Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Ukrainian Side Claims Heavy Damage to Russian Tu-95 Strategic Bombers
The Ukrainian Security Service conducted a drone strike on a Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels military airport in Saratov Oblast, Russia, on July 17. The bomber was severely damaged, with its tail completely detached. This operation aimed to weaken Russian military and economic capabilities, indicating that even remote military installations are no longer safe for Russian forces.
Tu-95 in Engels destroyed 800 kilometers from Ukraine — strategic aviation loses depth
On July 17, 2023, the Ukrainian Security Service destroyed a Tu-95 bomber in Engels, Russia, approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing degradation of Russian strategic aviation capabilities, as the Tu-95 is a rare asset that cannot be quickly replaced. The attack signifies Ukraine's effective long-range strike capabilities against Russian military infrastructure.
Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 17 2026Loading...
Russia’s cutting-edge drone upgrade is a $2 camping compass
Russia has begun modifying its Molniya attack drones by adding magnetic compasses and onboard cameras to enhance navigation capabilities, particularly in environments where satellite signals are jammed. This development, reported by Ukrainian defense advisor Serhii Beskrestnov, highlights a cost-effective approach to drone technology amidst ongoing electronic warfare. The modifications allow these drones to operate independently of GPS systems, making them more resilient against jamming tactics.
Ukraine says it destroyed a Russian strategic bomber in Engels
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) destroyed a Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels airfield in Russia in July 2025. This operation is part of Ukraine's ongoing long-range strikes against Russian military targets. The Tu-95 had been utilized by Russia for missile strikes against Ukraine, and its destruction represents a significant loss for Russia's strategic bomber fleet.
Russia unveiled the T-14 tank, the Su-57 stealth fighter, and the Su-75 Checkmate as world-beating weapons — a decade on, the count stands at a few dozen tanks, roughly 30 jets, and a Checkmate that has never flown, while it turns out cheap drones by the tens of thousands
Russia has unveiled advanced military prototypes, including the T-14 tank and Su-57 fighter, but has produced only a handful due to production challenges. In contrast, it has successfully manufactured tens of thousands of cheap drones, highlighting a significant shift in its military capabilities. The T-14 and Su-57 remain largely unutilized in combat, while the Su-75 Checkmate has yet to fly.
28,000 Ton Mistake: Russia’s Admiral Nakhimov Nuclear Battlecrusier Took Almost 30 Years to Refit Could Get ‘Schooled’ by Cheap Drones and Missiles
The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-class battlecruiser, is undergoing modernization to enhance its capabilities as the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet. It features advanced weapon systems, including P-700 Granit and Kalibr missiles, and is powered by nuclear reactors. However, its effectiveness may be challenged by modern warfare tactics involving drones and missile swarms. The ship's significant size and armament raise questions about its vulnerability in contemporary naval engagements.
Russia’s Engels bomber base reportedly under drone attack
Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Engels air base overnight into July 16, causing explosions and a fire. The attack targeted the military airfield, which hosts strategic bombers, and was confirmed by multiple sources. Reports indicate that drones with a new design were used, and Russian air defenses were active during the incident.
Russia claims to strike Ukrainian military facilities; Ukraine claims to attack Russian military helicopters.
Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military facilities, including drone storage and logistics centers, on the 15th. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces reported targeting a Russian Mi-28 helicopter in Belgorod and intercepting numerous Russian drones. The conflict saw 73 battles reported on the front lines that day.
Russia’s Iskander-M Missile is Rewriting the Rules of Air Defense
Russia's Iskander-M missile system is actively being utilized in Ukraine, demonstrating advanced capabilities against air defenses. The missile can carry nuclear payloads and employs tactics to evade interception. Continuous improvements have been made based on battlefield experience, and it can coordinate with drone swarms to enhance its effectiveness. The system poses a significant threat to NATO countries due to its range and capabilities.
Russia’s Submarines Are Still NATO’s Biggest Threat — But Serious Cracks Are Showing
Russia's submarine force remains a significant threat to NATO in 2026, with 8 Borei-class submarines and ongoing modernization efforts. The fleet faces challenges, including slow production rates and operational losses, but continues to operate effectively in strategic regions like the Arctic and North Atlantic. The introduction of new capabilities, such as the Khabarovsk carrier for Poseidon torpedoes, underscores its importance in Russia's military strategy.
