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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes

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Ukrainian military / Photo credit: The 53rd Mechanized Brigade named after Volodymyr Monomakh
Ukrainian military / Photo credit: The 53rd Mechanized Brigade named after Volodymyr Monomakh

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

The Armed Forces of Ukraine Announced the Number of russian Troops in the Bakhmut Direction

As of December 18, there are 62,000 russian servicemen in the Bakhmut direction. The number of occupiers on this part of the front is not decreasing. This was stated by the head of the Public Relations Service of the Ground Forces Command, Volodymyr Fityo.

“There are 62,000 russian occupiers in the Bakhmut direction. Their number is almost unchanged. But they are raising reserves to replenish losses, and the enemy’s losses are serious,” Volodymyr Fityo emphasized.

Read more: Chronicle of the russian federation Crimes in Ukraine (December 2023)
The Ukrainian military in the Bakhmut direction Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes
The Ukrainian military in the Bakhmut direction / open source

ASCOD IFV Project for Ukraine Reveals Intriguing Feature

Ukrainian Armor is exploring the possibility of licensing production of the modern ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to equip the country’s Defense Forces with these advanced armored vehicles. CEO , Vladislav Belbas confirmed this potential development.

The ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes
The ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle / Photo credit: General Dynamics European Land Systems

Captured russian Equipment Helps in Repairing Ukrainian Tanks and Howitzers

A recent photo report from ArmyInform offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a Ukrainian tank repair depot. Located within the abandoned premises of an agricultural enterprise, the makeshift facility plays a crucial role in keeping Ukraine’s armored vehicles rolling in the face of russian aggression.

The report’s focus is on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Ukrainian technicians, who are making the most of limited resources to keep their tanks and other armored vehicles operational. One of the most striking aspects of the report is the way in which captured russian components are being used to repair Ukrainian vehicles.

Servicemen of a repair battallion of the 3rd Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, December 2023 Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes
Servicemen of a repair battallion of the 3rd Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, December 2023 / Photo credit: ArmyInform, faces concealed by Defense Express

Ukrainian Partisans Say russia Experiences Difficulties with Production of Cruise Missiles for Strategic Bombers

Atesh partisan group has claimed a major intelligence coup, obtaining top-secret documents and data from the Dubna machine-building plant in russia. Their haul, as revealed on the Atesh’s official Telegram channel, sheds light on the production of Kh-32 cruise missiles for TU-22M3M strategic bombers.

Russian Tu-22M3 aircraft with a Kh-32 missile Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes
Russian Tu-22M3 aircraft with a Kh-32 missile / open source

The Ukrainian Air Force Neutralizes Trio of russian Su-34 Aircraft Over the Southern Front

In a major air defense victory, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully neutralized three russian Su-34 fighter-bombers over the southern front on Friday afternoon, December 22. These aircraft, known for their deployment of precision-guided munitions including KAB bombs and Kh-59 missiles, had previously been implicated in aerial attacks against Kherson.

Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: ASCOD IFV Potential in Ukraine, Captured Equipment Repairs, russian Missile Woes
Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber / open source
Read more: Chronicle of the russian federation Crimes in Ukraine (November 2023)