Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News - 5m Drones, Arty Ammo, & Deminers
Table of Contents 📖
"You can't get a better testing ground for battlefield equipment than a battlefield. All of the allies of Ukraine are going to be chomping at the bit to help Ukraine because it improves their own military capabilities through this kind of feedback loop."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:12⏩
Jonathan welcomes the team to a military aid focused Ukraine War News Update for 29th March 2025 (Part B).
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IMF approves $400m tranche for Ukraine under EFF programme
🎦 00:12-00:54⏩
* The IMF Executive Board has approved the seventh review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme for Ukraine.
- According to Prime Minister Shmyhal, Ukraine will soon receive another tranche of approximately $400 million.
- Jonathan notes this funding from the IMF will likely come with strings attached, such as requirements regarding transparency and facilitating free-market capitalism, and may be in the form of loans.
- He concludes that any funding is welcome at the moment.
Sweden increases military aid; Nordic/Baltic support highlighted
🎦 00:55-01:56⏩
* Sweden has announced an increase in its military aid to Ukraine. (The transcript has a gap and doesn't state the specific amount or details).
- Jonathan comments on the generosity of Swedish aid, especially relative to its population size and GDP compared to larger donors like the US.
- He praises the exceptional generosity of Norway, Denmark, Finland, and the Baltic states, calling them "incredible supporters of Ukraine".
Czech initiative targets 1.5m artillery rounds for Ukraine in 2025
🎦 01:56-03:30⏩
* Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated their international artillery ammunition procurement initiative aims to deliver at least another 1.5 million large-calibre rounds to Ukraine this year (2025).
- This follows the initiative delivering 1.5 million rounds in 2024 (including 500,000 155mm NATO-calibre shells).
- Combined with 2 million shells agreed by EU leaders, this brings the potential total from European countries this year to 3.5 million shells.
- Jonathan clarifies the Czech Republic is channelling the procurement, funded by various allies, not providing the 1.5m rounds solely themselves.
- He views this as "really good news for Ukraine", also noting Ukraine's own production and potential US supplies.
German FM Baerbock pledges more air defence; reaffirms 'peace through strength'
🎦 03:31-03:56⏩
* German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced Germany will provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems, guided missiles, drones, and radars in the coming months.
- She stated: "We know that real peace does not come through surrender. A ceasefire on Putin's terms would not be the end of the war, but a prelude to the next offensive. Our response to Putin's war is peace through strength, peace through European unity and determination."
- Jonathan calls this "good stuff" and looks forward to seeing the specifics of future German provisions.
Poland delivers WZ-T3 armoured recovery vehicles (Source: Jeff2146)
🎦 03:56-04:23⏩
* Information from Jeff2146's military aid spreadsheet indicates Poland has delivered an unknown number of WZ-T3 armoured recovery vehicles to Ukraine.
- Jonathan describes this as a "gift well received" and "useful stuff".
Zelensky: US aid shifting from free supply to investment in Ukrainian production
🎦 04:23-05:03⏩
President Zelenskyy has stated the US will no longer provide free* aid, according to official communication.
- Agreements have reportedly been made with partners for investments in the production of Ukrainian drones and missiles.
- Jonathan interprets this as an end to assistance via Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative).
- He expresses uncertainty and disappointment about the fate of the existing $3.8 billion in alreadyCongressionally-approved PDA funds, which would be "super, super useful".
Zelensky details drone developments and acceleration of domestic missile/air defence production
🎦 05:03-05:31⏩
* President Zelenskyy reported detailed discussions at headquarters on drone development, including results from shooting down Shaheds with interceptor drones.
- He mentioned talks on Ukraine's missile programme, emphasising the need for "maximum acceleration of production".
- Zelenskyy stated: "We are working to ensure that our own production of anti-aircraft missile systems, all the necessary air defence systems are built in Ukraine."
Ukraine reportedly capable of producing 5 million FPV drones annually
🎦 05:31-06:26⏩
* Jonathan cites Oleksandr Kamyshin (Minister of Strategic Industries, though referred to as strategic advisor here) stating Ukraine is capable of producing 5 million FPV drones per year.
- Over 150 FPV drone manufacturers have reportedly appeared in Ukraine.
- One domestic manufacturer is allegedly capable of producing 4,000 FPV drones per day.
- Jonathan mentions personal contacts involved in drone manufacturing for Ukraine, both starting up and operating from within the UK, highlighting widespread efforts and innovation.
