Analysis & Reports

The Russian Navy decommissioned the Dmitry Donskoy submarine, the last of the Typhoon-class submarines, in February 2023. These submarines, known for their massive size and nuclear capabilities, were designed to carry 20 R-39 nuclear missiles. The Typhoon-class submarines had a displacement of 48,000 tons and featured advanced design elements for survivability. The Dmitry Donskoy will await utilization at a naval base in Severodvinsk before being converted into a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.

Russia is replacing its aging fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 10 to 12 advanced Yasen-Class submarines by 2036. These new submarines will be armed with hypersonic missiles and are designed for multi-role capabilities, enhancing Russia's naval power. The transition involves retiring older Soviet-era submarines, reflecting a significant modernization effort in response to evolving military needs.

Russia's Air Force currently operates around 30-32 Su-57 stealth fighters, which are facing production challenges and strategic irrelevance in modern warfare. The fleet is numerically inferior to U.S. and Chinese fifth-generation aircraft, and the Su-57's complex systems are not suited for the drone-dominated conflict in Ukraine. Despite upgrades, the Su-57's role remains limited as Russia adapts to the realities of contemporary combat.

Russian forces intensified military operations across Ukraine from March 23-27, 2026, launching a concentrated aerial campaign that deployed nearly 1,000 drones and missiles. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Russian ground operations maintained pressure in Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts, with claims of territorial gains. The introduction of new drone systems indicates an evolving tactical approach as Russia prepares for a significant ground offensive.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russia began supplying drones and intelligence to Iran in early March 2026, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites. The drones, primarily Geran-2 systems, are part of a strategic partnership aimed at reinforcing Iran's military capabilities. Russia's production capacity allows it to sustain its own operations while supporting Iran, which has faced significant disruptions in its drone manufacturing due to external attacks.

DARPA is conducting research on Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a fungus that can harness ionizing radiation, for potential military applications. This includes using the fungus to grow structures in space and training it to detect nuclear radiation. The research is ongoing at the Chernobyl site and the International Space Station.

Russia is modernizing its armored forces and command architecture, focusing on AI and unmanned systems, while refurbishing existing tanks. The Russian Armed Forces plan to produce over 2,000 advanced main battle tanks by 2036, with significant increases in T-90 production. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its command capabilities through the Glaz/Groza software and integrating UAVs into military operations. These efforts indicate preparations for extended military confrontation with NATO.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy announced plans to replace its entire fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 12 Yasen-class submarines by 2035. This modernization aims to phase out aging Soviet-era submarines and enhance undersea capabilities with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles. The latest Yasen-M submarine, Perm, was launched in March 2025, marking a significant step in this initiative. However, resource constraints may challenge the timely completion of this ambitious plan.

Russia developed the Sierra Class submarines, including the Sierra I and II, which feature titanium hulls for deep diving. Only four submarines were built due to high costs and complexity. The U.S. Navy responded with the Mark 48 torpedo, designed to effectively target these submarines. Currently, the operational status of the Sierra II submarines is limited, primarily due to maintenance challenges.

Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Russia in over a year, with 389 drones intercepted by Russian air defense from the night of the 24th to the morning of the 25th. Concurrently, Russia fired nearly 1,000 drones into Ukraine in a single day. Negotiations between the two nations continue without significant progress, as both sides maintain high levels of military activity.

The U.S. Navy is prepared to deploy Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicles (AUSVs) for mine counter-measures in the Strait of Hormuz. Triton, equipped with advanced detection and neutralization capabilities, has been evaluated since 2023 and is ready for immediate action. This deployment aims to enhance maritime security and ensure safe passage in a region threatened by Iranian activities.

Russian sources released footage of the Lys-2 counter-drone interceptor, showcasing its operational capabilities on March 24. The Lys-2, a fixed-wing drone, is designed for autonomous target engagement and can be launched from a catapult, eliminating the need for a runway. It is reported to have a range of up to 15 kilometers and speeds between 120 and 160 kilometers per hour, fitting into a broader category of low-cost counter-drone solutions.

Ukrainian strike drones targeted and damaged the Project 23550 patrol icebreaker 'Purga' at the Vyborg Shipyard in the Leningrad region. The attack resulted in visible damage to the vessel, which is under construction for Russia's Federal Security Service Border Guard. This strike may delay the ship's operational readiness and disrupt production schedules for Russian military assets.

On March 25, 2026, the Russian military shot down 389 Ukrainian drones during a large-scale attack. The operation targeted areas in Moscow and Leningrad Oblast, following a significant drone assault by Russian forces on March 24, which involved over 550 drones. Ukrainian air defense systems reported downing or suppressing 541 Russian drones by the same date.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a relentless missile offensive against Israeli military positions in northern Israel and Gaza on March 25, 2023. Key locations targeted include Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, and various military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The operation, termed 'Real Commitment-4', involves sustained strikes using missiles and drones and is currently ongoing.

On June 1, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine executed a coordinated drone strike deep inside Russia, targeting four strategic air bases and destroying over 40 aircraft. This operation, involving more than 150 small drones, showcased the effectiveness of modern asymmetric warfare tactics, bypassing traditional air defenses. The attack significantly impacted Russia's long-range bomber fleet, representing 34% of its strategic cruise missile capabilities.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Bastion launcher and two Zircon missiles in Crimea on March 24. The operation resulted in the deaths or injuries of seven Russian personnel. This strike targeted a column of Bastion launchers that had been moving toward firing positions, reflecting a significant disruption in Russian missile capabilities.

Russian forces launched a Spring 2026 offensive in eastern Ukraine on March 19, employing battalion-sized mechanized assaults in the Lyman direction. Despite initial attacks being repelled by Ukrainian forces, Russia is redeploying elite units to bolster its operations. Concurrently, Ukrainian counteroffensives have disrupted Russian plans, leading to significant territorial gains. The air campaign has intensified, with numerous drone strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

As of early 2026, Russia's fleet of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters consists of only 20-25 operational aircraft, significantly fewer than a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier air wing. The aircraft are currently stationed at Dzyomgi Air Base to avoid detection by Ukrainian drones. The Su-57's stealth capabilities are under scrutiny, with a radar cross-section reported to be 1,000 times larger than that of the F-35, raising concerns about its effectiveness in combat.

Russia's Amur-class submarine program is stalled, with no hulls completed by 2026 due to technical failures and sanctions. Potential buyers like India and Morocco are seeking alternatives, as the program has faced significant delays and dissatisfaction. The Rubin Central Design Bureau's design promises advanced capabilities, but the lack of progress raises concerns about its viability.