Analysis & Reports

New dashcam footage shows a T-14 Armata tank crossing a dirt road toward a firing range in Ukraine. The tank program has struggled for a decade, with only about 20 units built, primarily prototypes. Despite claims of combat use, no verified evidence supports these assertions, and the T-14's high cost has limited its production compared to the T-90M.

Russia is denying plans for mobilization while facing high casualty rates that exceed recruitment, particularly after the parliamentary elections in September 2026. The Kremlin aims to maintain a sense of control as the front lines demand more personnel. Poland has increased its air patrols in response to potential drone threats from Russia, indicating heightened military readiness in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine on September 18. The package includes various missile systems, such as S-300 Clone and GAM-67 missiles, and is funded through a mix of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing. The sale is pending congressional review, and details on some equipment remain unclear.

On September 18, the U.S. Department of State announced the approval of a $2.68 billion military sales plan to Ukraine, which includes equipment and services for upgrading air defense systems. This initiative is intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Germany plans to enhance its long-range precision strike capabilities by acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles and associated Triton launch systems from the United States. The German Defense Ministry has allocated nearly 3.4 billion euros for this procurement, with initial operational capability expected by 2030. This move aims to fill significant capability gaps and enable the German Armed Forces to independently deter threats, particularly from Russia. The agreement was solidified during a meeting in Ankara.

Germany received its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet from Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 18, 2023. This acquisition is part of a €10 billion contract for 35 jets aimed at modernizing the German Air Force and maintaining its nuclear-sharing role within NATO. The F-35A will replace the aging Tornado aircraft, with the first jets expected to be stationed in the U.S. for training before arriving in Germany.

Germany celebrated the rollout of its first F-35 aircraft at Lockheed Martin's facility in Ft. Worth, Texas. The event, attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and US officials, underscores the strengthening defense collaboration between the two nations. Germany's $8.8 billion deal for 35 F-35s, signed in 2022, marks a significant step in enhancing its military capabilities, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in late 2027.

Finland's first two F-35A fighter jets arrived at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi on September 18, 2023, marking the start of a 64-jet acquisition to replace the aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet. The jets, escorted by Finnish F/A-18s, were flown from the U.S. by U.S. Air Force pilots. Finland aims to achieve initial operational capability by early 2028, with training for pilots and maintenance personnel currently taking place in the U.S.

HMS Prince of Wales carried 24 F-35Bs into the Mediterranean for the Falcon Strike exercise on November 6, 2025. The Royal Navy is testing the Vanquish drone, which aims to operate from Queen Elizabeth-class carriers without catapults. The UK Ministry of Defence has committed to a demonstration of the Vanquish by the end of 2027, as part of a broader investment in autonomous systems.

Nammo is developing a new prototype rocket motor engine for the IRIS-T air defense system in Raufoss, Norway. The new engine aims to enhance the capabilities of the IRIS-T SLX variant, which can intercept targets at a range of 80 kilometers. This development is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as Ukrainian forces have successfully utilized existing IRIS-T systems against Russian targets since 2022.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy awarded a $47.4 million contract modification for engineering support of the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program on May 6, 2025. This marks the development of the first new nuclear weapon since the Cold War, with an expected delivery capability by 2034. The contract includes various technical support tasks and is primarily based in Washington, D.C., with additional work at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and Norfolk.

Otokar and Leonardo successfully completed integration and live-fire testing of a 120mm turret on the Tulpar medium tank at the Nettuno test range in Italy. This new turret system is being proposed as a potential replacement for Brazil's aging Leopard 1A5 tanks. The testing demonstrated the turret's capabilities and integration with the Tulpar platform, which is designed for modern military requirements.

Latvia's government approved the acquisition of Morana 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army, reversing its earlier decision to pursue a deal with Sweden's BAE Systems Bofors. This decision was influenced by cost assessments, delivery times, and local defense industry involvement. The procurement is part of Latvia's defense budget for 2026, which allocates 4.91% of GDP to military spending.

Poland warns of potential Russian drone or missile strikes against NATO allies during the winter months, emphasizing the need for NATO to prepare for ambiguous attacks. The warning highlights the strategic implications for Poland's air defense and the necessity for a unified NATO response to any incidents. This assessment is based on intelligence and reflects concerns about Russia's tactics in the ongoing conflict.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

The French Army's Future Combat Command is exploring methods to create battlefield opacity to enhance offensive maneuvers, as stated by General Bruno Baratz during an innovation day in Besançon on September 9, 2023. The command is focusing on deception techniques, including physical decoys and electromagnetic warfare, to counteract the dangers posed by drone surveillance. Additionally, the Army is increasing its budget for innovation projects to adapt civilian technologies for military purposes and improve operational effectiveness.

Oy Sisu Auto Ab and Rumble Tools Oy launched a partnership on September 18, 2026, to integrate intelligent robotics into heavy tactical vehicles in Finland. This collaboration aims to enhance battlefield capabilities through the development of the SISU G-Series product family, incorporating autonomous technologies and robotic helicopters for improved force protection and situational awareness.

IDV is introducing the latest generation of its VIKING Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, Bedfordshire on 17 September 2026.

HMS Astute is undergoing its first midlife refit at Devonport, rendering it out of action indefinitely. This refit is part of the Royal Navy's efforts to maintain its submarine fleet capabilities amid ongoing defense commitments. The Royal Navy currently operates five Astute-class submarines, with plans for future replacements under the SSN-AUKUS program.

The U.S. Army is prioritizing training for soldiers to operate drones effectively in contested electromagnetic environments as part of the Drone Dominance program. With 12,080 drones acquired, the focus is on ensuring every squad is equipped and trained by the end of fiscal 2026. Recent exercises in Germany highlighted the need for soldiers to navigate the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.