Analysis & Reports

Ukraine claimed to have sunk a Russian Kilo-class submarine in Sevastopol on August 2, 2024, during a missile strike. The Kilo-class submarines, used by various navies including Russia, China, and Vietnam, are known for their stealth capabilities and are armed with Kalibr cruise missiles. The report highlights the ongoing relevance of these submarines in modern naval operations.

Ukraine destroyed or damaged 26 Russian Black Sea vessels in October 2024 using shore-launched missiles, aerial drones, and unmanned surface craft. The USS Carney successfully engaged 15 drones and four cruise missiles during a 10-hour engagement in October 2023. The report highlights the evolving threats to naval operations, particularly from China and the effectiveness of Ukraine's naval strategies against Russian forces.

Chinese and Russian navies completed joint naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean on July 29, 2023, involving four vessels and various military exercises. The Chinese Defense Ministry criticized Japan's claims regarding its exclusive economic zone and warned against Japan's militarization efforts, particularly with the establishment of its National Intelligence Agency. Japan's defense minister has also made provocative statements regarding nuclear policy, raising concerns about Japan's military ambitions.

Ukraine has retaken 270 square miles of territory, while Russia faces significant fuel shortages and logistical challenges. The U.S. is deepening its military support for Ukraine, including new defense agreements. Russia is expected to mobilize an additional 300,000–500,000 troops by October 2023, as it struggles to maintain its hold on occupied territories, particularly Crimea.

An SR-71 Blackbird experienced a double-engine failure while flying at 83,000 feet over the Kola Peninsula in the summer of 1984. The crew managed to descend to 18,000 feet and executed a manual restart of the engines. They successfully refueled from a KC-135Q tanker before landing safely at RAF Mildenhall.

As of July 2026, only Admiral Nakhimov, one of the four Kirov-class battlecruisers, is undergoing modernization after years of inactivity. The other three ships have been decommissioned or dismantled due to age and condition. The modernization project for Admiral Nakhimov began in 2014 and is expected to complete in 2026, with costs exceeding $5 billion. The Russian Navy is increasingly focusing on submarines and smaller vessels, indicating a shift away from large surface combatants like the Kirov-class.

Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's last aircraft carrier, is currently mothballed in Murmansk and may be sold or scrapped. The ship has not sailed since 2017 and has undergone a costly overhaul without returning to operational status. Officially classified as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, its designation allowed it to transit the Turkish Straits under the Montreux Convention.

Finland closed part of its airspace and restricted maritime traffic near the southern coast due to drone threats on July 28, 2026. This action underscores the importance of rapid military and civilian coordination in response to aerial threats. The Finnish Armed Forces are adapting their training to include drone threat management, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

Chinese and Russian naval forces completed a joint patrol in the Sea of Japan and North Pacific Ocean from July 13 to July 29, 2023. The operation involved three Chinese ships, including a 052D destroyer, and a Russian missile frigate, conducting various training exercises. This joint effort aimed to enhance military cooperation and was conducted in compliance with international maritime law, signaling readiness to respond to regional maritime challenges.

In July 2026, the Russian Armed Forces deployed 24 Pantsir air defense systems around Moscow in response to increased drone threats from Ukraine. This deployment includes additional Pantsir-SMD systems and S-400 systems, indicating a strategic shift in protecting critical infrastructure. Ukrainian drone strikes targeted various locations, including Rostov and Sarapul, prompting this military adaptation.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

The joint naval patrol involving the Chinese Navy and Russian Navy concluded in Vladivostok on July 29, 2023. The fleet included Chinese missile destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, along with a supply ship, and the Russian frigate 'Ruthless'. The operation, which began on July 13, included various exercises such as helicopter landings and anti-terrorism drills, aimed at improving joint operational capabilities.

The Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation's Sevmash shipyard moved the Ulyanovsk submarine out of its construction hall in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in its development. This submarine is the sixth in the Yasen-M class, designed for advanced strike capabilities. It will eventually join the Northern Fleet after undergoing extensive trials, reflecting Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on the Iranian cargo ship Anna in the Caspian Sea on July 25, 2023, resulting in one sailor's death and damage to several vessels. This incident exposed vulnerabilities in the military logistics between Russia and Iran, as Ukraine asserts the ship was linked to military cargo transport. The strike signifies an expansion of Ukraine's operational reach, challenging Russian supply lines.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

On July 28, 2023, Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian military facilities, including ammunition depots and drone production sites, while Ukrainian forces targeted a strategic fuel reserve in the Udmurt Republic. The strikes also affected energy and transportation infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces. Both sides reported multiple military engagements across various locations.

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is developing the Su-75 Checkmate fighter prototype in Russia, with plans for 300 aircraft over 15 years. The first flight is now expected by the end of 2025, delayed by redesigns and customer feedback. The program faces challenges due to Western sanctions affecting technology access and production capacity. UAC has not confirmed any firm orders for the aircraft, which is intended for both the Russian Defense Ministry and foreign customers.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are discussing a potential air ceasefire to alleviate missile threats to Ukrainian cities. However, this could weaken Ukraine's position in the ongoing ground war against Russia, which continues to favor Russian forces despite slow territorial gains. Ukraine's long-range strikes have pressured Russian logistics, but a ceasefire may require Ukraine to suspend these operations, potentially shifting the war dynamics in Russia's favor.

Ukrainian forces struck the Iranian vessel Anna in the Caspian Sea on 27-28 July 2023, targeting a supply route for drones between Russia and Iran. This operation is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and military supply chains. Iranian officials reported casualties among the crew, indicating the strike's impact on the ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 28 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy's Admiral Nakhimov battlecruiser is completing trials and is expected to enter service by the end of 2026. It has 176 missile cells, surpassing the proposed U.S. Trump-class battleship. The cruiser returned to Severomorsk in June 2023 after 27 years and is set to enhance Russia's naval capabilities in the Barents Sea.

Russia has set a troop ceiling of 1,535,000 military personnel as part of a strategic shift towards a longer-term military engagement. This decision, made by President Putin on July 27, 2023, includes plans to create military construction units to support force expansion. The Russian Armed Forces are adapting by integrating unmanned systems into their naval structure, indicating a broader military reconstitution during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Alexandra ReevesTue Jul 28 2026Loading...

Twenty-four new Pantsir air defense systems were deployed around Moscow in July 2026, indicating a shift in Russian military strategy towards domestic defense. This deployment coincided with an increase in military personnel to 2,426,130, as President Putin recognized the need for enhanced internal security. Ukrainian forces continued to target Russian infrastructure, highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 28 2026Loading...