News from Turkey and Ukraine

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — JAN 16 2025

Today’s email brings you news from Turkey and Ukraine.

1 - TURKEY

1 thing to know

Turkey has begun a phase of military expansion with new developments in missile technology and large naval expansion. 

The context 

Turkey’s Tayfun short-range ballistic missile program is being upgraded to reach 1000 kilometers, while the Cenk medium-range ballistic missile and Gezgin cruise missile programs are under development. There are also plans to developdevelop missiles with ranges over 2000 kilometers. 

Turkey's navy has begun an unprecedented expansion, simultaneously constructing 31 warships, including its first aircraft carrier (MUGEN), a new class of air-defense destroyer (TF-2000), and a domestic submarine (MILDEN). 

The navy just launched two new I-class frigates on January 11, 2025, with plans for more. This naval expansion aims to project Turkish power from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean and reflects Turkey's ambition to reduce dependence on foreign military equipment.

More from the region

• Though Turkey is using reconciliation tactics with Kurdish groups at home, including potential negotiations with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, it maintains an aggressive stance toward Kurdish forces in Syria, continuing to strike Kurdish targets from the air.

• On January 8, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan threatened military action against the Kurdish YPG unless they meet Turkey's demands for a "bloodless" transition in post-Assad Syria. 

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: VAMPIRE

The VAMPIRE is a portable, modular weapon system by L3Harris, designed for quick deployment on any vehicle with a flat surface. It uses precision-guided munitions like APKWS to target drones and ground threats. The system can be set up in two hours, requires one operator, and has its own power supply. It was first tested in 2021 and is part of the U.S. security assistance package for Ukraine, where it provided support for special operations and light forces.

What it’s used for

Future development of the VAMPIRE system will focus on enhancing its precision, versatility, and integration with advanced technologies. It is expected to support a wider range of missions, including counter-drone and defense operations.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Russia has again launched missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The context

Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including gas facilities in Kharkiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Most of the missiles were intercepted, but the attacks caused significant damage and led to emergency blackouts in several regions. During the previous night, Russia also fired 74 drones and 43 missiles, hitting infrastructure in multiple areas. Ukrainian forces downed most of the projectiles, but damage was still reported.

More from the region

• Russia and Ukraine conducted the first prisoner-of-war exchange of 2025

• Ukrainian forces have advanced further into Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces continue to push further into Ukraine

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