Analysis & Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel has expanded its control over 60% of the Gaza Strip as of May 17, 2023. He emphasized that this expansion is part of efforts to strengthen control over Hamas, ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. A new map indicating these changes was released in March 2023, which includes a newly designated restricted area.

On the 16th, the Philippine military engaged in a clash with members of the New People's Army in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, resulting in the deaths of five anti-government personnel. The military seized eight high-powered firearms, including an M60 machine gun, during the operation. This incident marks the second confrontation this month between the 15th Infantry Battalion and the New People's Army in the same location.

On May 17, 2023, a drone attack targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, causing a fire at a generator. The UAE's air defense intercepted three drones, successfully shooting down two. IAEA Director General Grossi condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for military restraint near nuclear facilities. The UAE Armed Forces are currently on high alert to address any threats to national security.

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of Latvia tested Ark-1 unmanned ground vehicles during NATO's Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise in Sēlija. The Baltic States are preparing to allocate €12.2 billion from the EU SAFE program for military procurement, focusing on rapid adaptation to counter Russian military capabilities. The Canadian-led multinational brigade is enhancing its forward defense posture, emphasizing the integration of local knowledge and NATO interoperability.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun May 17 2026Loading...

On May 16, 2023, U.S. forces conducted a successful operation resulting in the death of ISWAP leader Abubakar Mainok in Maiduguri. Concurrently, over 400 Starlink terminals were seized from insurgent networks, indicating ISWAP's logistical capabilities. The report also highlights recent attacks on schools and military brigades, demonstrating ongoing insurgent activity in the region.

Marie DuboisSun May 17 2026Loading...

A two-seat variant of Russia's Su-57 Felon fighter conducted ground taxi trials, confirmed by military aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov on May 16, 2023. The aircraft features an elongated fuselage for a second cockpit and is primarily intended for export. Algeria has become the first confirmed foreign operator of the Su-57, while Russia has faced losses of the aircraft due to drone strikes.

Russian General Valery Gerasimov claimed 85% control of Lyman on May 16, 2026, but this is disputed by the Institute for the Study of War, which estimates actual control at only 0.06%. Russian forces are reportedly advancing towards Shevchenkove, yet the situation in Kupiansk remains unclear. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported significant drone interceptions and personnel losses, raising concerns about the accuracy of their operational reports.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Cleveland, the last littoral combat ship, in Cleveland, Ohio, this weekend. The ship, measuring 378 feet and crewed by approximately 90 sailors, marks the end of the Freedom-class series. This commissioning reflects the Navy's ongoing transition away from littoral combat ships towards larger warships for peer-on-peer engagements. The USS Cleveland will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Florida.

An explosive device detonated in Southern Lebanon, injuring four Israeli Defense Forces soldiers, one of whom is in serious condition. The incident occurred between the evening of the 16th and early morning of the 17th. It remains unclear whether Hezbollah placed the bomb before or during the ceasefire.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on over twenty villages in Southern Lebanon on May 16, following the death of an Israeli officer in a drone attack. Hezbollah has been utilizing FPV drones, costing between $300 and $400, to target Israeli tanks and soldiers. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 2951 reported dead and 8988 injured since March.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun May 17 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drone forces struck a Russian Svetlyak-class patrol boat in the Caspian Sea on May 17, 2026. The attack, executed by a Fire Point FP-1 drone, occurred in the port area of Kaspiisk, Dagestan, highlighting Ukraine's extended operational reach. This incident marks the third drone strike on Russian naval vessels in recent months, indicating a developing pattern of Ukrainian military operations in the region.

NATO activated all 32 member states for Exercise STEADFAST DETERRENCE 2026 in May 2026, testing collective defense capabilities across Europe. Spain's Foreign Minister proposed a standalone EU army, citing concerns over U.S. reliability as a security guarantor. The UK faced setbacks in joining the EU SAFE fund, highlighting challenges in integrating non-EU allies into European defense structures. The exercise also marked the first deployment of AI-enabled warfare systems by NATO.

Alexandra ReevesSun May 17 2026Loading...

Certo Aerospace completed ground trials of the CAPSTONE unmanned system with AGM-114 Hellfire missile simulators in the UK. This testing is part of Project NYX, aimed at developing autonomous wingmen for Apache helicopters, in collaboration with BAE Systems. The trials confirm the integration of missile systems, marking a significant step in the development of combat-relevant unmanned systems.

Picket Defense Systems is showcasing the Inferno RTC, a next-generation counter-drone system, at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa from May 18-21. The system features a patented rotating turret design that allows for rapid engagement of drone threats without aiming delays, providing a 40-meter assured-kill zone in all directions. The small variant weighs 45 pounds and is designed for portability, while the large variant weighs 90 pounds and offers enhanced capabilities.

On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA launched coordinated attacks on strategic positions in Mali, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sevare, and Mopti. The fall of Kidal marked a significant setback for the Malian government, while the assassination of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara on April 26 further destabilized the regime. This offensive highlights the deep vulnerabilities of the transitional government and the evolving dynamics of militant alliances in the region.

Marie DuboisSun May 17 2026Loading...

The Syrian cargo aircraft YK-ATA returned to Damascus International Airport on May 14, 2026, after being idle at Hmeimim Air Base for over a year. This aircraft is linked to the evacuation of Bashar al-Assad during the regime's collapse in December 2024. Its return signifies a shift in control to Syria's new governing authorities following the Assad regime's fall.

Ukraine launched over 130 drones in a major strike on Moscow overnight into May 17, targeting industrial facilities and causing significant disruptions, including the suspension of operations at all four major airports. The attack resulted in injuries to 12 individuals and fires at key industrial sites, reflecting Ukraine's strategic focus on degrading Russian military and industrial capabilities. This operation follows a week of intense Russian aerial bombardment against Ukraine.

Russian forces launched an offensive in May 2026, achieving significant territorial gains in Donetsk Oblast amid intense combat operations. Ukrainian forces engaged in 263 combat incidents and counterattacks, while Russia conducted numerous airstrikes and drone sorties. NATO member states met on May 13 to address escalating Russian hybrid threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced air and missile defense. Concurrently, Ukraine is transforming into a security exporter, deploying military specialists abroad.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 17 2026Loading...

In May 2026, China's Navy confirmed the 'carrier battle group' concept, marking a significant modernization step. The first Hangor-class AIP submarine was delivered to Pakistan in Sanya, enhancing regional naval capabilities. Additionally, discussions at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum highlighted China's growing military diplomacy and defense cooperation.

Li MinghuiSun May 17 2026Loading...

Russia is developing specialized 5.45mm multi-warhead ammunition for AK-12 and AK-74 rifles to effectively target FPV drones. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of infantry against drone threats, contrasting with Western efforts focused on automated fire control systems. The Russian solution is viewed as more practical and cost-effective for widespread military use.