Christoph Bergs
@milavhis.bsky.social
Life consists of Air Power and Aircraft.
Founder: Military Aviation History.
Founder: Military Aviation History.
🇩🇪🚨 My commentary on why "affordable mass" is an unrealistic approach to CCAs is now available in German via Hardpunkt.
www.hartpunkt.de/erschwinglic...
www.hartpunkt.de/erschwinglic...
August 22, 2026 at 7:31 AM
🇩🇪🚨 My commentary on why "affordable mass" is an unrealistic approach to CCAs is now available in German via Hardpunkt.
www.hartpunkt.de/erschwinglic...
www.hartpunkt.de/erschwinglic...
📖🚨CCAs are often mentioned in tandem with "affordable mass" - an unrealistic expectation as I explain below.👇
www.calibredefence.co.uk/affordable-m...
www.calibredefence.co.uk/affordable-m...
www.calibredefence.co.uk
August 21, 2026 at 4:35 PM
📖🚨CCAs are often mentioned in tandem with "affordable mass" - an unrealistic expectation as I explain below.👇
www.calibredefence.co.uk/affordable-m...
www.calibredefence.co.uk/affordable-m...
A must watch 👇 @justinpykehistory.bsky.social worked incredibly hard on this and it has become fascinating account of how and why one of the first bombings of a city transpired, touching upon politics, service culture, air power and the personal aspirations of those involved.
My next video for @milavhis.bsky.social is finally live! The 1931 bombing of Jinzhou is an obscure but interesting episode - a rogue Kwantung Army officer, improvised bombing methods, captured Chinese aircraft, and one of the first bombings of a city since the end of WWI.
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
Jinzhou 1931: 11 Japanese Bombers, Angry Leaflets and a Shocked World
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
August 14, 2026 at 3:25 PM
A must watch 👇 @justinpykehistory.bsky.social worked incredibly hard on this and it has become fascinating account of how and why one of the first bombings of a city transpired, touching upon politics, service culture, air power and the personal aspirations of those involved.
Home Guard, the German way.
August 10, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Home Guard, the German way.
My video debut for @rusi.bsky.social with a few thoughts on the current CCA hype
In this video commentary, Christoph Bergs examines the implications of the announcement that the UK has stated and placed budgets behind a Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept and the unveiling of BAE Systems' Brontonax – the UK's first CCA.
Watch the video: https://bit.ly/4byM22Q
Watch the video: https://bit.ly/4byM22Q
August 7, 2026 at 5:33 PM
My video debut for @rusi.bsky.social with a few thoughts on the current CCA hype
You can take the gun out of the helicopter…
…but you can’t take the helicopter out of the gun.
…but you can’t take the helicopter out of the gun.
State of the Russian army. Footage shows a Russian mobile fire group training exercise ending in a mishap while using a YakB-12.7 rotary machine gun. #Russia
July 12, 2026 at 1:11 PM
You can take the gun out of the helicopter…
…but you can’t take the helicopter out of the gun.
…but you can’t take the helicopter out of the gun.
Summarises, albeit in a dramatic fashion, my thoughts on AI in education. Those universities increasingly submitting AI are doing a disservice to their students.
June 29, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Summarises, albeit in a dramatic fashion, my thoughts on AI in education. Those universities increasingly submitting AI are doing a disservice to their students.
I am not saying that the worst part of the FCAS breakup is the ai-generated slop from professional Linkedin-ers we will see over the next few days…
…but I am also not not saying it.
…but I am also not not saying it.
June 8, 2026 at 6:11 PM
I am not saying that the worst part of the FCAS breakup is the ai-generated slop from professional Linkedin-ers we will see over the next few days…
…but I am also not not saying it.
…but I am also not not saying it.
With news that the 6th Gen Franco-German fighter in FCAS has come to an end, how realistic are Germany’s alternatives? I explored this recently w/ Linus Terhorst at @rusi.bsky.social
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
FCAS: France and Germany’s Fight for a Future Fighter
Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find.
www.rusi.org
June 8, 2026 at 5:40 PM
With news that the 6th Gen Franco-German fighter in FCAS has come to an end, how realistic are Germany’s alternatives? I explored this recently w/ Linus Terhorst at @rusi.bsky.social
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Together with my colleague Dr Linus Terhorst I take a closer look at the inception of FCAS, the dynamics that appear to underpin the troubled political-industrial relationship, and the strategic alternatives for Germany.
'Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find', write Christoph Bergs and Dr Linus Terhorst in the latest RUSI Commentary.
FCAS: France and Germany’s Fight for a Future Fighter
Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find.
bit.ly
May 1, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Together with my colleague Dr Linus Terhorst I take a closer look at the inception of FCAS, the dynamics that appear to underpin the troubled political-industrial relationship, and the strategic alternatives for Germany.
