The Under Reported War 10 - April 27 2025
Today is 1,158th days into Putin’s 3-Day Special Military Operation
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Welcome to 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 April 20th - Saturday April 26th 2025
The Russian GRAU (Main Missile and Artillery Directorate) 51st Arsenal went ‘boom’ this week / Screegrab
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BEHIND THE HEADLINES
For days there was wall-to-wall coverage about this deal or that, or about ceasefires and mineral rights as, instead of reporting on the war, news organisations indulged in the much easier but pointless pastime of sane-washing Trump’s lies.
Meanwhile, Czechia ended its dependance on Russian oil. The CIA forgot to mention which side the son of their deputy director was fighting for when he died. I’ll give you a clue. It wasn’t Ukraine. The Ukrainian army’s much-needed reorganisation continued with the newly formed 8th Corps being deployed to the front line. Finally, NATO has adopted Ukraine’s new defensive strategy on a grand scale.
You probably didn’t hear anything about all of this. Sigh… welcome to The Under Reported War.
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Trump’s Ukraine ceasefire is slipping away
https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/04/15/trumps-ukraine-ceasefire-is-slipping-away
https://archive.ph/vgTxZ
“The American president increasingly looks like Russia’s willing dupe.”
What Happens If Trump Does Say He's "Done" With The War?
https://phillipspobrien.substack.com/p/what-happens-if-trump-does-say-hes?
“It Could Make Things Somewhat Better For Ukraine--Or Much Worse.”
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Czech Republic Ends 60-Year Dependence on Russian Oil
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Czech-Republic-Ends-60-Year-Dependence-on-Russian-Oil.html
“The Czech Republic has ended its 60-year-long dependence on Russian oil supply after capacity upgrades on a pipeline from the west. For the first time ever, the Czech Republic is now independent from Russian oil pipeline deliveries.”
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CIA confirms deputy director’s son killed while fighting in Ukraine
https://kyivindependent.com/cia-confirmed-deputy-directors-son-killed-while-fighting-in-ukraine/
This ‘anti-fascist’ died fighting for Russia.
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Six Brigades Form Backbone of Ukraine’s New 8th Airborne Assault Corps
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/six-brigades-form-backbone-of-ukraine-s-new-8th-airborne-assault-corps/
“Ukraine’s newly formed 8th Airborne Assault Corps has been deployed to the front lines, according to the Airborne Assault Forces Command.”
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1,850 miles: NATO plans world’s-costliest ‘drone wall’ to counter Russia
https://interestingengineering.com/military/drone-wall-nato-1850-mile-uav-shield
“This high-stakes project is a network of surveillance drones and counter-drone systems stretching from Norway to Poland.”
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
This week Ukraine published its report on Russia’s losses during the Kursk incursion. Such is the omnipresent nature of battlefield drones, casualty figures are more reliable than ever before because there is usually video on which they can be counted.
Ukraine's General Staff Reports Heavy Russian and North Korean Losses in the Kursk Operation
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraines_general_staff_reports_heavy_russian_and_north_korean_losses_in_the_kursk_operation-14319.html
“Since the launch of the Kursk operation on August 6, 2024, Russian losses in this sector have been as follows:Personnel losses: 62,400;
Irrecoverable losses: 25,200;
Sanitary (wounded) losses: 36,200.
In addition, the General Staff confirmed that 983 Russian soldiers have been captured during the fighting.”
Bear in mind that Russia eventually amassed 65-70,000 soldiers in its six-month effort to drive Ukraine out of Kursk (still not completed by the way).
A defending army expects casualties in the ratio of one defender killed or wounded to every three attackers killed or wounded. Modern armies work on the basis that taking more than ten per casualties renders a unit so ineffective it should be withdrawn from battle. If Russia (and North Korea) took more than 62K casualties as there were only ever 65-70K soldiers fighting at any one moment. That is a stupendously high attrition rate. Of course, reinforcements were poured in, but it seems obvious that the attrition rate was far in excess of 10%.
This is why the Russian style of war-fighting has degenerated to the point it is called ‘a meat-grinder’. Even worse, two attackers died for every three wounded. That is double the expected rate. It show how little Russia cares about casualties including evacuating the wounded. In comparison, Ukraine’s rates have been reported as one death for every five casualties.
Soldiers can be identified easily by drones on the battlefield / Screenshot from video
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In recent months, you may have heard that Russia ‘next big offensive’ will be in Sumy oblast. Well, it’s started and, so far, it has been as unimpressive as every other Russian offensive since Severodonetsk was captured in 2022. Tiny assault teams of 5-6 infantrymen will not achieve a major breakthrough. Ever. But ‘assault groups’ sounds cool and so reporters parrot the Russian talking point.
