Analysis & Reports

Russia is training over 8,000 specialists for its Unmanned Systems Forces as of July 2026, focusing on building institutional systems to capture and generalize battlefield experiences. NATO is advised to shift its focus from mere adaptation of Russian military capabilities to their reproducibility, which is essential for understanding the evolving threat. The report emphasizes the importance of assessing how quickly Russia can regenerate military capabilities after losses.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

India has exported its Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, marking its first defense export to Central Asia. The Akash system is designed to intercept various aerial threats and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. This move follows earlier negotiations for the newer Mk 1S variant, indicating a shift in the region's military procurement strategies.

Putin is using the upcoming elections in Russia, scheduled for 18-20 September, to recruit military personnel by promoting over 200 veterans as candidates. This strategy aims to bolster support for the war in Ukraine and mitigate potential backlash from the public. The Kremlin is managing the election narrative to project legitimacy and encourage military enlistment among the youth.

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

Thomas Dans was appointed chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in December 2020, where he has promoted U.S. military interests in the Arctic and advocated for closer ties with Russia. His actions have raised tensions with Denmark regarding Greenland, and he has been involved in discussions about national security and energy security in the region. Dans has also been linked to Damen Shipyards, which builds icebreakers.

A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Poland-Ukraine border on the 13th, potentially targeting a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European leaders. The attack occurred shortly after the train departed, prompting emergency evacuations of passengers, including former CIA Director David Petraeus. Officials from Poland and Ukraine condemned the strike as an escalation of Russian aggression.

Ukraine proposed to pause attacks on Russian critical infrastructure if Russia ceases its strikes on Ukrainian energy systems. This offer aims to mitigate civilian suffering as winter approaches, while maintaining military options. The proposal raises questions about Russia's strategic objectives and the complexities of verifying any potential agreement.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced a proposal for Ukraine and Russia to mutually refrain from attacking each other's critical infrastructure on September 14. This initiative is positioned as a key step towards promoting peace and requires assurances from international partners for its implementation. U.S. President Trump confirmed the agreement on non-attacks on energy targets, while Ukraine awaits further actions from international partners. No response has been received from Russia regarding this proposal.

Russia has initiated space warfare tactics, including the destruction of a reconnaissance satellite and navigation signal jamming, affecting Ukraine and NATO countries. NATO is debating the implications of these actions on collective defense, while the U.S. has adopted a more aggressive military posture in space. Private commercial space companies are increasingly involved in military operations, complicating the landscape of space warfare.

Nuclear-armed states expanded their arsenals in 2025, with the global count of nuclear warheads reaching approximately 12,187. The United States and Russia continue to lead in warhead numbers, while China and India also increased their stockpiles. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has reduced transparency regarding nuclear deployments. Tensions in South Asia escalated with significant conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Tupolev Design Bureau has been developing the PAK-DA stealth bomber since 2007, but the program has faced significant delays with no prototype completed. The bomber is expected to carry a 35-ton payload and have a range of 12,000 km, resembling the U.S. B-2 Spirit. As of 2023, the future of the program is uncertain, influenced by geopolitical factors and previous missed deadlines.

The Tupolev Design Bureau has been developing the PAK-DA stealth bomber since 2007, but the program has faced significant delays with no prototype or official images released. The bomber is expected to carry a 35-ton payload and have a range of 12,000 km, but its future remains uncertain due to ongoing development challenges.

Kremlin-backed actors are utilizing AI to develop autonomous lethal drones capable of selecting targets and issuing commands without human intervention. The group GTG-27005 has created AI models for this purpose, while also engaging in data theft and disinformation campaigns. These operations are part of a broader strategy to enhance Russian influence through automated systems and fake media.

The Russian Army is recruiting foreign nationals from approximately 40 countries to address personnel shortages, as reported by Amnesty International. This recruitment process has been linked to human trafficking practices, with around 28,000 foreign nationals currently serving in the military. The methods used include misleading job offers and coercion, leading to significant challenges for the recruits on the battlefield.

S.WFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Uzbekistan received its first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft on September 10, 2026, marking its entry as the first operator of this model in Central Asia. The acquisition includes two aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of the Uzbek Air Force, which also operates other transport aircraft. This move is part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to modernize its military fleet with Western and Chinese equipment.

Iranian engineers are collaborating with Russian military technology sectors, focusing on UAVs and navigation systems as of 2026. Nearly 10,000 Iranian specialists are being trained in Russia, enhancing Iran's military capabilities. This partnership allows Iran to access advanced technologies while providing Russia with expertise in circumventing sanctions. The collaboration emphasizes dual-use technologies and the evolution of military systems.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of the Russian Security Council, declared that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if its security is threatened. He emphasized that any aggression against Russia or Belarus, even from a non-nuclear state with nuclear power support, would be viewed as a joint attack. Medvedev criticized Western nations for their support of Ukraine, claiming it risks nuclear disaster.

U.S. diplomatic envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, aiming for a ceasefire in Ukraine. No breakthroughs were achieved, highlighting Washington's misreading of the conflict's stakes. The ongoing war is expected to continue, with Putin confident in his strategy against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The U.S. faces challenges in establishing a sustainable security framework in Eastern Europe.

Russia allocated 44% of its federal budget to military needs in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This allocation represents 10.5% of GDP and 57.3% of federal revenues, indicating a shift in economic priorities towards defense. The report highlights concerns over the sustainability of such spending amid declining energy revenues and the implications for the civilian economy.

S.WWed Sep 09 2026Loading...