Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on July 7, 2026, targeting Russian military-industrial facilities in Bryansk and Belgorod, including a chemical plant and a fuel depot. These strikes aimed to disrupt supply chains and production capabilities, impacting the Russian military's operational effectiveness. Additionally, two railway bridges in Crimea were targeted, further complicating logistics for Russian forces. The operation reflects Ukraine's strategy to undermine Russian military infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

A NATO member state has ordered thousands of German-made 155mm artillery shells from Rheinmetall for Ukraine. The order, recognized in the second quarter of 2026, includes propellant charges and is part of a broader pattern of military aid. Production has already begun, with completion targeted before April 2027, reflecting ongoing support for Ukraine's artillery needs amid the conflict.

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding to establish co-production of ATACMS missiles at Rheinmetall's Unterluess facility in Germany. This initiative aims to create a European manufacturing hub for the missile system, enhancing NATO's defense capabilities. The ATACMS missile can strike targets up to 300 km away, providing critical long-range precision strike capabilities. The partnership is supported by both the U.S. and German governments and is expected to alleviate production bottlenecks currently faced by U.S. facilities.

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding on July 7, 2026, to co-produce ATACMS missiles at Rheinmetall's Unterluess facility in Germany. This partnership aims to enhance European defense capabilities and meet increasing security demands. Production of rocket motors and guided missile components is set to begin in 2027, supported by both the U.S. and German governments.

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed an agreement to co-produce ATACMS missiles at Rheinmetall's Unterlüß site in Germany. This marks the first production of ATACMS outside the U.S., with manufacturing expected to begin in 2027 and scale up through 2029. The partnership aims to create a European center for manufacturing and distributing ATACMS to NATO and allied forces, addressing high demand from Europe and Ukraine.

Anduril Industries partnered with PGZ to initiate local assembly and manufacturing of the Barracuda-500M cruise missile in Bydgoszcz, Poland. This development aims to enhance Poland's long-range missile capabilities and support sales to other EU nations. The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen European defense amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

Rheinmetall is supplying several thousand 155mm artillery shells and propellant charges to Ukraine, with production already underway. The contract, valued in the mid double-digit millions of euros, was recognized in the second quarter of 2026 and is expected to be completed before April 2027. The ammunition is manufactured in Spain and is compatible with various NATO weapon systems.

Russian forces conducted medium-range drone strikes in July 2023, targeting logistics and infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Over 150 fuel stations and approximately 100 fuel tankers were destroyed. The Sea Eagle drone was used for reconnaissance and strikes, contributing to significant damage to Ukrainian military capabilities.

Ovzon received a 40 MSEK order from a new NATO customer for its integrated SATCOM platform. The order includes mobile satellite terminals and dedicated customer support, with the SATCOM service part set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. This order highlights the increasing demand for high-performing mobile satellite communication within NATO.

The Polish Army officially received the first 100 meters of the New Generation PFM motorized floating bridges during a ceremony at the Deblin Military Unit on June 11, 2023. A second 100-meter section was delivered to the Chelmno Military Unit. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the Polish Armed Forces and CNIM Systèmes Industriels, which includes a future contract for an additional 700 meters of bridges.

Russian forces attempted to advance in the Donetsk region, gaining 30.42 square kilometers in June 2026 but suffering 39,490 casualties. The situation around Konstantinovka shows a 36.98% presence of Russian troops, yet they lack sustainable control. Ukrainian forces successfully targeted Russian logistics, complicating their operational capabilities. The ongoing conflict reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of the war, with increasing costs for territorial gains.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall is supplying several thousand 155mm artillery shells and propellant charges to Ukraine, with production already underway and expected completion before April 2027. The contract, valued in the mid double-digit millions of euros, highlights Rheinmetall's expertise in artillery systems and its commitment to expanding production capacity to meet growing demand. The ammunition is compatible with various NATO weapon systems and is already in use by several NATO countries.

Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna (NPGM) is developing a 40 mm ammunition production facility in Niewiadów, Poland, with a target annual capacity of 480,000 rounds. The project, supported by a 30-year license from ST Engineering, aims to address NATO's ammunition supply needs and is scheduled for completion by April 2027. Additionally, ZSP Niewiadów plans to resume production of anti-personnel mines by Q3 2026.

The German Federal Cabinet approved the 2027 federal budget, planning total expenditures of 555.4 billion euros. The defense budget will rise to approximately 109.7 billion euros, marking a one-third increase from 2026. This decision has drawn criticism from leftist parties and industrial sectors regarding the prioritization of defense spending over public welfare and climate initiatives.

Ukraine launched large-scale drone attacks on Russian energy facilities across Leningrad, Bryansk, Belgorod, and Yaroslavl Oblasts from July 4 to 6, 2023, using 625 drones. In response, Russia conducted airstrikes on July 6 against Ukrainian military-industrial and energy facilities in Kyiv and Kherson, resulting in casualties. The attacks included targeting oil refineries and logistics routes.

The Pentagon's weapons procurement delays are projected to impact NATO's defense capabilities by 2026, with average delivery times exceeding 12 years for major programs. The U.S. Department of Defense plans to invest over $2.4 trillion, but significant delays in key projects like the MQ-25 Stingray and DDG(X) destroyer raise concerns about NATO's ability to rely on U.S. support. European allies are pressured to enhance their own defense capabilities as U.S. commitments are being reprioritized.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

Gazprom signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to establish mobile fire groups for protecting gas infrastructure in July 2026. Participants will receive 200,000 rubles per month during training. Ukrainian forces have reportedly increased successful strikes on Russian infrastructure, prompting a shift in defense strategy that now includes corporate entities. This indicates a significant adaptation in Russia's military logistics and defense approach.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy maintains 292 battle force ships, with only 80 currently underway and 101 deployed. Federal law mandates 11 operational aircraft carriers, leading to the extension of USS Nimitz's service until March 2027, despite its potential inability to deploy again. The Navy faces significant challenges in maintaining readiness, with 75% of maintenance periods finishing late, impacting operational capacity.

Thales and Leonardo are delivering a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system for NATO Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) across Europe. This initiative includes six deployable Head Quarters (HQs) and aims to enhance operational effectiveness with advanced capabilities such as real-time Full Motion Video sharing. The project is part of a larger NATO program to strengthen resilience in modern warfare, leveraging European industrial assets and expertise.

VATAG demonstrated its heavy unmanned ground vehicle in Kyiv on September 16, 2025, showcasing its ability to traverse rough terrain while carrying up to 2 tons of cargo at speeds of 42 km/h. The vehicle features a modular design for various weapon systems and operates autonomously, making it suitable for logistics and combat support. VATAG plans to market the vehicle for both military and civilian uses, reflecting its dual-use potential.