In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed discussions with former US President Donald Trump regarding a potential deal involving the exchange of military technology. The proposal centers on Kyiv purchasing American weapons while simultaneously selling Ukrainian drone technology to the US. Zelenskyy believes this arrangement, which could be a “mega deal,” would be mutually beneficial, offering advantages to both nations. This initiative follows Trump’s earlier announcement of US arms funding for Ukraine by European allies and the planned delivery of Patriot air defense systems, although specifics remain uncertain.
Read More
Ukraine offers its front line as test bed for foreign weapons. It’s a fascinating concept, and honestly, a pretty smart move by Ukraine. They’re essentially turning their battleground into a live-action advertisement, incentivizing arms manufacturers to send their latest innovations to the front lines. The benefits are twofold: Ukraine gets access to cutting-edge weaponry, and companies get invaluable real-world performance data, with the added bonus of potential global exposure if their products prove effective.
And for the Russians? Well, things are bound to get interesting. Imagine the surprise of encountering a brand-new, classified prototype on the battlefield, straight from a company’s R&D department.… Continue reading
In a groundbreaking operation, the 3rd separate assault brigade successfully captured Russian troops in the Kharkiv region using only first-person view (FPV) drones and kamikaze ground robots. The brigade reported this as the first confirmed assault exclusively utilizing unmanned platforms, where drones guided surviving occupiers to Ukrainian positions after an assault robot prompted the enemy to surrender. This marks a significant advancement in Ukraine’s strategy of implementing robotized military operations, particularly to conserve Ukrainian lives and address troop shortages. The operation concluded with the capture of enemy positions and a nearby forest line.
Read More
Ukraine catches Chinese spies trying to steal secrets of missile that sank Russia’s flagship – it’s a story that, frankly, isn’t all that shocking, is it? When a nation is fighting for its very existence, and the world watches in a frenzy, you’d think spies would have a lot better sense than to try to sneak around. The risks are astronomically high in a situation like this. It’s not exactly a subtle game. You have to wonder about the intelligence of the people involved.
And what’s the first secret to anti-ship missiles that can sink flagships? Well, if the Moskva is any indicator, it seems like firing them at Russian flagships is a pretty solid start.… Continue reading
In a historic first, Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reported capturing Russian soldiers using only drones and ground-based robotic systems. The operation, conducted in Kharkiv Oblast, involved FPV drones and kamikaze ground robots attacking Russian fortifications, leading to the surrender of the enemy troops. These captured soldiers were subsequently guided out of the combat zone by drones and taken into custody. This novel approach, which highlights Ukraine’s strategy to minimize troop losses, enabled the brigade to seize both Russian fortifications and a nearby forest line.
Read More
France is ramping up production of its AASM precision-guided bombs, spurred by their successful use in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense announced an upcoming agreement with Safran, the primary developer, with a $150 million investment planned to increase manufacturing capacity. The AASM, also known as “Hammer,” features modular designs with various guidance options, including GPS, laser, and infrared seekers, and is equipped with a rocket booster for extended range. In response to this, Ukraine has also unveiled its own domestically produced glide bomb system, the “Ukrainian KAB,” as a cost-effective alternative.
Read More
Ukraine has developed a domestically produced glide bomb system, similar to Russia’s UMPK, which converts standard aerial bombs into long-range guided munitions. The system, referred to as the Ukrainian KAB, is undergoing test flights and achieving ranges up to 60 kilometers, with plans to extend to 80 kilometers. The project uses Ukrainian-built guidance and wing modules, while also testing a French navigation unit, and is designed for use with 500 kg bombs. While initial tests are promising, the primary obstacle to accelerating development and mass production is funding, with the design bureau estimating the cost of one unit at about $25,000.
Read More
In response to intensified Russian drone attacks, primarily using Iranian-made Shahed drones, Ukraine is accelerating the development and production of interceptor drones. These domestically produced drones are designed to bolster defenses against the increasingly frequent and large-scale attacks. Production volumes are already rising to meet the growing threat, which recently saw over 470 drones launched in a single night. This effort is crucial given the devastating impact of recent attacks, such as this week’s assault on Kyiv which involved 440 drones and 32 missiles.
Read More
The US Army established Detachment 201, the Executive Innovation Corps, to integrate cutting-edge tech expertise into military operations. Four senior executives from Palantir, Meta, and OpenAI were commissioned as lieutenant colonels in this new unit. This initiative aims to leverage private-sector know-how to modernize the Army and enhance its capabilities, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. The unusual collaboration highlights the increasing importance of technology in modern warfare and recruitment efforts. This development follows a surge in Palantir’s stock value driven by substantial government contracts.
Read More
Overnight drone strikes targeted key Russian defense industry facilities. The Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC in Samara Oblast, a producer of explosive components, and the Nevinnomyssk plant in Stavropol Krai, a major supplier of explosives and rocket fuel components, were both hit. Explosions and fires were reported at both locations, impacting Russia’s ability to supply its military. The attacks underscore Ukraine’s continued efforts to disrupt Russia’s war effort through long-range strikes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood