Analysis & Reports

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced on May 24, 2023, that the government approved a naval upgrade plan, which includes the procurement of two Italian Bergamini-class frigates. This decision aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy in the coming years. Additionally, Greece is moving forward with acquiring new encrypted communication equipment to improve military communication security.

Russia launched a mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv on May 24, utilizing the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile among others. The assault involved 90 missiles and 600 drones, resulting in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. This operation targeted command facilities and air bases, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining various missile types to overwhelm air defenses. The deployment of Oreshnik systems in Belarus further complicates NATO's defense posture in Eastern Europe.

Alexandra ReevesSun May 24 2026Loading...

On May 22, the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, India, completed the production of its 1,000th T-90IM Bhishma main battle tank, which is approximately 80% indigenously manufactured. This milestone reflects India's progress in domestic military manufacturing, particularly in tank production, and enhances its defense export capabilities. The T-90IM features a fully localized V-92S2 diesel engine and is part of India's strategy to reduce dependency on foreign military supplies.

A Turkish startup has developed Kürşat 3.0, a radar-absorbing coating for drones, which can be applied like paint. Recent tests indicate it can absorb 43.2 decibels of radar energy, significantly reducing detection capabilities. This innovation addresses a growing operational need in modern warfare, particularly in light of the increasing use of drones in conflicts. The development is supported by Turkey's robust defense industry.

On May 24, 2023, the Russian military launched large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military command structures, air bases, and defense industry facilities in response to attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. The strikes involved various missile systems, including Iskander and Dagger missiles, and resulted in at least 83 injuries and significant damage to infrastructure in Ukraine.

Ukrainian paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade are operating the B1 Centauro wheeled tank destroyers, assessing their performance in combat training exercises. The Centauro, while praised for its speed and fire control system, is criticized for its inadequate armor against modern threats like FPV drones. The brigade has implemented improvised armor solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities. Visual confirmation of the Centauro's use in Ukraine first appeared in November 2025.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is actively seeking AI tools to enhance tactical operations and resource allocation in remote locations. The focus is on developing AI capabilities that can function without reliance on cloud computing, utilizing concepts like 'fog computing.' SOCOM is also exploring partnerships with smaller startups to meet these needs, aiming to simplify operations through advanced technology.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is actively seeking AI tools to enhance tactical operations and resource allocation in remote locations. The focus is on developing AI solutions that can operate independently of cloud computing, utilizing 'fog computing' concepts. SOCOM is also exploring partnerships with smaller startups to meet its unique operational needs.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi observed emergency scramble drills at Chitose Air Base on May 23, 2025, in response to Russian military aircraft approaching its airspace. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled fighters 595 times in fiscal year 2025, with 214 of those against Russian aircraft. Koizumi emphasized the serious defense concerns posed by the coordinated military activities of Russia and China, which have become a structural feature of Japan's security environment.

Russia fired the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast on the night of May 23-24, 2026. This marks the third use of the missile, which is nuclear-capable and travels at over Mach 10. The strike was intended to demonstrate the missile's capabilities without causing civilian casualties, as the warhead carried concrete simulators.

Airbus CEO hinted at the possibility of developing two different fighter jets under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project due to significant disagreements between France and Germany. The project, initiated before the Ukraine war, faces challenges as France demands a larger share and specific design features for carrier operations, while Germany favors a larger stealth fighter. The FCAS project remains in a stalemate as both nations navigate their differing military needs.

Turkey plans to procure approximately 100 disposable unmanned surface vessels for its navy, with the procurement finalized in February 2023. The vessels will be manufactured by three different suppliers, including the 'Storm' and 'Akyüz' drone boats, which are designed for precision strikes and feature a low-profile design to minimize radar detection. This initiative was announced at the 2026 SAHA International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul.

Iran has rapidly resumed drone production and is rebuilding its military capabilities, including missile systems, since early April 2023. Intelligence indicates that Iran's recovery speed exceeds initial estimates, with two-thirds of missile launchers reportedly intact. This poses a significant threat to regional allies if hostilities resume.

On May 20, 2023, the U.S. Marine Corps showcased suicide attack drone training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, with participation from the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This joint exercise emphasizes the importance of drone operations in the U.S.-Japan alliance. Additionally, a new political alliance in Japan has formed to promote defense policies, including increased military spending and capabilities against adversaries. The U.S. Ambassador expressed support for Japan's defense initiatives.

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.

On May 19, 2026, drones targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, reportedly launched from Iraq. The UAE's Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, which did not result in casualties or radiation leaks, but tested the country's air defense capabilities, including the Iron Dome system. This incident underscores the ongoing military tensions in the region and the strategic implications for UAE-Iran relations.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun May 24 2026Loading...

U.S. Marines conducted a live-fire exercise at Camp Fuji on May 20, 2026, firing 12 training rockets from two M142 HIMARS. Approximately 40-50 Marines participated in the exercise, which tested the long-range precision fire capabilities of the unit. The event was coordinated with Japanese authorities and included safety measures such as road closures.

Tanaka TakashiSun May 24 2026Loading...

Ukrainian air defense intercepted multiple missile and drone attacks in Kyiv early on the 24th, with reports indicating dozens of missiles launched from various directions by Russian forces. The attacks resulted in damage to buildings and injuries among civilians. The Ukrainian military has raised concerns about the suspected use of Zircon missiles by Russia, which has not yet responded to these claims.

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...

Taiwan faces a delay in its $14 billion arms package due to U.S. munitions management for the Iran campaign. The U.S. is prioritizing its military resources, impacting Taiwan's defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. The arms package includes critical air defense systems like PAC-3 MSE interceptors and NASAMS missiles, which are essential for Taiwan's military readiness.

Marcus ChenSat May 23 2026Loading...