Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military conducted exercises in Lithuania to counter drone swarms and improve tactics for using drone technology. Nearly 1000 personnel participated, testing new systems and strategies under varying weather and terrain conditions. The exercises are part of the 'Flytrap Program' and involve collaboration with allied forces.

Poland deployed four micro reconnaissance satellites on May 6, 2023, as part of its self-developed space satellite network for geospatial imaging. The satellites, developed by Iceye's Polish branch, enhance Poland's ISR capabilities and have demonstrated strong anti-jamming features. The Polish Ministry of Defense announced the successful deployment, which is part of a contract valued at approximately $235 million. Images of Russian military facilities were also released.

USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk, Virginia, on May 16, 2023, after a record 326-day deployment. During this time, it supported military operations in Venezuela and Iran, and dealt with a non-combat fire incident. Approximately 5000 sailors reunited with their families after the deployment, which was the longest since the Vietnam War.

U.S. forces, in coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces, conducted airstrikes that killed ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in Metele, Borno State. This operation, part of a broader effort to combat terrorism in Africa, highlighted concerns from U.S. Africa Command regarding the diminishing military presence and its implications for regional security. Following the initial strike, additional operations resulted in the deaths of at least 20 militants.

Ukraine has developed and declared its first guided aerial bombs ready for combat use in May 2026. These bombs, capable of striking targets dozens of kilometers behind enemy lines, feature a 250-kilogram warhead and are designed to evade air defenses. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that an experimental batch has been purchased for deployment, marking a significant advancement in Ukraine's military capabilities.

On May 18, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale attack involving 524 drones and 22 missiles targeting Ukraine, particularly affecting Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The assault resulted in injuries to over 24 civilians, including children, and is part of an ongoing series of escalated strikes between the two nations. This operation highlights the increasing pressure on Ukrainian air defense systems.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 18 2026Loading...

US soldiers participated in Project FlyTrap 5.0 in Lithuania, learning to identify drones by their sounds during patrols. Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Harrington emphasized the importance of recognizing drone noises to enhance situational awareness. This training draws lessons from the Ukrainian military's experience in identifying aerial threats. The exercise focused on detecting and defeating low-cost unmanned aerial systems.

The US Army has entered into an agreement with Czech manufacturer U&C UAS for the delivery of specialized drones to its units stationed in Europe.

France is procuring 17 Giraffe 1X radars to enhance its mobile drone defense capabilities, with deliveries planned for 2026-2027. The radars will be mounted on Scania V3P vehicles, reflecting a strategic shift towards improved detection of small aerial threats. This procurement aims to address gaps in air defense and integrate new sensor technologies into the French Armed Forces' operational framework.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon May 18 2026Loading...

Nigerian and U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on May 17, 2023, in Borno, Nigeria, killing over 20 ISIS militants. This operation was initiated after the death of ISIS's second-in-command. The airstrikes targeted militant gathering and movement locations, with no reported casualties among the attacking forces.

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected four companies to advance the development of drones designed to operate in conjunction with British Army Apache attack helicopters. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Army's aerial assets.

Ukraine has developed a 250-kilogram guided bomb, which has been procured in an experimental batch and is currently being tested by pilots. This advancement poses a challenge to Russia's previous dominance in guided munitions, as the bomb can strike targets from several kilometers away. The development reflects Ukraine's efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 18 2026Loading...

Saab and Scania France signed a contract with the Directorate General of Armaments for the supply of 17 Giraffe 1X radars for the French Armed Forces. One radar will be used for testing, while 16 will be installed on Scania V3P tactical vehicles. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2027, enhancing the air defense capabilities of the French military.

U&C UAS signed a contract to supply reconnaissance drones to U.S. Army units in Europe, enhancing their ISR capabilities. This marks the first confirmed international defense export for the Czech-Ukrainian firm. The drones were evaluated successfully during military exercises, demonstrating strong reliability and operational efficiency. The contract reflects the growing demand for persistent surveillance in Europe following increased security concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Britain's Ministry of Defence relaunched its search for a precision strike loitering munition under Project INSTIGATOR in May 2026, with a budget of approximately $160 million. The program seeks to develop a drone capable of engaging targets beyond 80 kilometers and emphasizes rapid deployment and modular design. Responses to the request for information are due by May 29, 2026, as the UK aims to enhance its military capabilities in response to recent conflicts.

Ukraine has developed its first domestically produced guided aerial bomb, the KAB, which features a 250 kg warhead and is designed to target fortified positions. Pilots are training for combat use as the weapon has completed testing and an experimental batch has been procured. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine's military capabilities in 2026.

Alexandra ReevesMon May 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and French President Macron discussed enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities on May 18, 2023. The Ukrainian company Fire Point announced plans for the FP-7.x missile system, targeting a price under one million dollars with a first test set for late 2027. The report emphasizes Europe's fragmented air defense strategy, relying on various national systems rather than a unified approach.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon May 18 2026Loading...

U&C UAS signed a contract to supply advanced unmanned aerial systems to the U.S. Army in Europe. This agreement aims to enhance ISR capabilities and strengthen allied defense across the continent. The UAVs will play a crucial role in improving situational awareness and operational response amid security challenges. U.S. Army representatives noted the effectiveness of U&C's systems during military exercises.

Ukraine has cleared its first domestically developed guided aerial bomb for combat use. The weapon, developed by DG Industry, features a 250-kilogram warhead and is designed to strike high-value targets. Pilots are currently training with the new munition, marking a significant advancement in Ukraine's military capabilities.

Team LionStrike announced the inclusion of the Chevrolet Silverado HD in its proposal to the U.K. Ministry of Defence for the Land Mobility Programme in London. The Silverado HD features a towing capacity of up to 10,000 kg and is designed to enhance the operational readiness of the British Armed Forces. The proposal also includes the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), which provides rapid mobility for infantry combat teams.