Russian Assault Groups Continue Attempts to [Invade] Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's Border Guard Says
https://kyivindependent.com/russian-assault-groups-continue-attampts-to-enter-sumy-oblast-to-expand-front-line-area/
“Russia continues deploying small assault groups to infiltrate Ukrainian territory in Sumy Oblast to broaden the front line area.”
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As the Russian army becomes de-mechanised, it resorts to ever more desperate measure. With armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles being in short supply, six months ago, Russia now attempts to storm Ukrainian defences with motorbikes.
What Explains Russia’s Return to Assaults Using Motorbikes, Abandoned as a Tactic in 2011
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/what_explains_russias_return_to_assaults_using_motorbikes_abandoned_as_a_tactic_in_2011-14270.html
“A few potential explanations to Russia's recent [re-adoption of this tactic] at the front and how they could develop going forward.”
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More video emerged this week of Russia’s ‘Crutch Battalions’ where crippled soldiers are forced into assaults.
The ‘Crutch Battalion’ is back in action
https://bsky.app/profile/wartranslated.bsky.social/post/3lnfp6d3ccc2e
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Remember when Russian artillery out-gunned Ukraine’s? Not any more. Last year, Ukraine produced more modern howitzers than the whole of NATO. This year, the rate has sped up even further. In contrast, Russia is forced to pull WWII-era artillery out of storage. Short-range and slow to fire it is an easy target for Ukraine’s drones.
Production of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems reached 36 units per month
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/army-technology-production-of-bohdana-self-propelled-artillery-systems-reached-36-units-per-month/
“According to the manufacturer, in order to secure production, it was dispersed across several different locations, including abroad. It also introduced duplication of production – no part is made in just one location. This was done to ensure that even if a particular production site was hit, the production process would not stop.”
Ukrainian wheeled 155mm 2S22 Bohdana howitzer / Oleksandr Kamyshin.
The Nemesis Regiment Crushes Russian Artillery Near Pokrovsk (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_nemesis_regiment_crushes_russian_artillery_near_pokrovsk_video-14275.html
“Fighters of the Nemesis 412th Regiment are actively targeting and eliminating Russian artillery units near Pokrovsk , where enemy forces are attempting to sever the crucial roadway linking Pokrovsk to Pavlohrad.”
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Should you know anyone who thinks Ukraine is not holding back the Russians very effectively, here are few links to persuade them otherwise:
The Defense Intelligence Units Deliver Heavy Blows in Zaporizhzhia: Over 120 Russians, 200+ Positions, and More Than 100 Equipment Units (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_defense_intelligence_units_deliver_heavy_blows_in_zaporizhzhia_over_120_russians_neutralized_200_positions_hit_and_more_than_100_equipment_units_video-14230.html
“The Defense Intelligence carried out a series of successful missions that resulted in heavy personnel and equipment losses for Russian troops near Shcherbaky Zaporizhzhia.”
Ukrainian Tankers Reveal How They Fight on T-64: What Targets Tanks are Destroying, Realities of Modern Battlefield
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/ukrainian_tankers_reveal_how_they_fight_on_t_64_what_targets_tanks_are_destroying_realities_of_modern_battlefield-14242.html
“In the era of FPV drones, and even more so on fiber optics, tanks become an easy target, but at the same time continue to perform tasks on the battlefield.”
Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade Turns Enemy Equipment and Manpower Into Ashes, Burns [TOS-1 Thermobaric Rocket Launcher] (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrianes_3rd_assault_brigade_turns_enemy_equipment_and_manpower_into_ashes_burnes_heavy_flamethrower_system-14240.html
“Warriors of the “FATUM” unit from the Anti-Tank Battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade continue to destroy equipment and manpower of the Russian invaders and destroy the logistics of the occupation army.”
Ukrainian Forces Destroy Russian Buk-M2 Air Defense System (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_forces_destroy_russian_buk_m2_air_defense_system_with_accurate_targeting_and_swift_execution_video-14264.html
“Artillery reconnaissance from the 15th Brigade detected and eliminated critical components of Russian Buk-M2 air defense system.””
Ukrainian Forces Repel Major Russian Assault 8 km from the Frontline in Zaporizhzhia Region (Video)
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_forces_repel_major_russian_assault_8_km_from_the_frontline_in_zaporizhzhia_region_video-14268.html
“Russian troops reportedly formed six assault columns totaling over 300 personnel, 40 armored vehicles, three tanks, and about ten buggies. However, the attack was thwarted before reaching the front line thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Artan active operations unit and other defense elements.”