Reposted by Christoph Bergs
'Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find', write Christoph Bergs and Dr Linus Terhorst in the latest RUSI Commentary.
FCAS: France and Germany’s Fight for a Future Fighter
Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find.
bit.ly
April 30, 2026 at 2:47 PM
'Berlin may give up on FCAS’s flagship pillar but alternatives that will deliver the capability the Luftwaffe needs and fulfil industrial hopes will be difficult to find', write Christoph Bergs and Dr Linus Terhorst in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Reposted by Christoph Bergs
I know @milavhis.bsky.social worked hard on this one. It's worth watching for a brief introduction to PLAAF's modernization over the last 30ish years.
youtu.be/UUs3OpBDOAM?...
youtu.be/UUs3OpBDOAM?...
China’s Air Force: Almost Ready For The Taiwan Scenario?
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
April 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
I know @milavhis.bsky.social worked hard on this one. It's worth watching for a brief introduction to PLAAF's modernization over the last 30ish years.
youtu.be/UUs3OpBDOAM?...
youtu.be/UUs3OpBDOAM?...
UCAVs/CCAs demonstrate promise but imagination must be tempered by operational analysis. In this short piece, I argue uncrewed systems should presently not be pursued as an immediate substitute for crewed fighters but developed as core combat air enablers.
www.calibredefence.co.uk/luftwaffe-cc...
www.calibredefence.co.uk/luftwaffe-cc...
Luftwaffe CCAs: The Emerging Art of the Possible
This article explores how CCAs or UCAVs could best contribute to the Luftwaffe as understanding of their value grows.
www.calibredefence.co.uk
April 10, 2026 at 12:41 PM
UCAVs/CCAs demonstrate promise but imagination must be tempered by operational analysis. In this short piece, I argue uncrewed systems should presently not be pursued as an immediate substitute for crewed fighters but developed as core combat air enablers.
www.calibredefence.co.uk/luftwaffe-cc...
www.calibredefence.co.uk/luftwaffe-cc...
I imagine the data in my new documentary could surprise a few people. Opportunity cost of long-range fires versus traditional airpower in the context of WW2.👇
Check out @milavhis.bsky.social's new video on the V-1 and V-2! Come for the data, stay for Tom Lehrer.
youtu.be/0DMNRtGRYP0?...
youtu.be/0DMNRtGRYP0?...
German V-Weapons: The True Cost of Desperation
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
March 26, 2026 at 6:25 PM
I imagine the data in my new documentary could surprise a few people. Opportunity cost of long-range fires versus traditional airpower in the context of WW2.👇
No background info if this was an ambush at known helicopter route or chance event. Window of opportunity is tiny even with proper positioning.
External fuel tank seen mounted on left pylon: likely contributed to the Ka-52 fate. Impressive reaction times + control by FPV operator.
External fuel tank seen mounted on left pylon: likely contributed to the Ka-52 fate. Impressive reaction times + control by FPV operator.
March 20, 2026 at 4:43 PM
No background info if this was an ambush at known helicopter route or chance event. Window of opportunity is tiny even with proper positioning.
External fuel tank seen mounted on left pylon: likely contributed to the Ka-52 fate. Impressive reaction times + control by FPV operator.
External fuel tank seen mounted on left pylon: likely contributed to the Ka-52 fate. Impressive reaction times + control by FPV operator.
Reposted by Christoph Bergs
'Tactical losses to helicopters are therefore predominately symbolic of Russian strategic and operational failures' writes @milavhis.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Helicopters Remain a Vital Part of the Joint-Force
The helicopter has been criticised following extraordinary Russian losses in Ukraine, however the benefits of vertical lift are still obvious within the force mix.
www.rusi.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:05 AM
'Tactical losses to helicopters are therefore predominately symbolic of Russian strategic and operational failures' writes @milavhis.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Before this even started, there was no questioning of US military overmatch vs Venezuela. Details on resistance, US suppression of defences & helicopter operation would be interesting nevertheless. Permits evaluation of how indicative this was of US capabilities & its signalling value.
Footage from helicopters over Venezuela show what appear to be CH-47 Chinooks and MH-60 Black Hawks. Given available pictures, shapes are overall consistent with versions also flown by special operations units.
January 3, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Before this even started, there was no questioning of US military overmatch vs Venezuela. Details on resistance, US suppression of defences & helicopter operation would be interesting nevertheless. Permits evaluation of how indicative this was of US capabilities & its signalling value.
Footage from helicopters over Venezuela show what appear to be CH-47 Chinooks and MH-60 Black Hawks. Given available pictures, shapes are overall consistent with versions also flown by special operations units.
January 3, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Footage from helicopters over Venezuela show what appear to be CH-47 Chinooks and MH-60 Black Hawks. Given available pictures, shapes are overall consistent with versions also flown by special operations units.
