Analysis & Reports

Russia has designed the Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter to compete with the F-35 but has not produced any operational units. The aircraft's specifications suggest potential capabilities, yet it faces significant production challenges and lacks detailed information on its operational effectiveness. Concerns remain about Russia's ability to create a competitive 5th-generation fighter force.

Ukraine launched a large-scale retaliatory strike campaign overnight into May 15, targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure across multiple regions. Key strikes included the Ryazan oil refinery, resulting in casualties, and attacks on military assets such as aircraft and air defense systems in Crimea and Luhansk Oblast. This operation aimed to disrupt Russian military capabilities and logistics.

Russia launched the largest drone and missile assault on Ukraine from May 13 to 14, 2026, deploying 1,567 strike drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 1,362 drones and 41 missiles, while three Kinzhal missiles successfully hit their targets. The operation utilized Belarus and Moldova as transit corridors, indicating a significant escalation in tactics. The sustained assault aimed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses and degrade their response capabilities.

On May 13, 2023, the Russian Army conducted large-scale drone attacks across multiple regions in Ukraine, including Transcarpathia, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The assaults involved at least 800 drones, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. Local officials described this as the largest attack since the conflict began, with explosions reported in various communities and ongoing air raid alerts in affected cities.

Russia successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on December 12, 2023, confirming its operational readiness by the end of the year. President Putin stated that the missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers, will significantly enhance Russia's strategic nuclear capabilities. The test was reported by the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, indicating a major advancement in their military arsenal.

On May 13, 2026, Russian forces launched over 200 one-way attack drones across Ukraine, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes occurred in multiple regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv, following the collapse of a ceasefire. Ukrainian forces simultaneously executed deep-strike operations against Russian oil facilities, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 13 2026Loading...

The Russian Airborne Forces established multiple drone repair battalions responsible for maintaining UAVs and ground robotic systems. These units operate near the frontline to facilitate rapid repairs and return of equipment to combat. Each battalion includes specialized teams for fixed-wing drones, multi-rotor drones, and ground robotic systems, and they also handle the repair of captured enemy drones for reuse.

On May 12, Russian President Putin received reports of a successful test launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile, capable of reaching 35,000 kilometers, is expected to have its first regiment operational by the end of the year. It can carry various nuclear warheads, including hypersonic ones, and is designed to replace the Soviet-era Satan missile.

Russian forces conducted extensive drone and artillery attacks against Ukrainian positions from May 9 to 11, 2026, resulting in 180 combat engagements and significant losses for both sides. President Putin claimed the war was nearing its end, despite ongoing military operations and a recent three-day ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Trump. Notably, drones from Russian territory crashed in Latvia, highlighting the conflict's regional implications.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 12 2026Loading...

The Russian Aerospace Forces continue to upgrade their Tu-160M strategic bombers, with the first upgraded aircraft, Deynekin, photographed after a five-year modernization process. Currently, only seven of the 18 Tu-160M aircraft are actively engaged in combat missions against Ukraine, while the rest are involved in testing, training, or maintenance. The Kazan Aircraft Production Association is managing the modernization and production efforts, which are reportedly slower than official statements suggest.

Armenia publicly displayed French-supplied CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems during rehearsals for the Republic Day parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2023. This marks a significant shift in Armenia's military hardware from Russian to Western equipment, reflecting ongoing defense reforms under Prime Minister Pashinyan. The CAESAR artillery, known for its strategic mobility and firepower, symbolizes Armenia's evolving defense relationships following recent military setbacks.

Russian forces launched 78 airstrikes and 9,317 kamikaze drones against Ukrainian positions on May 7, 2026. Ukrainian drones struck the Mosfilm Tower in Moscow, while two drones crashed in Latvia, damaging an oil facility. Total Russian military losses reached approximately 1,342,030 personnel. Three ceasefire proposals were made within a week, but combat operations continued unabated.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 11 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces successfully struck the NTC Radar research facility in Rostov overnight between May 7 and 8, completely destroying the main building and partially burning another. Two additional drone strikes hit rooftops, likely igniting fires in nearby structures. This operation targets Russia's defense industrial capacity, disrupting military electronics development and production.

Ukrainian forces launched a deep-strike campaign in early May 2026, targeting critical infrastructure in Russia, including the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery and the VNIIR-Progress plant. The strikes involved F-5 Flamingo missiles and resulted in significant damage and operational halts. Concurrently, Russian forces engaged in retaliatory strikes and reported substantial personnel and equipment losses. The conflict's dynamics have shifted, with Ukrainian capabilities reaching deep into Russian territory.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 09 2026Loading...

Russia has dispatched upgraded T-90M, T-80BVM, and T-72B3M tanks to its armed forces, incorporating combat lessons and feedback from frontline troops. The delivery, announced by Rostec, highlights ongoing production despite Western sanctions and includes significant upgrades to electronic warfare protection and armor. This shipment reflects the current state of Russian armored forces and their adaptation to battlefield challenges.

Russia commissioned its eighth Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile corvette, named Burya, in Baltiysk on May 8, 2026. This event occurred one day after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a similar vessel at a naval base in the Caspian Sea. The new corvette is equipped to launch Kalibr cruise missiles, underscoring its operational significance amid ongoing naval conflicts.

Russia unveiled the Geran-5, a new heavy jet-powered strike drone, during the May 9 Victory Day parade in Oryol. This drone represents a significant advancement in size and capability over previous models, featuring a layered navigation architecture that enhances its resilience against electronic warfare. The design shows similarities to the Iranian Karrar drone, indicating ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Ukrainian forces conducted significant long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure in May 2026, targeting key facilities such as the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery and the VNIIR-Progress plant. These actions exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense systems, prompting airport closures across fifteen cities. The strikes reflect a strategic shift in the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating the capability to reach deep into Russian territory.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 08 2026Loading...

Russia claims to have doubled its combat aircraft production, delivering 30 new tactical aircraft to its Aerospace Forces in 2025. However, independent analysis indicates that production targets were not met, with only half of the expected 57 aircraft delivered. The report highlights significant losses of 65 aircraft in the ongoing conflict, resulting in a net reduction of 35 aircraft for the year. Despite claims of industrial resilience, the actual output does not keep pace with attrition rates.

HAVELSAN signed a contract amendment for the Version 3 configuration of the BARKAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) at SAHA Expo 2026. The BARKAN UGV, first inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2023, has evolved based on operational feedback and can be configured for various missions. It features a modular architecture, AI-supported perception, and is designed to operate in conjunction with other systems.