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THE DRONE WAR (LATEST INNOVATIONS)
Another combat robot entered service this week. When the weather and ground conditions are right this year, expect Ukraine to launch a large scale unmanned robot/drone assault on an unsuspecting part of the Russian front line.
The Droid TW 12.7 UGV / Photo credit: DevDroid
Straight Out of Sci-Fi: Tracked Combat Robot Armed with the Browning Machine Gun and Thermal Vision Is Now in Ukrainian Service
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/straight_out_of_sci_fi_tracked_combat_robot_armed_with_the_browning_machine_gun_and_thermal_vision_is_now_in_ukrainian_service-14301.html
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine are deploying new combat robot that merges heavy weaponry, smart targeting, and remote control to boost operational effectiveness on the frontlines.”
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You should watch this fascinating video about how Ukraine is now mass-producing its own drones.
Exclusive: How Ukraine’s Secret Drone Factory Builds Vampires and Shrikes for the Frontline
https://united24media.com/latest-news/exclusive-how-ukraines-secret-drone-factory-builds-vampires-and-shrikes-for-the-frontline-7716
UNITED24 Media was granted rare access inside a secret Skyfall drone factory, where cutting-edge Vampires and Shrike FPV drones are produced on an industrial scale to support Ukraine’s war effort.
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And yet another improved FPV drone is now on the battlefield. I might soon have to stop doing this as it is getting repetitive, but this is the astonishing thing about drone technology: it advances so quickly.
Ukraine Boosts FPV Arsenal With the General Chereshnia System with Customizable Payloads and Rapid Setup
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukraine_boosts_fpv_arsenal_with_the_general_chereshnia_system_with_customizable_payloads_and_rapid_setup_time-14280.html
Built for speed and power, the system is tailored for quick-strike missions against vehicles, bunkers, and armor
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THE AIR WAR
UPMK glide bombs released often from inside Russia to glide onto Ukrainian targets / Russian Defence Ministry
Donald Hill over at the always excellent and often provocative Sarcastosaurus Substack, had this piece on how electronic warfare (EW) counter-measures were developed against Russia’s feared UMPK glide bomb:
The Lima EW system
https://xxtomcooperxx.substack.com/p/dons-weekly-21-april-2025-part-4
“According to a former German Defense Ministry official, the Ukrainian Lima EW system outperforms any Russian or Western system and he says it’s a breakthrough in electronic warfare. Russia’s UMPK bomb was once considered unjammable, but their navigation system is so disrupted by Lima that Russia has to use 8-16 bombs for a single target now (actually, we’ve heard from much higher figures from several Ukrainian contacts, but lets leave it at that).
The UMPK bombs use inertial guidance that isn’t accurate by itself. When combined with satellite signals that update the bomb’s location it is very accurate. When those satellite signals are jammed the bomb drifts off target. The longer it glides without a satellite update, the farther the bomb drifts away from the target for distances of… lest say 50-100 meters.\
Why do we say such things?
Well, take example of Zaporizhzhia: Ukrainians in this area were regularly targeted by UMPKs, but a lot of bombs aimed at the city now fall 10-15 kilometers short of it, and they also fail to detonate (probably because they didn’t reach their programmed target coordinates). The reason why is because Lima doesn’t just have jamming capabilities, it conducts a cyberattack on the navigation receiver and provides it with false data, spoofing it to make the receiver believe it is somewhere else.
This digital attack is different from traditional spoofing that slowly replaces a valid navigation satellite signal with a false radio signal that provides false coordinates. If the signal is replaced too quickly or doesn’t meet other criteria that can be detected and the false signal is rejected. It is easier to spoof a Shahed drone that flies relatively slowly but there is less time to spoof a UMPK that can fly as fast as 1900 kph. A digital attack can be conducted much faster.
There is widespread coverage with Lima on the front line and high value targets, such as cities, but there are gaps in the coverage. Malokaterynivka is 15 km south of Zaporizhzhia and it is still being heavily damaged by UMPK attacks. Also, at altitudes of 50 meters or lower, terrain sometimes creates gaps in coverage by blocking the EW signal.
But the danger of the UMPK, which was once an existential threat to cities and the frontline, has now been greatly reduced. Still, in electronic warfare, there is a counter move to every counter move. It remains to be seen if Russia can counter Lima and what Ukraine might do if that happens.”
