Analysis & Reports

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.

Russian forces' spring-summer offensive against Ukraine stalled in March 2026, with Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacking and liberating Berezove. Ukrainian long-range strikes have disrupted Russian oil exports significantly. Public criticism from Russian military commentators highlights systemic issues within the Russian military. Additionally, Russia plans to train over 70,000 drone operators to address operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces struck the JSC 'Promsintez' explosives production facility in Chapayevsk on March 28, 2026, using an FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile. The attack aimed to disrupt Russia's ability to manufacture explosive materials for munitions. This facility is a key part of Russia's defense-industrial base, and the strike is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to degrade Russian military production capacity.

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...

As of March 2026, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region, supporting Russian military operations. They have suffered around 6,000 casualties, reflecting nearly 50% losses due to high-risk frontal assaults. North Korean troops are organized into five brigades and have been involved in brutal combat tactics, receiving Russian military support in return for their involvement.

Ukrainian forces conducted an airstrike on the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, on March 26, 2023. The strike successfully targeted and damaged key production facilities, including oil processing and asphalt production units, impacting the refinery's core operations. As of now, there has been no response from Russian authorities regarding the attack.

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...

The Russian Navy announced plans to replace its entire fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 12 Yasen-class submarines by 2035. This modernization aims to phase out aging Soviet-era submarines and enhance undersea capabilities with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles. The latest Yasen-M submarine, Perm, was launched in March 2025, marking a significant step in this initiative. However, resource constraints may challenge the timely completion of this ambitious plan.

Russia developed the Sierra Class submarines, including the Sierra I and II, which feature titanium hulls for deep diving. Only four submarines were built due to high costs and complexity. The U.S. Navy responded with the Mark 48 torpedo, designed to effectively target these submarines. Currently, the operational status of the Sierra II submarines is limited, primarily due to maintenance challenges.

Russian forces launched mechanized assaults in Borova and Lyman in March 2026 but faced significant challenges due to inadequate preparation and systemic failures. Ukrainian forces successfully advanced in multiple sectors and conducted deep strikes against Russian infrastructure in Leningrad Oblast. The operational situation reflects ongoing difficulties for Russia, including high casualties and logistical issues.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

Two Ukrainian UAS entered Baltic airspace as part of a drone barrage targeting the Russian port of Ust-Luga, where Shadow tankers are active.

The Russian military's spring offensive in March 2026 faced significant challenges, with internal criticism highlighting operational dysfunction and personnel losses. Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacked, regaining territory and executing deep strikes into Russian infrastructure. Russian combat losses reached approximately 1.29 million personnel, while drone strikes targeted critical Russian facilities. The ongoing conflict reflects a stalemate, with neither side achieving decisive victory.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Russia in over a year, with 389 drones intercepted by Russian air defense from the night of the 24th to the morning of the 25th. Concurrently, Russia fired nearly 1,000 drones into Ukraine in a single day. Negotiations between the two nations continue without significant progress, as both sides maintain high levels of military activity.

The U.S. Navy is prepared to deploy Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicles (AUSVs) for mine counter-measures in the Strait of Hormuz. Triton, equipped with advanced detection and neutralization capabilities, has been evaluated since 2023 and is ready for immediate action. This deployment aims to enhance maritime security and ensure safe passage in a region threatened by Iranian activities.

Russian sources released footage of the Lys-2 counter-drone interceptor, showcasing its operational capabilities on March 24. The Lys-2, a fixed-wing drone, is designed for autonomous target engagement and can be launched from a catapult, eliminating the need for a runway. It is reported to have a range of up to 15 kilometers and speeds between 120 and 160 kilometers per hour, fitting into a broader category of low-cost counter-drone solutions.

Ukrainian strike drones targeted and damaged the Project 23550 patrol icebreaker 'Purga' at the Vyborg Shipyard in the Leningrad region. The attack resulted in visible damage to the vessel, which is under construction for Russia's Federal Security Service Border Guard. This strike may delay the ship's operational readiness and disrupt production schedules for Russian military assets.

On March 25, 2026, the Russian military shot down 389 Ukrainian drones during a large-scale attack. The operation targeted areas in Moscow and Leningrad Oblast, following a significant drone assault by Russian forces on March 24, which involved over 550 drones. Ukrainian air defense systems reported downing or suppressing 541 Russian drones by the same date.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a relentless missile offensive against Israeli military positions in northern Israel and Gaza on March 25, 2023. Key locations targeted include Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, and various military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The operation, termed 'Real Commitment-4', involves sustained strikes using missiles and drones and is currently ongoing.

On June 1, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine executed a coordinated drone strike deep inside Russia, targeting four strategic air bases and destroying over 40 aircraft. This operation, involving more than 150 small drones, showcased the effectiveness of modern asymmetric warfare tactics, bypassing traditional air defenses. The attack significantly impacted Russia's long-range bomber fleet, representing 34% of its strategic cruise missile capabilities.