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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russia and China Produce One Drone, Ukraine Eliminates russian and North Korean Officials in Kursk Region, the U.S. Must Provide Ukraine with the SM-6 Missiles

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The Gerbera UAV / Photo credit: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
The Gerbera UAV / Photo credit: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

russia Can’t Even Make a Foam Drone Without China: Skywalker Technology Developed Gerbera Killer Drones for russia

Chinese electronics, commonly found in russian drones such as the Shahed-136, and other Chinese-manufactured components used in their production, have long been a well-documented issue. However, recent findings reveal that the cooperation between russia and China extends beyond the mere supply of components and includes the joint development of the Gerbera drones.

The Gerbera UAVs Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russia and China Produce One Drone, Ukraine Eliminates russian and North Korean Officials in Kursk Region, the U.S. Must Provide Ukraine with the SM-6 Missiles
The Gerbera UAVs / Defense Express

Ukraine Strikes EFKO’s Mayonnaise Plant in Belgorod: Does It Have Military Significance

On the night of November 20, 2024, Ukrainian forces targeted EFKO’s mayonnaise plant in Alexeyevka, Belgorod region, likely using long-range kamikaze drones.

Read more: 1005 ​Days of russia-Ukraine War – russian Casualties in Ukraine

At first glance, attacking a mayonnaise plant, seemingly a civilian facility, may raise questions. However, this site serves a dual purpose, playing a significant role in russia’s UAV industry.

Confirmed: Ukraine Eliminates russian Generals in Maryino, Kursk Region, Using the Storm Shadow Missiles

On November 20, a missile strike targeted an underground facility at a sanatorium managed by the Administrative Directorate of the President of the russian federation in Maryino, Kursk region. The attack reportedly caused significant casualties among russian and North Korean military personnel.

Defense Express previously suggested that the nature of the target and the use of multiple cruise missiles indicated possible presence of senior russian and North Korean command staff at the location.

If russia Threatens with the RS-26 Rubezh Missiles, the U.S. Must Provide the SM-6 Missiles

The RS-26 Rubezh intermediate-range ballistic missile has sparked considerable debate in Ukraine, raising questions about its capabilities, the likelihood of its deployment by russia, and potential threat it poses. A major concern is Ukraine’s current inability to effectively counter the RS-26 Rubezh missile.

The SM-6 missile launcher Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russia and China Produce One Drone, Ukraine Eliminates russian and North Korean Officials in Kursk Region, the U.S. Must Provide Ukraine with the SM-6 Missiles
The SM-6 missile launcher / Photo credit: The United States Navy

Why russia Deploys its Tu-160 Bombers for the First Time in 550 Days

On November 17, russia conducted a significant combined air attack, employing its Tu-160 strategic bombers for the first time in 550 days. According to the Air Force Command, 7 Tu-160 bombers and 16 Tu-95MS aircraft launched approximately 80 Kh-555 and Kh-101 cruise missiles during the assault. This marked a rare operational deployment of the Tu-160 bombers, whose last recorded use against Ukraine was on May 18, 2023.

The Tu-160 strategic bomber Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russia and China Produce One Drone, Ukraine Eliminates russian and North Korean Officials in Kursk Region, the U.S. Must Provide Ukraine with the SM-6 Missiles
The Tu-160 strategic bomber / open source
Read more: 1004 Days of russia-Ukraine War – russian Casualties In Ukraine