Ukraine to Receive Polish Weapons, While EU-Funded Ukrainian Drone Production Expands in Poland
Poland plans to use part of its EU-backed SAFE defense program to strengthen military cooperation with Ukraine, supplying weapons and supporting joint production projects. The initiative includes deliveries of artillery, armored vehicles, and drones, as well as the establishment of Ukrainian drone production facilities in Poland. Officials say the move will bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities while advancing Poland's own defense industry.
108 Enemy Aircraft Downed, $25M Saved How F-16 Jets Beat Houthis with Obsolete Missiles, APKWS
During an eight‑month deployment, a 12‑jet F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron under Lt. Col. William Parks achieved a record 108 aerial kills, downing long‑range strike drones and cruise missiles, while cutting ammunition costs by some $25 million through the use of older air‑to‑air missiles and laser‑guided APKWS II rockets.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Norway Receives First Leopard 2A8 Tanks, Germany Launches €40B Armored Fleet, and the Skynex System Proves Lethal Against russian Missiles
Why China Arms Civilian Ferries Transporting Electric Cars with Anti-Aircraft Lasers
Bo Hai Heng Tong, Chinese Ro‑Ro cargo ferry nominally used to transport electric cars, has reportedly been retrofitted with the LY‑1 combat laser, China's most powerful naval air defense laser. The move suggests Beijing is preparing such "dual‑use" commercial vessels for potential amphibious or missile‑drone warfare, possibly against Taiwan, by giving them the ability to intercept drones and anti‑ship missiles at sea.
Joint European ELSA Long-Range Strike Program Has Fallen Apart, Triggering a "Parade" of National Missile Projects Across the EU
The multinational European Long‑Range Strike Approach (ELSA), once envisioned to pool the long‑range strike ambitions of seven European states, has effectively unraveled, as at least four participants abandon the joint project to pursue national missile programs. In response, countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden have already commissioned their own long‑range cruise missiles and "jet‑powered UAVs", while others push ahead with bespoke strike‑missile initiatives.
BRAWLR that Shot Down 400 Targets in Ukraine May Go Autonomous for Frontline Missions
Ukrainian BRAWLR air defense system, which has successfully shot down over 400 aerial targets, is being considered for deployment on autonomous platforms to support frontline operations. Designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, the system has proven its effectiveness in combat, and its potential autonomous version could allow for faster reaction times and reduced risk to personnel, further enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities on contested front lines.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: UK to Supply 5,000 Missiles, HIMARS Upgraded with LRMP, Germany Buys New Luchs 2 Vehicles
