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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks

The M1 Abrams MBT / Photo credit: Sgt. Geordan Tyquiengco, U.S. Army
The M1 Abrams MBT / Photo credit: Sgt. Geordan Tyquiengco, U.S. Army

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

Greece Is Ready to Transfer Its S-300 SAM Systems to Ukraine, But in Exchange for Patriot

According to media sources, Greece is reportedly considering the possibility of transferring its S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine. This decision follows an incident when a russian missile fell only a few hundred meters away from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to Odesa, Ukraine. As it turned out, Greece is ready to give Ukraine its S-300 systems only in exchange for American MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.

Greek MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks
Greek MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system / open source

russians Enhance Strike Tactics, Posing a Significant Threat to HIMARS, Patriot, Helicopter Pads, etc

The escalating threat posed by the russian federation’s long-range strikes on targets in the near-front zone requires a reassessment of current countermeasures and a focus on enhancing their efficacy. The repeated attacks by the russians demonstrate a growing level of organization and require immediate attention.

Read more: Chronicle of russia's Bloodiest War Crimes in Ukraine in 2023
Illustrative image Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks
Illustrative image / open source

Eight M777 Dismantled to Repair One: No Components From U.S., so Ukrainians Forced to Become Inventive

The task of repairing artillery acquired from Western nations has become notably difficult for Ukraine ever since the United States ceased providing components for their systems a few months back.

Without supplies from the original country, limited domestic production of spare parts, and the urgency of the battlefield leaving no room for delays, repair crews are compelled to create Frankenguns. This involves salvaging parts from one damaged artillery system to repair another. The issue has grown so substantial that Ukrainians must maintain 20 different artillery pieces solely as donors of spare parts at one repair base.

Ukrainian M777 howitzer in repairs, January 2024 Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks
Ukrainian M777 howitzer in repairs, January 2024 / Photo credit: Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Why Western Tank is No Jack of All Trades in Assault But a Very Specialized Vehicle

Contrary to the widespread belief that tanks embody a versatile blend of heavy armor, firepower, and mobility, this perception doesn’t completely align with Western tanks such as the Leopard 2, Abrams or Challenger 2. These tanks are actually far from the concept of being “jacks of all trades”or “assault vehicles”, a distinction that sets them apart from their Soviet counterparts.

The Challenger 2 tank Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks
The Challenger 2 tank / Photo credit: The UK Ministry of Defense

Not Only A-50 AEW&C aircraft: russia’s Taganrog Plant, Attacked by Ukraine’s Forces, Repairs Tu-142 ASW Planes

A newly available high-quality satellite image of the Taganrog aircraft plant has provided evidence that a russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft can be damaged. The image also presents an interesting observation: a large aircraft resembling the Tu-95 strategic bomber is situated next to the compromised hangar.

The Tu-142 aircraft Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Greek S-300 Systems to Ukraine, Satellite Image of russian Tu-142 Aircraft and Hype Around 3 Western Tanks
The Tu-142 aircraft / open source
Read more: Chronicle of the russian federation Crimes in Ukraine (January 2024)