There simply is no other choice
January 1, 2026 at 9:12 AM
There simply is no other choice
After some delay, it is now confirmed that the decision whether to continue 🇫🇷🇩🇪FCAS or not is delayed.
“Contrary to the original plan, a final decision on the continuation of the FCAS project has not yet been made at the end of the year.”
www.hartpunkt.de/entscheidung...
“Contrary to the original plan, a final decision on the continuation of the FCAS project has not yet been made at the end of the year.”
www.hartpunkt.de/entscheidung...
Entscheidung zum weiteren Vorgehen bei FCAS auf unbestimmte Zeit verschoben
Verteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius hatte angekündigt, bis Jahresende eine Lösung bei dem ins Schlingern geratenen Rüstungsprojekt für ein Future Combat Air System (FCAS) finden zu wollen.
www.hartpunkt.de
December 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
After some delay, it is now confirmed that the decision whether to continue 🇫🇷🇩🇪FCAS or not is delayed.
“Contrary to the original plan, a final decision on the continuation of the FCAS project has not yet been made at the end of the year.”
www.hartpunkt.de/entscheidung...
“Contrary to the original plan, a final decision on the continuation of the FCAS project has not yet been made at the end of the year.”
www.hartpunkt.de/entscheidung...
Happening today 👇
Chris and I have settled on Sunday, December 21 @ 6pm GMT / 11am MT. The stream will be on YouTube, as usual.
(Let's see if the third attempt at this doesn't have a typo in it...)
(Let's see if the third attempt at this doesn't have a typo in it...)
Finished Piegzik's _Gamble in the Coral Sea: Japan's Offensive, the Carrier Battle, and the Road to Midway_! I'll be sharing some thoughts on it along with Chris this coming Sunday during a live stream. We'll probably end up talking casually about Operation MO in general as well I suspect.
December 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Happening today 👇
IGMetall (🇩🇪 largest Union) announced they no longer trust/are willing to work with Dassault. Demand two separate NGFs. Given the intricacies of 🇩🇪 industry, IGMetall has significant linkages with companies. A soft launch for the a decision coming soon?
www.hartpunkt.de/fcas-ig-meta...
www.hartpunkt.de/fcas-ig-meta...
FCAS: IG Metall bricht mit Dassault und will zwei Kampfjets
Wenige Tage vor der in der kommenden Woche erwarteten Entscheidung zum weiteren Vorgehen beim kriselnden französisch-deutsch-spanischen Future Combat Air
www.hartpunkt.de
December 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
IGMetall (🇩🇪 largest Union) announced they no longer trust/are willing to work with Dassault. Demand two separate NGFs. Given the intricacies of 🇩🇪 industry, IGMetall has significant linkages with companies. A soft launch for the a decision coming soon?
www.hartpunkt.de/fcas-ig-meta...
www.hartpunkt.de/fcas-ig-meta...
That’s Sunday 1800/1900 UK/Continental Europe for those living in the civilised world and not…you know….Canada
Just a heads up that @milavhis.bsky.social and I plan on streaming this Sunday at 11AM-ish MT.
November 28, 2025 at 6:07 PM
That’s Sunday 1800/1900 UK/Continental Europe for those living in the civilised world and not…you know….Canada
Reposted by Christoph Bergs
Here's the German part of the discussion on four-engine bombers. I smile, nod, ask an occasional question, and then absolutely rock the outro while @milavhis.bsky.social lays the info down.
youtu.be/dpNsIDn6KhE?...
youtu.be/dpNsIDn6KhE?...
Why Luftwaffe Strategic Bombers Never Happened
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
September 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Here's the German part of the discussion on four-engine bombers. I smile, nod, ask an occasional question, and then absolutely rock the outro while @milavhis.bsky.social lays the info down.
youtu.be/dpNsIDn6KhE?...
youtu.be/dpNsIDn6KhE?...
Reposted by Christoph Bergs
Here's part 1 of a chat that Chris and I originally envisioned as a quick'n'easy one. Then we talked for an hour each. For my part, I used this common internet question as a Trojan horse of sorts to explore elements that aren't discussed as often as dry technical details of the aircraft themselves.
Mistake or Calculated Risk? Why Japan Did Not Build Strategic Bombers during World War 2 - Join a fascinating chat w/ @justinpykehistory.bsky.social on why Japan went hot & cold on long-range strategic bombers.
youtu.be/nstaj1mHFHU
youtu.be/nstaj1mHFHU
Mistake or Calculated Risk? Why Japan Did Not Build Strategic Bombers
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
September 11, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Here's part 1 of a chat that Chris and I originally envisioned as a quick'n'easy one. Then we talked for an hour each. For my part, I used this common internet question as a Trojan horse of sorts to explore elements that aren't discussed as often as dry technical details of the aircraft themselves.