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Elsewhere, a cheap FPV interceptor quadcopter set a new altitude record as it took down one of Russia’s largest drones at 4,000m altitude (13,000 feet). Despite being designed for stealthy reconnaissance, the Forpost was carrying laser-guided bombs under its wings.
Ukrainian Anti-Aircraft Drone Damages Rare Russian-Israeli Forpost-R UAV at High Altitude
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_anti_aircraft_drone_damages_rare_russian_israeli_forpost_r_uav_at_high_altitude-14261.html
“A rare Russian Forpost-R strike/reconnaissance UAV (an unlicensed variant of Israeli Searcher II) was damaged by an anti-aircraft drone, marks a new level of capability in Ukrainian umanned warfare.”
Ukraine’s Interceptors Bring Down Biggest Russian Drone Yet
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/04/22/ukraines-interceptors-bring-down-biggest-russian-drone-yet/
“Ukraine’s Birds of Magyar unit published video of one of their FPV interceptors hitting a Russian Forpost-R drone, the largest yet to fall victim in this way. It is a notable success -- the interceptor cost around $2k, the half-ton Forpost-R is more like $7 million – but it is also a symptom of another subtle shift in drone warfare. Ukraine’s interceptors have previously been highly successful against small drones, but now they are stepping up their game.”
Forpost Drone moments before interception / Birds of Magyar
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THE LONG-RANGE WAR
Ukraine continues to attack ‘upstream of the boom’: destroying Russian munitions before they can be used. This week, long-range drones struck the Russian Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) arsenal 60km east of Moscow. This is, in theory, inside the protective shield of Moscow’s formidable air defences. It didn’t help.
Three views of the 51st GRAU arsenal explosion / Defense Express
The 51st GRAU Arsenal 60 km from Moscow Was Destroyed: Why it Was the Most Difficult Target and What Was Hidden Inside
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_51st_grau_arsenal_60_km_from_moscow_was_destroyed_why_it_was_the_most_difficult_target_and_what_was_hidden_inside-14272.html
“The 51st arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) of the Russian Ministry of Defense had a design capacity of 264,000 tons of various ammunition and was protected by the most heavily concentrated air defense system in the Russian federation.”
What Satellite Images Reveal About the Destruction of Russia’s 51st GRAU Arsenal Near Moscow
https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/what_satellite_images_reveal_about_the_destruction_of_russias_51st_grau_arsenal_near_moscow-14282.html
“The first satellite images of the explosion site have confirmed the scale of the destruction.”
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Russia continues to bombard cities in Ukraine. Kyiv was hit by North Korean ballistic missiles.
Kyiv Comes Under Attack By North Korean KN-23 Ballistic Missiles
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/kyiv_comes_under_attack_by_north_korean_kn_23_ballistic_missiles-14288.html
“The capital city of Ukraine became the main target of a Russian long-range combined attack on the night of April 24, involving 70 missiles of various types and 145 drones.”
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The 112th Missile Brigade was responsible for the Palm Sunday Massacre in Sumy. I think the evidence is clear that Ukraine is now going to hound them to their graves.
Drone Strikes Hit Shuya for Third Time This Month Home to the Russian 112th Missile Brigade
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/drone_strikes_hit_shuya_for_third_time_this_month_home_to_the_russian_112th_missile_brigade-14300.html
“On the night of Friday, April 25, Russians reported a drone attack on the city of Shuya in the Ivanovo region of the Russian federation, where the 112th Missile Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces is stationed.”
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Crimea is stuffed full of Russian high tech especially radars of all kinds. You would think it would be hard for Ukrainian kamikaze drones to fly undetected let alone avoid getting shot down over Crimea. Happily, that is not so. Drones destroyed yet more radars on the peninsula this week.
Which Drones Are Behind Regular Devastating Strikes on Russian Equipment in Crimea?
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/which_drones_are_behind_regular_devastating_strikes_on_russian_equipment_in_crimea-14304.htmllink
“Between April 21 and 23, a series of strikes by unknown kamikaze drones hit Russian military equipment in occupied Crimea. Among the confirmed damaged assets were ST-68UM radars, P-18-2 radars, and possibly a Tor air defense system.”
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The railway is Russia’s main method of moving equipment, soldiers, and supplies into Ukraine, but railway lines are very hard to damage severely with the relatively small warheads on long-range drones. Instead, last month saw an increase in sabotage attacks aimed at disrupting that flow of supplies.
