Polish Ministry of National Defense Admits That Operation of MiG-29 Jets, Which They Want to Exchange for Ukrainian Drone Technology, Is Dangerous
Poland's Ministry of National Defense has acknowledged that continued operation of its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets poses a safety risk, adding a new dimension to Warsaw's stalled discussions with Ukraine over the possible transfer of the aircraft in exchange for Ukrainian drone technology.
After U.S. Imposed Restrictions on Supply of JDAM, Israel Began to Make Its Own Analogue
Israel is developing its own analogue of the U.S. Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit after Washington restricted the supply of certain weapons to the country. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems are working on the system, which is expected to enter serial production in summer 2027 and will allow conventional free-fall bombs to be converted into precision-guided weapons.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Turkiye's M270s and ATACMS for Ukraine, Blizzard Drone, Costly Anti-Shahed Missile, and russia's Caged KILO Submarines
U.S. Keeps Insisting Its $40M "Combat Crop Duster" OA-1K Skyraider II Will Stay Relevant, But Cuts Order From 62 to 53 Aircraft as Drone Alternatives Grow
The U.S. military continues to defend the relevance of OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft despite reducing planned procurement from 62 to 53 airframes, highlighting growing questions about the platform's role in an era increasingly dominated by unmanned systems. The move comes as drone-based alternatives, including MQ-9 Reaper system, are seen as capable of performing many of the same missions at lower risk and potentially lower cost, while the $40 million-per-aircraft Skyraider II remains a controversial investment.
China First Pushed russia Out of Uzbekistan's Air Defense Market, Now Everything Points to Kremlin Losing Su-30SM Fighter Client to J-10CE as Well
Uzbekistan appears increasingly likely to choose China's J-10CE fighter jets over russia's Su-30SM aircraft, potentially marking another major loss for Moscow in a defense market where Chinese systems have already gained ground. A Chinese social media image and reports that Tashkent signed a deal for 24 J-10CE jets in 2025 suggest the aircraft could replace russian fighters, although Uzbekistan and China have not officially confirmed the agreement.
New Details Emerge About Ukraine's Vyrivnyuvach Glide Bomb, Which Can Be Dropped from MiG-29, Su-24, Su-27 Fighter Jets
Ukraine's domestically developed Vyrivnyuvach glide bomb is currently compatible with MiG-29, Su-24, and Su-27 fighter jets, while work is underway to adapt it for F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft. The weapon is also highly localized, with 90% of its components manufactured in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: How Pakistan's J-10CE Downed Rafales, Why russian Jet UAV Flew Across Romania, ERAM Missiles Surprise Moscow
