Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight

Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight Hide

Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)

In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine

Ukraine could obtain more 155mm howitzers — this time from Italy — as Kyiv seeks to tip the artillery balance against Russia.

Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine

Will Germany decide to provide ten medium-range SAM systems to Ukraine?

Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery

The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.

Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets

It seems appealing to fast-track pilot training by conducting most flights on simulators and omitting certain procedures if the West were to give more modern aircraft for Ukraine’s air force, but it might prove challenging in practice.

Naval Warfare

Down, but not out (Comment)

The sinking in April of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea flagship, although not evidence of a major change in the naval domain, is a far cry from the pre-emptive scuttling of Ukraine’s own flagship. The donation of increasingly advanced materiel demonstrates increased faith in Ukraine’s ability to resist the Russian invaders.

Defence Notes

Small skirmishes pose perfect opportunity for Switchblade success in Ukraine

8th April 2022

Switchblade loitering munitions en route to Ukraine could be effective against Russian tank formations and in small-scale skirmishes, according to a defence expert.
Uncrewed Vehicles

Golden Eagle quadcopters destined for Ukraine

7th April 2022

An unnamed European NATO military is buying 15 quadcopter mini-UAVs for onward transfer to Ukraine.
Land Warfare

Russia strives to solve logistics problems in Ukraine

7th April 2022

A lack of modern equipment makes the Russian supply system less effective, strains resources and restricts offensive capabilities — but the invading forces in Ukraine may still be able to adapt.
Land Warfare

Australia to send Bushmasters to Ukraine

5th April 2022

The largest defence items that Australia will send to Ukraine so far are Bushmaster vehicles.
Defence Notes

France offers low-key support for Ukrainian cause

1st April 2022

France has been less vocal than other European countries in providing military aid to embattled Ukraine, although it has reacted swiftly to deploy ground, air and sea assets to protect NATO allies.
Land Warfare

Russian light armour faces post-mortem after Ukraine debacle

31st March 2022

Russian light armoured vehicles have suffered heavy casualties in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, but what are the reasons?
Defence Notes

African defence market feels ripple effects of Russian sanctions

30th March 2022

How is the imposition of political and economic sanctions on Russia affecting regions heavily dependent on military equipment provided by Moscow and could this serve as an opportunity for new competing countries to attempt to fill a void?
Naval Warfare

Prolonged Ukraine war poses logistics problem for Russia in Syria

29th March 2022

The longer the war lasts in Ukraine, the more severe the repercussions for Russian activities in Syria.
Defence Notes

New US sanctions hit 48 Russian defence companies

28th March 2022

A new package of sanctions imposed by the US affects Russian manufacturers of unmanned and communication systems, missiles, ammunition, helicopters, aircraft and imaging equipment.
Air Warfare

Where is the Russian Air Force? (Opinion)

28th March 2022

Despite its reputation, the Russian Air Force has failed to make significant advances in Ukraine — but the lessons that will be likely to emerge will be applicable to all.
Defence Notes

Russia-Ukraine war challenges UK force structure assumptions (Opinion)

25th March 2022

Barely a year after the publication of the Integrated Review, the UK MoD now finds itself observing a major conflict in Europe, and it will have to draw conclusions on what this means for force structures and presence.
Land Warfare

K-pop jamming compounds Russian HF woes in Ukraine

25th March 2022

Russian Army HF radio communication vulnerabilities continue during the war in Ukraine – with fatal consequences for some senior commanders.
Naval Warfare

Berdyansk disaster hits Black Sea Fleet capabilities

24th March 2022

As the Russian Navy assesses the damage from explosions and ship fires at the occupied port of Berdyansk, the strategic consequences for the Black Sea Fleet could be severe.
Defence Notes

Russia claims import substitution success for guided missiles

24th March 2022

KTRV, which makes missiles such as the Iskander-M, has supposedly been able to source domestic replacements for Ukrainian engines and seeker heads — but broader problems persist for the Russian defence industry.
Defence Notes

Ukraine invasion has potential ramifications for Latin American procurement

23rd March 2022

Central and South American militaries may have to reconsider their procurement habits in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Defence Notes

Forewarned is forearmed: Poland fast-tracks procurement and surges defence spending

23rd March 2022

Long-standing concerns over potential Russian aggression meant that Poland was already positioned to react to the invasion of Ukraine by raising defence spending and procuring new equipment.
Land Warfare

NZ donates non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine

22nd March 2022

New Zealand is sending aid and military gear to support Ukraine.
Naval Warfare

Black Sea battles (Opinion)

21st March 2022

While much of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has played out in the air and land domains, the naval aspect remains important. Attempted amphibious assaults, naval supply lines and ancient treaties regarding maritime movement have all been at the forefront of the conflict.
Air Warfare

Russia fires hypersonic missile in first recorded use during conflict

21st March 2022

Russia has released videos of two reported uses of hypersonic missiles to strike Ukrainian positions, which marks the first recorded use of the system during any conflict.
Land Warfare

Russian armour failures imply enduring value of shoulder-fired missiles

21st March 2022

Shoulder-fired anti-tank and air defence weapons are proving their worth for Ukraine in its ongoing resistance against Russia – and these systems will remain in the spotlight whether through replenishing depleted stocks, finding new customers or increasing the capabilities of existing users.