Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army conducted Project Flytrap in Lithuania, involving nearly 1,000 personnel to test tactics against drone swarms. Soldiers practiced counter-UAS strategies and integrated new drone technologies into their operations. The exercise highlighted the changing nature of warfare with the rise of inexpensive drones, prompting the Army to adapt its tactics and doctrine accordingly.

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected four companies, including BAE Systems and Anduril UK, to develop drone wingman aircraft for use with Apache attack helicopters as part of Project NYX. This initiative, backed by £10 million in funding, aims to create operational variants by 2030, enhancing military capabilities through innovative drone technology. The project reflects a strategic shift towards increased use of uncrewed and autonomous systems in military operations.

The U.S. Army has ordered rifle-mounted smart scopes from Smart Shooter to enhance its capabilities against small drones, with delivery expected between July and September 2023. This follows a previous order of over 200 scopes in March. The SMASH 2000LE systems utilize advanced fire control technology to detect and engage both ground and aerial threats, reflecting the Army's strategy to bolster drone defenses.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone strike on Kyiv on May 14, 2026, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths and 48 injuries. This attack involved 56 missiles and 675 drones, highlighting a significant escalation in military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The strike followed a brief ceasefire and reflects the dual-track strategy of military escalation alongside diplomatic overtures. Ukraine's air defenses managed to intercept a portion of the incoming threats, but the effectiveness varied significantly between drone and missile types.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 15 2026Loading...

Oves Enterprise unveiled the Sahara cruise missile at the BSDA 2026 defense expo in Bucharest from May 13-15, 2026. The missile, weighing 55 kilograms, is designed for precision strikes with an operational radius of 200 kilometers. It incorporates AI technology for target identification and guidance, representing a significant advancement in low-cost precision strike capabilities for Romania.

The British Army is investing £10 million to develop autonomous drones that will operate alongside Apache helicopters by 2030. Four companies, including Anduril Industries and BAE Systems, have been selected to compete for the contract. The NYX drones will enhance capabilities in reconnaissance and precision strikes while ensuring human control over weapon decisions. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating autonomous systems into military operations.

Romania is modernizing its LAROM multiple rocket launcher system at the BSDA 2026 exhibition in Bucharest, enhancing its firepower and extending its range. The upgrade allows the 8th Operational-Tactical Rocket Brigade to transition from short-range support to deep-strike capabilities, with the potential to engage targets up to 150 kilometers away using precision-guided munitions.

NATO conducted military exercises in Latvia this week, utilizing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) against opposing forces. The exercises demonstrated the tactical advantages of UGVs in reconnaissance and combat roles, with Latvian troops receiving training from Ukrainian veterans. The integration of UGVs into military operations is seen as essential for future combat effectiveness.

The Peruvian Air Force ordered a fifth C-27J Spartan aircraft on 14 May 2026 to enhance its air mobility capabilities. This acquisition is part of a program to address the country's challenging geography and improve access to remote areas. The new aircraft will be delivered to FAP's Grupo 8 in 2027 and will feature advanced avionics and aerodynamic enhancements, further boosting operational performance.

The British Army will receive 72 RCH 155 wheeled howitzers from KNDS as part of a procurement contract signed on 14 May 2026. This artillery system, known for its advanced capabilities, will enhance the UK's military capabilities and is part of a broader cooperation with Germany through ARTEC. The RCH 155 combines high mobility and protection with effective firepower.

Hanwha Aerospace Romania and Milrem Robotics signed a teaming agreement in Bucharest on May 14, 2025, to pursue Romania's unmanned ground vehicle program. The partnership aims to combine their strengths in UGV technologies, with Hanwha serving as the prime contractor. They conducted a live demonstration of integrated UGV capabilities, showcasing their commitment to enhancing Romania's defense capabilities.

In Spring 2026, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) achieved significant advancements in unmanned combat systems, intelligent manufacturing, and aircraft carrier capabilities. Notable developments include the unveiling of autonomous underwater vehicles at the Chengdu Defense Expo and the implementation of 'Dark Factories' to enhance J-20 production. The PLA confirmed the full operational capability of its carrier battle group, marking a strategic shift in military readiness and production capacity. Additionally, joint military exercises with Pakistan and Thailand are set to promote China's unmanned combat philosophy.

Li MinghuiFri May 15 2026Loading...

Germany and France are pursuing separate tank development programs, with Germany focusing on a 130mm caliber tank and France on a 140mm caliber tank. This divergence threatens European military cooperation and raises concerns about standardization in ammunition. Germany's defense spending is increasing significantly, while France is also boosting its military budget to develop new tanks. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding military capabilities in response to Russian advancements.

Ukrainian drone operators participated in NATO exercises in Gotland, Sweden, on May 12, 2023, showcasing their drone warfare capabilities. They provided tactical insights to Western military forces, emphasizing the importance of adapting to modern drone operations. The exercises aimed to test NATO's collective defense response amid perceived threats from Russia.

Ukraine launched a large-scale retaliatory strike campaign overnight into May 15, targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure across multiple regions. Key strikes included the Ryazan oil refinery, resulting in casualties, and attacks on military assets such as aircraft and air defense systems in Crimea and Luhansk Oblast. This operation aimed to disrupt Russian military capabilities and logistics.

U.S. infantry units in Lithuania conducted drone warfare experiments as part of Project Flytrap, testing over 20 pieces of equipment, including reconnaissance drones and jammers. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment developed new tactics for countering enemy drones, emphasizing the integration of drone operations into ground combat. Future exercises are expected to scale up in complexity and realism, involving more unmanned aerial systems and electronic warfare capabilities.

Russia launched a massive airstrike against Ukraine on May 13-14, 2026, deploying 1,567 drones and 56 missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv. Ukraine's air defense intercepted about 94% of the drones and 73% of the missiles, but the attacks resulted in significant civilian casualties, including at least 16 deaths. This operation is noted as one of the largest drone assaults since the conflict began, aimed at testing and exhausting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 14 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces conducted massive drone strikes against Ukrainian military targets, deploying over 1000 drones in the past 24 hours. Key locations, including Kyiv, were hit with Iskander missiles and cruise missiles, resulting in 5 fatalities and approximately 40 injuries. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure and military assets across Ukraine, prompting NATO member Poland to respond with fighter jets.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has officially codified the Pliushch ground drone, enabling its formal procurement by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This unmanned reconnaissance platform, equipped with a 10-meter extendable mast, is designed for communications and electronic warfare, and can operate autonomously for up to four days. The Pliushch is already in use by combat units, marking a significant step in Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Ukraine is establishing a legal framework for arms exports to the U.S. and integrating drone technology into joint ventures with American firms. The new export framework allows for the sale of drones, missiles, and other military equipment, reflecting a significant shift in Ukraine's defense strategy. Additionally, Ukraine signed the CORPUS Memorandum with five European nations to coordinate defense procurement efforts. This development comes as Ukraine's defense production capacity has surged, attracting interest from U.S. investors.