Analysis & Reports

The Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier, designed to be a significant asset for the Soviet Navy, was 40% complete when it was scrapped in 1992 at the Black Sea Shipyard in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. The carrier was intended to feature four nuclear reactors and accommodate 68 aircraft, but Russia opted not to finish it due to economic constraints following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This decision reflected broader issues within the Russian military and economic landscape at the time.

The German Army developed the StG-44 assault rifle in 1944, producing 425,977 units despite an order for 1.5 million. This weapon, the first true assault rifle, was designed to meet the needs of infantry combat within 400 meters. Its design influenced future rifles, including the AK-47, although the U.S. Army initially overlooked the advantages of the intermediate cartridge.

The U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly to develop new reconnaissance satellites capable of high-resolution space-to-space imagery. The contracts, part of the GHOST-R program, were announced on September 18, 2023, with prototypes expected to launch by 2028 and conduct missions by 2029. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. defense capabilities in space.

The Italian Army conducted a military exercise, AEGIS 26, on September 17 at the Monte Romano training area, testing armed ground robots from Ukrainian company DevDroid alongside Italian forces. Approximately 850 soldiers participated, integrating various military units and linking the robots to a NATO battlefield information system. The exercise focused on planning and executing integrated tactical operations, including offensive maneuvers and coordination between robots and infantry.

Latvia signed a contract on September 30, 2023, to purchase Czech-made Morana 155 mm howitzers and rocket artillery systems for its armed forces. The deal, involving the Slovak government and Tatra Defence Systems, aims to enhance Latvia's artillery capabilities and includes plans for local production of some equipment. The purchase will be financed through the EU's Security Action for Europe program.

On 30 September 2026, Russian forces launched a large-scale air campaign against Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure across 11 regions, including Kyiv. The assault resulted in significant damage, power outages, and at least seven reported casualties. The strikes aimed to exploit Ukraine's energy vulnerabilities as winter approaches, complicating civilian and military operations.

Alexandra ReevesThu Oct 01 2026Loading...

On September 28, 2023, EU member states approved five pan-European defense projects in Brussels, focusing on drone warfare, maritime, aerial, and space-based defense systems. A budget of €325 million has been allocated for these initiatives, which will also involve participation from non-EU countries like Norway and Ukraine. This marks a significant step in enhancing Europe's defense capabilities in response to security threats.

Poland is developing an advanced anti-drone and air defense system called SAN, which will integrate various reconnaissance and defense capabilities. The project involves 703 vehicles, including 18 anti-drone companies and 52 fire control units, with an investment of approximately 3.5 billion euros. The system aims to enhance military defense and protect critical infrastructure, with completion expected by the end of 2027 and initial equipment deliveries this year.

Türkiye will receive the first two of 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from the UK in December 2025. Crews are currently training in the US and UK to operate and maintain the aircraft, which will enhance Türkiye's airlift capabilities. The deal, valued at over £550 million, includes plans for Türkiye to conduct routine maintenance once training is complete.

Ukraine has identified a modified Shahed drone equipped with whisker-like rods intended to detonate on contact with high-voltage power lines. This modification, along with the introduction of a new KRSN warhead, enhances the drone's capability to target critical infrastructure. The developments were noted by Ukrainian volunteer Serhii Sternenko and defense adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, highlighting ongoing threats to Ukraine's power system from Russian drone attacks.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $197 million contract to British-owned MSI Defence Systems for 30mm deck gun mounts and electro-optical sights to enhance its capabilities against drones and fast attack boats. Deliveries are expected to be completed by January 2031, with significant work taking place in Norfolk, England. The new system will replace the older 25 mm MK 38 MOD 3 on U.S. Navy ships.

The U.S. Marine Corps ordered 32 ACV-R armored recovery vehicles from BAE Systems for $230.1 million on October 1, 2023. These vehicles will support battlefield recovery and maintenance of other ACVs, with production expected to finish by November 2028. The ACV-R is the last variant in the ACV family, designed to replace older recovery models.

Rostec announced that its new jet-powered strike drones, the S-71M, S-71K, and Dan-T, are being used against Ukraine and can perform the role of cruise missiles at a lower cost. The S-71K is equipped with a high-explosive bomb, while the Dan-T has been launched in numerous attacks. Rostec anticipates these drones will become standard in Russian aviation alongside existing glide-bomb kits.

ICEYE and Nokia are collaborating to develop broadband satellite communications systems for government ownership, with the first satellites expected to launch in 2028. These systems will provide fast, high-capacity connections for defense forces and emergency services, particularly in areas where ground networks are compromised. Each participating country will own its satellites and ground stations, enhancing national control over communications.

The Russian Army has modified the T-90M tank, incorporating a bustle magazine and blowout panels to enhance safety after combat experiences in Ukraine revealed vulnerabilities. As of September 1, 2026, Oryx has documented 159 losses of the T-90M, highlighting significant attrition. The tank remains the most advanced in Russian service, but its effectiveness has been challenged by modern warfare tactics and equipment.

The European Union approved five defense projects totaling 343 million euros, with four involving Ukraine. These projects focus on enhancing drone defense and missile warning systems, aiming to improve European military capabilities and interoperability. The EU emphasizes the need for common standards and cooperation among member states to address shared threats.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

The US Navy analyzed the Soviet Alfa-class submarine in the 1980s, noting its impressive specifications, including speeds over 40 knots and depths of 700-900 meters. However, operational realities revealed significant limitations, such as hull cracks that restricted depth to 400 meters and a loud reactor that compromised stealth. The US maintained a technological edge in submarine detection and quieting techniques, rendering the Alfa-class less effective in combat scenarios.

The M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun, adopted in 1933, remains in active service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, having been used in every major conflict since World War II. Approximately 3,000,000 units have been built, and the M2 continues to be a vital piece of military equipment, with the M2A1 variant addressing previous safety concerns. Its historical significance and effectiveness ensure it will likely serve for a full century.

M-Fly raised a new funding round on September 30, 2026, to expand production of military drone components in Kyiv, Ukraine, driven by increased demand from Ukrainian and NATO customers. The company specializes in stabilized cameras and laser guidance systems, having tested its products in combat. The funding will be used to enhance production facilities and accelerate product adaptation.

Astroscale UK achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification on September 30, 2023, as it prepares for a debris removal mission and a defense program for the UK Ministry of Defence. The company is developing ELSA-M, the world's first active debris removal mission, and is also working on the Orpheus program to enhance UK satellite servicing capabilities. This certification aims to instill confidence in handling sensitive information related to these missions.