Analysis & Reports

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 The U.S. has also withdrawn from several key arms control agreements, further escalating tensions in global nuclear strategy.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.

Rostec delivered a new batch of upgraded BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to the Russian Ministry of Defense in January, exceeding shipment targets by 40 percent. The vehicles feature enhancements in combat effectiveness and protection, including modern electronic warfare systems and improved armor. Rostec continues to modernize the BMP-3 based on operational experience from the war in Ukraine, despite reports of significant losses of this vehicle type during the conflict.

Construction of infrastructure for the 'Oreshnik' missile system was observed at the Krichiv-6 airfield in Belarus on February 9, 2026. The Russian Armed Forces are preparing for the deployment of 4-6 units, despite currently having only 3-4 systems available. This development indicates a strategic move to enhance military presence in Belarus and signal political integration with the country.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

Thermobaric weapons have been utilized by the U.S., Russia, and Israel in various conflicts, including recent reports of their use in Gaza. These weapons, known for their devastating effects, have evolved from World War II designs to modern munitions like the GBU-43/B MOAB. The U.S. military has employed them in significant battles, while allegations of their use against civilian populations raise concerns about potential war crimes.

Russia's S-500 missile system, designed to target stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35, has underperformed in combat, failing to intercept missiles in Crimea and sustaining damage from a Ukrainian drone. The system's capabilities are being marketed to foreign buyers, but its battlefield performance raises doubts about its effectiveness.

Russia is reorganizing its military to focus on drone warfare and has significantly increased its ammunition production, while Estonia is enhancing its defense capabilities with new drone technology. The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service reports that Russia is not expected to attack NATO member states in the next two years, but is preparing for future conflicts. The Baltic state is investing in unmanned systems to counter potential threats from Russia's growing military capabilities.

Russia has concentrated 15 Su-57 stealth fighter jets at Dzyomgi air base in Khabarovsk, approximately 280 kilometers from the Chinese border, as confirmed by satellite imagery dated February 9, 2024. The base also hosts additional aircraft, including Su-35S fighters and MiG-31BM interceptors. This deployment is believed to enhance force protection and support ongoing technical operations for the Su-57.

Armenia acquired V-BAT drones from the U.S. as part of a security partnership, confirmed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The V-BAT system is intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, enhancing Armenia's military capabilities. Specific details regarding the number of drones and contract value were not disclosed.