Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces have lost 27 of the 31 US-supplied M1 Abrams tanks by mid-2025, prompting Australia to send 49 additional tanks. The first confirmed loss of these Australian tanks occurred near Pokrovsk in late December 2025. To enhance survivability against drone attacks, Ukrainian units have installed Cope Cages and reinforced armor on the tanks.

Russia is losing Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers at an unsustainable rate while continuing to employ them in air operations against Ukraine. Four Su-34s were reportedly destroyed by Ukraine at Marinovka air base. The Russian Air Force has adapted its tactics to utilize glide bombs from higher altitudes, resulting in over 16,500 glide bombs dropped in June and July. The ongoing conflict has forced Russia to innovate its airstrike strategies despite significant losses.

Ukrainian forces destroyed multiple S-400 missile defense systems in Crimea and Ukraine from 2023 to 2026, exploiting vulnerabilities in the system. The S-400, considered advanced, has faced significant losses against Ukrainian attacks, with claims of up to 31 batteries destroyed. Additionally, Russian S-400 systems delivered to Iran have not effectively countered Israeli airstrikes.

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.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, completed modernization after 27 years and began sea trials in August 2025. The ship, equipped with 176 missile cells, is intended to serve as a flagship for the Russian Northern Fleet, operating in the Arctic. The modernization faced significant delays and cost overruns, leading to the decommissioning of other ships in the class.

Russia conducted a significant aerial assault on Kyiv on August 20, 2023, launching 44 cruise missiles, 2 glide munitions, and 168 drones, resulting in at least 16 civilian deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted a majority of the missiles and drones, but several penetrated defenses, highlighting a critical shortage of interceptor missiles. This attack marks a shift in Russian strategy, targeting food supply chains in the city.

Alexandra ReevesFri Aug 21 2026Loading...

Russian engineers have developed a video-based autonomous navigation system for drones, enabling them to operate without GPS or radio signals. This technology, which addresses cumulative errors in inertial navigation systems, is expected to significantly change drone tactics in military operations. The system's resilience against electronic warfare is particularly noted, making it a crucial advancement for the Russian military.

Ukraine conducted drone strikes on the Moscow region over three of the last five nights, deploying hundreds of drones, including a record 637 on one occasion. These strikes have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure. President Zelensky announced the testing of a new ballistic missile, which could significantly reduce warning times for Russia. The ongoing drone campaign demonstrates Ukraine's capability to reach Moscow, raising concerns about the implications for Russian military response.

Romanian F-16s scrambled on August 20 to intercept and destroy a marine drone carrying explosives near the Neptun Deep gas platform in the Black Sea. The drone was neutralized by cannon fire, and Romanian authorities confirmed it was not of Ukrainian origin. This incident highlights escalating tensions and military responses in the region, particularly concerning critical energy infrastructure.

Alexandra ReevesThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Romanian forces destroyed two maritime drones near the Neptun Deep gas platform in the Black Sea on Thursday at around 6:28 a.m. One drone was engaged and destroyed by an F-16, while a Coast Guard vessel later destroyed a second drone. Both drones were confirmed not to belong to Ukrainian forces and were located within Romania's exclusive economic zone.

Romania neutralized a maritime drone near the Neptun Deep gas platform in the Black Sea on Thursday at around 6:28 a.m. local time. Two F-16s were scrambled, and one engaged the drone, which was loaded with explosives. After initially drifting, the drone was completely destroyed by Romanian EOD personnel. This incident is part of a recent pattern of drone activity in the region, with previous engagements reported.

A mass drone attack involving 637 drones targeted Moscow on the night of August 18-19, 2025, with Russian air defense intercepting 791 drones. Three injuries were reported, and civilian infrastructure sustained damage, including a fire at a logistics center. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Russian air defense systems in countering large-scale drone assaults.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

North Korea and Iran have claimed possession of hypersonic weapons, joining Russia and China in this capability. This development indicates a growing global interest and competition in advanced military technology.

North Korea deployed a missile unit of approximately 90 personnel to Voronezh, Russia, in August 2025, enhancing its missile capabilities through combat data obtained from the Ukraine war. The country has sent 40 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia, which have shown improved accuracy in combat, now landing within 50 to 100 meters of targets. North Korean troops have also engaged in combat alongside Russian forces, further solidifying military cooperation between the two nations.

Russian forces attacked Ukrainian military targets in Odesa on October 17, while Ukrainian forces struck a factory in Rostov Oblast, destroying two explosive production workshops. Over the past 24 hours, Russian troops reported control over two settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, and Ukrainian forces claimed to have destroyed 2093 drones and various military equipment.

Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Russian military facilities related to attack drones in Crimea and Kherson on August 17. The strikes targeted storage, launch, and control sites, resulting in fires at the locations. Ukrainian forces plan to persist in their operations against key Russian military targets.

Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau is developing the Su-57D, a two-seat variant of the Su-57 fighter, which will incorporate 6th-generation combat technologies. The aircraft successfully flew in May, and Russian officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, have highlighted its high priority. This development follows India's withdrawal from a cooperative program for a similar aircraft due to technology transfer concerns.

Russian forces shot down 1478 Ukrainian drones in a single day, marking the largest drone assault on Moscow. Concurrently, Russia targeted Ukrainian defense companies, including Fire Point, which produces hundreds of drones and missiles. Ukrainian attacks on Russian logistics hubs have disrupted supply chains, resulting in civilian casualties. Fire Point is also developing a new ballistic missile with a range capable of striking Moscow.

Russia's Khabarovsk submarine conducted factory trials on August 17, 2025, marking its first time at sea since construction began in 2014. Designed to carry the Poseidon underwater drone system, the submarine is part of Russia's strategic capabilities. The Khabarovsk will join the Pacific Fleet after trials, contributing to Russia's plans for a total of five Poseidon-armed submarines.

The Russian Navy's Akula-Class submarines, numbering nine, face significant operational challenges, with only a few deemed deployable as of mid-August 2026. The class, originally designed to counter U.S. submarines, has suffered from industrial issues since the Soviet collapse, impacting maintenance and readiness. India has leased some Akula-Class submarines for training purposes, highlighting their role in regional naval capabilities.