Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Putin Russia

Putin Is Using Russia’s Election to Recruit for the War in Ukraine

Political-MilitaryForce MovementStrategic

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.

Source: 19FortyFiveThu Sep 17 2026

Russian "Shaheds" Use Belarusian LTE Networks — A New Depth of Military Integration in 2026

Command & ControlMilitary OperationsWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026
Multinational Joint Training: He Discovered and Intercepted the Target from a Long Distance, Hitting the "Enemy Aircraft" on the First Attempt

Multinational Joint Training: He Discovered and Intercepted the Target from a Long Distance, Hitting the "Enemy Aircraft" on the First Attempt

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Air Force Aviation Brigade conducted joint training exercises at the Air Force Training Ground, where multiple fighter jets engaged enemy targets. Pilot Bu Jiawen successfully identified and struck enemy aircraft, demonstrating effective command and tactical skills. The training emphasized operating under challenging conditions to prepare pilots for real combat scenarios.

Source: Global TimesSat Sep 12 2026

The Russian Army Attracts Foreigners from 40 Countries Amid Recruitment Crisis

Political-MilitaryForce MovementStrategic

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.WS.WFri Sep 11 2026
The Houthis control Al-Mokha in 2026 and open a new front to pressure Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis control Al-Mokha in 2026 and open a new front to pressure Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Houthi forces captured the coastal city of Al-Mokha on September 10, 2026, following the withdrawal of Saudi-backed forces. This strategic gain allows the Houthis to exert pressure on Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia, amidst rising tensions and attacks on maritime shipping in the region. The situation indicates a significant shift in control and potential escalation in the conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidAhmed Al-RashidThu Sep 10 2026

Russia claims to strike Ukrainian military facilities and ports, Ukraine claims to carry out deep strikes.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

On September 9, Russian forces targeted Ukrainian military facilities, ports, and logistics centers, while Ukrainian forces executed deep strikes in Krasnodar, hitting a naval base and gas processing plants. Russian drones destroyed a MiG-29 at an airport in Kyiv region. Additionally, Russian troops advanced in Kharkiv and continued operations in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Source: Global TimesWed Sep 09 2026
Britain Sends a Carrier Because NATO Still Needs Floating Command

Britain Sends a Carrier Because NATO Still Needs Floating Command

Command & ControlMilitary OperationsForce MovementHybrid

HMS Queen Elizabeth deployed from Portsmouth on 5 September, serving as NATO's command platform for the Allied Reaction Force Maritime. The carrier, with over 800 sailors, will conduct a three-month mission in British and northern European waters, enhancing NATO's maritime command capabilities amid rising tensions with Russia.

S.WS.WSat Sep 05 2026
The normalization of the Chinese Navy's Type 055 and 054A approach towards Japan, with maritime surveillance pressure entering a new phase in autumn 2026.

The normalization of the Chinese Navy's Type 055 and 054A approach towards Japan, with maritime surveillance pressure entering a new phase in autumn 2026.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Chinese naval vessels, including Type 055 destroyers and 054A frigates, are increasingly approaching Japan through the Soya and Miyako Straits, indicating a shift towards regular naval operations. This pattern is expected to escalate by autumn 2026, placing pressure on Japan's Self-Defense Forces to maintain surveillance and readiness in response to these activities. The operational focus is on normalizing these approaches rather than conducting isolated demonstrations.

Tanaka TakashiTanaka TakashiFri Sep 04 2026
Z-20K Creative Commons

‘This Is No Assault Helicopter’: China Just Deployed New Z-20K for Exercises Right on NATO’s Borders in Belarus

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted a joint airborne exercise with Belarusian forces in Hubei Province, China, in August 2023. The exercise, named 'Swift Eagle 2026', involved the Z-20K helicopter and focused on counter-terrorism and airborne assault skills. This marks a significant demonstration of the Z-20K's operational capabilities and readiness for international military collaboration.

Source: 19FortyFiveThu Aug 27 2026

Russian Chief of Staff: Russian Army's Operations in Donetsk Region Have Been Successful

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Russian forces are successfully advancing in the Donetsk region, with the Southern Group of Forces breaking through Ukrainian defenses. They are approximately 4 km from Slavyansk and 1.5 km from Druzhkivka, having controlled over 100 square kilometers in the past two months. Ukrainian forces are focused on maintaining control over the remaining areas of Donbas.

Source: Global TimesThu Aug 27 2026

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducts anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan and other waters.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan on August 25, 2023, simulating attacks on enemy submarines. Approximately 60 naval vessels and 30 aircraft participated in the operation, which lasted about 5 hours. The exercises are part of larger military drills that began on August 4, involving significant military assets in the region.

Source: Global TimesTue Aug 25 2026

A U.S. military transport plane lands in Moscow, Russia.

Force MovementOperational

A U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow on the morning of October 25th. The aircraft had previously departed from Andrews Joint Base in Maryland and made a stop in Riga, Latvia on October 23rd.

