Analysis & Reports

Ukraine is enhancing its air defense capabilities with new tasks assigned by President Zelensky to Defense Minister Reznikov. NATO has committed to providing additional air defense systems and offensive weapons, including Patriot systems and F-16 jets. A contract for F-16 maintenance worth over $235 million has been signed, and Ukraine is prioritizing defense against drone and missile threats.

Western navies, including those of France, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, and the USA, are preparing to enhance their military capabilities in response to threats from Russian submarines. During a naval conference in Paris on February 2-3, 2023, officials expressed concerns about potential conflicts and emphasized the need for increased readiness and cooperation. The Dutch Navy Commander highlighted a specific readiness date of January 1, 2028, while U.S. officials noted expected improvements in naval firepower.

Russian military launched large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military energy and transportation infrastructure using precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Ukrainian forces repelled 80 Russian attacks across the front lines, particularly in the Lyman and Pokrovsk areas, as of 16:00 local time.

On February 7, Russian forces conducted large-scale airstrikes against Ukrainian energy and transportation infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and widespread power outages across the country. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the impact of these attacks, which involved 39 missiles, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and 408 drones targeting critical facilities.

Ukraine confirmed the shootdown of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and an Su-30SM multirole fighter by a U.S.-made PAC-3 Patriot system. Both aircraft were equipped with Khibiny electronic warfare systems, which failed to counter the Western air defense. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Air Force in Ukraine, with at least 23 Su-34s lost since the conflict began.

Russian Armed Forces launched large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure over the past 24 hours, utilizing precision weapons including Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles. Ukrainian air defense reported the interception of one guided bomb and 168 drones. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that 39 missiles and 408 drones were deployed in these attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

On February 7, Russian forces launched a new wave of airstrikes against Ukraine, utilizing over 400 drones and nearly 40 missiles, including Zircon hypersonic missiles. The strikes primarily targeted Ukraine's power grid and energy infrastructure, affecting multiple regions such as Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv. Ukrainian air defense operations are ongoing, and emergency rolling blackouts have been implemented nationwide.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment conducted live-fire training with the M777 Alpha 2 howitzer at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany on February 5, 2026. This training was part of a Table XV qualification, focusing on crew coordination and fire mission procedures under operational conditions. The M777 Alpha 2 howitzer is the latest variant designed for long-range, precision indirect fire.

Russia launched a new round of large-scale attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities on February 7, with the assaults still ongoing. The Ukrainian National Power Company and the Deputy Prime Minister reported that emergency power outages have been implemented across most regions of Ukraine.

NATO forces, including the U.S. Army, conducted live-fire artillery exercises at Cincu and Smrdan training grounds in Romania from January 26 to February 13, 2026, as part of Dynamic Front 26. This exercise, involving fourteen NATO nations, aims to validate the integration of military capabilities across multiple domains and address challenges posed by Russian military operations. It emphasizes interoperability and counter-drone capabilities while testing logistics under cold-weather conditions.

Alexandra ReevesFri Feb 06 2026Loading...

Russian Su-35 fighter jets have suffered significant losses in Ukraine, with at least 8 confirmed downed and unconfirmed reports indicating up to 25. Ukrainian air defenses, now enhanced with Western systems, have effectively targeted these aircraft since the invasion began in February 2022. The first air-to-air kill of a Su-35 by a Ukrainian F-16 was reported in June 2024, highlighting the challenges faced by the Russian Air Force in maintaining air superiority.

The French Navy is enhancing crew training to prepare for high-stress combat situations following experiences in the Red Sea. New methods include physical exercises before simulations and creating disruptive environments to improve reflex actions. The training aims to ensure personnel can perform effectively under intense stress, drawing on lessons learned from recent deployments.

Ukrainian forces are adapting their tactics to breach Russian defensive lines, utilizing advanced reconnaissance and long-range strike capabilities. The current military operations emphasize the integration of drones and engineering assets to overcome extensive fortifications. Historical lessons from past conflicts inform these evolving strategies, as Ukraine faces significant challenges in its counteroffensive efforts against well-prepared Russian defenses.

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted joint cold weather exercises in Hokkaido, focusing on fire support and mobility. Turkish forces tested the Free Bird aircraft in extreme cold, while UK forces enhanced Arctic capabilities through operations in Norway. Finland is providing training for NATO allies in cold weather operations, reflecting a broader trend of military readiness in response to geopolitical tensions.

Russian Aerospace Forces are experiencing severe losses of Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft in Ukraine, with 40 Su-34s and between 8 to over 25 Su-35s reported lost. This attrition is negatively impacting the morale and readiness of the VKS, raising concerns about their operational effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.

The Finnish Army is transforming its military organization to enhance joint air-ground integration and deep battle capabilities in response to Russian aggression and NATO membership. By 2035, it aims to have over 185,000 personnel, focusing on modernization and integration of advanced systems like the F-35 and upgraded artillery. Key lessons from the Ukraine conflict are being applied, particularly in countering unmanned aerial systems and improving logistics.

Russian forces conducted an assault using captured M113 armored personnel carriers near Hryshyne in eastern Ukraine. The operation occurred in dense fog, allowing them to advance undetected. Ukrainian operators from the 'Panama' unit engaged the Russian column, destroying one M113 while another withdrew. Five Russian soldiers were killed by drone strikes during the engagement.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the conflict since 2022, with many more reported missing. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates total casualties, including missing personnel, to be between 500,000 and 600,000, with deaths ranging from 100,000 to 140,000.

Ukraine confirmed the shootdown of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and an Su-30SM multirole fighter by a U.S.-made PAC-3 Patriot system. Both aircraft were equipped with advanced Khibiny electronic warfare systems, which failed to counter the Patriot. This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine, with at least 23 Su-34s lost since the conflict began.

M1A2 Abrams tanks from the 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment conducted winter training exercises at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland in January and late last year. The crews, known for their unique tank names, trained to maneuver effectively across restrictive terrain in winter conditions, showcasing their operational readiness.