Ukraine has paused additional orders of Germany’s HX-2 strike drones after frontline tests revealed launch failures, missing AI features, and vulnerability to electronic warfare.

According to a German military presentation reviewed by Bloomberg, some drones:
— Failed to take off
— Lacked promised AI guidance features
— Struggled under Russian jamming

Germany will not place follow-on orders unless Ukraine formally renews interest.

Source: Defence Blog

❗️Russian and Belarusian athletes who fought in the war against Ukraine have been admitted to the Milan Paralympics. They will also compete under their own flags.

Russian Paralympic Committee said that about 500 war veterans are already part of the country's Paralympic teams.

President Zelensky said the United States has proposed 15 year security guarantees, while Ukraine is seeking 30 or 50 years. He said the duration will depend on the Trump administration and that the war could end this year. Zelensky also said a prisoner exchange is planned, noting 7,000 Ukrainians are held by Russia and Ukraine holds more than 4,000 Russian POWs.

— 🇺🇸/🇮🇷/🇯🇴 A short note on Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan, and why Iran may not strike it (although I argue they should):

For striking Muwaffaq Salti airbase, which currently hosts the majority of U.S. aerial assets (F-35s, F-15s etc.), Iran would need to utilize its longer range ballistic missiles. The vast majority of Iran's ballistic missile stockpile are SRBMs that are capable of striking U.S. bases in countries like Qatar and the UAE, but that are incapable of reaching Jordan. Iran has spent significant resources to increase its stockpile of long-range missiles since the 12-Day War, but no stockpile is infinite.

Iran's long range missiles are more valuable, exist in more limited numbers, and they would likely be prioritized to target Israel. Using these missiles to strike U.S. forces in Jordan instead of Israel may be perceived as a waste by Iran, especially considering the large amount of air defenses that have been deployed near the airbase.

This is also the main reason America is using Jordan as its primary staging grounds. It's not because Saudi Arabia and Qatar refuse to let their airspace be used, that's just the spin. It's simply because the U.S. has decided that it prefers to be outside the range of the majority of Iran's missile arsenal.

@Middle_East_Spectator