)
Here we go!
www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2...
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
The Danish MOD announced the interim solution for short/medium range air defence has been converted into permanent confirming acquisition of (Altinget):
2 x NASAMS (Kongsberg) i.e. not leased
2 x IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
2 x MICA (MBDA)
In additon (long range)
2 x SAMP/T (MBDA)
2 x NASAMS (Kongsberg) i.e. not leased
2 x IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
2 x MICA (MBDA)
In additon (long range)
2 x SAMP/T (MBDA)
As ensign Stål said, "Yea, of those scenes can I declare,
If so you will, for I was there."
If so you will, for I was there."
Varit på försvarskonferens på Försvarsdepartementet där regeringen samlat Sveriges ledande försvarsdebattörer för att ta in synpunkter på försvarspolitik och faktiska resultat. Chatham House rules, återkommer m rapport på bloggen.
November 8, 2025 at 8:09 AM
As ensign Stål said, "Yea, of those scenes can I declare,
If so you will, for I was there."
If so you will, for I was there."
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
BREAKING on TAC/Intel: UPS Airlines says it has grounded the MD-11F fleet after Boeing recommendation
November 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM
BREAKING on TAC/Intel: UPS Airlines says it has grounded the MD-11F fleet after Boeing recommendation
Note the upper aircraft is a (somewhat poorly drawn) Tu-22M2, the early production variant (or possibly the pre-production Tu-22M/M1 versions). This matches the topic of Il-76 'CANDID' tanker conversions (i.e. Il-78 'MIDAS'), as the Tu-22M later lost the refueling probe as part of SALT-limitations.
"SOVIET MILITARY CAPABILITIES S-100-18-85 BOX 1 OF 2," slide 32 of 40 [gallery]
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Note the upper aircraft is a (somewhat poorly drawn) Tu-22M2, the early production variant (or possibly the pre-production Tu-22M/M1 versions). This matches the topic of Il-76 'CANDID' tanker conversions (i.e. Il-78 'MIDAS'), as the Tu-22M later lost the refueling probe as part of SALT-limitations.
The Norwegian Forsvaret has a really nice YouTube-channel with historical films. Including this gem detailing how No. 333 (Norwegian) Squadron of the Banff Strike Wing plans and conduct anti-shipping strikes (also featuring Catalina ops and RNZAF Beaufighter).
Mosquitos i kamp
YouTube video by Forsvarets historiske filmarkiv
youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The Norwegian Forsvaret has a really nice YouTube-channel with historical films. Including this gem detailing how No. 333 (Norwegian) Squadron of the Banff Strike Wing plans and conduct anti-shipping strikes (also featuring Catalina ops and RNZAF Beaufighter).
Where else to spend Svenska dagen? 😎
November 6, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Where else to spend Svenska dagen? 😎
So Colts now all-in with an ex-Giants QB and an ex-Jets CB1. If I would be mean I'd say it says something about the state of New York football ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
From our breaking news segment: The Jets pulled off an absolute blockbuster, trading Sauce Gardner to the Colts.
November 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
So Colts now all-in with an ex-Giants QB and an ex-Jets CB1. If I would be mean I'd say it says something about the state of New York football ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Reposted by Corporal Frisk
You can't compare the stock of *value* like corporate valuation to economic *output* like GDP. It's like saying your car makes up "30% of your annual income" because it's worth $30k and you make $100k.
A $5T valuation is big but total US household net worth is like $167T
A $5T valuation is big but total US household net worth is like $167T
NVIDIA is now 16% of the US economy, in case you're wondering if your labor has any remaining value
The Value of NVIDIA Now Exceeds an Unprecedented 16% of U.S. GDP
With 16% of GDP riding on a single chipmaker, the U.S. economy is dangerously over-leveraged — and Wall Street is betting blind
medium.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:21 PM
You can't compare the stock of *value* like corporate valuation to economic *output* like GDP. It's like saying your car makes up "30% of your annual income" because it's worth $30k and you make $100k.
A $5T valuation is big but total US household net worth is like $167T
A $5T valuation is big but total US household net worth is like $167T
This is one of those waymarkers that might give you some really bad ideas 😎
Turns out my local (medieval) parish church is now officially the northern terminus for the (re-)created St Olav pilgrims trail from Ostrobothnia to his tomb in Nidarosdomen.
Turns out my local (medieval) parish church is now officially the northern terminus for the (re-)created St Olav pilgrims trail from Ostrobothnia to his tomb in Nidarosdomen.
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
This is one of those waymarkers that might give you some really bad ideas 😎
Turns out my local (medieval) parish church is now officially the northern terminus for the (re-)created St Olav pilgrims trail from Ostrobothnia to his tomb in Nidarosdomen.
Turns out my local (medieval) parish church is now officially the northern terminus for the (re-)created St Olav pilgrims trail from Ostrobothnia to his tomb in Nidarosdomen.
I'm not saying November is a grey month here in Finland. But it is a pretty grey month here in Finland.
Weather forecast in Finland: “We may see the sun this week.” Maybe on Thursday.
November 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I'm not saying November is a grey month here in Finland. But it is a pretty grey month here in Finland.
It's a proven strategy that usually works for a while, but at some point the smaller countries trying to get the larger ally invested in (or entangled, if you want to be that way) their defence will start asking difficult questions about the actual capabilities the larger partner is bringing.
interesting way of the UK to 'outsource' it's defence to the Nordics :)
November 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM
It's a proven strategy that usually works for a while, but at some point the smaller countries trying to get the larger ally invested in (or entangled, if you want to be that way) their defence will start asking difficult questions about the actual capabilities the larger partner is bringing.