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​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses

The Alligator-9 system / screenshot from video
The Alligator-9 system / screenshot from video

Digest of Defense Express on the main events of the week

russian Shahed Drones Are Now Carrying Banned Chemical Agents to Target Ukrainian Forces

Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council has reported that russian forces have begun using the Shahed-type kamikaze drones equipped with capsules containing the CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) chemical agent.

russian Shahed drone (illustrative image) Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses
russian Shahed drone (illustrative image) / Photo credit: The National Police of Ukraine

Ukraine Introduces Advanced Alligator-9 Anti-Ship Drone System with Integrated Laser Weapon

On April 10, the Unmanned Systems Forces officially presented a next-generation anti-ship drone system known as the Alligator-9. The unveiling took place during the European Defense Industry conference, and marks a significant step forward in Ukraine’s naval and drone warfare capabilities. The Alligator-9 system integrates multiple classes of unmanned surface vehicles, each designed for specialized operational roles.

Read more: ​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion Eliminates russian Special Forces, Dassault Considers the FCAS Withdrawal, and russia Admits the M2 Bradley Vehicle Superiority
The Alligator-9 systems Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses
The Alligator-9 systems / screenshot from video

With Over Fifty Aging MiG-29 and Su-27 Aircraft, Uzbekistan Seeks Replacement from China, Not russia

Uzbekistan is looking to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets and is turning to China instead of russia for modern combat aircraft, highlighting a strategic shift in military partnerships and Beijing’s growing influence in Central Asia.

The MiG-29 aircraft of Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses
The MiG-29 aircraft of Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces / open source

Ukraine Develops Strategic Air Defense System, Invites EU to Join the Effort

Ukraine is developing a long-range strategic air defense system and has invited the European Union countries to collaborate on the project. This initiative aims to create a system capable of intercepting targets over 100 km away, potentially surpassing the capabilities of existing systems like the Patriot system. The move reflects Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and foster industrial cooperation with the EU partners.

The THAAD missile Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses
The THAAD missile / open source

The Foreign Intelligence Service Reveals russia’s Struggles in Defending Its Facilities from Drone and Missile Strikes

The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that russia is struggling to defend its critical infrastructure against Ukrainian drone and missile strikes. Despite equipping 60–80% of its civilian industrial enterprises with various anti-drone systems, many imported from China, russia faces challenges due to substandard equipment and improper systems.

Illustrative image Defense Express Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Chemical Warheads on the Shahed Drones, Ukrainian Alligator-9 System, Ukraine’s Strategic Air Defense, and russia’s Failing Defenses
Illustrative image / open source
Read more: ​Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Sweden’s $1.6B Aid to Ukraine, russia’s New Warship, and U.S. Satellite Data Disputes