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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations

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Preparation process for the R-30 Bulava ICBM / Photo credit: Google Earth
Preparation process for the R-30 Bulava ICBM / Photo credit: Google Earth

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Ukrainian Military Explains Limited Use of Equipment by russians in Pokrovsk

In the Pokrovsk sector, russian forces primarily rely on vehicles to transport personnel closer to the positions of the Armed Forces pf Ukraine, according to Serhii Okishev, spokesperson for the 25th Airborne Brigade, during an appearance on Army TV.

The russians use minimal equipment in the Pokrovsk sector Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations
The russians use minimal equipment in the Pokrovsk sector / screenshot from DeepStateMap

“The enemy continues attempts to seize our positions, but the paratroopers hold their ground and successfully repel all assault efforts. Our artillery and UAV operators are effectively targeting them on the outskirts. As a result, the enemy has minimized the use of heavy equipment, knowing it will not survive the journey to its intended destination,” Serhii Okishev stated.

Read more: 998 ​Days of russia-Ukraine War – russian Casualties in Ukraine

Indigenous Shmavic Drone Poised to Target Ukrainian Forces, But It’s Nothing Like the Mavic UAV

Despite its ironic name, Ukraine’s Shmavik drone features distinct specifications and a unique role compared to DJI’s renowned camera drones.

The Shmavic quadcopter Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations
The Shmavic quadcopter / Defense Express

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially assigned an identification code to this domestically developed reconnaissance quadcopter. This designation allows the Shmavik UAV to be formally procured for operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The U.S. Resumes Explosives Production for Artillery Shells After 38 Years: Timeline and Costs Revealed

To boost ammunition production, the United States is resuming domestic trinitrotoluene (TNT) manufacturing, which has been dormant since late 1986.

Illustrative image Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations
Illustrative image / Photo credit: U.S. DOD

Senator Mitch McConnell announced the establishment of new TNT production facility in Graham, Kentucky, marking a significant step in revitalizing this critical capability.

Despite $5 Billion in Investments, russian Admiral Nakhimov Nuclear Cruiser Remains Stuck in Ongoing Repairs

Among the initiatives pursued by russia’s state-owned defense industry, one topic has largely been overlooked by both Kremlin-controlled media and international outlets, overshadowed by the ongoing issues with the Admiral Kuznetsov, the last aircraft carrier in the russian Navy.

russian Admiral Nakhimov nuclear cruiser Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations
russian Admiral Nakhimov nuclear cruiser / open source

However, today we shift our focus to the ambitious project to renovate the Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered cruiser, part of the Project 1144 Orlan (Kirov-class).

Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations from Space

A recent satellite image, now available in open sources, captures the preparation and equipping of russia’s R-30 Bulava ICBM, a key element of the country’s nuclear triad, deployed aboard Project 955 Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

russian R-30 Bulava ICBM Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russian Forces Limit Their Use of Equipment in Pokrovsk, the U.S. Resumes Explosives Production, Satellite Imagery Reveals russia’s R-30 Bulava Nuclear Missile Preparations
russian R-30 Bulava ICBM / open source

Notably, specialized russian sources were the first to draw attention to the image, asserting that it shows operations conducted by the 12th Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the division responsible for managing nuclear weaponry.

Read more: 997 Days of russia-Ukraine War – russian Casualties In Ukraine