Long story short: Russia set a new anti-record by launching 805 drones against Ukraine in a single night. But in this edition, I want to focus on another growing trend: the rising number of defence cooperation projects between Ukraine and non-Western countries. This feels like a breath of fresh air, as many nations beyond Europe […]
Menej ako 1 min. min.
Long story short: Russia set a new anti-record by launching 805 drones against Ukraine in a single night. But in this edition, I want to focus on another growing trend: the rising number of defence cooperation projects between Ukraine and non-Western countries. This feels like a breath of fresh air, as many nations beyond Europe and America can benefit from Ukraine’s technologies and expertise. In recent weeks, we’ve seen an agreement with Taiwan, and Ukraine is holding talks on joint drone production with Japan, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Turkish Bayraktar drones are back in the sky, destroying Russian equipment.
Ukraine has much to offer, and from my own experience participating in forums across different countries, I can say with confidence that Ukrainian technologies will continue to revolutionize warfare worldwide.
In this edition:
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Possible military transfers from Azerbaijan;
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“Most Defence Innovations Are Invented by Soldiers” — Summary of the Interview with Ukrainian Armor;
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Cooperation initiatives: Ukrainian company to establish production in Denmark;
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New Ukrainian ballistic missiles;
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20+ additional key developments.
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Foreign Military Aid and Direct Purchases
🇦🇿 Ukraine may have replenished its fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets from a somewhat unexpected source—Azerbaijan, The War Zone reports.
Recently, a photograph began circulating on social media showing a single-seat MiG-29 fighter of the Ukrainian Air Force in camouflage typical of Azerbaijan.
The date and location of the photo are unknown, but the aircraft appears to be on a combat mission, equipped with medium-range R-27 (AA-10 “Alamo”) and short-range R-73 (AA-11 “Archer”) air-to-air missiles. While it is not excluded that the photo could be falsified, at present, there are no indications that it is inauthentic.
Defense Express suggests that the Ukrainian Air Force may have received up to three additional MiG-29s. While that is not a large number, it still represents a valuable reinforcement.
Russian military expert suggested that the fighter jets may have been transported ‘with their wings removed, from Azerbaijan to Turkey, and then to Ukraine in shipping containers.’ According to a Russian MP, the MiG-29 could have reached Ukraine ‘by any route,’ since ‘different logistical chains have been established.’
It’s important to note that Azerbaijan did not inherit MiG-29s from Soviet stockpiles. Instead, the country purchased about 15 units from Ukraine, with deliveries beginning in 2007 after major overhauls and minor upgrades.
In August, I reported that following the tensions with Russia, Azerbaijani officials said that Baku may consider lifting its arms embargo on Kyiv. According to a Russian official, Azerbaijan has already carried out supplies of shells and other items to Ukraine through intermediaries. He added that any arms deliveries to Ukraine would be treated by the Russian military as legitimate targets.
Additional developments:
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🇬🇧 Members of the Coalition of the Willing announced their readiness to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles. UK Prime Minister Starmer stated during the coalition meeting that the group had given Ukraine an ‘unbreakable promise.’
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🇱🇺 Luxembourg joined the NATO PURL initiative to support Ukraine with US-made weapons. Now it seeks European teammates to fund US weaponry for Ukraine.
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🇧🇬 Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Bulgaria’s defence industry has produced one-third of the weapons and ammunition supplied to Ukraine.
This statement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, together with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria. The country has been one of the main suppliers of shells for 122 mm and 152 mm howitzers, tank and mortar ammunition, Grad rocket systems, and grenade launchers.
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🇭🇺 In Hungary, valuable spare parts from decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets were stolen from a military airfield. There are assumptions that these components may have been transferred to Ukraine.
The Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty conducted its own investigation and uncovered more details. According to informed sources, parts were removed from a total of eight different aircraft. The most valuable item stolen was the onboard computer that controlled the radar and weapons system.
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🇸🇪 Following interest from Kyiv, Sweden is open to selling advanced Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine once the war with Russia ends. Ukraine is interested in predominantly Gripen Echo, the new version that Sweden and Brazil are operating.
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Zelensky stated that Ukraine expects a significant strengthening of its air defence following the 30th “Ramstein” format meeting, which will take place in London on September 9.
“Most of the Defense Innovations are Invented by Soldiers”: Summary of the Interview with Ukrainian Armor
Most of the innovations come directly from soldiers on the battlefield. They test the equipment in real combat, provide feedback, and that feedback must be heard and acted upon. Here is a summary of the recent interview with the CEO of Ukrainian Armor, Vladyslav Belbas:
