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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Neptune Missile in Rostov region, russian UAVs in Germany and New Structure near the Crimean Bridge

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The Armed Forces of Ukraine targeted russian S-300 system near Novoshakhtinsk / screenshot from video
The Armed Forces of Ukraine targeted russian S-300 system near Novoshakhtinsk / screenshot from video

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

The Neptune Missile Is Suspected in Strike on russian S-300 System Near Novoshakhtinsk

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine officially reported that on the night of August 21, a strike targeted russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system positioned near Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, approximately 160 km from the front line.

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The report suggests that the strike was carried out by units of the Ukrainian Navy, in coordination with other elements of the Armed Forces. The only known weapon in the Ukrainian Navy’s arsenal with the necessary range for such a mission is the Neptune missile, which was previously employed to strike russian air defense systems in Crimea in 2023.

Ukraine Has New Long-Range Weapon: The Palianytsia Missile-Drone Hybrid, Already in Action

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have received a new attack weapon called the Palianytsia, a hybrid of a missile and an unmanned aerial vehicle. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the existence of this long-range suicide UAV during Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv on August 24. Notably, the Palianytsia system was deployed in a combat mission just hours before its official announcement.

The Palianytsia system Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Neptune Missile in Rostov region, russian UAVs in Germany and New Structure near the Crimean Bridge
The Palianytsia system / open source

russian Spy Drones Freely Fly Over Germany, Surveying Nuclear and Chemical Plants Once More

The Prosecutor’s Office in Flensburg, a city in the north of Germany, has initiated a preliminary investigation into possible sabotage activities following reports of uncontrolled drone flights over the country’s critical infrastructure. Chief Prosecutor Bernd Winterfeldt announced the proceedings.

russian Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Neptune Missile in Rostov region, russian UAVs in Germany and New Structure near the Crimean Bridge
russian Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone / open source

Unidentified drones were primarily observed over an industrial zone in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, home to a decommissioned nuclear power plant, chemical facilities and an LNG terminal. Security services suspect russia’s involvement in these unauthorized flights, according to reports from Bild.

Ukraine Questions russia’s Motives Behind New Crimean Bridge Structure

The Ukrainian Navy has expressed concerns over a new structure being built by russia near the Crimean Bridge.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, highlighted the puzzling nature of this construction. While there is speculation that russia may be attempting to create a partial duplication of the Crimean Bridge, the true purpose of this new structure remains unclear. Unlike the Crimean Bridge, this addition doesn’t appear to be as significant or robust.

How Many ATACMS It Takes to Wipe Out russian Airfield

Although several russian airfields hosting tactical aviation are within the range of Ukraine’s ATACMSs, the U.S. continues to uphold its restrictive ban on using these missiles for strikes within russian territory. Anonymous American officials have explained that this limitation is a necessary measure due to the limited supply of missiles available to Ukraine.

The M57A1 ATACMS Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian Neptune Missile in Rostov region, russian UAVs in Germany and New Structure near the Crimean Bridge
The M57A1 ATACMS / Photo credit: U.S.
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