Ukraine's First Purpose-Built Tracked APC Since War Began – Skif Designed to Beat M113 in Protection, Firepower
Ukraine has begun factory testing of the new Skif tracked armored personnel carrier, its first purpose-built vehicle of this type developed during the full-scale war, designed directly from battlefield experience and evolving military requirements.
Created by UkrArmoTech as a domestic alternative to the widely used M113 system, Skif carrier is intended to surpass the legacy platform in both protection and firepower while maintaining comparable mobility, reflecting lessons learned from extensive frontline use of Western-supplied armored vehicles.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: India's 114 Rafale Deal Stalls as Ukraine Destroys Sprint-030, U.S. Orders 405 PAC-3 MSE, China Builds Zubr Craft, and Admiral Makarov Is Struck
Britain Investing in 155 mm Shell That Outranges Excalibur 3x, Costs 70% Less, First Powered Flight Complete
Britain is investing in the development of the TRBM 155HG Sceptre, a next-generation 155 mm guided artillery shell that has already completed its first powered flight test and is designed to significantly outperform existing munitions, offering a range of up to 140-160 km, around three times farther than M982 Excalibur shell, while costing roughly 70% less, potentially marking a major shift in long-range artillery capabilities.
Raven Air Defense System Has Downed Over 400 russian Targets in Ukraine, New Raven 5 Variant Spotted for First Time
The British-supplied Raven air defense system has demonstrated significant effectiveness in Ukraine, reportedly downing over 400 russian aerial targets, while a newly identified Raven 5 variant has been spotted for the first time, featuring upgrades such as an increased missile load aimed at improving performance against massed air attacks.
russia Still Has 800 T-72A Tanks to Convert Into T-72B3M – What Does This Mean for Ukraine?
russia still retains a stockpile of around 800 T-72A tanks that could be upgraded to the more advanced T-72B3M standard, potentially allowing Uralvagonzavod to sustain production at up to 200 tanks annually through roughly 2029, though the poor condition of these older vehicles and labor-intensive refurbishment process may limit the speed and effectiveness of this effort.
One of the Largest Fighter Jet Sales Deals in History May Fall Apart, What is russia Doing Here and Why Is It Positive for Ukraine
One of the largest fighter jet export deals in history is at risk of collapsing amid russia's interference, as Moscow appears to be leveraging political and defense ties to disrupt the agreement, an outcome that could ultimately benefit Ukraine by limiting the expansion of advanced combat aviation fleets aligned with russian interests and weakening a potential strategic shift in regional air power.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Ukraine Eyes Qatar’s Mirage Jets as France Renames Carrier, UK Downs Record Drones, Iran Loses Sub, U.S. Seeks Drone Makers
