russia Used Export S-400 Missiles, Likely Intended for India, Against Targets in Ukraine
Russia has for the first time fired export-variant S-400/S-300PMU2 missiles, likely originally destined for India, against targets in Ukraine. Fragments of the 48N6E2 interceptor, identifiable by intact export markings, were found among strike debris, suggesting Moscow is drawing on missiles meant for foreign contracts amid dwindling domestic stocks, a development that could put fulfillment of India's delayed S-400 order at risk.
$300 Million in Losses: Ukrainian Drones Take Out 10 russian Air Defense Systems in One Week (Video)
Operators of Ukraine's Nemesis 412th Separate Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces reported a significant degradation of russian air defense capabilities over the past week, striking a total of ten air defense assets across several frontline regions. The attacks targeted both missile launchers and radar systems, underscoring a systematic campaign against one of the enemy's most critical force-protection components.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Ukraine Strengthens Air Shield as Drones Redefine Strikes from Donetsk to Venezuela
From Secret Deliveries to Ukraine to $151 Billion Golden Dome: V2X Joins U.S. Missile Defense Program
U.S. defense firm V2X, known for secretly supplying its Tempest surface-to-air system to Ukrainian forces, has won a major contract under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program, positioning it to help build elements of the massive Golden Dome missile defense architecture with potential contract value of up to $151 billion. The award, announced by the company, ties V2X's work on advanced radars and integrated defense technologies to efforts to develop a multi-layered U.S. missile shield whose total cost could exceed $170 billion.
After Transferring T-72 Tanks to Ukraine, Morocco Finds Abrams MBT Insufficient and Eyes 400 South Korean K2 Black Panther Tanks
Morocco is reportedly considering a major armoured fleet overhaul, eyeing the acquisition of up to 400 South Korean K2 Black Panther main battle tanks after transferring several dozen Soviet-era T-72 tanks to Ukraine and finding its existing mix of Abrams and other tanks insufficient to meet its defense needs. The possible deal, driven by the logistical and operational challenges of maintaining a highly diverse tank inventory, could significantly strengthen Rabat's armoured capabilities and marks a potential new export win for Seoul's defense industry.
India's Tejas Fighter Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Now Banned From Republic Day Parade Flyover
India's indigenous Tejas fighter jet has been excluded from the Republic Day parade flyover after its crash last year at Dubai Airshow, raising fresh questions about the aircraft's safety and reliability. The decision, confirmed ahead of the January 26 celebrations, followed the high-profile incident during Dubai Airshow 2025 that dented Tejas fighter's reputation even as officials pointed to other aircraft as "best platforms" for the showcase.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: ICBMs Disguised as Cranes, Caracas Under Fire, and Ukraine's Buggy Standoff
