Analysis & Reports

Azerbaijan's air force began operating JF-17 Thunder fighter jets on July 6, 2024, with two aircraft confirmed at Nasosnaya Air Base. The JF-17C Block III fighters are part of a larger procurement deal for 40 jets from Pakistan, enhancing Azerbaijan's air capabilities. The new fighters are conducting training alongside existing aircraft, indicating integration into the current fleet.

A fire broke out at the fuel storage area of Borisoglebsk military airfield on July 8 following a drone attack. The airfield, part of the Russian Aerospace Forces, is a known target for Ukrainian strikes due to its role in military aviation and pilot training. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics and operations.

Ukrainian drones launched a large-scale attack on industrial areas near the Kama River, damaging several enterprises in Nizhnekamsk. In Kiev, a tram depot was struck, resulting in damage to 42 tram cars. Russian air defense intercepted 415 drones during the night of the 7th to the 8th, while Russian forces targeted Ukrainian military facilities, including a missile parts production site.

Ukrainian forces targeted Russian logistics in Crimea in July 2026, striking 8 tankers and 44 electrical substations. This campaign has disrupted supply lines and raised concerns about the operational capacity of Russian forces in the region. The strikes indicate a shift in the Ukrainian strategy to target critical infrastructure supporting Russian military operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 08 2026Loading...

A Ukrainian drone struck the Omsk oil refinery in Siberia on 6 July 2023, causing it to cease operations. This attack, one of Ukraine's longest-range strikes, has exacerbated the fuel crisis in Russia, leading to fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations. Central Asian countries reliant on Russian fuel are also facing supply disruptions and increased prices.

The U.S. Navy is developing new protective technologies for its ballistic missile submarines against threats like drones and anti-tank rockets. This includes advanced systems for detection and defense during transit to and from ports, as well as active protection for ICBM transport. The Navy aims to enhance maritime situational awareness and counter AI-driven threats.

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on July 7, 2026, targeting Russian military-industrial facilities in Bryansk and Belgorod, including a chemical plant and a fuel depot. These strikes aimed to disrupt supply chains and production capabilities, impacting the Russian military's operational effectiveness. Additionally, two railway bridges in Crimea were targeted, further complicating logistics for Russian forces. The operation reflects Ukraine's strategy to undermine Russian military infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

China and Russia commenced the 'Maritime Joint-2026' naval exercise on July 6, 2026, involving more than ten advanced naval vessels from both nations. The exercise showcases the capabilities of the participating naval forces.

On July 5, the Chinese Navy and Russian Navy completed the assembly of their forces for the joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026'. This exercise involves over ten warships from both nations, showcasing their naval capabilities.

Russian forces attempted to advance in the Donetsk region, gaining 30.42 square kilometers in June 2026 but suffering 39,490 casualties. The situation around Konstantinovka shows a 36.98% presence of Russian troops, yet they lack sustainable control. Ukrainian forces successfully targeted Russian logistics, complicating their operational capabilities. The ongoing conflict reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of the war, with increasing costs for territorial gains.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

The Soviet Navy developed the Kirov class, a 28,000-ton nuclear battlecruiser, originally intended as an 8,000-ton submarine hunter, during the 1960s to 1990s. This evolution was driven by changing military needs and the influence of Admiral Sergey Gorshkov. The Kirov class became the largest surface warship built since World War II, incorporating advanced anti-ship and air-defense capabilities.

Ukraine launched large-scale drone attacks on Russian energy facilities across Leningrad, Bryansk, Belgorod, and Yaroslavl Oblasts from July 4 to 6, 2023, using 625 drones. In response, Russia conducted airstrikes on July 6 against Ukrainian military-industrial and energy facilities in Kyiv and Kherson, resulting in casualties. The attacks included targeting oil refineries and logistics routes.

Russia has been unable to replace the MiG-31 for over 30 years, with five successor projects failing before entering service. The MiG-31BM and MiG-31K continue to operate, launching long-range missiles, while the MiG-41 remains unprototyped. The Russian Air Force relies solely on the MiG-31, which is now the last interceptor of its kind in service.

In October 2024, a Russian Su-57 shot down its own S-70 Okhotnik drone after it lost control in Ukrainian airspace. The Russian Aerospace Forces currently operate around 30 Su-57 aircraft, which have primarily been used for standoff missile strikes. The Su-57D variant has been developed for drone control, and Algeria has begun receiving Su-57 aircraft as part of an export deal.

Turkey is enhancing its ties with NATO, contributing over 2000 troops and the TCG Anadolu carrier to defense initiatives. Analysts note that Turkey's military capabilities are increasingly recognized, particularly in the Black Sea and surrounding regions. However, tensions remain due to Turkey's geopolitical interests and its past conflicts with NATO members, particularly regarding defense initiatives and equipment procurement.

Gazprom signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to establish mobile fire groups for protecting gas infrastructure in July 2026. Participants will receive 200,000 rubles per month during training. Ukrainian forces have reportedly increased successful strikes on Russian infrastructure, prompting a shift in defense strategy that now includes corporate entities. This indicates a significant adaptation in Russia's military logistics and defense approach.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed two S-400 Triumf launchers and one Nebo-U radar in Bryansk, Russia, on July 6, 2026. This operation is part of a larger campaign targeting Russian air defense infrastructure. The strikes are a response to recent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, demonstrating Ukraine's capability to conduct precision strikes deep into enemy territory.

Ukrainian drones successfully struck the Omsk Oil Refinery on July 6, 2026, despite attempts by a Russian Su-57 stealth fighter to intercept them. This incident represents a significant operational failure for Russia, as the refinery was previously considered secure from such attacks. The strike involved at least seven drones and highlights vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense capabilities.

Admiral Nakhimov is returning to service in 2026 after extensive modernization, undergoing final trials in the Barents Sea. The Russian Navy's nuclear battlecruiser features advanced missile capabilities, including 176 vertical launch cells for various missile types. This modernization, costing between $2.67 billion and $5 billion, aims to enhance Russia's naval power in the Arctic region, particularly for bastion defense.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

Ukraine's air force failed to intercept any Russian ballistic missiles during a significant attack on Kyiv on July 6, 2026, due to a shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system. Russia launched 419 aerial weapons, overwhelming Ukraine's defenses. Ukrainian forces managed to intercept most cruise missiles but struggled against ballistic threats, prompting officials to seek urgent international assistance for interceptor missiles.