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Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Single Propeller-Driven Yak-52 Took Down Eight Orlan-10 and ZALA Drones, Ukrainian Forces Testing 2-CT Hawkeye Experimental Howitzer

One of the Yak-52s at the disposal of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, June 2024 / Open-source photo
One of the Yak-52s at the disposal of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, June 2024 / Open-source photo

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Single Propeller-Driven Yak-52 Took Down Eight Orlan-10 and ZALA Drones

Recent photographs of a Yak-52 trainer aircraft have surfaced, revealing that the crew of this particular aircraft has successfully downed six Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAVs and two Zala drones deployed by the russian invasion forces.

Yak-52 aircraft in the lens of russian drone in the skies over the Mykolaiv Region, June 2024, Defense Express
Yak-52 aircraft in the lens of russian drone in the skies over the Mykolaiv Region, June 2024 / Open-source video screenshot

This discovery indicates that the Yak-52 is being used to counter russian drones far more frequently than publicized videos suggest.

Read more: ​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: New Production Factory, Romanian Patriot for Ukraine, First Captured russian Turtle Tank

Ukraine May Use the Magura Drones in the Sea of Azov

The Magura marine drones have the capability to operate on any water surface, making their use in the Sea of Azov a potential strategy for targeting russian ships.

Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone, Defense Express
Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone / screenshot from video

This information was shared by Yevheniy Yerin, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense.

Germany Initiates European Reinforcement with Long-Range Missiles Amid the russian Threat

The available options include the novel Land Cruise Missile and MdCN, but entirely new developments are not ruled out either.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called for European countries to consolidate their efforts to close the long-range missile capabilities gap with russia.

MdCN missile test at the launch site for rocket testing, France, Defense Express
MdCN missile test at the launch site for rocket testing, France / Photo credit: DGA Essais de missiles

The aim is to sign a joint agreement of intent with as many European states as possible, committing to the development, production, and supply of long-range attack missiles at the NATO summit in Washington this July.

Ukrainian Forces Testing 2-CT Hawkeye Experimental Lightweight Howitzer on Frontlines: Even the U.S. Army Has None

2-CT Hawkeye self-propelled artillery system on HMMWV, Defense Express
2-CT Hawkeye self-propelled artillery system on HMMWV / Illustrative photo credit: U.S. Department of Defense

American corporation AM General delivered to Ukraine its new development without any prior announcements, the 105-mm self-propelled gun 2-CT Hawkeye which is currently only undergoing tests in the U.S. Army.

Read more: Chronicle of the russian federation Crimes in Ukraine (January 2024)