Analysis & Reports

Russia is conducting drone attacks on Kyiv, prompting air raid sirens and explosions in the city. The local government has advised citizens to seek shelter. As of now, there has been no response from Russian authorities.

Russia is preparing to launch Oreshnik hypersonic missiles against Ukraine, with potential targets including Kyiv and Lviv, as part of a combined strike. This warning follows recent drone attacks on Russian positions in Starobilsk, prompting a call for retaliation from President Putin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has also issued alerts about possible significant airstrikes within the next 24 hours, indicating a high-risk situation for Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army's 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade is testing the IonStrike drone interceptor in Europe this spring. This low-cost kinetic interceptor aims to address the mid-range air defense gap against one-way attack drones. The evaluation will focus on its integration with existing systems and operational capabilities, with potential implications for NATO's eastern border defense.

The U.S. Space Force is preparing for potential military operations on the moon and in space to counter China's ambitions, particularly its goal of sending Taikonauts to the moon by 2030. A new report from the Mitchell Institute advocates for a human spaceflight program and updated military orders to support these efforts. It emphasizes the need for Congress to fund training opportunities on commercial space stations and suggests a reevaluation of the Outer Space Treaty to accommodate military presence in space.

On May 22, 2023, Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a drone strike on the Starobilsk vocational college in Luhansk Oblast, resulting in 12 fatalities among the 86 minors present. Russian President Putin confirmed that there were no military facilities nearby and has directed the Defense Ministry to develop a response plan.

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Starobilsk vocational college on May 22, 2023, resulting in 11 deaths and 41 injuries, with 10 individuals reported missing. Russian President Putin claimed there were no military facilities near the site of the attack, emphasizing the lack of evidence for the drones being diverted or shot down. The incident has prompted calls for retaliatory measures from the Russian Defense Ministry.

Dutch Military Vehicles introduced the DMV Tasman, a new militarized pickup equipped with the Bullfrog counter-drone weapon station, to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence this week. This vehicle is designed for rapid deployment and operational flexibility against drone threats, addressing urgent military needs in Europe. The Bullfrog system has been successfully tested by the U.S. Army, confirming its effectiveness against drone swarms.

On May 22, 2023, Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a drone strike on the Starobilsk vocational college in Luhansk Oblast, resulting in 10 deaths and 38 injuries, with 11 individuals reported missing. Russian President Putin confirmed that there were no military facilities in the vicinity of the attack.

On May 19, 2026, coordinated airstrikes by the Nigerian Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command killed 175 ISIS fighters in Metele, Borno, Nigeria. This operation marks a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region, transitioning from technical support to offensive actions. The strikes also resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a prominent ISIS leader, indicating a targeted approach against key figures in the organization.

Marie DuboisSat May 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army confirmed the integration of the AEVEX Disruptor strike drone into operational training during Exercise Arcane Thunder 26 at Fort Irwin, California, from April 6 to April 29, 2026. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the drone, which is part of the Phoenix Ghost program and has a range of up to 1,400 kilometers. The Army intends to incorporate this long-range strike capability into its core operational framework, signaling a significant shift in military strategy.

The 190th Training Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces in Ukraine is training personnel to intercept enemy drones using the Merops AS-3 Surveyor system. This training reflects Ukraine's institutionalization of drone interceptor tactics developed during combat against Russian drone threats. The Merops system, which has already destroyed over 4,000 Russian drones, is now being produced in Germany for broader military use, including by U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Ukrainian forces regained approximately 590 square kilometers of territory since the beginning of 2026, indicating a slowdown in Russian military operations. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has effectively targeted Russian logistics, leading to operational challenges for the Russian army. Reports suggest that the Russian military is struggling to maintain momentum and is facing significant losses in territory and resources.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Luhansk Oblast on May 22, 2023, targeting an oil refinery and an ammunition depot. A drone strike also hit a school, resulting in six deaths and 40 injuries among students aged 14 to 18. The Ukrainian military emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law by only striking military targets.

The British Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines, known for their stealth and advanced capabilities, are currently undergoing sea trials in Scotland. These submarines feature a Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactor, enabling speeds over 30 knots, and are equipped with the Thales Sonar 2076 suite for superior detection. Despite their advanced technology, the Royal Navy faces challenges with submarine availability and industrial capacity, impacting operational readiness.

Rogue Ukrainian loitering munitions and unattributed drones have been incurring into European airspace in recent weeks, posing a significant threat. This situation highlights vulnerabilities in European airspace security.

Libya and Syria participated in Turkey's EFES-2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise, marking the first foreign military exercise for both nations. A total of 502 Libyan troops and approximately 50 Syrian military personnel took part in the event, which concluded on May 21, 2026, near İzmir. The exercise involved training in various military operations and aimed to strengthen military cooperation between Turkey and the two nations.

Russian fighter jets approached a British RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft within six meters over the Black Sea, creating a significant risk of collision. This incident, which occurred in international airspace, highlights the aggressive tactics employed by Russia to pressure NATO surveillance operations. The RC-135W, a vital intelligence asset, was conducting routine reconnaissance when the Russian jets executed a dangerous intercept, raising concerns about the safety and operational costs of NATO missions in the region.

Alexandra ReevesFri May 22 2026Loading...

Bittium participated in Locked Shields 2026, a significant cyber defense exercise organized by NATO CCDCOE, involving over 4,000 participants from 41 nations. The exercise aimed to enhance the defense of critical infrastructure against cyber threats, emphasizing crisis management and strategic decision-making. Bittium has been involved in this initiative since 2018, reflecting its commitment to international cyber defense collaboration.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) was canceled due to uncertainty regarding access to RAF Fairford, England, amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The event, scheduled for July 17-19, 2023, had sold over 70,000 tickets. This decision follows a request authorizing the US Air Force to conduct specific operations in Iran, with 15 US bombers stationed at the base.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) was cancelled due to uncertainty regarding access to RAF Fairford, England, amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The event, scheduled for July 17-19, 2023, had sold over 70,000 tickets. This decision follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's authorization for US Air Force operations in Iran, with 15 bombers stationed at the base.