Ukraine's FPV Strike on Mi-28 Should Worry NATO
Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the Rarog unit struck a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter near Vyazovoye at around 10:00, hitting the tail boom and causing it to crash. This incident highlights the growing effectiveness of drones against traditional air assets, raising concerns for NATO about the vulnerability of helicopters in combat. The Mi-28, valued at millions, was taken down by a relatively inexpensive drone, indicating a significant shift in battlefield dynamics.
Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 15 2026Loading...
Ukraine says its drone just took down a Russian Mi-28 helicopter
Ukrainian drone operators from the Rarog unit struck a Russian Mi-28 helicopter with a FPV drone near Vyazovoye in Belgorod region around 10:00, causing it to crash. The strike targeted the helicopter's tail boom, demonstrating the effectiveness of drone warfare against heavily armored aircraft. This incident reflects a continuing trend of successful drone strikes on Russian Mi-28s by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian Military Claims to Have Struck 20 Russian Vessels in the Black Sea Overnight
Ukrainian forces struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea on July 15, 2023, using drone systems. The operation targeted 17 tankers, 2 liquefied gas transport ships, and 1 tugboat, marking a shift in operations from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. This action was confirmed by the Ukrainian military's social media announcement.
Russia’s ‘New’ Lada-Class Submarines Are So Bad the First Boat Took 13 Years to Build and Was Scrapped
The Russian Navy decommissioned the Lada-class submarine Sankt Petersburg in 2023 due to persistent failures and high costs associated with its development. The Lada-class was intended to enhance Russia's undersea warfare capabilities but has been plagued by issues since its inception. Efforts to export the submarines have also failed, with no interest from potential buyers.
Turkey's Arms Swap to Exchange Russian S-400 Missiles for US F-35 Fighter Jets Stirs Multiple Countries
Turkey is negotiating to sell its Russian-made S-400 missile system to acquire U.S. F-35 fighter jets, amid significant political and military implications. The U.S. has expressed concerns about Turkey's S-400 system preventing the sale of F-35s, while Israel opposes the deal, fearing it would disrupt regional power dynamics. Discussions with Russia regarding the resale of the S-400 are ongoing, adding complexity to the situation.
Freyja vs. Iskanders in 2026 Turns Kyiv into a Testing Ground for European Missile Defense
In July 2026, Ukraine and nine European nations announced the formation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, aiming to enhance missile defense capabilities against Russian threats. Following this announcement, Russia launched 134 long-range drones and three guided missiles targeting Ukraine. The coalition seeks to leverage Ukraine's combat experience to develop a more cost-effective missile defense system, addressing the challenges posed by Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 14 2026Loading..."Spider Web" Operation Replica? Russia Claims to Thwart Ukraine's Long-Range Attack Plot
Russian Federal Security Service foiled a Ukrainian attempt to attack military airports in Bryansk Oblast and Amur Region using drones on July 13, 2023. The operation involved 24 FPV drones and mobile ground control stations, which were intercepted before they could be deployed. This incident is reminiscent of a previous operation known as 'Web', where Ukrainian forces successfully attacked Russian strategic airports.
Russia’s Kilo-Class ‘Black Hole’ Submarine Has One Magic Trick That Keeps NATO Guessing
The Kilo-class submarines, integral to the Russian Navy, have faced significant vulnerabilities from modern drone technology, with incidents in 2023 and 2025 resulting in severe damage and sinking. Despite their historical success and ongoing production, these submarines are now at risk from inexpensive drone strikes while still being utilized by various navies worldwide. Russia continues to enhance their capabilities, but the design's limitations are becoming apparent as more advanced alternatives emerge.
After 27 Years and $5 Billion, Russia’s Giant Battlecruiser Is Back. It’s a Monument to Everything Wrong With Its Navy.
The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, returned to the White Sea for final trials on June 1, 2026, after a 27-year modernization costing around $5 billion. It is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and will serve as the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet. However, its operational effectiveness is challenged by difficulties in target acquisition and vulnerabilities highlighted by recent naval conflicts.
Ukraine Has No Navy. It Just Drove Russia’s Fleet Into Hiding and Forced It to Cage Its Own Submarines — and Every Navy on Earth Is Taking Notes
Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt by fitting counter-drone cages on its Kilo-class submarines in Novorossiysk due to significant losses inflicted by Ukrainian naval drones. Approximately one-third of the fleet has been destroyed or rendered inactive, leading to a retreat from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost naval drones has changed naval warfare dynamics, prompting global naval powers to reassess their strategies.
