The Phoenix Unit Strikes Again: Ukrainian Border Guards Crush russian BM-21 Grad System, Artillery, and Vehicles (Video)
In a recent combat update from the Phoenix unit have released new footage highlighting their latest successful drone strikes. The operations took place in the Kramatorsk direction, a hotly contested axis in the east of Ukraine.
Read more: Defense Express' Weekly Review: France's Nuclear Dilemma, Ukrainian Drone Precision, and russia's Air Chaos Over the Black Sea
The video shows the destruction of multiple high-value enemy targets, emphasizing the growing role of drone warfare in Ukraine's tactical operations. Among the destroyed assets are enemy infantry units, the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system, one anti-aircraft gun, one armored vehicle, and a military truck. Each of these assets represents both a battlefield threat and a logistical burden for russian forces.
Once Promised to Ukraine, the DragonFire Combat Laser Needs Two More Years and €1.2 B to Enter Production
Despite earlier promises to supply Ukraine with the DragonFire combat laser, the UK's high-energy weapon system now faces at least a two-year delay and requires €1.2 billion to reach production, underscoring the complex path from prototype to battlefield deployment.
Ukrainian Su-27 Aircraft Destroys russian Air Defense System with the AGM-88 HARM (Video)
Ukrainian Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed a russian surface-to-air missile system during a recent combat mission. The strike was executed in support of a broader fighter operation.
The attack centered around a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, which launched the AGM-88 HARM at the russian air defense system. The HARM missile, designed specifically to home in on enemy radar emissions, struck with deadly accuracy, resulting in the detonation of the SAM system's ammunition stores.
Ukrainian Su-27 of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade successfully engaged and destroyed a Russian surface-to-air missile system (SAM) using an HARM missile. The strike occurred while the aircraft was performing an escort role for a strike group. https://t.co/VEREqXzdhMP.S:… pic.twitter.com/I3cvLUUnDH
— Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) June 2, 2025
How Many Years and Billions russia Will Need to Restore its Tu-160, Tu-95MSM and Tu-22M3 Losses in Ukrainian Operation
russia faces a prolonged and costly challenge rebuilding its long‑range bomber fleet after Ukraine's recent strikes destroyed or damaged a portion of its Tu‑160, Tu‑95MSM, and Tu‑22M3 aircraft, platforms that are no longer actively manufactured. Estimates suggest Moscow will need several years and billions of dollars to attempt replenishment, with modernization and assembly efforts proceeding at a slow pace.
Four russian Landing Ships Sunk, One New Ka-52K-Capable Vessel Built, But There's a Caveat
Four russian landing ships, including the Saratov, Caesar Kunikov, Novocherkassk, and Minsk, have been sunk during the war, while russia has launched the first new Project 11711M Cayman-class vessel, designed to carry the Ka‑52K helicopters; however, its completion has been delayed until 2026, highlighting both the scale of recent losses and the slow pace of Moscow's naval replacement efforts.
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukrainian FPV Drone Ambush on russian Ka-52 Helicopter, Kamikaze Strike on the Garmon Radar, Ukrainian F-16 Incident, and U.S. Intel on russian Missile Arsenal
