UK Unveiled UAV on Wire that Can Fly for 2 Days Straight but it Comes with Major Catch
The UK firm Evolve Dynamics has unveiled a tethered UAV system, Infinity Tether, capable of remaining aloft for up to 48 hours while powered through a cable from a ground station. However, the system's tether limits its horizontal reach (about 100 m), and it remains vulnerable if deployed too close to the front line.
russia Tries to Sell Its "Newest" Krona Air Defense System – a Rebranded Relic from the 1990s
Russia is attempting to market the "new" Krona-E short-range air defense system abroad, promoting it as a modern solution against UAV threats. However, analysts note that the Krona system is essentially a rebranded version of the older Sosna system from the 1990s, differing mainly in its missile compatibility and launcher configuration rather than representing a major technological leap.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Ukrainian Strikes on the Iskander Systems, Germany's Costly AIM-120 Missile, Iran's ICBM Test
It Turns Out U.S. Is Moving Its Newest AH-64E Apache Helicopters to the National Guard
The U.S. Army is planning to transfer a large portion of its newest AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, nearly half of its current fleet, over to the National Guard, cutting the number of active AH-64E units from 408 down to about 240 by 2026. While these Apache helicopters won't be retired, the shift reflects emerging concerns about their cost, maintenance demands, and vulnerability in a battlefield environment now dominated by drones.
Sweden Spends $160M to Enable the Gripen Jets to Fly From Highway
Sweden is investing approximately $530 million to enhance the operational flexibility and counter-UAV capabilities of its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. A significant portion of this funding, around $370 million, is allocated to bolster drone defense systems, including the acquisition of threat-warning systems, electronic-warfare suites, and effectors for target destruction. The remaining funds are directed towards improving the Gripen aircraft's ability to operate from temporary airstrips, such as highways, thereby increasing the Swedish Air Force's resilience and readiness for various operational scenarios.
Over 1,000 German Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trucks Secretly Ordered for Ukraine, Boosting Fleet Beyond 340 Already in Use
Germany has secretly ordered over 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks for Ukraine, adding to more than 340 already in use and massively boosting Kyiv's logistics fleet. The contract has not been officially announced and Daimler declined to comment, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding continued military support.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: Ukraine's Black Raven Strikes, EU Air Defense Debate, Mirage Jets Transfer, and Denmark's Patriot Rejection
