For France to Offer Europe a "Nuclear Umbrella", It Must Be Willing to Strike Moscow – But Is It Ready?
As Europe faces growing uncertainty over the U.S. security guarantees, France's nuclear arsenal is increasingly seen as a potential backbone for a European deterrent, but serious doubts remain about Paris's willingness to take on that role. For France to credibly offer a "nuclear umbrella" to its neighbors, it must be prepared not just to deter but to strike Moscow if deterrence fails. However, such a commitment would require a fundamental shift in France's traditionally restrained nuclear doctrine, raising difficult questions about political will, strategic clarity, and the real readiness to act in defense of others.
Ukrainian Drone Operators Neutralized russian Convoy Attempting to Avoid Detection (Video)
Ukrainian forces from the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade have successfully destroyed multiple russian armored personnel carriers in a precision drone strike. The operation marks another example of how Ukraine's innovative drone tactics are eroding russia's battlefield advantages. Operating covertly in a forested area far from the front line, the unit detected and eliminated at least five russian armored personnel carriers.
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Europe Left to Face russia Alone? Leaked Docs Expose Tu Bombers Upgrade Plans; russia Plans 1,500 Tanks, 3,000 AFVs in 2025
Ukraine's 19 CAESAR 8x8 Howitzers Fired 40,000 Rounds in Two Years – Impressive or Concerning?
Ukraine's 19 CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzers have fired over 40,000 rounds in two years of war, a figure presented by manufacturer KNDS as proof of their reliability, but it also raises questions. The relatively modest average of just over 2,100 rounds per unit contrasts with Ukraine's typically high artillery usage, prompting speculation about whether the number reflects operational excellence, ammunition shortages, or limitations in maintaining the more complex 8x8 platforms.
Ukrainian Partisans Scout russian Plant Supplying Engines for the MiG-29 and MiG-35 Aircraft, and Helicopters
Ukrainian partisans from the Atesh movement have conducted reconnaissance on the JSC UEC-Klimov in Saint Petersburg, a key facility producing and repairing engines for russia's MiG-29 and MiG-35 fighter jets, as well as the Mi-8, Mi-17, Ka-27, and Ka-52 helicopters. The intelligence gathered has been relayed to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, aiming to disrupt russia's aerial combat capabilities. UEC-Klimov plant, established in 1914, is under international sanctions due to its role in russia's military operations.
Zoo in the Sky: the Ukrainian Navy Reveals russia's Chaotic Air Campaign in the Black Sea
The presence of russian aircraft over the Black Sea has created a gray zone, where the airspace is dominated by intensive electronic warfare and anti-drone operations. According to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, russian forces are throwing nearly all available aviation assets into the region in an attempt to suppress Ukraine's growing use of maritime and aerial drones.
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian FPV Drone Ambush on russian Ka-52 Helicopter, Kamikaze Strike on the Garmon Radar, Ukrainian F-16 Incident, and U.S. Intel on russian Missile Arsenal
