Analysis & Reports

Sweden announced the donation of 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine on May 28, 2023, and enabled the purchase of up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft through a €2.5 billion EU loan. Training for Ukrainian pilots is already in progress, with deliveries of the Gripen C/D expected to start in early 2026. This military support is part of Sweden's broader commitment, totaling approximately €11.8 billion since the onset of the conflict.

UK MPs highlighted the critical need for access to minerals and domestic refining to ensure the resilience of the defense industry. This discussion underscores the importance of securing resources for national defense capabilities.

The U.S. Navy plans to build 15 Trump-class battleships over the next 30 years to enhance its missile capacity and incorporate advanced technologies like lasers and rail guns. The initial phase includes three ships between fiscal years 2027 and 2031, with an estimated cost of $43.5 billion. This initiative aims to address the limitations of current destroyers and improve the Navy's overall combat capabilities.

Ukraine agreed to order up to 20 Gripen E/F fighter jets and will receive a donation of 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft from Sweden. The funding of €2.5 billion will come from the EU's Ukraine Support Loan, with deliveries expected to start early next year. The donation also includes advanced ammunition, enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities.

Russia launched an RS-26 Rubezh missile at Bila Tserkva on May 24, 2026, as part of a larger strike package that included 690 aerial weapons. The missile carried inert warheads, and Ukrainian investigators confirmed the presence of components from Russian and Belarusian manufacturers. The strike marks the third confirmed use of the Oreshnik system, following previous strikes in Dnipro and Lviv.

INKAS® Defense and Aerospace unveiled the INKAS® MLTV and ANURI UAV at CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa on May 28, 2026. The MLTV is a modular light tactical vehicle designed for various military missions, while the ANURI UAV is an AI-powered interceptor for drone threats, capable of rapid deployment and high-speed operation.

China used electronic warfare against HNLMS De Ruyter near the Paracel Islands on May 27, 2023. The Chinese Southern Theater Command accused the Dutch frigate of entering Chinese-claimed waters, employing naval and air forces along with electronic interference. This incident underscores China's efforts to assert control in the South China Sea and test the operational resilience of European naval forces.

Marcus ChenThu May 28 2026Loading...

Armenia displayed Iranian-made Majid AD-08 air defense systems during its Republic Day parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2023. This marks the first known export of the Majid system to a foreign military. The systems, mounted on Iveco Daily vehicles, enhance Armenia's air defense capabilities amid ongoing security concerns following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Indonesian Navy training ship 'Bima Suci' completed its friendly visit to Shanghai and departed from a military port on May 28. Over 100 personnel from the Eastern Theater Command Navy were present to farewell the ship. The visit included activities such as ship tours and receptions, with the captain expressing a desire for enhanced cooperation between the Indonesian and Chinese navies.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific on May 19, which included live-fire drills. This training was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense as part of a routine annual plan and is viewed as a significant test of the carrier's new combat capabilities. The exercises aim to enhance the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

China's People's Liberation Army will send a delegation of experts to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 29 to 31. The delegation, led by Professor Meng Xiangqing, includes scholars from the National Defense University and the Academy of Military Sciences. This participation underscores China's commitment to defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

China's Ministry of National Defense criticized the U.S. for planning to deploy the THAAD missile system in Kagoshima, Japan, for joint exercises from June to September. The ministry stated that this deployment undermines regional security and stability, urging the U.S. and Japan to respect the security concerns of regional nations. China views the THAAD system as an offensive weapon that escalates military tensions in the area.

Sweden is preparing to provide Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a major defense package announced during Zelenskyy's visit on 28 May 2026. The package is expected to include Gripen C/D aircraft, with ongoing discussions about the newer Gripen E. This military support aims to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian threats.

Alexandra ReevesThu May 28 2026Loading...

FN Browning Group announced the acquisition of Accuracy International on 28 May 2026, enhancing its capabilities in precision bolt-action rifle systems. This strategic move strengthens the UK's defense industrial base and ensures continued access to advanced military equipment. The acquisition is expected to increase export opportunities and reinforce the UK's sovereign defense capabilities.

NATO emphasizes the strategic importance of Rotterdam as a logistical hub for military operations, with tens of thousands of American and Canadian soldiers expected to transit through the port in a crisis. The alliance's commitment requires member states to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035, highlighting the need for robust civilian infrastructure to support military readiness. Mark Rutte's speech underscores the critical role of energy supply and logistics in enhancing Europe's defense capabilities.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu May 28 2026Loading...

Canada announced the purchase of six GlobalEye early warning and control aircraft from Saab, valued at over $5 billion CAN, to enhance military capabilities and support domestic defense production. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on May 27, 2025, at the CANSEC defense trade show in Ottawa. The GlobalEye will strengthen Canada's surveillance capabilities, particularly in the Arctic, and at least one-third of the aircraft orders for allies will be manufactured in Canada.

Joint airstrikes by Nigerian Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) killed 175 ISWAP fighters around Lake Chad from May 16 to 19, 2026. The operation targeted high-ranking jihadist Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, indicating a shift from advisory to active military involvement by U.S. forces. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISWAP's territorial and logistical capabilities, although the long-term impact on the group's operations remains uncertain.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

The Royal Thai Navy acquired two Airbus C295 aircraft on 27 May 2026, enhancing its transport and surveillance capabilities. These aircraft will be based at U-Tapao air base in Sattahip, Thailand, and are equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red sensor suite for effective operations. The first delivery is expected by the end of 2028.

The Pentagon plans to allocate $50 billion for drone development and production in 2023, enhancing procurement processes and fostering partnerships with new technology companies. At Camp Atterbury, defense officials discussed the expansion of drone capabilities and the establishment of an autonomous-warfare unit within U.S. Southern Command to improve data networks for effective drone use. The initiative includes collaborations with startups and aims to scale up existing drone production.

A Chinese soldier stood still during the passage of Air Force One in Beijing, symbolizing the confidence and determination of the People's Liberation Army. This act has been widely shared on social media, reflecting the military's strength and unity.