The Under Reported War 06 - 30th March 2025
Today is 1131 days into Putin’s 3-Day Special Military Operation
A weekly roundup of news from Ukraine you probably did not hear. All reports will be linked to their sources so you can read the original if you’d like to. If you have any questions or need more detail I’ll be happy to try to give you answers.
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Sunday March 23rd - Saturday March 30th 2025
Ukraine’s Yak-52 drone hunters take to the sky again / Screengrab via EYE OF HORUS
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BEHIND THE HEADLINES
With more time wasted on negotiations that are going nowhere, this week we saw the incompetence and ignorance of Trump and his crew erode the trust former allies have in America. If you do not negotiate in good faith from a fully informed standpoint, you are not going to secure a deal. And don’t invite the editor of a prestigious news magazine in to your war-planning group chat. All that was very public news. But, behind the headlines, it is ignorance that feeds these blunders and incompetence:
Trump envoy Witkoff sparks outcry after backing Kremlin talking points on Ukraine
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-envoy-witkoff-sparks-outcry-after-backing-kremlin/story?id=120113827
The comments, in which Witkoff seemed to accept the results of sham referenda Russia has previously held in Ukraine to justify its seizure of land there.
The Economist magazine attempted to list the extensive leverage Europe has over Trump that he is clearly not aware of. What stood out (for me, anyway) is a European shift away from reliance on American high tech means ASML, who make the machines that manufacture silicon chips, has immense power. If this Dutch company prioritises European customers (and there will be many) then Silicon Valley is stuck up a creek without a paddle, as they say. Taxing social media companies would make the tech-bro backers of Trump scream too. The report is detailed, and clearly some suggestions are untenable, but it shows that this is not a one-way street.
If it comes to a stand-off, Europe has leverage over America
https://www.economist.com/briefing/2025/03/13/if-it-comes-to-a-stand-off-europe-has-leverage-over-america
https://archive.ph/LHmIg#selection-1161.0-1161.60
But pulling some of those levers would be so damaging as to make them unusable.
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
All these ceasefires announced by Trump and his apparatchiks might make you think the fighting has stopped. Turns out announcing something is not the same thing as it actually happening. The fighting continues.
You probably won’t have heard, but heavy fighting continues along the border in Belgorod oblast, Russia. No one is talking (good operational security might not be America’s thing, but it is Ukraine’s), but it looks like it’s shaping up as a Ukrainian counterattack designed to lock in place Russian units that fought in Kursk, easing the pressure on Ukraine’s forces in the Donbas. Ukraine appears to have regained local drone superiority and very heavy Russian equipment losses are reported. These are all weapons Russia can ill-afford to lose. Many mobile rocket launchers (MLRS) were destroyed in the fighting, including Russia’s latest and very rare thermobaric MLRS, the TOS-2.
Did you hear any of this on your news? Of course not. Sigh… welcome to The Under Reported War.
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces Unit Hit Four BM-21 Grad MLRS Systems and Other Equipment in Belgorod Region (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_special_operations_forces_unit_hit_four_bm_21_grad_systems_and_other_equipment_in_belgorod_region_video-13987.html
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Wipe Out Russian BM-27 Uragan MLRS (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_unmanned_systems_forces_wipe_out_russian_bm_27_uragan_mlrs_video-13920.html
FPV drone strike on a loaded Russian Bm-21 Grad MLRS
https://bsky.app/profile/specialkhersoncat.bsky.social/post/3lksujrlbn226
Magyar Birds drone unit took out a rare TOS-2 thermobaric MLRS
https://bsky.app/profile/specialkhersoncat.bsky.social/post/3lleuhkgpg22w
Even Russia has given up trying to pretend the Belgorod incursion is not happening.
