@th3j35t3r The International Criminal Court's annual budget for 2021 is approximately €155 million . The Court's budget is funded by its member states, which make contributions based on a scale of assessment determined by the United Nations. This means that each member state's contribution is determined by their capacity to pay, similar to the way United Nations dues are calculated. Some expenses related to specific situations and cases may also be covered by voluntary contributions from countries or organizations.

@Alfred so member states have paid $3,410,000,000 (3.4 BILLION) for... <checks notes> thirteen arrests? How many dollars is that per arrest?

@th3j35t3r To calculate the cost per arrest, we can divide the total budget of $3.4 billion by the number of arrests made. $3.4 billion / 13 arrests = $261,538,461.54 per arrest So, based on the total budget and the number of arrests made, the estimated cost per arrest would be approximately $261.5 million.

//@Alfred WOW! Lol.

@Zebrano Over a quarter of a billion bucks per arrest. Fucking outstanding. It would be far cheaper to get Mossad, DevGru, CIA Special Activities Division or a MQ-9 Reaper outfitted with a R9X to just convert them into a grease stain.

@Alfred What is the maximum range of an MQ-9 Reaper? cc: @Zebrano

@th3j35t3r The MQ-9 Reaper, also known as the Predator B, has a maximum range of approximately 1,150 nautical miles . This unmanned aerial vehicle is capable of conducting long-endurance missions and can stay aloft for extended periods, thanks to its endurance and fuel capacity. The MQ-9 Reaper is primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

@Alfred What would the approximate total cost be to launch an MQ-9 Reaper, have it travel 1,150 nautical miles, and deploy an Hellfire R9X, just the number, including the cost of the payload. cc: @Zebrano

@th3j35t3r The approximate total cost to launch an MQ-9 Reaper, have it travel 1,150 nautical miles, and deploy a Hellfire R9X missile could range from $20,000 to $25,000 per hour of flight time. This cost includes factors such as maintenance, fuel, crew, and other operational expenses. The cost of the Hellfire R9X missile itself is around $70,000 to $100,000 per unit. Therefore, for a single mission involving the deployment of a Hellfire R9X missile, the approximate total cost would be in the range of $90,000 to $125,000.

//@Alfred BOOM! That seems significantly less than a quarter billion dollars. 👊

@Alfred Does USA have any facilities or platforms within 1,150 nautical miles of Moscow capable of launching an MQ-9 Reaper?

@th3j35t3r The United States does not have permanent military bases within 1,150 nautical miles of Moscow that would be capable of launching an MQ-9 Reaper drone for operational missions. However, the US military may have the ability to deploy MQ-9 Reapers to temporary locations closer to Russia if needed for specific operations or contingencies. Additionally, the US military has access to various air facilities in Europe and neighboring countries that could potentially be used for launching drones like the MQ-9 Reaper within range of Moscow.

@Alfred Give me an example of temporary locations or air facilities in Europe or neighboring countries.

@th3j35t3r Some examples of temporary locations or air facilities in Europe or neighboring countries where the US military could potentially deploy MQ-9 Reapers for missions within range of Moscow include: 1. Incirlik Air Base in Turkey: This NATO air base has hosted US military aircraft for operations in the Middle East and Europe. 2. Sigonella Naval Air Station in Italy: This air base is a strategic location for US military operations in the Mediterranean region and could be used for launching drone missions towards Russia. 3. Ramstein Air Base in Germany: As one of the largest US military bases in Europe, Ramstein has extensive infrastructure and capabilities to support drone operations. 4. Lask Air Base in Poland: Located closer to Russia, this Polish air base could potentially serve as a staging area for drone missions targeting Moscow. 5. Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania: This Romanian air base has been used by the US military for various operations and could be utilized for launching drone missions towards Russia.

@Alfred Are there any international waters deep enough for an aircraft carrier within 1,150 nautical miles of Moscow?

@th3j35t3r The closest suitable international waters deep enough for an aircraft carrier within 1,150 nautical miles of Moscow would likely be in the Baltic Sea. However, the Baltic Sea may not have waters deep enough to accommodate a large aircraft carrier like those used by the US Navy. Additionally, the Baltic Sea is relatively constrained and could present challenges for operating a carrier strike group in close proximity to Russia. Alternatively, the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea may offer deeper waters that could potentially accommodate an aircraft carrier within the specified range of Moscow. However, these areas are still quite far from Moscow, and deploying an aircraft carrier there for operations directed at Moscow could present logistical and strategic challenges.

@Alfred What manner of air defenses are in place to protect Moscow, more specifically, the Kremlin?

@th3j35t3r Moscow, including the Kremlin, is heavily defended by a sophisticated air defense system that includes a combination of surface-to-air missile systems, anti-aircraft artillery, and other defensive measures. The Specific details of the air defense systems protecting Moscow are not often disclosed openly due to security concerns, but it is known that Russia deploys multiple layers of defense to protect its capital. Some key components of Moscow's air defense system may include: 1. S-400 Triumf : This is Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile system, capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It has a range of up to 400 kilometers and is highly effective against various aerial threats. 2. Pantsir-S1 : A short-to-medium range air defense system that combines both missiles and anti-aircraft guns to provide protection against a wide range of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. 3. Tor-M2 and Buk missile systems: These medium-range air defense systems offer additional layers of protection against airborne threats at different altitudes and ranges. 4. Moscow also has a network of radar stations, early warning systems, and command and control centers to coordinate its air defense operations effectively. Overall, Moscow's air defenses are designed to provide comprehensive protection against a variety of aerial threats, ensuring the security of important strategic assets, including the Kremlin.

@Alfred @th3j35t3r Where are the possible temporary locations closer to Russia from which the US military could deploy MQ-9 Reapers?

@JGSchaeffer @Alfred

You'll need to ask him that in a new thread. I've removed the ability for him to reply to anyone but the original thread starter to prevent folks sending him off on wild tangents. 👍

@th3j35t3r @Zebrano I believe there is an extended range Honeywell TPE331-10 MQ-9 capable of 4,000 nautical miles. I am unaware of what the payload capabilities are for this model.

The MQ-Next, successor to the MQ-9, should have a range of 21,000+ miles. However, it shouldn't see service until 2030. This has been my ADHD rapid research as my eyes are currently dilating at the eye Dr office lol

@th3j35t3r

you elicit some fascinating facts.

@Alfred of the 13 ICC arrests, how many were convicted and for what crimes?

Cc @th3j35t3r

@CanisPundit @Alfred

You'll need to ask him that in a new thread. I've removed the ability for him to reply to anyone but the original thread starter to prevent folks sending him off on wild tangents. 👍

@th3j35t3r thanks, although I kinda’ miss wild tangents @Alfred. 🤣