Analysis & Reports

Excalibur International signed a contract on February 20, 2026, to supply tens of thousands of artillery and mortar ammunition to a NATO member country in Western Europe. The contract, valued in the low hundreds of millions of euros, was awarded due to urgent needs for replenishing ammunition stocks. The ammunition will be produced by companies within the MSM Group, which is part of the CSG group, highlighting their commitment to supporting NATO's defense capabilities.

Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian military factory in Votkinsk on February 21, causing a fire. The factory is known for producing Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles and Bulava missiles. Additionally, a gas processing plant in Samara Oblast was struck, also resulting in a fire, as it provides energy support to the Russian military.

Kalashnikov Concern showcased electric military motorcycles and other equipment at a defense exhibition in Russia. The Izh-Enduro motorcycle, designed for cargo delivery and battlefield evacuation, can reach speeds of 100-150 km/h and carry up to 200 kg. These vehicles are intended for use in challenging terrains and are part of efforts to enhance frontline logistics.

The MiG-35 Fulcrum-F program is struggling, with fewer than 10 aircraft in active service as of February 20, 2026. The Russian Air Force has not prioritized the aircraft, and production is hindered by sanctions and supply chain issues. The MiG-35's international sales have been poor, and its lack of stealth capabilities limits its effectiveness in combat.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered upgraded Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to the Aerospace Forces, enhancing their capabilities. Approximately 30 to 42 units are active, with some stationed at Dzyomgi air base to protect against drone attacks. The Su-57 can control the S-70 Okhotnik-B drone and is intended to be a key component of Russia's air power, despite production challenges and limited deployment.

Ukrainian forces are actively employing 80 modified M1A1 Abrams tanks in combat against Russian troops as of February 2026. These tanks have been upgraded with reactive armor and anti-drone measures to improve their effectiveness in high-intensity areas like Pokrovsk. Despite initial challenges in combat performance, the modifications have significantly enhanced crew survivability and operational capabilities.

On February 17, 2026, Russian air defense systems destroyed over 150 Ukrainian drones in a single night, with a total of approximately 300 UAVs intercepted within 24 hours. The attacks focused on strategic sites in the Black Sea, Azov Sea, Crimea, and Krasnodar Krai. Concurrently, Russia presented new air defense technologies at the World Defense Show 2026, indicating a shift towards enhanced counter-drone capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy will retire the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier by late 2025 due to ongoing mechanical failures and a lack of modernization funds. This decision leaves Russia as the only permanent UN Security Council member without an active carrier. Concurrently, efforts are underway to salvage the sunken PD-50 drydock, which is estimated to cost around $2.6 million USD.

The U.S. is preparing to resume nuclear testing and modernize its nuclear arsenal following the expiration of the New START Treaty in February 2026. This shift, advocated by political figures like Sen. Tom Cotton, could lead to a dangerous arms race involving Russia and China. The U.S. has also withdrawn from several key arms control agreements, further escalating tensions in global nuclear strategy.

Russia's Uralvagonzavod developed the T-95 main battle tank in the early 2000s, featuring a 152mm smoothbore gun and advanced protection systems. The program was canceled in 2010 due to high costs and complexity, despite its revolutionary design aimed at enhancing armored warfare. The T-14 Armata, unveiled later, incorporated some of the T-95's technology but with a smaller caliber weapon.

The Russian Army's T-14 Armata tank, intended to revolutionize armored warfare, has failed to see combat and has only produced fewer than 20 units due to sanctions and manufacturing issues. Despite its advanced features, the tank has been deemed an expensive failure, with production hampered by systemic problems in Russia's defense industry.

NATO commenced its Steadfast Dart 2026 military exercise in Central Europe on February 5, 2026, amid a backdrop of declining Russian offensive momentum in Ukraine. The U.S. is deploying additional military assets to the Middle East in response to rising tensions with Iran, while Ukraine continues its long-range strike campaign against Russian targets. Concurrently, Iranian officials have issued stark warnings regarding potential U.S. military actions.

Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

The B-52H Stratofortress, Tu-95MS Bear, and B-2 Spirit are actively utilized in military operations as of 2026, with the B-52H serving as a versatile platform for standoff strikes. The Tu-95MS has been employed in Russia's strategic air campaign against Ukraine, launching Kh-101 missiles from a distance. The B-2 Spirit remains the only aircraft capable of penetrating advanced air defenses, underscoring its critical role in nuclear deterrence.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon, and Su-57 Felon represent the forefront of fifth-generation fighter technology. The F-22 excels in stealth and air superiority, while the F-35 emphasizes networked capabilities. The J-20 boasts impressive range and production rates, and the Su-57, despite its agility, faces production challenges. Each aircraft's design reflects different strategic priorities and operational doctrines, shaping future air combat dynamics.

Marcus ChenWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

China is reportedly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with projections indicating a rise to 1000 warheads by 2030. A 2.75 magnitude earthquake detected near Lop Nur in 2020 has raised suspicions of a nuclear test, although evidence remains inconclusive. The US has expressed concerns over China's nuclear capabilities and testing practices, particularly regarding the use of decoupling technology to obscure test yields.

Li MinghuiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

On October 17, Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, impacting 12 regions. Ukrainian forces responded by destroying a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in Crimea and targeting a chemical plant in Krasnodar Krai. Russia's air defense intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones and precision-guided bombs during these operations.

The Russian Air Force's MiG-35 fighter jet program has faced significant challenges, with under ten units produced and limited support from the military. Originally ordered in 2017, the aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027 but struggles to compete in the export market against established Western fighters. The MiG-35's lack of stealth capabilities and ongoing development issues hinder its operational effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The K-222 Papa-class submarine, built in Severodvinsk during the 1960s, achieved a record speed of 44.7 knots, making it the fastest submarine ever. Designed to evade American anti-submarine efforts, it was equipped with Starbright cruise missiles and featured a titanium hull. However, its high speed resulted in significant noise, complicating its operational effectiveness. The submarine was retired in 1988 and scrapped in 2010.

On February 12, the Russian Army intercepted five Ukrainian 'Flamingo' cruise missiles over Volgograd Oblast. This marks the first reported destruction of this missile type by Russian forces. The missiles were likely intercepted while en route to Kotelubansk, with debris falling in a military target area. The 'Flamingo' missiles are noted to be a copy of the British FP-5 missile, capable of carrying significant payloads and equipped with advanced navigation systems.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered a new batch of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to the Aerospace Forces, featuring enhanced avionics and weapons integration. This delivery is part of Russia's efforts to modernize its tactical fleet, which is largely reliant on older Soviet-era aircraft. Despite international sanctions limiting production, the Su-57 is considered crucial for maintaining a credible fifth-generation capability in the face of NATO advancements.