“Somber Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region Gladkov announced that nearly all residents of the border Krasnoyaruzhsky district have been evacuated due to a limited special operation by Ukraine’s defense forces, which began on March 18. This accounts for approximately 14,000 good Russians.”
https://bsky.app/profile/wartranslated.bsky.social/post/3lkzw3d6lbk2v
"Russian Z-channels keep confirming the capture of Demidivka in Belgorod Oblast by Ukrainian forces, and now whining that their troops just up and left, letting Ukrainian fighters advance."
In a sign that Russia’s air defences and electronic jamming (EW) are severely compromised on the Belgorod stretch of the frontline, the Ukrainian Air Force has been launching successful attacks, including, for the first time, with the F-16s donated by European allies. Two command posts were hit. These are important targets because the Russian military operates in a top-down fashion which means there is no room for initiative on the battlefield. If that chain of command is broken, then Russian frontline units are paralysed temporarily. This might help explain how Ukraine outmanoeuvred its enemy.
Ukrainian Forces Annihilate Concealed Russian Command Post in Belgorod Region – General Staff
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_forces_annihilate_concealed_russian_command_post_in_belgorod_region_general_staff-13931.html
“The Ukrainian Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian command and control post at a border outpost in Glotovo, Belgorod region.”
Ukrainian forces destroy Russian command center in Kursk Oblast, General Staff reports
https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-destroy-russian-command-center-in-kursk-oblast-general-staff-reports/
The commander of the 1st Battalion of the 9th Motor Rifle Regiment was killed in the strike, according to the statement.
You would think, with the Belgorod fighting so close and command posts destroyed nearby, that the Russians would not do something as dumb as this, but...
Four Russian Helicopters Landed Near The Front Line. A Ukrainian Drone Was Watching—And HIMARS Was Ready.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/24/four-russian-helicopters-landed-near-the-front-line-a-ukrainian-drone-was-watching-and-himars-was-ready/
Ukraine Launched HIMARS Attack On Russian Helicopters In Belgorod
https://www.twz.com/air/ukraine-launched-himars-attack-on-russian-helicopters-in-belgorod
Ukrainian special operations forces state they called in the rocket artillery strike after spotting the helicopters at a forward arming and refueling point.
Ukrainian surveillance drone watches the first of four Russian helicopters explode / Screen capture
Two Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter gunships and two MI-8 helicopters were blown up. The Alligator is a prized target. Ukraine has destroyed close to half Russia’s fleet of them. This is why battlefield drone superiority is so important. With Russian electronic jamming degraded in this sector, a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone could range behind Russian lines looking for targets. When it found the helicopters refuelling, it instantly relayed precise co-ordinates to a waiting HIMARS rocket launcher. The helicopters were not planning to stay long on the ground, and, in the drone’s video, you can see their rotors still turning. Probably within less than a minute of receiving the drone’s intelligence, HIMARS rockets were streaking towards their targets. This was very impressive work.
Elsewhere, and with most of their limited supplies of new equipment being sent to troops in Kursk and now Belgorod, Russia continued to attack in the same old way, and be beaten back in the same old way. Just as many tanks and other armoured vehicles are being knocked out, but those numbers are being overtaken by the tally of e-scooters, looted cars, and requisitioned civilian trucks. Yes, a few town blocks and fields were captured but, for Ukraine, it is more important to preserve lives instead of fighting to the death. They prefer to inflict that fate on Russians and are happy to trade territory to do so.
A Lot More Russian Troops Are Attacking In Compact Cars, Vans And Golf Carts
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/24/a-lot-more-russian-troops-are-attacking-in-compact-cars-vans-and-golf-carts/
The growing abundance of civilian-style vehicles is evident in the tallies of Russian losses.
The amount of expensive, rare, and, sometimes, North Korean equipment destroyed this week is almost as phenomenal as last week’s tally. Ukraine hit the bulls-eye with the destruction of a Zhitel R-330Zh electronic warfare units. Complex to build and expensive to replace, this is the kit that's been jamming Ukraine’s smart bombs and rockets (including HIMARS).
