Analysis & Reports

Russia launched an RS-26 Rubezh missile at Bila Tserkva on May 24, 2026, as part of a larger strike package that included 690 aerial weapons. The missile carried inert warheads, and Ukrainian investigators confirmed the presence of components from Russian and Belarusian manufacturers. The strike marks the third confirmed use of the Oreshnik system, following previous strikes in Dnipro and Lviv.

Armenia displayed Iranian-made Majid AD-08 air defense systems during its Republic Day parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2023. This marks the first known export of the Majid system to a foreign military. The systems, mounted on Iveco Daily vehicles, enhance Armenia's air defense capabilities amid ongoing security concerns following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A Russian Mi-26 helicopter deployed a Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system onto a rooftop in Moscow, reflecting a strategic shift in response to Ukraine's drone campaign. This deployment is part of a broader effort, with over 100 air defense systems added around the capital since 2023, indicating an increased focus on urban air defense capabilities.

Russia has begun utilizing the 'Dawn' satellite communication system to support drones in military operations, marking its first military application. This system, similar to the U.S. 'Starlink', employs laser communication for data exchange. The initial batch of satellites was launched on March 24, 2023, with plans for full deployment by 2027 to enhance military communication capabilities.

The Sukhoi Design Bureau developed the Su-47 Berkut, a prototype stealth fighter, in 1997 in Russia. Only one prototype was built due to structural issues with its forward-swept wings, which posed risks at high speeds. The aircraft served as a testbed for advanced technologies that later influenced the Su-57. The program was ultimately limited by the collapse of the Soviet Union and funding challenges.

On May 26, 2026, the State Duma passed a law enabling the Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Rosinkas to independently suppress drone operations at protected sites. This legislative change reflects the inadequacies of centralized air defense in Russia and shifts some military responsibilities to civilian banks, which can now engage in electronic warfare against drones. The law aims to enhance the coverage of drone defense across various locations in Russia, particularly in urban areas.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 27 2026Loading...

Latvia is deploying mobile drone-interceptor units to its eastern border within days to counter drone incursions from Russia. The units will consist of teams of four soldiers operating 4x4 vehicles equipped with interceptor drones. This initiative aims to enhance Latvia's low-altitude drone defense capabilities, which have been identified as a critical security gap.

Russia has conducted three strikes using the 'Hazel' missile against Ukraine, with the latest occurring on May 23, 2026. This missile, capable of high speeds and designed for nuclear payloads, was first revealed in November 2024. It can target locations within a range of 3000 to 5500 kilometers and is reported to have multiple warheads, enhancing its strike capabilities.

Rostec announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces, continuing production despite ongoing sanctions and combat losses. The Su-35S, a fourth-generation aircraft, is crucial for various missions including air superiority and reconnaissance. Russia has lost at least 140 combat jets since the start of the invasion, highlighting the importance of maintaining production capabilities.

Rostec unveiled the ZAK-30 Tsitadel air defense system in Russia, designed to target drones with programmable proximity-fuzed shrapnel shells. The system features a detection range of 2,000 meters against fixed-wing drones and is intended for automated operation. It carries 250 rounds of ammunition and is aimed at enhancing defense against unmanned aerial vehicles.

Russian President Putin announced the completion of joint nuclear exercises with Belarus on May 21, 2023. The exercises, which began on May 19, involved 64,000 troops and included the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Key locations included Plesetsk Cosmodrome and Kapustin Yar, with naval forces also participating. The drills emphasized nuclear readiness in response to potential threats.

Russia is preparing to launch Oreshnik hypersonic missiles against Ukraine, with potential targets including Kyiv and Lviv, as part of a combined strike. This warning follows recent drone attacks on Russian positions in Starobilsk, prompting a call for retaliation from President Putin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has also issued alerts about possible significant airstrikes within the next 24 hours, indicating a high-risk situation for Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

Russian and Belarusian forces conducted nuclear exercises from May 19 to 21, 2026, involving 64,000 personnel and various missile systems. The exercises aimed to prepare nuclear forces for potential aggression, with significant participation from the Russian Northern and Pacific Fleets. Belarusian units trained on the handling of Russian nuclear munitions, indicating a shift in the strategic role of Belarus in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

The missile ship 'Tucha' of the Russian Navy was reportedly destroyed or heavily damaged in Kaspiysk on May 22, 2023, following a Ukrainian strike. This incident significantly undermines the operational security of the Caspian Flotilla, which has been considered a safe base for missile carriers. The loss of 'Tucha' raises concerns about the vulnerability of Russian naval assets to further attacks.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 22 2026Loading...

Monocrystal, a major producer of synthetic sapphire, announced its intention to file for bankruptcy in 2025 following significant damage from Ukrainian drone strikes and the impact of Western sanctions. The company, which supplied critical materials for Russian missiles and drones, has seen its workforce cut nearly in half and is facing severe financial difficulties. This collapse threatens Russia's defense-industrial supply chain for precision optical components.

Four hangars are being constructed at the Chkalovsk naval air base in Kaliningrad Oblast since late April 2026, reflecting a shift in Russian military strategy towards enhancing aircraft protection. This move is in response to increased threats from Ukrainian strikes, indicating a recognition of vulnerabilities in Russian aviation infrastructure. The hangars aim to provide passive defense against drone attacks and other threats, showcasing a change in resource allocation within the Russian Armed Forces.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 22 2026Loading...

Turkey is procuring 100 naval drones for the Turkish Navy, aimed at enhancing its maritime capabilities in the Black Sea. This decision follows lessons learned from Ukraine's naval drone operations against Russia. The drones, produced by various Turkish defense teams, are intended for swarm attacks and asymmetric missions, complicating Russian naval movements in the region.

Alexandra ReevesThu May 21 2026Loading...

The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces successfully launched the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile from Dombarovsky on May 12, 2026. This marks the second successful test of the missile, which is intended to replace the aging RS-20V Voevoda. The missile is reported to have a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. The test follows a series of failures and is a critical step in Russia's nuclear modernization efforts.

The new two-seat version of the Su-57 fighter jet, potentially named T-50D, has been unveiled and is currently undergoing ground taxi tests at Zhukovsky. This variant is intended for pilot training and may also serve combat roles, integrating with unmanned aerial vehicles for enhanced operational efficiency. The design features a tandem cockpit, improving visibility for the rear seat pilot.

The Russian Armed Forces conducted large-scale nuclear exercises from May 19 to 21, involving over 64,000 troops and 7,800 pieces of military equipment in Belarus and Russia. The exercises focused on the preparation and use of nuclear forces under conditions of aggression threat, including the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. This operation serves as a significant political-military signal amid escalating tensions with NATO and Ukraine.