Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Oil Might Be Flowing Through the Strait of Hormuz, But for All the Wrong Reasons
Saudi Arabia increased oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz to 13.1 million barrels per day as of February 2026, despite challenges from Houthi control over key chokepoints. The Bab el-Mandeb saw a decline in oil exports to 2.53 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia is redirecting tankers to the Indian Ocean to meet Chinese orders, indicating a shift in strategy amid ongoing regional tensions.
► ASELSAN strengthens partnership with Azerbaijan at ADEX 2026
ASELSAN signed agreements with Azerbaijan on September 30, 2026, to establish a strategic production facility in Nakhchivan and procure ALP 100 Multifunction AESA Air Surveillance Radar systems for the Azerbaijani Air Force. This collaboration aims to enhance Azerbaijan's defense manufacturing capabilities and support the integration of advanced technologies into its military platforms. ASELSAN also showcased a range of defense technologies at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026).
The Russian Army Receives 15,500 New Positions Amid Prolonged War and North Korean Reinforcements
The Russian Armed Forces are expanding their personnel structure by 15,500 new positions amid ongoing military operations and support from North Korea. This expansion reflects a total increase of 47,860 positions since March 2026, indicating a shift towards a prolonged military mobilization. Reports suggest that North Korea is sending an additional 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia, which is facing significant personnel losses in the ongoing conflict.
Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 30 2026Loading...Kazakhstan Punishes Those Responsible for Exercise Accident
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Kasanov following a naval exercise on September 24, 2023, where 17 soldiers were swept into the sea, resulting in only 3 rescues. A special committee has been established to investigate the incident and the operations of the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, 5 officials have been detained for their roles in the tragedy.
Russia claims Ukraine's "Flamingo" missile strikes Moscow, multiple facilities in Kyiv hit by Russian attacks.
Ukrainian forces launched Flamingo cruise missiles at Moscow, marking the first such attack. In response, Russian air defense intercepted 8 of these missiles and a total of 1600 aerial targets. Concurrently, Russian forces conducted extensive drone strikes on various facilities in Ukraine, including data centers in Kyiv, leading to a record 15-hour air raid alert in the city.
Total Armed Forces of 2.44 million, Active Military Personnel Increased to 1.55 million, Russian Army Expands for the Fourth Time This Year
Russian President Putin signed a decree on September 28, 2023, increasing the total number of armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, with active duty numbers rising to 1,550,500. This marks the fourth expansion of the military this year, reflecting Russia's response to perceived threats from NATO and European nations. The decree mandates budget allocations for the Ministry of Defense to support this expansion.
In 1997 a Bankrupt Russian Tank Factory Showed Off a Prototype That Stored Its Ammunition in an Isolated Turret Bustle Behind Blowout Panels. Nobody Bought a Single One. Russian Tanks in Ukraine Still Carry Their Shells in a Ring Under the Crew.
Omsktransmash developed the T-80 Black Eagle tank prototype from 1997 to 1999, featuring a redesigned turret and advanced armor. Despite showcasing the tank at various expos, it failed to attract buyers, leading to the company's bankruptcy in 2002. The Russian Army's disinterest in the T-80 series contributed to the project's cancellation.
Putin's Decree on 1.55 Million Military Personnel Shows the Cost of a Prolonged War for Russia
On September 29, 2026, President Putin announced an increase in the Russian Armed Forces to 1.55 million personnel, marking the fourth adjustment in 2026. This decision coincides with plans to raise defense spending by about 27% in 2027. Reports also suggest North Korea may prepare to send 10,000 troops to assist Russia, highlighting the ongoing personnel challenges faced by the Russian military.
Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...
Russian Tu-95 crashes on takeoff after engine failure
A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed near Krasnoyarovo in the Amur region on September 29, 2023, due to engine failure during takeoff, resulting in six fatalities among the seven crew members. The sole survivor was hospitalized. Initial reports mistakenly identified the aircraft as a Tu-154, but later evidence confirmed it as a Tu-95MS, a long-range bomber used in military operations.