Ukrainian Missile Strike Obliterates Russian R-330Zh Zhitel EW System (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_missile_strike_obliterates_russian_r_330zh_zhitel_ew_system_video-13958.html
Ukrainian forces successfully reconnoiter and destroy Russian electronic warfare system.
A ‘before’ photo of the R-330Zh Zhitel EW system / Open source illustrative photo
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WAR CRIMES
I forgot to mention this to you last week. Apologies. Trump’s actions tell you all about which side he supports in this war.
Trump administration pulls US out of body investigating Ukraine invasion
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/17/trump-russia-ukraine
Russia and allies were target of the ICPCAU (International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine).
Researchers have lost access to evidence of alleged Russian war crimes following Trump admin funding cut
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/19/politics/researchers-lose-access-evidence-alleged-russian-war-crimes/index.html
Researchers have lost access to a major database of evidence on alleged Russian war crimes, including the locations of more than 30,000 abducted Ukrainian children, and funding for their work has been terminated, according to a letter from House lawmakers and a source familiar with the matter.
This November 2022 photo shows the playground of the Kherson Children's house, an orphanage where Russian forces allegedly removed 46 children. / Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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THE DRONE WAR (LATEST BATTLEFIELD INNOVATIONS)
The Russian military tries to use smokescreens wherever possible. They’ve now converted FPV drones to spread them.
Smokescreen-Laying Drone Covers Russian Assault
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/03/24/smokescreen-laying-drone-covers--russian-assault/
A new video shows a Russian FPV drone laying a smoke screen prior to an assault in the Zaporizhzhia area. The novel tactic uses the drone’s speed and manoeuvrability to put down smoke quickly in a precise pattern, and the results are impressive.
With so many mobile howitzers destroyed by Ukraine, Russia has been pulling more and more 1950’s-era artillery pieces out of storage. These are shorter range, have to be towed, cannot fire on the move, and are slow to shoot once set up. However, they are sturdy and simple, making them very difficult to destroy. Ukraine’s FPV units have a solution. Once again, they attack ‘upstream of the boom’: aiming for the guns’ high precision barrels (see video below). Blasting holes in the barrel means an artillery piece can no longer be fired. Russia already had a shortage of replacement artillery barrels but now it’s made much worse.
Ukrainian UAV Pilots Targeted Russian Tor System in Motion and More Armored Units (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_uav_pilots_targeted_russian_tor_system_in_motion_and_more_armored_units_video-13950.html
Ukrainian operators burn holes in artillery barrels, making them impossible to repair.
Do-DT25 target drone on its catapult launcher. This is what Airbus is basing its LOAD drone on / Airbus
Away from this war, but surely relevant to Ukraine, Europe’s Airbus Industries showed a surprising willingness to innovate quickly and cheaply with the LOAD concept..
Micro Missile-Slinging Drone-Killing Drone Concept Revealed By Airbus
https://www.twz.com/air/missile-slinging-drone-killing-drone-revealed-by-airbus
The Airbus Low-Cost Air Defense (LOAD) concept takes an existing target drone and adds small air-to-air missiles to bring down enemy UAVs.
What’s the significance of this? It’s cheap, re-usable, quick to manufacture, it would not be the end of the world if one was lost, made in Europe, and specifies no US-made parts.
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THE DRONE WAR (THE LONG-RANGE WAR)
The puzzling paradox of mainstream Western media’s under reporting of this war was highlighted disappointingly this week by the BBC World Service. It did do some excellent reporting of the recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Kherson, Dnipro etc. However, not once did I hear it mention that Ukraine’s attack on the Engels-2 strategic bomber base destroyed ninety-six of the cruise missiles that do the most damage in these attacks. Ninety-six! On average, that’s enough for three large attacks on the very cities the BBC was reporting from. Very good news, surely? But I bet you did not hear about it. This is the paradox: Ukraine is reported widely to be the victim of Russian attacks, but you won’t hear that Russia is on the receiving end of Ukraine’s, even if it cost the Kremlin $960 million of weapons destroyed in one blast.
It is so weird.
