Analysis & Reports

Diehl Defence UGV Ziesel successfully fired 17 SPIKE LR guided missiles during tests conducted over five days in Nürnberg. This marks the first successful use of a modern guided missile from the Ziesel platform, which has been enhanced with new hardware and software. The SPIKE LR missile is designed for precision strikes against armored targets.

A Tomahawk cruise missile launched from a U.S. Army Typhon system in Tacloban City struck Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija on May 5, 2026, during the Balikatan 2026 military exercise involving 17,000 troops from seven nations. The exercise showcased advanced military capabilities, including Japan's Type 88 missile system and the U.S. Marine Corps' NMESIS. China's military responded by increasing naval assets around the Philippines, indicating heightened regional tensions.

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Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 12, 2026, in Bonn to integrate advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities into next-generation uncrewed systems. This partnership aims to enhance operational effectiveness for defense forces by embedding these capabilities into uncrewed platforms.

Navantia strengthens its position in the European naval defense industry by leading the E DOMINION project and participating in three additional projects, MINERVA, SHIELD, and ABYSSA, with a total budget of €146 million. These initiatives aim to enhance naval capabilities, including the development of a European Digital Ship and advanced subsea systems. The projects reflect a commitment to European technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy in defense.

DSIT Solutions introduced its new Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) concept at CNE 2026 on May 13, 2026. The UDA solution combines advanced sonar systems to detect and classify underwater threats, including submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. Key systems include AquaShield, PointShield, BlueShield, and SeaShield, designed to enhance underwater security and situational awareness in critical areas.

The UK Armed Forces are acquiring 72 RCH 155 howitzers to address a capability gap created by the donation of AS90 artillery to Ukraine. This procurement is part of the UK's ongoing military modernization efforts.

Saab and PGZ Group signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to enhance naval capabilities in Poland. The agreement focuses on lifecycle support for surface vessels and submarines, and plans to establish an Underwater Technology Centre. They will also evaluate the production of Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone and explore collaboration on a heavyweight torpedo.

MKE unveiled the Alpay-II mine-clearing system at the Istanbul exhibition in 2026. This armored vehicle can deploy two rocket-propelled explosive cords, creating a breach 100 meters long and 10 meters wide to facilitate troop movement. The system is designed to neutralize up to 98% of mines, including Russian antitank mines, and can be remotely operated from a distance of 3 km.

Russia conducted large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the 14th, resulting in power outages across 11 regions. Ukrainian energy engineers are actively working to restore electricity to affected areas.

The U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division is conducting training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to prepare soldiers for countering small drones. This training utilizes commercial drones equipped with tennis balls to simulate explosive drops, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts. The program has expanded to include offensive drone operations, with support from the 673d Security Forces Squadron employing advanced counter-drone technologies.

A Ukrainian software company has developed the I-SEE, an AI-powered drone detection system capable of identifying threats at distances up to 2.5 kilometers. The system operates offline, processes video locally, and sends alerts to military units via messaging apps. It addresses critical gaps in frontline air defense by detecting drones before human operators can react, significantly enhancing operational capabilities.

L3Harris Technologies announced the Wraith Shield software upgrade on May 13, 2026, which enables over 100,000 tactical radios to function as counter-drone sensors. This capability allows soldiers to detect and disrupt drone signals using existing equipment, enhancing battlefield situational awareness without adding weight. The RF-9820S Compact Team Radio (AN/PRC-171) is the initial deployment platform, with broader compatibility planned for other Wraith-capable radios.

Blighter signed a partnership with JoongAng Advanced Materials on May 14, 2026, to support and expand its radar network along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. This partnership allows JoongAng to service and sell Blighter's electronic scanning array radar systems in South Korea and East Asia, enhancing surveillance capabilities in a region marked by geopolitical tension. Over 100 radars are already deployed along the DMZ, providing critical infrastructure surveillance and counter-drone capabilities.

Germany and Ukraine are collaborating on the development of new weapon systems, particularly advanced unmanned systems for deep strike capabilities. During his visit to Ukraine on May 11, 2023, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the strategic partnership and mutual benefits of this cooperation. Germany aims to address NATO's capability gaps in long-range weapons, while Ukraine offers valuable combat experience and expertise in drone operations.

Israel's Ministry of Defense signed a $34 million contract with Elbit Systems subsidiary Cyclone to develop external fuel tanks for the F-35I Adir fighter jet. This development aims to extend the aircraft's operational range and reduce reliance on aerial refueling during long-range missions. The F-35I Adir has been actively used in combat operations, including strikes against targets in Syria and Iran, highlighting its strategic importance in Israel's military capabilities.

India successfully conducted a test launch of a new Agni missile equipped with a Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) system on May 10, 2023. The missile targeted various locations in the Indian Ocean, with telemetry and tracking managed by multiple ground and sea stations. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the test met all objectives, enhancing the country's strategic capabilities.

Abu Dhabi is transitioning from a security buyer to a strategic investor in defense, aiming to enhance its military production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign forces. The UAE government plans to invest in defense technology companies and has established the EDGE defense group, which focuses on drones and electronic warfare systems. Recent threats from Iran have increased the urgency for these developments.

On May 9, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy confirmed advancements in naval aviation capabilities, including the commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier and the introduction of the J-35 stealth fighter. The Type 004 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is under construction, expected to launch by 2027. China's military presence in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific is expanding, reflecting a strategic shift from coastal defense to blue-water operations.

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Poland unveiled the export variant of the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle at the IDEB 2026 defense exhibition in Bratislava, featuring a Slovak-made Turra 30V9 unmanned turret. This joint Polish-Slovak product aims to penetrate international markets, showcasing advanced capabilities and political backing from Slovak officials. The Borsuk is intended to replace older platforms in the Polish Army and offers flexible armament options for potential buyers.

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.