Russia plans record $200 billion military budget for 2027
Russia plans to spend 17.1 trillion rubles ($201 billion) on its military in 2027, a 27% increase from previous estimates. The total defense budget over the next three years is projected to reach 50 trillion rubles ($592 billion). The government aims to address budget deficits through borrowing and new taxes, with defense expected to account for 35% of federal spending in 2027.
The Russian Army is gaining 15,500 personnel — the fourth expansion of staff in 2026
On September 28, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the military personnel by 15,500, raising the total to 2,441,630. This marks the fourth expansion of military personnel in 2026, reflecting ongoing military needs amid a protracted conflict. The increase is part of a strategy to manage personnel shortages and maintain military readiness, while also indicating a shift in Russia's approach to the war.
Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...The total number of personnel in the Russian Armed Forces increases to over 2.44 million.
Russian President Putin signed a decree on September 28, 2023, increasing the total authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces to over 2.44 million personnel, which includes over 1.55 million active-duty military members. This follows previous increases in military personnel authorized earlier in the year.
Russia raises 2027 military spending by 27%, budget documents show
Russia plans to increase its military spending to 17.1 trillion roubles ($202.6 billion) in 2027, marking a 27% rise from previous budgets. The total defense budget will reach 50 trillion roubles over the next three years. The government also raised its 2026 budget deficit estimate to 3.2% of GDP and plans to implement new taxes to finance the deficit.
Putin’s Next Target May Be NATO Itself
Russia is preparing to escalate military pressure on NATO, with significant troop movements and infrastructure developments near the Finnish border. Clandestine operations have been reported in allied territories, including attempted drone attacks and sabotage. The situation is evolving as NATO faces increasing threats along its eastern flank.
Chinese shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles appear in Russian service
Russian air defense troops are using Chinese-designed shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles during exercises in Rostov. The missiles, referred to as 'Iva', were observed in footage aired on state television. This development suggests that Russia may be relying on foreign-made systems to meet its military needs, particularly against Ukrainian drone threats. The equipment resembles Iranian and Chinese models, indicating potential military cooperation between these nations.
The Houthi Attack on Taiz and the Al-Mokha Port Reshapes the Battle of Bab al-Mandab in 2026
Houthi forces captured the port of Al-Mokha on September 10, 2026, and intensified battles around Taiz, aiming to connect their northern territories with the Red Sea. This strategic move puts pressure on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with significant implications for maritime security. The conflict has resulted in over 130,000 people displaced in September, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the ongoing military operations.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Sep 28 2026Loading...Russia Builds Drone Acoustic Detection Network
Russia has developed an acoustic detection system for drones, capable of identifying drone types and estimating their speed and direction. This system, designed for early warning, can be deployed in remote areas and is resilient to sensor loss. It has a detection range exceeding 1000 meters for larger drones and is currently in the preparation phase for mass production.
Sukhoi’s Su-37 Terminator Fighter Could Hit Mach 2.5 and Flip a Full 360 Degrees in a Tiny Patch of Sky. Only 1 Was Built and No Buyer Ever Paid to Put It Into Production.
The Sukhoi Su-37, a prototype fighter aircraft, was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Russia but never entered production. It showcased advanced thrust-vectoring technology and could exceed Mach 2.5. The sole prototype crashed in Shatura, near Moscow, in 2002 due to structural fatigue. Despite its impressive capabilities, the aircraft was never operationally deployed due to post-Soviet economic challenges.
Kazakhstan President Appoints New Defense Minister
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev appointed Aidos Merzakhmetov as the new Minister of Defense on September 27, 2023. This leadership change is significant for the Kazakh Armed Forces, indicating a potential shift in defense policy or strategy.
‘It Flew Less than An Hour’: Russia’s MiG-1.44 Stealth Fighter Tried to Be the Mach 2 Fighter the F-22 Raptor Was Destined to Be and Never Had a Chance
The MiG-1.44 stealth fighter, developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau, flew for a total of 40 minutes over two flights before its program was discontinued on April 27, 2000, due to financial constraints in post-Soviet Russia. Designed to compete with the F-22 Raptor, the MiG-1.44 featured advanced technologies but ultimately could not achieve operational status. The program's cancellation marked a significant moment in the decline of Soviet military aviation capabilities.
