Analysis & Reports

Russia launched 36 North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles and 172 drones at Ukraine on November 7, 2024, targeting energy facilities in Kyiv and surrounding regions. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept only 4 missiles, resulting in injuries and damage to infrastructure. The strikes are seen as an attempt to exert pressure on Ukraine ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.

On November 7, 2026, Russian forces launched a night strike on Kyiv, deploying 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones. Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 149 drones and 4 missiles. The attack targeted energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt power supply and test the limits of Ukrainian air defense. Russian claims of extensive damage remain unverified.

Dmitri VolkovSat Nov 07 2026Loading...

The Eurofighter consortium is actively pursuing orders for over 200 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter jets from countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Austria, and Portugal. The consortium is in negotiations to replace Portugal's aging F-16 fleet and has secured a significant order from Turkey for 44 Typhoons. Production is ongoing at a rate of 60 aircraft per year, with recent orders totaling 89 jets.

France is pursuing the development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft under the ACF program after the collapse of the FCAS program. Dassault Aviation aims to have a demonstrator aircraft ready for flight by 2031, with a budget of approximately €2.7 billion. The program is currently French-only, although France is open to international partnerships to share development costs. The previous FCAS program was terminated due to disagreements over intellectual property and workshare between Dassault and Airbus.

The United Kingdom launched the Titania military satellite into orbit on November 7. Built by BAE Systems, Titania will enhance the UK's ability to observe military activities from space. This satellite is part of the ISTARI program, which aims to establish a constellation of reconnaissance satellites. Additionally, Project Inaros is being tested to monitor movements of satellites in orbit, improving the UK's surveillance capabilities.

The U.S. Marine Corps has more than doubled its contract ceiling with Heckler & Koch for M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles, raising it from $39.2 million to $84.6 million. This modification adds $45.4 million for ongoing purchases of rifles and associated equipment, with work primarily conducted in Oberndorf, Germany. The contract's ordering period extends to April 27, 2028, and the M27 has been standard issue for Marine infantry since 2010.

The 'Attack-21' stealth drone successfully completed its first takeoff and landing on the 'Sichuan' amphibious assault ship in Sanya, Hainan, on November 5, 2025. This event marks a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities, showcasing the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles with large naval platforms. The 'Sichuan' ship, which features advanced technologies, is part of ongoing joint training exercises with aircraft carrier formations.

On November 7, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting and destroying 411 Ukrainian drones over Russian territories and the Azov and Black Seas. Concurrently, Russia launched strikes on energy facilities in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in civilian casualties. This exchange highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, with both sides increasing the scale and range of their attacks.

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The Fujian Aircraft Carrier was commissioned on November 5, 2025, and immediately began flight training exercises with multiple aircraft, including the J-35 and J-15T. The J-35, a stealth fighter, is tasked with air superiority, while the J-15T focuses on precision strikes against coastal targets. This training enhances the carrier's operational capabilities in naval engagements.

On November 5, 2023, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed 16-type maneuver combat vehicles to Naha, Okinawa, marking the first deployment of this equipment in the region. This action coincided with local protests organized by citizen groups opposing the deployment and the planned upgrade of the 15th Brigade to a division by March 2027. Protesters expressed concerns over urban warfare implications and called for resistance against the military expansion.

European countries are reassessing their airpower strategies due to the collapse of the Franco-German-Spanish sixth-generation fighter program. Germany is exploring new options while the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme remains the primary multinational effort. Increased defense spending is being driven by Russian aggression, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft are emerging as a new capability to enhance combat effectiveness alongside traditional fighters.

The British Army is developing the Challenger 3 main battle tank, which is currently facing gearbox issues that may delay its deployment by up to two years. Weighing 66 tons, the tank is too heavy for many Ukrainian bridges. The UK is integrating battlefield data from Ukraine into the tank's development, which includes a new Rheinmetall 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun and the Trophy active protection system. The program aims to produce 148 tanks.

MKE unveiled the Tolga 20 mm Dual Revolver RCWS at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, designed for short-range air defense against drones. The system features two 20 mm cannons with a maximum fire rate of 3,200 rounds per minute and can be integrated into various naval platforms. It was tested on the TCG Beykoz during the TURNAs-2026 exercise, demonstrating its capabilities against aerial threats.

Russia is utilizing its Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine, enhancing the accuracy of its drones. The network, consisting of 32 satellites launched in 2023, aims to provide two-way data exchange for unmanned aircraft. Ukrainian military intelligence has expressed concerns about the system's impact on drone operations and its potential to improve Russian military capabilities.

Diehl Defence and FLANQ unveiled the Q-Strike, a mock-up of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) designed for strike missions, at Euronaval 2026 in Paris from November 3 to 6. The partnership aims to enhance maritime defense capabilities for the German Navy and its allies by integrating advanced unmanned platforms. The Q-Strike will utilize Diehl Defence's effectors and is expected to accommodate various mission requirements with its modular design.

Ukraine is currently utilizing several hundred M113 armored personnel carriers in its ongoing conflict against Russia. The M113, produced in over 80,000 units from 1960 to 2007, serves various military roles, showcasing its adaptability and historical significance in military operations.

Denmark and Lithuania have initiated the procurement of 'Blocker' naval mines from Finland as part of a joint agreement with Estonia, Germany, and Norway. This acquisition aims to enhance naval capabilities and cooperation among NATO members. The Finnish military signed a significant contract with Forcit Defence for these mines, which are designed to detect ships and possess substantial explosive power. The Baltic Sea remains a focal point of military tension following recent geopolitical developments.

An F-14A Tomcat fell off the USS John F. Kennedy during NATO exercises in the North Atlantic in 1976, sinking with an AIM-54 Phoenix missile. The U.S. Navy launched a recovery operation to prevent Soviet forces from acquiring the aircraft and missile. Soviet vessels were reportedly nearby, attempting to recover the wreckage, but the U.S. successfully retrieved the aircraft before they could.

Russian drones and missiles struck Ukraine's energy infrastructure on November 3-4, 2026, causing significant electricity outages in central and western regions. This military action occurred ahead of anticipated negotiations in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The strikes are part of a broader Russian strategy to exert pressure on Ukraine by targeting critical infrastructure.

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Saab signed a contract with Naval Group to deliver and integrate weapon control systems and sensors for four frigates in Sweden. The order, valued at approximately SEK 2 billion, will see deliveries take place between 2027 and 2034. This contract aims to enhance the Swedish Navy's capabilities to detect and respond to maritime threats.