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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority

​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Ukraine's 2nd International Legion Shows How to Eliminate russian Special Forces Unit

Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion, composed of foreign volunteers, recently executed a successful operation resulting in the elimination of russian special forces unit. This action underscores the Legion’s effectiveness in countering elite enemy troops and highlights its commitment to defending Ukraine against aggression.

Sweden Proposes Its Gripen Aircraft to Portugal as the F-35 Alternative, Despite Continued Reliance on the U.S. Engine

Sweden is offering its Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet to Portugal as a potential alternative to the U.S.-made F-35 aircraft, amid growing concerns over American defense policies under the Trump administration. Despite the Gripen jet’s reliance on U.S.-made General Electric F414G engine, which could be subject to export restrictions, Sweden is actively promoting the aircraft to nations reconsidering their defense procurement strategies. Portugal, currently in a political transition ahead of May elections, has yet to comment on the proposal but is reportedly reevaluating its commitment to the F-35 program.

Read more: ​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Sweden’s $1.6B Aid to Ukraine, russia’s New Warship, and U.S. Satellite Data Disputes
The JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority
The JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter / Photo credit: The Norwegian Armed Forces

Ukrainian Long-Range Strikes Halve russian Artillery Use, Repel Aircraft, and Destroy Missile Carriers

Ukrainian forces have significantly impacted russian military operations through long-range strikes, halving russian artillery usage and pushing enemy aircraft further from the front lines. These strikes, largely carried out by advanced drones, have also destroyed key russian missile carriers, crippling their ability to launch effective strikes.

Ukrainian Liutyi long-range kamikaze drone Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority
Ukrainian Liutyi long-range kamikaze drone / Photo credit: United24

French Dassault Hints at Leaving the FCAS Fighter Program, Unwilling to Compromise with Germany and Spain

Dassault Aviation, a key player in the FCAS program, has hinted at potentially withdrawing from the project due to ongoing disagreements with Germany and Spain. CEO Eric Trappier criticized the decision-making process, which requires equal voting power from all three nations, complicating and slowing progress. France’s desire for the new fighter jet to carry French nuclear weapons and concerns over the dilution of its technological expertise further strain the partnership. These issues could threaten the future of the FCAS program.

russia Acknowledges Superiority of the M2 Bradley IFV Over russian BMP-3 Vehicle After Detailed Analysis

russian analysts have admitted that the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle outperforms the BMP-3 vehicle in several key areas, following detailed assessments. The research, which included tests on captured Bradley IFV, highlighted the American vehicle's superior protection against anti-tank guided missiles and mines, as well as its greater firepower. While the BMP-3 vehicle has advantages in mobility and crossing water obstacles, the Bradley’s overall capabilities, including armor penetration and ergonomic design, were acknowledged as more advanced.

russian BMP-3 vehicle Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority
russian BMP-3 vehicle / open source
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Forces Destroy Three Rare North Korean Koksan Systems, Sweden Confirms the F-16 Fighter Mods Delay ASC 890 AEW&C Delivery, France Offers the Rafale Aircraft and SAMP/T Systems