Analysis & Reports

Ukraine allegedly used AGM-188 Rusty Dagger missiles to strike the Sborka semiconductor plant in Voronezh. This missile, designed to provide long-range strike capabilities, has a range exceeding 930 kilometers. The claim, originating from a Russian military-affiliated channel, remains unverified by official sources. The strike targets a facility critical to Russian military supply chains, highlighting the operational significance of the Rusty Dagger for Ukraine's military strategy.

Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Moscow on June 18, 2023, targeting the Kapotnya oil refinery, which was hit twice in a week. Russia's defense ministry reported the downing of 555 drones, while fuel shortages began to affect multiple regions. On June 20, Ukrainian drones also struck the Antipinsky refinery in Tyumen, marking a deep incursion into Russian territory.

Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 239 Ukrainian drones in Astrakhan and Belgorod Oblasts during the night of the 20th to the 21st. Ukrainian forces reported downing 96 Russian drones and launched missile strikes, including Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, against targets in Ukraine. A drone attack in Crimea resulted in casualties, while a ferry in Krasnodar Krai was also targeted.

Ukrainian forces launched a record number of drone attacks against Russia on June 18, prompting Russian air defense to intercept and destroy 555 drones, with 190 shot down near Moscow. Despite the high interception rate, some civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries, sustained damage. Military experts highlighted the advanced capabilities of the Russian air defense system in countering these attacks.

A unit of female soldiers from the Rocket Force conducted live-fire training exercises in a mountainous area. They demonstrated their skills in missile operations under challenging conditions, completing tasks with zero errors. The unit, averaging under 22 years of age, has successfully participated in joint exercises and competitions, showcasing their capabilities and dedication to military service.

Russia laid the keel of the Murmansk, a new Yasen-M nuclear-powered attack submarine, at Sevmash in Severodvinsk on June 17, 2026. This marks the first submarine of its class to be constructed in six years, reflecting Russia's ongoing investment in its undersea capabilities despite challenges from the war in Ukraine. The Yasen-M class is known for its advanced weapon systems, including the Kalibr and Zircon missiles, enhancing Russia's naval power.

The MiG 1.44 prototype flew once on February 29, 2000, for 18 minutes before being grounded due to funding issues following the Soviet Union's collapse. Designed to compete with the F-22 Raptor, it featured advanced technologies but ultimately failed to mature into a viable aircraft. Despite its failure, lessons from the MiG 1.44 influenced future Russian fighter development, including the Su-57.

Ukrainian drones attacked the Kapotnya oil refinery in Moscow on June 18, 2023, successfully breaching Russian air defenses. The strike targeted a facility that supplies a significant portion of Moscow's fuel, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Russia's air defense systems. Following the attack, all four Moscow airports suspended operations, and regional authorities reported multiple injuries. This incident underscores the changing dynamics of the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating the ability to threaten critical infrastructure within Russia.

Alexandra ReevesFri Jun 19 2026Loading...

Fire Point showcased its new FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles at Eurosatory following a successful night attack on the Moscow Oil Refinery on June 17-18. The FP-1 drones were involved in the attack, which caused significant damage. The FP-7 is nearing completion as an interceptor missile, while the FP-9 is being developed to carry an 800 kg payload.

Russia has developed a new engine, the Product 177, for its Su-57 Felon aircraft, enhancing its thrust and stealth capabilities. However, the aircraft remains largely grounded in Russian airspace, launching air-to-ground missiles from a distance due to concerns over potential losses in combat over Ukraine. Currently, only about 24 Su-57s are operational, limiting their impact in the ongoing conflict.

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.