Analysis & Reports

The United Aircraft Corporation confirmed the maiden flight of the Su-57 prototype in a two-seat configuration on May 19, 2026, in Russia. This aircraft combines combat capabilities with training functions and is designed for managing operations involving both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The two-seater is primarily aimed at export markets, particularly India, as Russia seeks to revitalize interest in its advanced fighter technology.

Russian forces maintain control over Pokrovsk and Mirnograd, employing drones and artillery to suppress Ukrainian positions and logistics. A 25-kilometer kill zone has been established, complicating Ukrainian operations. The report highlights the effective coordination of Russian infantry, drones, and artillery, indicating a shift in tactics. Logistical challenges are significant for both sides, particularly affecting Ukrainian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 19 2026Loading...

Poland deployed four micro reconnaissance satellites on May 6, 2023, as part of its self-developed space satellite network for geospatial imaging. The satellites, developed by Iceye's Polish branch, enhance Poland's ISR capabilities and have demonstrated strong anti-jamming features. The Polish Ministry of Defense announced the successful deployment, which is part of a contract valued at approximately $235 million. Images of Russian military facilities were also released.

Belarus and Russia are conducting nuclear weapons operational use exercises in Belarus, aimed at enhancing the readiness of Belarusian armed forces. The exercises involve Belarusian missile forces and air forces, focusing on the transportation of nuclear munitions from Russia. The Belarusian Defense Ministry stated that these exercises are part of a planned training framework and do not pose a threat to regional security.

Ukrainian drones conducted a large-scale attack on Russian territory, with 556 drones intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses over a nine-hour period. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure around Moscow, resulting in at least four fatalities and twelve injuries. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the attacks as a justified response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 17 2026Loading...

A two-seat variant of Russia's Su-57 Felon fighter conducted ground taxi trials, confirmed by military aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov on May 16, 2023. The aircraft features an elongated fuselage for a second cockpit and is primarily intended for export. Algeria has become the first confirmed foreign operator of the Su-57, while Russia has faced losses of the aircraft due to drone strikes.

Ukrainian drone forces struck a Russian Svetlyak-class patrol boat in the Caspian Sea on May 17, 2026. The attack, executed by a Fire Point FP-1 drone, occurred in the port area of Kaspiisk, Dagestan, highlighting Ukraine's extended operational reach. This incident marks the third drone strike on Russian naval vessels in recent months, indicating a developing pattern of Ukrainian military operations in the region.

Ukraine launched over 130 drones in a major strike on Moscow overnight into May 17, targeting industrial facilities and causing significant disruptions, including the suspension of operations at all four major airports. The attack resulted in injuries to 12 individuals and fires at key industrial sites, reflecting Ukraine's strategic focus on degrading Russian military and industrial capabilities. This operation follows a week of intense Russian aerial bombardment against Ukraine.

Russia is developing specialized 5.45mm multi-warhead ammunition for AK-12 and AK-74 rifles to effectively target FPV drones. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of infantry against drone threats, contrasting with Western efforts focused on automated fire control systems. The Russian solution is viewed as more practical and cost-effective for widespread military use.

The Russian Navy has commenced the construction of the 9th Project 22350 frigate, named after Admiral Felix Gromov, at the Northern Shipyard in Saint Petersburg on May 14, 2023. This frigate is designed for long-range missions and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Kalibr cruise missiles and Zircon hypersonic missiles. The Russian Navy emphasizes the urgent need for such vessels to enhance its operational capabilities.

On October 15, Russian forces struck Ukrainian military positions in Donetsk Oblast and destroyed an ammunition depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. During the same timeframe, Russian air defense systems intercepted over 50 Ukrainian drones in Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kaluga Oblasts. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian assets, including oil refineries and ammunition depots.

Russian forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on a residential building in Kyiv on May 14-15, 2026, killing at least 24 people, including children. In response, Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including an oil refinery in Ryazan, resulting in additional casualties. This escalation marks a significant increase in military operations and complicates ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace negotiations.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 15 2026Loading...

Russia is upgrading the Tu-160M Blackjack bomber with advanced technologies and armament, including up to 6 Kh-55SM cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The upgrades aim to enhance the bomber's capabilities while the PAK DA stealth bomber is delayed. Rostec plans to produce 2 new Tu-160Ms annually, targeting a fleet of 10 by 2027.

Russia has designed the Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter to compete with the F-35 but has not produced any operational units. The aircraft's specifications suggest potential capabilities, yet it faces significant production challenges and lacks detailed information on its operational effectiveness. Concerns remain about Russia's ability to create a competitive 5th-generation fighter force.

Ukraine launched a large-scale retaliatory strike campaign overnight into May 15, targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure across multiple regions. Key strikes included the Ryazan oil refinery, resulting in casualties, and attacks on military assets such as aircraft and air defense systems in Crimea and Luhansk Oblast. This operation aimed to disrupt Russian military capabilities and logistics.

Russia launched the largest drone and missile assault on Ukraine from May 13 to 14, 2026, deploying 1,567 strike drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 1,362 drones and 41 missiles, while three Kinzhal missiles successfully hit their targets. The operation utilized Belarus and Moldova as transit corridors, indicating a significant escalation in tactics. The sustained assault aimed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses and degrade their response capabilities.

On May 13, 2023, the Russian Army conducted large-scale drone attacks across multiple regions in Ukraine, including Transcarpathia, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The assaults involved at least 800 drones, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. Local officials described this as the largest attack since the conflict began, with explosions reported in various communities and ongoing air raid alerts in affected cities.

Russia successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on December 12, 2023, confirming its operational readiness by the end of the year. President Putin stated that the missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers, will significantly enhance Russia's strategic nuclear capabilities. The test was reported by the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, indicating a major advancement in their military arsenal.

On May 13, 2026, Russian forces launched over 200 one-way attack drones across Ukraine, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes occurred in multiple regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv, following the collapse of a ceasefire. Ukrainian forces simultaneously executed deep-strike operations against Russian oil facilities, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 13 2026Loading...

The Russian Airborne Forces established multiple drone repair battalions responsible for maintaining UAVs and ground robotic systems. These units operate near the frontline to facilitate rapid repairs and return of equipment to combat. Each battalion includes specialized teams for fixed-wing drones, multi-rotor drones, and ground robotic systems, and they also handle the repair of captured enemy drones for reuse.