Analysis & Reports

Embraer is ramping up production of the KC-390 Millennium airlifter, expecting to build six aircraft in 2023. Deliveries are planned for the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, and South Korea. The company aims to double production by the end of the decade and is exploring a partnership with Northrop Grumman to enhance the aircraft's capabilities.

Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with the Republic of Armenia for six H145 helicopters on 18 June 2026 in Donauwörth, Germany. This acquisition marks Armenia's first contract with Airbus and aims to enhance its aerial transport capabilities. The agreement was finalized during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the strengthening of bilateral ties between France and Armenia.

On June 18, 2023, Moscow experienced a drone attack, resulting in damage to a shopping center and an oil refinery. Russian air defense forces intercepted over 50 drones targeting the city. No casualties were reported, but major airports, including Sheremetyevo, have imposed flight restrictions due to the incident.

On October 18, 2023, Russian air defense systems shot down at least 28 drones targeting Moscow. Simultaneously, missiles were reported heading towards Bryansk Oblast. A drone attack in Rostov Oblast resulted in one death and two injuries, with ongoing drone strikes reported. Belgorod Oblast also experienced drone attacks, while there has been no response from Ukraine regarding these incidents.

The Soviet Navy built four Kiev-class hybrid aircraft carriers between the 1970s and 1993, which were intended to challenge U.S. naval power. However, these carriers faced significant design limitations, including short flight decks and ineffective aircraft, restricting their operational capabilities primarily to the Black Sea. The carriers were ultimately unable to fulfill their intended role as a global naval threat.

Ukrainian forces have conducted drone strikes against Moscow for nine consecutive days, targeting key facilities including the Gazprom Neft refinery. Russian defenses reported shooting down 60 drones during the latest attack, with six injuries reported. In response to the strikes, fuel purchase limits were imposed by Tatneft, highlighting the impact on Russia's oil supply. President Zelenskyy noted the long-range capabilities of Ukrainian strikes, emphasizing their strategic significance.

Russian forces continued airstrikes on Ukrainian energy and transportation infrastructure, while also claiming control of a settlement in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces reported 228 combat incidents and shot down 2062 Russian drones. Additionally, they launched long-range strikes on Russian targets, including oil facilities in Moscow and Tula.

The Russian Navy's Admiral Nakhimov has commenced sea trials in the White Sea after nearly 30 years of modernization. The battlecruiser, equipped with advanced Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, is entering its final testing phase before returning to operational service. This marks a significant development for Russia's naval capabilities, particularly in the context of NATO's strategic concerns in northern waters.

A Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in Irkutsk Oblast on June 15, 2026, during a training flight, with the crew successfully ejecting. The aircraft was reportedly unarmed, and preliminary reports suggest a technical malfunction as the cause. This incident underscores the operational challenges faced by the Russian Air Force, particularly regarding the aging fleet of long-range bombers.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jun 16 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow on October 16, resulting in the downing of 60 fixed-wing drones by Russian air defense systems. The attack caused damage to a refinery in Moscow, and the resulting fire has been extinguished. There has been no response from Ukrainian officials regarding the incident.

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Kamenka, Irkutsk Region on Monday during a training flight. The four crew members ejected safely and were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminary reports suggest engine failure as the cause of the crash, which produced a large column of smoke but caused no ground damage.

A Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in a field near Svirsk, Irkutsk Oblast, on Monday during a training flight due to engine failure. The four crew members ejected safely and did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The aircraft was not armed at the time of the incident, which adds to the growing list of losses for Russia's long-range aviation capabilities.

On June 15, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched a massive airstrike involving 70 missiles and 611 drones targeting Ukraine, with significant portions intercepted. New satellite data reveals at least five drone launch sites near the Belarus border, enhancing Russia's operational capabilities. The Shatalovo airfield, located 46 kilometers from Belarus, is a key site with multiple launchers, indicating a strategic shift in Russian military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jun 15 2026Loading...

Russian forces shot down Ukrainian drones that fell into industrial facilities in Yaroslavl and Tula on June 14, 2023, without causing casualties. In retaliation for Russia's refusal to cease fire, Ukraine launched long-range strikes against oil and chemical facilities in these regions.

The Russian Navy introduced the shipborne Tor-M2KM air defense system in June 2026 to counter Ukrainian drone threats in the Black Sea. This 15-ton system is designed for vessels with a displacement of at least 500 tons and reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian fleet in maintaining operational capabilities against drone attacks. The Tor-M2KM represents a significant development in Russia's military equipment, aiming to enhance air defense capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jun 14 2026Loading...

JSC Rosoboronexport presented a range of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) at the IMDS-2026 in Kronstadt. The showcased equipment included the Briz USV, BEK-6, and MMT-300 UUV, highlighting advancements in Russian maritime robotic systems. These developments are influenced by Ukraine's successful combat use of similar technologies.

Leaked documents reveal that Russia's PAK DA bomber program remains stalled, with no flying prototype available as of mid-2026. The Russian Armed Forces are prioritizing the modernization of the Tu-160 fleet due to the ongoing Ukraine War, while the PAK DA faces significant delays and reliance on foreign manufacturing equipment. The documents highlight the challenges in developing advanced military aircraft amid industrial bottlenecks and foreign dependencies.

On June 12, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a high probability of a medium-range ballistic missile launch from Kapustin Yar, likely involving the Oreshnik missile. This missile has been previously used by Russia and is viewed as a political tool to exert psychological pressure amid military challenges. The situation reflects Russia's attempt to maintain an escalation initiative in the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jun 13 2026Loading...

On June 12, Russian forces shot down 16 Ukrainian drones near Moscow. The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched attacks on Russian energy facilities in Dagestan and Samara, resulting in fires at the sites. The strikes targeted military and logistical facilities in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk regions.

Ukrainian crews in the 160th Separate Mechanized Brigade have modified an M1A1 Abrams tank named 'Lucifer' with modular anti-drone cage structures in Pokrovsk. These adaptations enhance the tank's survivability against drone threats while maintaining its combat capabilities. The modifications reflect a systematic approach to improving battlefield effectiveness, evolving from improvised solutions to a replicable design.