Analysis & Reports

Slovakia's state-owned defense company ZŤS Špeciál signed a contract to supply approximately 300 AM-120 automatic 120mm mortar systems to Azerbaijan. The deal, valued at $250 million, includes an initial delivery of 96 mortars, with production starting immediately. Azerbaijan is also exploring a production license for local manufacturing of the system, which features an automated loading mechanism and is mounted on a heavy truck chassis for enhanced crew protection.

Russia integrated two newly built Tu-160M strategic bombers into its inventory between late 2025 and early 2026. The Tu-160M, capable of cruising at Mach 2 and launching Kh-101 cruise missiles, serves as an interim solution while the PAK DA stealth bomber program faces delays. This move reflects Russia's need to maintain long-range strike capabilities amid industrial challenges.

Russia's defense industry delivered a batch of upgraded Su-57 fighter aircraft to the Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, accepted by technical personnel, underwent factory testing and were subsequently tested by pilots from the Aerospace Forces. The upgrades enhance avionics and weapons integration, expanding the aircraft's operational capabilities. The Su-57 has been actively used in military operations, including the conflict in Ukraine.

Armenia publicly displayed new air defense and artillery systems acquired from India during an official demonstration. The showcased equipment included the Akash-1S missile system, Pinaka multiple launch rocket systems, and 155mm artillery platforms. These acquisitions are part of Armenia's efforts to enhance its military capabilities and reduce reliance on Russian arms suppliers.

Russia has introduced the UMPB-5 winged glide bomb, an upgraded version of the UMPK-500 guidance kit, enhancing its strike range and accuracy. The UMPB-5 can be deployed from aircraft outside air defense zones, while a powered variant, the UMPB-5R, boasts a range of up to 200 kilometers. These developments allow Russian forces to conduct strikes from safer distances, utilizing tactical aircraft like the Su-34.

Russia has introduced the Kaplya munition for FPV drones, designed to defeat armored vehicles with cope cage armor. The EFP warhead is intended to penetrate armor and neutralize nearby personnel. This development is part of a centralized supply effort to standardize drone armament across Russian forces, with additional munitions also being supplied.

In 2025, Belarus adopted 16 new military products, indicating a shift towards deeper integration with the Russian defense industry. The Belarusian defense sector is increasingly reliant on foreign components, particularly from North Korea and China, raising concerns about its technological independence. The export of military products to 65 countries suggests Belarus is acting as an intermediary for Russian arms, further complicating its position amid sanctions.

Dmitri VolkovSat Feb 07 2026Loading...

The Russian Air Force has produced fewer than 25 Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, falling short of the planned 76 due to production delays and challenges. This significant numerical deficit compared to Western air forces raises concerns about the aircraft's operational relevance. The Su-57's capabilities, including its stealth and integration with drones, are under scrutiny as Russia struggles to match Western advancements in air combat technology.

Russia restarted production of the Tu-160M bombers at the Kazan Aviation Plant in 2023, promising four new units to the Russian Aerospace Forces, though only two have been delivered. These bombers are capable of launching missiles from standoff ranges, significantly enhancing Russia's long-range strike capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The Tu-160M serves as a critical component of Russia's military strategy, especially in light of delays with the PAK DA stealth bomber program.

Uzbekistan has confirmed an order for C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Embraer as of February 3, 2026. This marks Uzbekistan as the first Central Asian nation to operate this aircraft, which will enhance its military transport and humanitarian capabilities. The C-390 is designed for various missions, including cargo transport and medical evacuation, and will play a key role in modernizing Uzbekistan's airlift capabilities.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has been revealed as the first Central Asian nation to operate the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, primarily for transport and humanitarian missions. This acquisition significantly enhances the capabilities of the Uzbekistan Air Force. The announcement was made by Embraer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026, highlighting the aircraft's advanced features and versatility.

The S-500 missile system, developed by Russia, is claimed to have capabilities to detect and engage advanced stealth aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35. However, reports indicate that its operational performance has been underwhelming, with failures to intercept missiles during its deployment in Crimea. The system's production has faced delays, and it has not yet been sold to major potential buyers like China or Iran.

China and Russia are struggling with the development of their next-generation stealth bombers, the H-20 and PAK DA, respectively. Both programs face technical challenges, including engine and avionics issues, and political obstacles related to collaboration. The PAK DA is not yet operational, and resource constraints in Russia are impacting its development.

Aero-Sentinel secured a distribution agreement with 2LNK GmbH to provide G2 and G3 drone platforms in Kazakhstan. This partnership aims to meet the growing demand for mission-ready systems in the country's expanding defense market. The drones are designed for covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, appealing to special operations and internal security units. The announcement was made on Sunday by Aero-Sentinel's chief marketing officer, Ofir Avram.

Belarus received a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets on January 29 as part of the rearmament of its Air Force and Air Defense Forces. This delivery continues the scheduled transfer of upgraded multirole fighters, enhancing Belarus's military capabilities amid increased regional military activity. The Su-30SM2 jets are designed for air superiority and strike missions, supporting both national and allied operations.

The Su-57 Felon, Russia's first fifth-generation stealth fighter, emphasizes maneuverability over stealth and has produced 32 aircraft as of December 2023. Its production is hampered by a weak industrial base, and it features advanced engines and weapon systems designed for modern combat. The aircraft's capabilities are positioned as a response to U.S. stealth fighters, but its actual performance remains a subject of debate.

The Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter is under development by Sukhoi and is expected to make its first flight in early 2027. The project has faced delays due to Western sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which redirected resources. The aircraft is designed for air-to-ground strike missions and incorporates advanced stealth features and avionics.

Rostec delivered new Zubr short-range air defense systems to Russian military units to protect critical infrastructure from unmanned aerial threats. The systems are now operational and equipped with radar for detecting both large and small aerial targets. Zubr is designed for point defense, providing protection in the immediate vicinity of high-value targets against increasing drone threats.

The Su-35 fighter, developed from the Su-27 lineage, is currently in service with the Russian Air Force. It is characterized by strong kinematics and heavy weapon carriage but suffers from significant limitations, including a large radar signature and lack of stealth. The aircraft's operational effectiveness is constrained by modern surface-to-air missile threats and the challenges faced by the Russian aerospace industry due to sanctions. The Su-35 is best suited for homeland defense and air policing roles, reflecting Russia's reliance on legacy designs.

Russia is promoting the MiG-41 as a next-generation interceptor capable of Mach 4-5 speeds and hypersonic missile interception. However, significant technical challenges and industrial constraints raise doubts about its viability. No prototypes have been confirmed, and the program appears more as a strategic signaling exercise than a credible military development.