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Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Drones Strike Olenya Air Base 1,800 km Away, How Many Combat Aircraft Will russia Manufacture in 2024

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The Sokil-300, a Ukrainian UAV project aiming to strike 3,000 km into enemy land / Photo credit: Defense Express
The Sokil-300, a Ukrainian UAV project aiming to strike 3,000 km into enemy land / Photo credit: Defense Express

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Defying Expectations, Ukrainian Drones Successfully Reach Olenya Air Base 1,800 km Away

Ukrainian kamikaze UAVs have brought a new wave of strikes on strategically important facilities across the russian federation. On the night of July 27, 2024, the drones targeted the oil refinery in Ryazan and multiple airfields hosting russian strategic aviation, namely the Engels, Dyagilevo, and Olenya military air bases.

Read more: ​Ukraine’s Armed Forces Destroy russian Su-30SM fighter, Probably Damage Another Aircraft (Satellite Images)
a Liutyi long-range kamikaze UAV, Defense Express
Illustrative photo: a Liutyi long-range kamikaze UAV, one of Ukraine's fartherst-reaching weapons, spotted mid-flight in russia / Open-source photo

russia Keeps Trying to Sell Su-75 Checkmate to India But No One Wants a Fighter Without Working Prototype

The russian federation continues to aggressively market its Su-75 Checkmate light tactical fighter to New Delhi as a replacement for the outdated MiG-29 fleet.

Su-75 Checkmate exhibit (dummy) at a military expo in russia, Defense Express
Su-75 Checkmate exhibit (dummy) at a military expo in russia / Open-source photo

The primary reason for India's hesitation is the uncertainty surrounding the Su-75, which has yet to make its maiden flight. Initially scheduled for 2023, this flight has been postponed multiple times and is now not expected until 2026–2027 at the earliest.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Successfully Destroyed russian Mi-28, Ka-226 and Mi-8 Helicopters (Video)

The helicopters were destroyed in targeted strikes on Moscow and Samara.

On the night of July 21, the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine successfully targeted two helicopters – russian Mi-28 and Ka-226 – in Moscow region. Following another Ukrainian reconnaissance operation on July 24, a Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed in Samara, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

How Many Combat Aircraft Will russia Manufacture in 2024, and Will It Offset Its Losses?

russian aviation plants continue to prominently deliver new combat aircraft to the russian Armed Forces. Yet, in the third year of the full-scale war against Ukraine, there are increasingly noticeable anomalies that cannot be ignored.

russian Su-34 tactical bomber, Defense Express
russian Su-34 tactical bomber / Open source illustrative photo

Currently, russia manufactures combat aircraft including the Su-57, Su-35, Su-34, and the Yak-130 combat trainer. Meanwhile, the Su-30 fighters and MiG-29s are mostly focused on repairs and upgrades.

Read more: When Will Ukraine Receive F-16s, How Many Will They Get, and How Will They Aid in the War Against russia?