Analysis & Reports

Edgewing Joint Venture opened its first global site for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in Turin, Italy on 9 October 2023. The site will initially host 300 personnel, expanding to 1,000 as operations ramp up. The GCAP aims to develop a 6th generation air combat platform, with potential participation from Germany and Canada as an observer.

Houthi forces launched ballistic missile attacks on Saudi-led coalition gathering points and weapon depots in the Salahuddin and Wahjat regions of Yemen on the morning of the 25th. The strikes resulted in dozens of casualties and the destruction of vehicles and weapon depots.

On October 25, 2023, reports emerged regarding the potential deployment of the Russian Filin cruise missile, which has a range of approximately 1200 kilometers. This missile could necessitate a shift in Ukraine's air defense strategy, requiring broader coverage of critical infrastructure. The existence and operational status of the Filin missile remain unconfirmed, with implications for military resource allocation in Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Approximately 600 British and French paratroopers conducted a large-scale airborne operation from four RAF A400M transport aircraft during the 'Rhino Titan' exercise in Sennelager, Germany. This exercise, involving over 2500 troops, simulates a NATO territory attack and aims to enhance readiness against modern threats. UK Defense Secretary stated that the military is preparing for contemporary challenges, amid rising concerns about Russian aggression in Europe.

British and French paratroopers conducted a significant airborne exercise in Germany from October 24-25, 2026, simulating an attack on NATO territory. This drill, the largest of its kind in decades, aimed to enhance operational readiness in response to evolving threats in Europe, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The exercise emphasized rapid deployment, logistics, and counter-drone capabilities, reflecting the current security landscape.

Alexandra ReevesSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Ukrainian officers warned of the detrimental effects of Starlink service slowdowns on military drone operations in October 2026. The EU faces increasing pressure to develop its own satellite communication capabilities to ensure operational independence. The IRIS² project aims to enhance secure communication but lacks immediate operational capacity. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the urgent need for reliable satellite communication in modern warfare.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

On October 25, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched 153 Shahed-type drones and Banderol cruise missiles targeting Ukrainian logistics and infrastructure, including strikes reported near Vinnytsia and Chornomorsk. The operation aimed to disrupt Ukraine's supply chains and create economic pressure, highlighting the challenges faced by Ukrainian air defenses against mixed drone and missile threats. NATO is recognizing the need for a more layered air defense strategy.

Alexandra ReevesSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

On October 24, 2026, Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the restoration of Starlink and Starshield connections after temporary restrictions due to violations of terms. The situation highlights Ukraine's reliance on a private American platform for military communications, raising concerns about European strategic autonomy in satellite communications. The report suggests that while OneWeb could serve as an alternative, it currently lacks the necessary military integration and capabilities.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) killed 54 civilians in a massacre in Menaka, northeastern Mali, in October 2026. This incident underscores the group's ability to operate in areas with limited military presence, using violence to exert control and intimidate local communities. The Malian army's response has been criticized, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining security and protecting civilians in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is willing to freeze military actions along the current contact line and is prepared to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia, provided no territorial concessions are required. He clarified that Ukraine will not accept proposals that involve giving up territory, particularly the Donbas region, which remains a critical point in ongoing negotiations. Zelensky's remarks indicate a firm stance against territorial compromises while expressing a desire for a swift resolution to the conflict.

A Russian drone unit launched about 100 Lancet loitering munitions over three months, achieving only three successful strikes due to effective Ukrainian air defenses. The operation, conducted by the 'Sparta' unit, faced challenges including poor coordination and leadership issues. The Lancet drone, once a key asset, has seen a decline in effectiveness as Ukrainian forces have improved their interception capabilities.

The UK Ministry of Defence has opened a tender for the procurement of Skydio X10D drones for reconnaissance, with a budget of £120,000. The tender was published on October 20, 2023, and bids are due by November 19, 2023. The contract is expected to run from November 30, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and the drones will be delivered to the South-East of England.

Russian forces launched an attack on Kyiv using nine ballistic missiles and sixty-two drones on October 25, 2026. Ukrainian authorities reported that four missiles and fifty drones were intercepted, resulting in at least four fatalities and approximately twenty injuries. This strike is part of a strategy to pressure Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.

Dmitri VolkovSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The French Navy deployed an Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft to Constanța, Romania, on October 18, to assist in search and rescue operations following drone attacks on merchant ships. Concurrently, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon began patrolling the Black Sea at Bulgaria's request. The operations are in response to multiple drone strikes affecting vessels in the region, prompting NATO to enhance its maritime presence and support.

Ukraine rejected Elon Musk's claims on October 24, 2023, asserting that its military did not violate Starlink's terms of service for offensive operations. Ukrainian officials explained that operational restrictions on Starlink make its use for deep strikes impossible. Musk's statements about Starlink's capabilities and restrictions have drawn criticism from Ukrainian defense advisers, emphasizing the importance of Starshield for military communications.

General Greenkiewicz presented NATO's 'Victory Plan' at the Warsaw Security Forum on October 17, 2023, outlining strategies to counter potential Russian aggression. The plan emphasizes a defensive posture, focusing on blocking, weakening, and destroying enemy forces. NATO's current approach towards Russia is characterized by restraint, with no immediate threat of conflict identified. The report warns that NATO risks losing credibility if it raises the threshold for collective defense.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to purchase at least 850 F-35 stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin over the next decade, raising concerns among European nations about their reliance on U.S. military technology. Countries like Denmark and Canada are reconsidering their orders amid political pressures and criticisms regarding the aircraft's operational costs and complexity. The F-35 is perceived as superior in stealth capabilities compared to European alternatives.

The UK and France conducted their first joint nuclear strike exercise named 'Lami' in October 2023. Typhoon fighter jets from the Royal Air Force and Rafale fighter jets from the French Air Force participated in the exercise, which took place over the Mediterranean Sea, launched from Saint-Dizier, France. This exercise marks a significant step in strengthening nuclear defense cooperation between the two nations amid ongoing tensions in Europe.

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in Oleshky starting October 27, 2023, at 4:00 AM Kyiv time to facilitate humanitarian operations. This agreement was reached during an online meeting between Russian and Ukrainian representatives. Approximately 1700 to 2000 civilians, including many elderly and about 50 children, remain in the area, which has been a frontline zone since the conflict began.

On October 24, 2023, Russian forces attacked a Ukrainian power plant while Ukrainian forces reported drone strikes reaching 2,500 km into Russian territory, targeting facilities in Omsk and Togliatti. The attacks resulted in at least 4 deaths and 78 injuries. Ukrainian strikes also disrupted water and electricity supply in Crimea, indicating ongoing military operations and escalating tensions between the two nations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 24 2026Loading...