GUR uses experimental interceptor drones to down Shaheds
🎦 06:26-07:21⏩
* Referring back to Zelenskyy's comments, Jonathan notes that GUR (Ukrainian military intelligence) soldiers have destroyed two "Ukrainian strike drones" (likely meant Shaheds based on context) with an experimental weapon.
- These experimental GUR interceptor drones are described as a joint development between Ukraine and international partners.
- While the provided video offers limited detail, Jonathan highlights the significance of interceptor drones taking out attack drones, a task usually performed by missiles or manned aircraft.
- There is evidence suggesting at least two Shaheds were downed this way.
Ukrainian radio repeater drone enhances FPV range at low altitude
🎦 07:21-09:12⏩
* A Ukrainian radio repeater drone is shown, reportedly allowing an FPV drone to fly at ground level up to 11km away without video image degradation.
- Jonathan explains the challenge: low altitude increases interference from obstacles (trees, buildings), while high altitude increases detection risk (visual, EW).
- He hypothesises the repeater drone flies high above the operator, relaying the signal clearly to the FPV drone flying low, overcoming line-of-sight issues and offering tactical advantages.
- The technology prevents signal blockage that would normally occur between the operator and a low-flying drone at distance.
Observation: Russia also possesses similar repeater drone technology
🎦 09:12-09:49⏩
* A video clip is shown of a similar Russian repeater drone.
- Jonathan concludes that both sides likely possess this capability now, deeming it "not exactly rocket science, it's drone science".
Kramatorsk plant develops 'Germina URCM 3000' domestic demining machine
🎦 09:50-10:25⏩
* Military News UA reports the Kramatorsk machine tool plant has developed the Germina URCM 3000 demining machine.
- It is capable of demining up to five hectares per day and can withstand an anti-tank mine explosion.
- Jonathan calls this "absolutely fantastic" and praises Ukrainian domestic production of various military equipment.
New 'FrankenSAM': R-73 air-to-air missiles mounted on US Humvee
🎦 10:25-11:14⏩
* Jonathan discusses a "FrankenSAM" - one of Ukraine's newest short-range air defence systems.
- It features a pair of R-73 (Soviet/Russian air-to-air) missiles mounted on a US-supplied Humvee.
- This creates an "extremely lightweight mobile anti-drone platform".
- Previously associated with systems like Buk or Osa, adapting these missiles to a Humvee allows for high mobility: "rock around, fire up these missiles, and then sod off again".
UK previously developed R-73 missile launcher in MIRS container
🎦 11:14-11:33⏩
* Jonathan mentions that the UK has also developed systems using R-73 missiles, specifically noting a launcher integrated into a MIRS (Mobile Integrated Rapier System) container, creating a modular air defence unit.
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France to test Centuro X20 ground robot in Ukraine battlefield conditions
🎦 11:33-12:28⏩
* The KNDS France Centuro X20 unmanned ground vehicle (robot) will be sent to Ukraine for evaluation before potential delivery to the French armed forces.
- The goal is to test its fire function, data link robustness, mobility, and gather operational feedback.
- Jonathan finds this interesting, framing it as France using Ukraine as a real-world testing ground for its own future kit.
- He suggests Ukraine might benefit by getting to use the system and potentially acquire it later.
- He reiterates the value of Ukraine as a testing ground: "You can't get a better testing ground for battlefield equipment than a battlefield. All of the allies of Ukraine are going to be chomping at the bit to help Ukraine because it improves their own military capabilities through this kind of feedback loop."
UK MoD shows bespoke AIM-132 ASRAAM system on Supercat HMT for Ukraine
🎦 12:28-13:01⏩
* The UK Ministry of Defence published a photo of an anti-aircraft missile system based on the AIM-132 ASRAAM missile (a Western air-to-air missile).
- This system is installed on a Supacat HMT 6x6 platform and was manufactured specifically for Ukraine.
- Jonathan notes this bespoke kit was developed quite quickly by the British early on, though the number deployed is unknown.
Critical role of Starlink highlighted; alternatives discussed
🎦 13:02-13:47⏩
Jonathan quotes a Ukrainian drone operator: "Without Starlink, streaming for artillery adjustment would disappear. Operational intelligence would be lost."*
- Defence experts warn cutting satellite access would blind frontline forces.
- Jonathan acknowledges varying claims about Starlink's indispensability and mentions alternatives being worked on, like Eutelsat potentially increasing capacity.
- However, he notes Eutelsat would need massive ($10-30bn) investment to rival Starlink.
- He concludes that despite attempts to "sugarcoat it", if Elon Musk were to withdraw Starlink from Ukraine, "there would be some serious issues, there's no doubt."
