Analysis & Reports

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Crimea around 11:00 a.m. Moscow time during a scheduled training flight. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by a ground search-and-rescue team. The aircraft was flying without ammunition, and the incident contributes to the losses of Russia's Su-30 fleet amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces conducted a strike on Kirovske airfield in Crimea on April 2, 2023, destroying a Russian An-72P patrol aircraft and facilities for Orion drones. The operation was executed by the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces in collaboration with Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The strike utilized Ukrainian-made FP-2 systems.

Russia and Ukraine intensified their long-range strike operations in March 2023, with Russia conducting over 3,000 strikes and Ukraine exceeding 1,400 strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Notably, a record 948-drone attack by Russia occurred on March 23-24, while Ukrainian strikes disrupted 40% of Russia's crude export capacity. Both nations are increasingly relying on drone swarms and missile attacks, indicating a significant escalation in military operations.

Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones against Ukraine on March 24, 2026, while Ukraine targeted Russian oil infrastructure, impacting exports. Fighting intensified in Kostyantynivka, with Russian forces conducting artillery and drone strikes. Ukraine reorganized its air defense command to enhance drone interception capabilities. NATO members, including Lithuania, significantly increased defense spending, reflecting a unified response to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Apr 01 2026Loading...

The Su-57 Felon fighter jet, operated by the Russian Air Force, is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 and has a range of over 2,200 miles. It features advanced radar systems and a stealthy design, raising concerns about its threat level compared to Western aircraft like the F-35. Current reports indicate ongoing developments in manned-unmanned teaming capabilities with drones, which may enhance its operational effectiveness.

The U.S. military has been developing hypersonic weapons for nearly 25 years but faces competition from Russia and China, which have operational hypersonic glide vehicles. U.S. funding for hypersonic research has decreased, and various programs are still in development. Russia has reportedly used hypersonic weapons in combat, potentially giving it an advantage. The U.S. military is prioritizing hypersonic development to catch up with its adversaries.

Ukrainian forces launched three FP-5 cruise missiles at the JSC Promsintez explosives plant in Chapayevsk on March 28. One missile was intercepted, while the other two struck near the production halls without causing direct damage. The operation highlighted the difficulties of targeting defended industrial sites, as the missiles were on course but failed to penetrate the main structures due to last-second deflections.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, began sea trials in August 2025 after extensive modernization. It features advanced weapon systems, including 174-176 vertical launch cells for various missiles, and upgraded air defense comparable to the S-400. Despite its capabilities, the ship's high value makes its deployment risky, reflecting Russia's constrained naval power and industrial limitations.

Russia suspended the modernization of its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, in July 2025, with the ship not operational since 2017. The modernization faced significant failures, including a sinking dry dock and a fire, leading to expectations of decommissioning. This situation highlights Russia's broader struggles to maintain its naval capabilities amid ongoing military demands.

Russia is deploying hypersonic weapons, including the Avangard, Kinzhal, Zircon, and Oreshnik, for selective strikes on high-value targets in Ukraine and Belarus. These weapons are used alongside conventional missiles and drones to enhance speed and unpredictability. Despite their advanced capabilities, hypersonic weapons are not unstoppable, as evidenced by successful interceptions by systems like the Patriot.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone attacks on Russian facilities in Leningrad Oblast, including Primorsk and Ust-Luga, causing significant damage in March 2023. The use of approximately 10,000 drones per month has become crucial for Ukraine's military operations, leading to substantial Russian casualties and operational challenges. The effectiveness of Ukraine's drone warfare has shifted the dynamics of the conflict, particularly in the Donbas region.

India's Defense Procurement Committee approved a military procurement deal worth approximately $25 billion from Russia, which includes S-400 air defense systems, medium transport aircraft, and attack drones. This procurement aims to enhance India's military capabilities against aerial threats and support various military operations. The deal was confirmed by the Indian Defense Ministry on March 30, 2023.

Ukrainian forces destroyed three Russian heavy multiple launch rocket systems and a transport-loader vehicle near Karakul in Crimea using a long-range one-way strike drone. The operation was executed by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces with intelligence support from the Security Service of Ukraine. This strike is part of a broader strategy to degrade Russian artillery capabilities.

The Russian Navy decommissioned the Dmitry Donskoy submarine, the last of the Typhoon-class submarines, in February 2023. These submarines, known for their massive size and nuclear capabilities, were designed to carry 20 R-39 nuclear missiles. The Typhoon-class submarines had a displacement of 48,000 tons and featured advanced design elements for survivability. The Dmitry Donskoy will await utilization at a naval base in Severodvinsk before being converted into a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.

Russia is replacing its aging fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 10 to 12 advanced Yasen-Class submarines by 2036. These new submarines will be armed with hypersonic missiles and are designed for multi-role capabilities, enhancing Russia's naval power. The transition involves retiring older Soviet-era submarines, reflecting a significant modernization effort in response to evolving military needs.

Russia's Air Force currently operates around 30-32 Su-57 stealth fighters, which are facing production challenges and strategic irrelevance in modern warfare. The fleet is numerically inferior to U.S. and Chinese fifth-generation aircraft, and the Su-57's complex systems are not suited for the drone-dominated conflict in Ukraine. Despite upgrades, the Su-57's role remains limited as Russia adapts to the realities of contemporary combat.

Russian forces intensified military operations across Ukraine from March 23-27, 2026, launching a concentrated aerial campaign that deployed nearly 1,000 drones and missiles. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Russian ground operations maintained pressure in Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts, with claims of territorial gains. The introduction of new drone systems indicates an evolving tactical approach as Russia prepares for a significant ground offensive.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russia began supplying drones and intelligence to Iran in early March 2026, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites. The drones, primarily Geran-2 systems, are part of a strategic partnership aimed at reinforcing Iran's military capabilities. Russia's production capacity allows it to sustain its own operations while supporting Iran, which has faced significant disruptions in its drone manufacturing due to external attacks.

DARPA is conducting research on Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a fungus that can harness ionizing radiation, for potential military applications. This includes using the fungus to grow structures in space and training it to detect nuclear radiation. The research is ongoing at the Chernobyl site and the International Space Station.

Russia is modernizing its armored forces and command architecture, focusing on AI and unmanned systems, while refurbishing existing tanks. The Russian Armed Forces plan to produce over 2,000 advanced main battle tanks by 2036, with significant increases in T-90 production. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its command capabilities through the Glaz/Groza software and integrating UAVs into military operations. These efforts indicate preparations for extended military confrontation with NATO.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 27 2026Loading...