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​Defense Express' Weekly Review: Bayraktar TB2 Drone Strikes, RAM-2X Drone Sneak Behind Lines, and Ukraine Targets Crimea's RT-70 Radio Telescope

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The  Bayraktar TB2 drone / Defense Express
The Bayraktar TB2 drone / Defense Express

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Bayraktar TB2 Drone Strikes Again: Rare Footage Shows Drone Hitting russian Forces in Kherson

The Ukrainian Navy has released rare combat footage of the Bayraktar TB2 drone striking russian high-speed boat near Kherson, killing seven enemy troops and wounding four, a rare instance of the UAV being used in a direct strike role rather than reconnaissance.

Ukraine's RAM-2Х Drones Sneak into russian Rear Unnoticed and Undisturbed by EW

Russian media have sounded the alarm after Ukrainian RAM-2X kamikaze drones reportedly penetrated deep into russian-held rear areas, launching surprise strikes on a heavy truck carrying a disabled tank near Kadiivka (roughly 40 km from the front) and evading russian electronic warfare systems through resilient encrypted mesh communications.

Read more: ​Defense Express' Weekly Review: russian SKAT-350M UAV Upgrades, Ukraine's FP-5 Flamingo Missile, and the Admiral Amelko Frigate Launch

British Challenger 2 Tanks in Ukrainian Service for Over Two Years: How the Tanks Have Performed in Combat

After more than two years of frontline service,Ukraine's British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks continue to deliver precision and resilience, boasting long-range firepower up to 5,300 meters, strong protection against FPV drone attacks, and reliable performance even in demanding maneuvers, with crews praising their exceptional situational awareness, speed of turret traverse, and engine dependability.

The Challenger 2 main battle tank Defense Express Defense Express' Weekly Review: Bayraktar TB2 Drone Strikes, RAM-2X Drone Sneak Behind Lines, and Ukraine Targets Crimea's RT-70 Radio Telescope
The Challenger 2 main battle tank / screenshot from video

Sweden Says Ukraine Won't Get Newest Gripen E Aircraft Until the War Ends, But Older Ones Can Be Delivered Sooner

Sweden announced that Ukraine will not receive its newest Gripen E fighters until the war ends, citing long-term planning, but older Gripen C/D jets could be delivered sooner to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

The JAS 39 Gripen fighters Defense Express Defense Express' Weekly Review: Bayraktar TB2 Drone Strikes, RAM-2X Drone Sneak Behind Lines, and Ukraine Targets Crimea's RT-70 Radio Telescope
The JAS 39 Gripen fighters / Photo credit: Swedish Ministry of Defense

Ukraine Strikes the RT-70 Radio Telescope in Crimea, and It's Even More Important than the S-400 Radar Loss

Ukraine reportedly struck the RT-70 radio telescope in Crimea, a facility repurposed for military use by russia. And its loss is even more significant than that of an S-400 radar, highlighting a strategic blow to russia's military capabilities.

The RT-70 radio telescope Defense Express Defense Express' Weekly Review: Bayraktar TB2 Drone Strikes, RAM-2X Drone Sneak Behind Lines, and Ukraine Targets Crimea's RT-70 Radio Telescope
The RT-70 radio telescope / open source
Read more: ​Defense Express' Weekly Review: Ukrainian AI Turret, Japan's Frigate Deal, and Ukraine's Drone Matrix