Zelensky rejects US aid being treated as loans; discusses new critical minerals draft agreement
🎦 13:48-14:50⏩
* Jonathan references a Kyiv Post article confirming Zelenskyy's stance that Ukraine does not recognise US military aid as loans.
- Zelenskyy revealed Kyiv received a new draft agreement from the US regarding critical minerals, described as different from previous frameworks.
- He reiterated: "We're grateful for the support, but this is not a credit. And we will not allow it."
- Jonathan argues it seems "completely unfair" for a potential new US administration (implying Trump) to retroactively invoice for aid given by the previous (Biden) administration under different terms.
- He warns that changing agreements post-hoc sets a "very dangerous precedent" for international relations.
German Defence Minister Pistorius signals potential post-conflict 'boots on the ground' role
🎦 14:51-15:09⏩
* According to Politico, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has signalled willingness to help secure peace in Ukraine with "boots on the ground".
- Jonathan notes rumours that Germany might commit troops post-conflict, calling it a "really big step for the Germans".
Macron: Franco-British team to plan future Ukrainian army structure; discusses post-peace forces
🎦 15:09-16:04⏩
* Jonathan quotes recent statements from French President Macron:
- Macron and the British PM have mandated their Joint Chiefs of Staff to send a French-British team to Ukraine "in the next few days".
- This team will work closely with Ukrainian partners (who have agreed) to prepare the format of the future Ukrainian army "in all areas".
- Macron also discussed post-peace agreement "reassurance forces" deployed by some member states (as there's no unanimity) to strategic locations in Ukraine as a deterrent to potential future Russian aggression.
Imminent meeting planned between Zelensky and 'narrow circle' of nations on post-peace forces
🎦 16:05-16:32⏩
* Following Macron's comments, Jonathan understands that a "narrow circle" of nations willing to commit post-peace forces are meeting imminently with Zelenskyy to discuss details.
- The Franco-British team mentioned by Macron seems set to go out "straight away" to lay the groundwork.
- Jonathan views this as "good news that things are happening on that front."
Introduction: Potential divergence between European and US defence industries
🎦 16:33-16:43⏩
Jonathan introduces a broader discussion point: the potential divergence of Europe away from the US in terms of the military-industrial complex.
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Canada re-evaluating F-35 deal, general recommends alternatives (Source: Paul Pugilesi)
🎦 16:44-17:22⏩
* Jonathan cites Paul Pugliesi regarding Canada's fighter jet procurement.
- The Canadian general who initially recommended the F-35 deal is now reportedly calling for the purchase of other jets.
- While Canada is committed to buying some F-35s (16 out of 88 mentioned, needs verification), the status of the remainder is uncertain, with figures like Mark Carney suggesting alternatives will be considered.
Reports: Canada considering European jets (Rafale) as F-35 deal slows
🎦 17:22-18:26⏩
* Citing French ATU Ukraine / Medium, Jonathan notes rumours that Canada has "put the brakes" on the F-35 deal, with French Rafale jets now "on the table".
- He suggests other European contenders could be Saab Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon.
- While capabilities differ from the F-35, this presents an opportunity for Canada to align more closely with Europe's defence industry and for European manufacturers to secure orders, both from Canada and potentially within Europe if the F-35 is seen as politically risky due to US unreliability.
Possibility of US defence firms shifting production to Europe discussed🎦 18:26-19:50⏩
Citing Euromodern Press and Ukrainian military expert Valery Borovik, Jonathan discusses the idea that US defence companies might explore shifting production to* Europe.
- The rationale is to bypass potential US export restrictions and political hurdles, allowing faster arms deliveries, particularly relevant amid potential EU-US trade tensions.
- Jonathan muses on the counterintuitive outcome: US protectionist tariffs could lead to US companies offshoring production to allied countries like those in the EU to maintain market access, potentially benefiting European industry but costing US jobs.
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Wrap up
🎦 19:51-22:39⏩
* Jonathan encourages viewers to support the CART for Ukraine Easter Pysanky fundraiser, providing an update (£561 raised so far) and acknowledging other participating channels. The link is in the video description.
- He shows the new NAFO campaign patches (Athena, Minerva, combined) designed by JR and Chris from Clockwork Design, comparing them to his original patch. He mentions having spares and thinking about how to distribute some.
- He shares a personal anecdote about his son's interest in graffiti art and shows off his own first attempt at creating a "galactic picture" using spray paint techniques his son learned, noting one planet coincidentally features Ukrainian colours. He finds the activity a "bit of fun".
- He signs off, promising to speak soon.
