Analysis & Reports

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.

The South Korean submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho arrived at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on May 23, 2026, after a 14,000 km voyage from South Korea. This deployment coincides with Canada's critical military procurement decision regarding new submarines, showcasing the submarine's capabilities in long-range operations. The visit aims to strengthen defense ties and influence Canada's choice in the ongoing evaluation of submarine suppliers.

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.

Ukrainian drones attacked 13 major Russian oil facilities in May 2026, including the Sheskharis terminal in Novorossiysk, causing significant operational disruptions. The strikes resulted in a fire and injuries, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian logistical infrastructure. Reports indicate that six of the ten largest Russian oil refineries halted operations following these attacks, marking a strategic shift in Ukraine's military approach.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 24 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct joint military training with Mongolia, named 'Steppe Partner 2026', in Inner Mongolia from late May to early June 2026. The exercise aims to enhance capabilities against illegal armed groups and improve regional security. It follows a similar training in 2024, indicating ongoing military collaboration between China and Mongolia.

Li MinghuiSun May 24 2026Loading...

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.

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...

Multiple fighter jets from the Naval Aviation Brigade of the Southern Theater Command engaged in high-intensity air combat training in early summer. Pilots from both red and blue teams executed various tactical maneuvers, with the red team successfully simulating an attack on the blue team. The exercise aimed to evaluate pilots' tactical skills and psychological resilience in a fast-paced environment.

The U.S. conducted military exercises in Caracas on May 23, involving two MV-22B Osprey aircraft. This marks the first military exercise in Venezuela since a significant operation in January. During the exercise, protests erupted in the city center, with citizens expressing opposition to U.S. military presence. The Venezuelan government stated the exercise was authorized as an 'evacuation drill' to address potential medical emergencies or disasters.

The People's Armed Police Force has enhanced family visit services for military personnel in China by establishing a special task force to address travel difficulties. This initiative includes the provision of special vehicles, oxygen support, and medical personnel during family visits. New policies have been implemented to improve the overall experience for families visiting their loved ones in the military.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively optimizing training resources across multiple units in early summer. Various training exercises, including drone operations, are being conducted in the Eastern Theater Command and Northeast China. A mobile instructor talent pool has been established to address training needs, and units are collaborating to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness.

A certain brigade of the army conducted external sling load flight training at a western airport in early summer. The exercise involved multiple helicopters delivering equipment, showcasing the coordination between pilots and ground personnel. This training aims to improve logistics capabilities in complex environments, with plans for future night operations and challenging weather conditions.

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.

A certain naval brigade conducted a fuel supply training exercise at a naval base in the Eastern Theater Command. Personnel quickly responded to equipment malfunctions and performed emergency repairs during the operation. The exercise involved multiple hovercraft and included fuel quality testing before supply. The operation concluded successfully with all vessels refueled and departing the base.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least 1 death and 13 injuries. The attack targeted an office area in the Shevchenkivskyi district, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Thick smoke was reported in the area as rescue vehicles arrived.

On May 22-23, 2023, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted operations around Taiwan, involving 16 aircraft and 8 naval vessels, with 13 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. This activity reflects ongoing military pressure on Taiwan amid uncertainties regarding a $14 billion U.S. arms sale. The PLA's operations are designed to test Taiwan's defense readiness and logistics capabilities.

Li MinghuiSun May 24 2026Loading...