Defense Express’ Weekly Review: India’s 114 Rafale Deal Stalls as Ukraine Destroys Sprint-030, U.S. Orders 405 PAC-3 MSE, China Builds Zubr Craft, and Admiral Makarov Is Struck
India’s 114 Rafale Deal Stalled Over Source Code Access, France Fears russian Hands on Fighter Software Through BrahMos Missile
India’s long-anticipated deal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets has stalled as France refuses to grant access to the aircraft’s sensitive source code, turning what was expected to be a routine contract signing into a high-stakes dispute over technology control and security.
The Rafale aircraft / Photo credit: Dassault Aviation
First Recorded Destruction of russia’s New Sprint-030 Terminal by Ukrainian UAVs (Video)
Ukrainian forces have reportedly achieved the first recorded destruction of russia’s new Spirit-030 satellite communications terminal, highlighting a growing effort to target the enemy’s battlefield connectivity rather than just its hardware.
Read more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: Ukraine Eyes Qatar’s Mirage Jets as France Renames Carrier, UK Downs Record Drones, Iran Loses Sub, U.S. Seeks Drone Makers
U.S. Navy Orders 405 MSE Missiles for Patriot Systems, Leaving Fewer for Export
The U.S. Navy’s decision to procure 405 PAC-3 MSE missiles, despite not operating Patriot systems, signals a broader shift to address interceptor shortages, but risks tightening global supply at a time of rising demand.
The PAC-3 MSE missile / Photo credit: Lockheed Martin
China Builds New Zubr-Class Landing Craft After Acquiring Four Units From Ukraine in 2000s
China is ramping up production of Zubr-class air-cushion landing craft, building on technology acquired from Ukraine in the 2000s, in a move that highlights both the long-term consequences of past defense transfers and Beijing’s growing capacity to localize and expand complex amphibious platforms for potential large-scale operations.
The third LCM Bizon (hull number 3327) craft and the first domestically built vessel during trials in China / open source
Ukraine Strikes Admiral Makarov Ship, russia’s Last Kalibr-Capable Frigate in Black Sea
Ukraine has struck the russian Black Sea Fleet Admiral Makarov frigate in the port of Novorossiysk, targeting what is believed to be Moscow’s last operational Kalibr-capable warship in the region and underscoring Kyiv’s continued focus on degrading russia’s long-range strike capabilities at sea.
The Admiral Makarov frigate / screenshot from videoRead more: Defense Express’ Weekly Review: russia Unveils Skorlupa USV, Colombia Chooses Gripen Aircraft, Moscow Copies Ukrainian Hood, U.S. Expands Missile Production
