Ukraine and the UK Will Establish a Joint Flotilla to Secure the Black Sea and Sea of Azov
On January 16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a centennial agreement. The agreement, which introduces the concept of a joint flotilla, aims to enhance maritime security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
russia’s Admiral Nakhimov Battlecruiser’s Reactor Was Activated Amid Another Repair Deadline Delay
In the prolonged saga of the repair and modernization of the Admiral Nakhimov Kirov-class battlecruiser that has been undergoing continuous work since 1997, its reactor was finally activated. This milestone occurred in late December 2024, though russian state media only reported it several days later.
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Naval Drone Destroys russian Air Defense Systems, Why Media Report Ukraine Receives 10 KF41 Lynx IFVs, 550 of 1,200 russian Aircraft Near the End
However, russian officials were quick to clarify that the reactor’s activation does not signify the completion of the ship’s repair and modernization. Instead, it merely indicates that “the nuclear power plant is ready to operate at maximum power”.
russia Had 550 Giatsint-B and Only 250 Msta-B System: This Could Explain Their Development of a New Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer
russia has developed an artillery hybrid, likely driven by practical considerations. According to The Military Balance 2024, as of early last year, the russian army had 550 Giatsint-B howitzers in active service, compared to just 250 Msta-B howitzers. For context, data from the 2022 edition of the same source shows that russia’s arsenal, including both active and stored units, featured significantly more Giatsint-B howitzers than Msta-B 1,100 units versus 750.
russian Forces in Kursk Region Repurpose the BTR-D APCs, Sinking Them to Build a River Crossing
During battles in Kursk region, russian forces employed an unconventional tactic by deliberately sinking two BTR-D armored personnel carriers to create makeshift crossings over small rivers. To facilitate infantry movement, they placed wooden pallets on top of the submerged vehicles, resulting in a distinctly improvised design.
Ukraine Becomes the First Operator of Advanced RCH 155 Self-Propelled Howitzers as the First Unit Is Officially Delivered
Ukraine has become the first operator of advanced RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system, with the initial unit officially delivered. By acquiring German-made RCH 155 howitzer, Ukraine has outpaced countries like Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Italy, as well as potentially the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States, in adopting this cutting-edge system.
Read more: Defense Express’ Annual Review: Shrinking Tank Reserves, Starving North Korean Troops, and Relocated Su-34 Bombers as russia Grapples with Mounting Military Challenges
