Sweden Won't Turn Its Older Gripen Fighters Into Spares, Offering Ukraine a Rare Opportunity
Sweden has opted to preserve its older Gripen C/D fighter jets instead of dismantling them for parts, signaling a rare future opportunity for Ukraine. The decision to maintain these aircraft in operational condition suggests Stockholm may consider transferring them to Kyiv later, depending on political will and infrastructure readiness.
russia's Flagship Terminator IFV May Have Been Inspired by a 50-Year-Old Forgotten German Project
russia's Terminator IFV may owe its origins to a nearly forgotten West German prototype from the Cold War, a startling revelation that challenges its image as a modern battlefield marvel. Engineers behind the Terminator vehicle reportedly drew on design concepts from a 1970s German project, blending decades‑old engineering ideas with current russian ambitions for an infantry support vehicle. The discovery reframes the Terminator IFV not as a purely novel creation, but as a revived Cold War concept reshaped to fit 21st‑century warfare.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Private Jets for Ukraine, russia’s MiG-31K Trouble, Laser Weapons, Norway Doubles F-16 Aid to Ukraine
Ukraine Deploys Full-Size Ground Warrior: Introduces the PROTECTOR Heavy UGV
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially codified and approved the deployment of the PROTECTOR heavy unmanned ground vehicle for operational use within the Armed Forces. This domestically developed platform marks another step in the increasing integration of robotic systems into Ukraine's modern battlefield.
What Ukraine Needs to Repurpose Soviet-Era Repair Plants for Western Equipment Production: Lessons from the Czech Experience
Ukraine's Soviet-era repair plants hold untapped potential for modern Western defense production, but adapting them requires deep reform and clear strategic goals. Drawing on the Czech Republic's successful transformation of similar facilities, the article outlines key challenges: unclear ownership structures, outdated equipment, and lack of long-term planning. Without tackling these systemic issues, Ukraine risks missing a rare opportunity to boost domestic production with international cooperation.
Romania Receives 18 F-16 Aircraft to Train Ukrainian Pilots, But Challenges Come Along
Romania has received 18 F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands to train Ukrainian pilots at the European F-16 Training Center in Fetești. While this strengthens support for Ukraine's air capabilities, Romania faces logistical and operational challenges accommodating the new aircraft alongside its own defense priorities, highlighting the complexity of sustaining international military aid.
Ukrainian Forces Strike russian Airfield in Volgograd Region, Damaging the Su-34 Jets
In a coordinated nighttime operation on June 27, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and other units, launched a precision strike on the Marinovka airfield located in russia's Volgograd region. The mission aimed to disrupt russia's ability to carry out airstrikes on Ukrainian territory.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Phoenix Strikes, Ukrainian Su-27 Precision Hit, and russia's Costly Rebuild of Lost Power