Coordinated Sabotage Disrupted Russian Railways in March 2025, Disabling Logistics Hubs Across Six Regions and Targeting Power and Fuel Systems
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/coordinated_sabotage_disrupted_russian_railways_in_march_2025_disabling_logistics_hubs_across_six_regions_and_targeting_power_and_fuel_systems-14204.html
“March 2025 marked a sharp escalation in railway sabotage targeting Russian logistics, with deliberate arson and infrastructure damage crippling rail transport in key regions of Russia.”
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GRIMLY HILARIOUS MOMENTS OF THE WEEK
In Russia’s Vladimir region, where an ammunition depot explosion occurred, the ruling party "United Russia" sent toilet paper as compensation to those affected.
https://bsky.app/profile/wartranslated.bsky.social/post/3lnkjq6jbrc2e
The recipients of free toilet paper. They look happy / Open source
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FOREIGN AID & INVESTMENT IN UKRAINE
Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites see through clouds. They are invaluable tools for intelligence gathering. Japan has joined France, the UK, and Finland is supplying SAR imagery to Ukraine.
Japan to provide Ukraine with geospatial intelligence, media reports
https://kyivindependent.com/japan-to-provide-ukraine-with-geospatial-intelligence-media-reports/
“Japan's Kyushu University Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) has agreed to provide Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, Intelligence Online magazine reported on April 21.”
Gvardeyskoye air base, Crimea, occupied Ukraine. 5 Su-25 aircraft highlighted in red. Finnish ICEYE SAR image / Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
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Tauranga-based Syos wins $67 million UK drone contract
https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360662783/tauranga-based-syos-wins-67-million-uk-drone-contract
“Tauranga-based drone-maker Syos Aerospace has done a £30 million (NZ$67 million) deal to supply unmanned military vehicles for use in Ukraine... The deal was announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Britain and New Zealand both step up defence spending.”
The SA200 unmanned aircraft system / Syos Aerospace
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North Korean M1991 multiple launch rocket system during live-fire tests / Open source
It’s not just Ukraine that receives foreign aid.
First Video of North Korean M1991 MLRS in Russian Service, Outfitted with Anti-Drone Protection
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/first_video_of_north_korean_m1991_mlrs_in_russian_service_outfitted_with_anti_drone_protection-14251.html
“Russia is expected to receive hundreds of artillery systems from North Korea.”
And Donald Hill at the Sarcastosaurus Substack, had this to say:
“Between August 2023 and March 2025 North Korea sent about five million rounds of various calibers to Russia. Of the 11,000 troops sent, North Korea lost between 5-6,000. They earned $20 billion for their aid. In 2023 the North Korean GDP was $23 billion.”
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EUROPE REARMS
Romania is increasing its artillery shell production radically. The optimists say it will take six months; the realists say one-and-a-half years. The British government and defence industry both appeared to be quite slow to recognise the new reality but, like almost every other NATO member, they too are upgrading munitions production.
Spain’s military has been long-neglected , especially it army (for very good reasons say those of us who can remember events in 1981), but it too is being pulled into the post-Ukraine invasion reality. The military is getting an overhaul, with better pay, conditions, and a modern command structure.
Finally, Poland has leapt successfully over one of the many technical hurdles that have to crossed in order to build their own PATRIOT missiles. As ever, that is still years from being realised.
Romania Debates Whether 155mm Shell Production Can Begin in 6 Months or 1.5 Years
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/romania_debates_whether_155mm_shell_production_can_begin_in_6_months_or_15_years-14237.html
“What currently looks like a simple media exchange of opinions may actually reflect deeper realities in Romania’s defense-industrial planning.”
Britain to ramp up explosives production to end reliance on US arms
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/britain-explosives-production-us-reliance-6rzxhjc0k
https://archive.ph/zA8Xi
“The defence industry will increase its manufacturing of sovereign munitions amid fears over Trump’s reliability and growing global demand.”
Spain launches $12 billion defense plan to meet NATO’s 2 percent GDP spending target
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/spain-launches-12-billion-defense-plan-to-meet-natos-2-percent-gdp-spending-target/
“Spain has historically lagged in defense spending relative to nearly all other NATO nations, but that could change with a high-dollar and wide-ranging build-up.”
Poland Mastered Launch Tube Manufacturing: A Milestone Toward Local Patriot Production
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/poland_mastered_launch_tube_manufacturing_a_milestone_toward_local_patriot_production-14202.html
“Polish defense industry gives a practical answer to how much time and effort it takes to localize production of the Patriot air/missile defense system. The first batch of launch tubes for MSE missiles has been manufactured at the Polish plant Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL 1) in Lodz.”
Polish PATRIOT missile launcher / AP/Micael Dyjuk
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