Ninety-six cruise missiles go up in smoke. How many Ukrainian civilian lives did this save? / Screenshot
The Triple Tap Raid On the Engels Bomber Base Cost Russia $960 Million
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/27/the-triple-tap-raid-on-the-engels-bomber-base-cost-russia-96-billion/
96 Kh-101 cruise missiles went up in flames.
“The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed they struck Russia’s Engels-2 airbase on March 20, destroying 96 air-launched cruise missiles, including from secondary detonations. These were meant for three missile strikes in March-April. Fuel storage was also hit, further crippling Russia’s capabilities.”
https://bsky.app/profile/noelreports.com/post/3lldrno4p2c2x
Last year, Ukraine got serious about attacking Russia’s oil industry. They experimented with many different kinds of long-range drones but at least they've got started. With tens of thousands of long-range drones planned to be built this year, things are going to get much worse for Russia.
Russia Produces $189 Billion Of Oil A Year. Ukraine Is Determined To Blow It All Up
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/25/ukraines-drones-and-missiles-hit-russia-where-it-hurts-the-189-billion-oil-industry/
It’ll take many more, and much more destructive, oil raids to nudge Russia toward a meaningful peace.
Here’s a map of verified drone strikes in Russia from Sept 1st 2024 - Feb 12th 2025. Lless than half a year. It doesn't include the latest wave (Engels-2 etc):
Finally, some outstanding reporting about the regiment that helped pioneer FPV tactics and now launches long-range Lyuti drones (the ones that hit Engels-2 last week) at Russia. Why aren’t the major news channels filming this?
They set targets deep inside Russia on fire: the untold story of the 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles/2025/03/17/7503165
“This unit was once the testing ground for both long-range drone programmes and the first strike FPV drone formations."
“It is one of the most secretive units in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. And for good reason. Its soldiers launch the lion’s share of Ukraine’s long-range strategic strike drones towards Russia.
Lyutis before launch / Ukrainska Pravda
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THE DRONE WAR (THE WAR AT SEA)
Ukrainian naval drones have bottled Russia’s navy up in Crimea and forced it out of the western Black Sea. This week Ukraine unveiled a faster, more heavily armed drone than previous models. Equipped with torpedoes, a mini-gun, a machine gun, MANPAD missiles, and other weaponry, it covers over 1,000 km. Missions remain classified.
Ukraine Unleashes Nikola Tesla’s Weapon In The Black Sea
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/03/26/ukraine-unleashes-teslas-weapon-in-the-black-sea/
In 1898 famed inventor Nikola Tesla unveiled a new development which he believed would transform war: a radio-controlled boat which would allow small powers to fight off larger ones.
“War will cease to be possible when all the world knows to-morrow that the most feeble of the nations can supply itself immediately with a weapon which will render its coast secure and its ports impregnable to the assaults of the united armadas of the world,” Tesla declared. “Battleships will cease to be built, and the mightiest armorclads and the most tremendous artillery afloat will be of no more use than so much scrap iron.”
Needless to say, the technology took longer to mature than Tesla expected. But now Ukraine has launched a new type of drone boat carrying torpedoes which may fulfil Tesla’s prophecy.
Computer model of Ukraine's Katran drone boat announced Wednesday / Ukraine MoD
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GRIMLY HILARIOUS MOMENTS OF THE WEEK
European NATO anti-aircraft systems practice shooting down the controversial American-made F-35 fighters. It was an exercise planned many months ago, but still…. And did Canada have observers present?
Unusual NATO Drills in Latvia: Spanish NASAMS vs. Dutch F-35s
https://en.defence-ua.com/events/unusual_nato_drills_in_latvia_spanish_nasams_vs_dutch_f_35-13961.html
Although recent Washington rhetoric added new color to this military exercise, it's still mostly about training Dutch pilots to break through Russian air defenses.
