Analysis & Reports

The Russian Navy is modernizing two Kirov-class battlecruisers, including the Admiral Nakhimov, which will be equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles and S-400 air-defense systems. This modernization follows the sinking of the Moskva in 2022 and reflects a desire to restore national pride and military capability. The Kirov-class ships, originally commissioned during the Cold War, are among the largest surface combatants globally.

The Secure World Foundation reports that 13 nations are developing counterspace capabilities, with increasing jamming of GPS and satellite communications. Germany is notably expanding its military space program, while Russia and North Korea are actively jamming GPS signals. The US, Russia, and China possess significant electronic warfare capabilities, and there is a trend towards developing 'bodyguard' satellites to protect military assets.

A newly identified Ukrainian sea drone was spotted during a strike attempt on Russia’s naval base at Novorossiysk. The drone, equipped with a remotely operated machine-gun mount, was destroyed by a Russian Lancet loitering munition before it could reach the port. This incident highlights the ongoing adaptation of Ukraine's naval drone capabilities in response to threats in contested waters.

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Colombia on March 23, 2023, resulting in at least 66 fatalities among the 128 people on board. This incident is the third significant crash of the C-130 model in five months, following similar accidents in Bolivia and Georgia. The aircraft, known for its durability, has been in service for over 60 years.

Russia has tested the Kuryer unmanned ground combat system equipped with the Bagunlnik-82 automated mortar module. The system features an automatic loading mechanism that allows for rapid firing without personnel exposure. This development is part of Russia's unmanned ground robotics program, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities while reducing crew vulnerability. The footage indicates that the system has reached a functional prototype stage capable of live fire.

Russia is developing the MiG-41 stealth fighter, intended to replace the MiG-31 and capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. Reports indicate that development has begun, with operational capabilities expected by the late 2020s or 2030s. However, Russia's history of production challenges with advanced aircraft raises questions about the feasibility of producing the MiG-41 at scale.

The chairman of Russia’s state shipbuilding corporation announced that the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier, is likely to be sold or scrapped by July 2025. The ship has not been operational since its 2016-2017 deployment and has faced numerous setbacks during its overhaul. If scrapped, Russia will be the only permanent member of the UN Security Council without an operational aircraft carrier, marking a significant decline in its naval capabilities.

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Crimea around 11:00 a.m. Moscow time during a scheduled training flight. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by a ground search-and-rescue team. The aircraft was flying without ammunition, and the incident contributes to the losses of Russia's Su-30 fleet amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces conducted a strike on Kirovske airfield in Crimea on April 2, 2023, destroying a Russian An-72P patrol aircraft and facilities for Orion drones. The operation was executed by the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces in collaboration with Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The strike utilized Ukrainian-made FP-2 systems.

Russia and Ukraine intensified their long-range strike operations in March 2023, with Russia conducting over 3,000 strikes and Ukraine exceeding 1,400 strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Notably, a record 948-drone attack by Russia occurred on March 23-24, while Ukrainian strikes disrupted 40% of Russia's crude export capacity. Both nations are increasingly relying on drone swarms and missile attacks, indicating a significant escalation in military operations.

Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones against Ukraine on March 24, 2026, while Ukraine targeted Russian oil infrastructure, impacting exports. Fighting intensified in Kostyantynivka, with Russian forces conducting artillery and drone strikes. Ukraine reorganized its air defense command to enhance drone interception capabilities. NATO members, including Lithuania, significantly increased defense spending, reflecting a unified response to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Apr 01 2026Loading...

The Su-57 Felon fighter jet, operated by the Russian Air Force, is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 and has a range of over 2,200 miles. It features advanced radar systems and a stealthy design, raising concerns about its threat level compared to Western aircraft like the F-35. Current reports indicate ongoing developments in manned-unmanned teaming capabilities with drones, which may enhance its operational effectiveness.

The U.S. military has been developing hypersonic weapons for nearly 25 years but faces competition from Russia and China, which have operational hypersonic glide vehicles. U.S. funding for hypersonic research has decreased, and various programs are still in development. Russia has reportedly used hypersonic weapons in combat, potentially giving it an advantage. The U.S. military is prioritizing hypersonic development to catch up with its adversaries.

Ukrainian forces launched three FP-5 cruise missiles at the JSC Promsintez explosives plant in Chapayevsk on March 28. One missile was intercepted, while the other two struck near the production halls without causing direct damage. The operation highlighted the difficulties of targeting defended industrial sites, as the missiles were on course but failed to penetrate the main structures due to last-second deflections.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, began sea trials in August 2025 after extensive modernization. It features advanced weapon systems, including 174-176 vertical launch cells for various missiles, and upgraded air defense comparable to the S-400. Despite its capabilities, the ship's high value makes its deployment risky, reflecting Russia's constrained naval power and industrial limitations.

Russia suspended the modernization of its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, in July 2025, with the ship not operational since 2017. The modernization faced significant failures, including a sinking dry dock and a fire, leading to expectations of decommissioning. This situation highlights Russia's broader struggles to maintain its naval capabilities amid ongoing military demands.

Russia is deploying hypersonic weapons, including the Avangard, Kinzhal, Zircon, and Oreshnik, for selective strikes on high-value targets in Ukraine and Belarus. These weapons are used alongside conventional missiles and drones to enhance speed and unpredictability. Despite their advanced capabilities, hypersonic weapons are not unstoppable, as evidenced by successful interceptions by systems like the Patriot.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone attacks on Russian facilities in Leningrad Oblast, including Primorsk and Ust-Luga, causing significant damage in March 2023. The use of approximately 10,000 drones per month has become crucial for Ukraine's military operations, leading to substantial Russian casualties and operational challenges. The effectiveness of Ukraine's drone warfare has shifted the dynamics of the conflict, particularly in the Donbas region.

India's Defense Procurement Committee approved a military procurement deal worth approximately $25 billion from Russia, which includes S-400 air defense systems, medium transport aircraft, and attack drones. This procurement aims to enhance India's military capabilities against aerial threats and support various military operations. The deal was confirmed by the Indian Defense Ministry on March 30, 2023.

Ukrainian forces destroyed three Russian heavy multiple launch rocket systems and a transport-loader vehicle near Karakul in Crimea using a long-range one-way strike drone. The operation was executed by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces with intelligence support from the Security Service of Ukraine. This strike is part of a broader strategy to degrade Russian artillery capabilities.