Source: Global TimesTue Aug 25 2026
The Chinese Air Force's multinational and intercontinental exercises attract attention; experts say: enhancing various practical combat capabilities, showcasing China's responsible great power role.

The Chinese Air Force's multinational and intercontinental exercises attract attention; experts say: enhancing various practical combat capabilities, showcasing China's responsible great power role.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

The Chinese Air Force participated in joint military exercises with Belarus, Thailand, Egypt, and the UAE throughout August 2023, showcasing various aircraft types and enhancing operational capabilities. These exercises included intercontinental deployments and aimed to improve joint counter-terrorism operations and regional stability. Military experts emphasized the importance of these activities for fostering international military cooperation and demonstrating China's responsible global role.

Source: Global TimesSun Aug 23 2026
Three Russian Navy Varangian and Steregushchy-class ships pass through the Soya Strait consecutively, raising concerns about the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's northern surveillance burden.

Three Russian Navy Varangian and Steregushchy-class ships pass through the Soya Strait consecutively, raising concerns about the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's northern surveillance burden.

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Three Russian Navy vessels, including the Slava-class cruiser 'Varyag' and three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, passed through the Soya Strait on August 20 and 21, 2023. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force monitored these movements, highlighting ongoing military operations in the region. This activity suggests a deliberate show of force by the Russian Pacific Fleet, increasing the surveillance burden on Japan's defense forces.

Tanaka TakashiTanaka TakashiSun Aug 23 2026
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base taxi and take-off during exercise Spirit Vigilance on Whiteman Air Force Base on November 7th, 2022. Routine exercises like Spirit Vigilance assure our allies and partners that Whiteman Air Force Base is ready to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryson Britt)

The North Korea Deal Donald Trump Should Actually Want

Force MovementWeapons & EquipmentOperational

A North Korean missile unit is deploying to Russia's Voronezh region, with plans for up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. This deployment follows the transfer of approximately 150 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia since late 2023. Ukrainian military intelligence indicates that North Korean missiles have been used in recent strikes, enhancing the effectiveness of Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Aug 21 2026
"Not Planned, But We'll See" — Nebenzya and the Ritual of Denying Mobilization Before the State Duma Elections

"Not Planned, But We'll See" — Nebenzya and the Ritual of Denying Mobilization Before the State Duma Elections

Political-MilitaryForce MovementStrategic

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, stated on August 20, 2026, that mass mobilization is not currently planned but hinted at potential future actions. This statement comes ahead of the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, where mobilization could be announced post-election. Ukrainian President Zelensky indicated that Russia might mobilize several hundred thousand troops by the end of the year, suggesting a strategic approach to manage public perception and political stability during the election period.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Aug 21 2026
Hundreds of Thousands After September 20 — What "Internal Documents" Show About Mobilization

Hundreds of Thousands After September 20 — What "Internal Documents" Show About Mobilization

Political-MilitaryForce MovementStrategic

Internal Russian documents indicate a planned mobilization of hundreds of thousands of troops after the parliamentary elections on September 20, 2026. Current recruitment efforts are insufficient to cover significant losses, with estimates suggesting over 1.2 million casualties. The Kremlin's strategy appears to involve mobilization as a political tool to demonstrate support for the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Aug 13 2026
The 17-Day Loop Around Japan Is the Fait Accompli Tokyo Can't Undo

The 17-Day Loop Around Japan Is the Fait Accompli Tokyo Can't Undo

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

On August 3, 2023, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels completed a circumnavigation of Japan, transiting through the Korea Strait and other strategic waterways. This operation, which included a Type 055 guided-missile cruiser, a Type 052D destroyer, and a Type 903 replenishment ship, has raised significant concerns for Japan's national security. The patrol is seen as a demonstration of military capability and a normalization of Chinese naval presence in the region.

Marcus ChenMarcus ChenSun Aug 09 2026
North Korea's Missile Unit in Russia Is NATO's Problem Now

North Korea's Missile Unit in Russia Is NATO's Problem Now

Military OperationsForce MovementWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

A North Korean missile unit is deploying to Voronezh, Russia, with 90 personnel and 120 ballistic missiles, posing a direct threat to European security. This unit has already delivered 40 missiles, with at least two launched at Ukraine. The U.S. is aware of this deployment, highlighting significant military concerns regarding NATO's response to the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia.

Alexandra ReevesAlexandra ReevesSun Aug 09 2026
China-Russia Naval Vessels Conduct Joint Circumnavigation for 17 Days, 055 Destroyer Group Crosses the La Perouse Strait for the First Time

China-Russia Naval Vessels Conduct Joint Circumnavigation for 17 Days, 055 Destroyer Group Crosses the La Perouse Strait for the First Time

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Three Chinese vessels, including a 055 destroyer, and one Russian frigate conducted a joint naval patrol around Japan, crossing the Tsugaru Strait from July 13 to August 6, 2023. This marked the first time Chinese and Russian ships navigated this sensitive area, raising security concerns for Japan. The operation demonstrated China's capability for sustained naval operations with logistical support.

Li MinghuiLi MinghuiSat Aug 08 2026