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AIR WAR
Russian KAB glide bomb in mid-flight / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Glide bombs have stubby little wings which allow them to fly. This means they can be released at long-range and in relative safety by fighter-bombers far behind the frontline. Both sides use them: the Russians a lot since their artillery became degraded in numbers and in shell supply. They glide to their targets guided by satellite navigation. Both sides are in a technological race to jam the satellites’ signals and push the bombs off course. After suffering heavily from Russian FAB glide bombs since 2023, the Ukrainians seemed to be winning:
Ukraine’s Jammers Are Confusing Russia’s Glide Bombs. Watch One Stray Off Course.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/23/ukraines-jammers-are-confusing-russias-glide-bombs-watch-one-stray-off-course/
A ‘golden era’ of Russian bombardment is ending.
Ukraine’s Bridge-Busting Su-27s Are Trying To Isolate Russian Troops In Belgorod
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/27/ukraines-bridge-busting-su-27s-are-trying-to-isolate-russian-troops-in-belgorod/
The Sukhois are targeting bridges with precision bombs.
But then Russia struck back. And now both sides are in the same predicament. They can both glide bomb but not very accurately anymore. However, it is Russia that is worse affected because they use a lot more of them.
Russia Is Jamming Ukraine’s Precision Glide Bombs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/28/russia-is-jamming-ukraines-precision-glide-bombs/
But Ukrainian bombs have effective inertial backups.
SAMP/T, the catchily named Franco-Italian rival to the US PATRIOT missile system, keeps getting better. Yet it may take years for the promised numbers to be delivered to Ukraine.
Anti-Ballistic Radar For SAMP/T NG Missile Defense System Has Passed FAT Tests
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/anti_ballistic_radar_for_sampt_ng_missile_defense_system_has_passed_fat_tests-13940.html
The new Ground Fire 300 radar for SAMP/T NG seeks to improve performance of the systems, especially against ballistic threats, and avoid repeating flaws of older Patriot systems.
Last year, the Russians became highly agitated because an ancient Yak-52 pilot trainer aircraft used a rear-seat gunner holding a shotgun to shoot down a dozen expensive long-range reconnaissance drones. So agitated, in fact, that they targeted its hanger outside Odesa with an Iskander ballistic missile. There’s been no confirmation that the Yak was destroyed, but it seems highly likely. Now, a second Yak-52 has taken up the drone patrol.
Another World War I Style Dogfighter Is Hunting Russian Drones Over Ukraine
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/24/another-world-war-i-style-dogfighter-is-hunting-russian-drones-over-ukraine/
It may be the second Yakovlev Yak-52 trainer in Ukrainian service.
Screengrab via EYE OF HORUS
As Ukrainian pilots gain experience with their complex F-16 fighter bomber, they are carrying out more elaborate missions and flying ever closer to the frontline.
Ukraine’s F-16s Double As Radar-Hunting Spy Planes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/26/ukraines-f-16s-double-as-radar-hunting-spy-planes/
The fighters’ self-protection systems are apparently sensitive enough to work for reconnaissance.
Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Discusses Strategy and Mission Insights
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/exclusive_interview_ukrainian_f_16_pilot_discusses_strategy_and_mission_insights-13973.html
A first-ever interview reveals the effectiveness of the F-16 jets in Ukraine’s aerial defense strategy
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FOREIGN AID & INVESTMENT IN UKRAINE
Ukrainian Bohdana Howitzer fires a 155mm shell / General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Lots of 155mm artillery shell news this week. These are the munitions Ukraine needs the most.
Spain Supplied Ukraine with 200 Million Euro in Shells and Mines Alongside Military Aid
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/spain_supplied_ukraine_with_200_million_euro_in_shells_and_mines_alongside_military_aid-13954.html
Romania Produces 55 Million Rounds Annually, Is Now Launching 155-mm Shell Production
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/romania_produces_55_million_rounds_annually_is_now_launching_155_mm_shell_production-13991.html
Romanians claim to have expanded their ammunition production capabilities, and the numbers are impressive
Ukraine to Receive 1.5 Million Shells in 2025 as Part of Czech Initiative
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-to-receive-1-5-million-shells-in-2025-as-part-of-czech-initiative
“The Czech-led ammunition initiative to supply Ukraine can deliver at least as many shells in 2025 as it did last year,” said Prime Minister Petr Fiala after the Paris summit with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and other leaders.
A new Czech production line, already producing 100,000 shells a year plans to double that production capacity in n the next few weeks. The next step will be the launch of another 155mm production line, which is planned to open by the end of 2025. Its full operation, reaching a production capacity of 300,000 shells, is expected to begin in 2026.
Every friend of Ukraine is willing, but there are bottlenecks in the supply of weapons Ukraine needs that only investment in time and money can solve. Donald Hill over at Sarcastosaurus pulled together some succinct analysis of the problem:
The slow rate of missile production
https://xxtomcooperxx.substack.com/p/dons-weekly-24-march-2025-part-3?utm_source=%2Finbox&utm_medium=reader2
The UK is also trying to triple production of the Martlet at its Thales factory in Belfast but says it would take 2-3 years to increase its workforce by 10% due to the shortage of qualified specialists. Other issues are the expense of training new personnel and the backlog of processing security clearances. It used to be that only 200-300 private contractors needed clearances each year. Now, 7,000 are being processed.
The UK, Italy and France ordered 218 Aster 30 missiles. Ukraine has been requesting 50 missiles for their two SAMP/T air defense systems for weeks. Italy has virtually no missiles to send.
About 40 to 60 Taurus missiles are currently being produced each year. The rate of production would increase with more orders and Germany announced they will buy 600 more for $2.3 billion that will begin to be delivered in 2029. 50 to 100 Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles are produced each year. France is expected to produce 1200 AASM Hammer munitions in 2025. The ‘Long Neptune’ took a year to develop and has a 1000 km range and a 300 kg warhead. It is believed to be produced at a rate of 30 to 60 missiles a month. Zelensky said that Ukraine will produce 3,000 cruise missiles of all types in 2025 along with 30,000 long-range drones. Russia produces about 1,400 missiles a year.
To Triple Martlet Missile Production for Ukraine, the UK Faces Workforce and Capacity Challenges
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/to_triple_martlet_missile_production_for_ukraine_the_uk_faces_workforce_and_capacity_challenges-13824.html
However, recruiting more employees for British defense enterprises and addressing other staffing challenges is complicated by bureaucratic hurdles
But there is a very sensible suggestion about where Europe could buy long-range missiles already proven to be effective in combat.
Licensed Production of Ukrainian Neptune Could Solve Europe's Missile Shortage
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/licensed_production_of_ukrainian_neptune_could_solve_europes_missile_shortage-13916.html
Seeing the numbers of available Taurus and Storm Shadow cruise attack missiles, analysts say Europe is in a predicament, but there's a way out.
Just another excuse to show the flagship of the Black Sea fleet sinking. The Moskva was the Neptune’s first target / Screenshot
France was this week’s big donor.
MICA Missiles, AMX-10RC Armoured Vehicles: France to Provide Ukraine with a €2 Billion Military Aid Package
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/mica_missiles_amx_10rc_armored_vehicles_france_to_provide_ukraine_with_a_2_billion_military_aid_package-13977.html
France allocates a new military aid package worth €2 billion
Meanwhile, the US heads in the opposite direction. Australia is giving more Abrams main battle tanks than the USA did. It might take a lot longer for them to arrive than planned.
Trump-Vance strike again. The withdrawal of USAF logistic units from Poland delays the arrival of Australia's Abrams.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/australian_donation_of_abrams_tanks_to_ukraine_may_face_complications_over_trumps_decisions-13941.html
In fall 2024, Canberra announced a provision of 49 second-hand M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukrainian forces, now the transfer is at risk because of the new U.S. policies.
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EUROPE REARMS
illustration of HMS Dreadnought / Royal Navy
Work has started on the UK’s next generation of ballistic-missile submarines. Heavily dependant on US technology, of course. The UK government insists it has full control of the missiles.
UK Laid the Keel of Its Largest Submarine-to-Be, the HMS Dreadnought
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/uk_laid_the_keel_of_its_largest_submarine_to_be_the_hms_dreadnought-13937.html
HMS Dreadnought is to become the first of four Dreadnought-class submarines, it should be finished by and enter service in the 2030s.
Not every weapons system takes 5-10 years to build. Saab moved like lightning to build a counter-drone system for the Swedish army. It is slightly less complex than a ballistic missile sub.
NATO Standards Go Out the Window in the New Loke AA Gun: 84 Days of Development and Lego-Like Assembly
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/nato_standards_go_out_the_window_in_the_new_loke_aa_gun_84_days_of_development_and_lego_like_assembly-13881.html
In just 84 days, Saab made a C-UAS weapon from ready-made blocks, using pallets, bungee cords, and extension cables; now aims to field Loke systems in the Swedish army by 2025
Sweden also has longer-term, high tech plans.
Sweden Is Rearming For War With Russia
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/03/28/sweden-is-rearming-for-war-with-russia/
The government has announced a huge increase in defence spending.
Barely a week goes by without Rheinmetall announcing new production plans somewhere in Europe. Last week it was rocket boosters for PULS and HIMARS guided missiles, longer range motors for missiles with a range of up to 2,000km, and, in its existing partnership with Finland’s ICEYE, to build a satellite component plant. Six satellites are on order, with up to ten more being ordered by Germany.
Rheinmetall Aims to Make Engines For 2,000-km Missiles and Launch a Satellite Plant
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/rheinmetall_aims_to_make_engines_for_2000_km_missiles_and_launch_a_satellite_plant-13858.html
One of Germany's leading defense companies wants to enter new industrial segments and says it has all that's necessary to make it happen
Meanwhile, some European nations are still trying to pretend that the world has not changed.
Southern Europe must spend more on defense, Lithuania warns
https://www.politico.eu/article/southern-europe-must-spend-more-on-defense-lithuania-warns/
Time to get serious, says Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
There are problems with this rapid increase in arms orders. Because of decades-long defence cuts the skilled workers are not available for cope with the demand. It takes time to train skilled workers, often years. And they all need security clearances. Martlet production in Belfast has already been mentioned, but it is a wider issue in the UK and across Europe:
A Skills shortage Plagues British Defense
https://warontherocks.com/2025/03/a-skills-shortage-plagues-british-defense/
Like Ukraine, Taiwan faces an existential threat from a neighbour. They’ve been re-arming in recent years, but they have a different issue with that.
Taiwan’s Biggest Limitation in Defense Isn’t Spending, it’s Late Deliveries from U.S. Defense Companies
https://warontherocks.com/2025/03/taiwans-biggest-limitation-in-defense-isnt-spending-its-late-deliveries-from-u-s-defense-companies/
Taiwan relies almost exclusively on the United States for arms sales due to its diplomatic constraints. Such sales from the United States are mandated by the Taiwan Relations Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979. This reliance renders Taiwan particularly vulnerable to chronic delays and systemic problems in U.S. arms deliveries. Persistent backlogs continue to hamper Taiwan’s defense planning and budgetary momentum — casting a long shadow over even the strongest political and institutional support for arms investment.
Mines have been one of the three dominant weapons in this war (the other two are drones and artillery). Poland shares a border with Russia. Need I say more?
Poland Plans to Deploy Mines Along Borders with Russia and Belarus
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/poland_plans_to_deploy_mines_along_borders_with_russia_and_belarus-13895.html
Poland intends to place anti-personnel mines along its borders with Russia and Belarus as part of the East Shield project
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Thanks Martin. Always interesting and I have not read this content elsewhere. You and Olga Lautman who has a Substack called Unmasking Russia should do a podcast together. She often does them with other people.
https://olgalautman.substack.com/
You two would make a great podcast pair. I would watch.