Analysis & Reports

In March 2025, the French Navy's Charles de Gaulle conducted cross-deck landings with U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornets in the Pacific Ocean, enhancing interoperability between the two navies. This deployment aimed to promote freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region and included a strike group with multiple vessels. The Charles de Gaulle operates 40 aircraft, primarily Dassault Rafale Ms.

On May 24, four PLA aircraft and six naval ships were detected around Taiwan, with three aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. This follows a pattern of increased PLA activity, with 22 of 26 aircraft crossing the median line over three days. Taiwan's military responded by monitoring the situation and deploying combat air patrols and naval assets.

Marcus ChenSun May 24 2026Loading...

A soldier from the Beijing Armed Police Corps stood guard during the arrival of Air Force One in Beijing on May 13, showcasing the discipline of Chinese military personnel. Liu Zhencheng, the guard, expressed pride in representing China during significant diplomatic events. His unwavering posture amidst the noise of the aircraft drew international attention, highlighting the rigorous training and selection process for such roles.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced on May 24, 2023, that the government approved a naval upgrade plan, which includes the procurement of two Italian Bergamini-class frigates. This decision aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy in the coming years. Additionally, Greece is moving forward with acquiring new encrypted communication equipment to improve military communication security.

Russia launched a mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv on May 24, utilizing the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile among others. The assault involved 90 missiles and 600 drones, resulting in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. This operation targeted command facilities and air bases, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining various missile types to overwhelm air defenses. The deployment of Oreshnik systems in Belarus further complicates NATO's defense posture in Eastern Europe.

Alexandra ReevesSun May 24 2026Loading...

On May 22, the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, India, completed the production of its 1,000th T-90IM Bhishma main battle tank, which is approximately 80% indigenously manufactured. This milestone reflects India's progress in domestic military manufacturing, particularly in tank production, and enhances its defense export capabilities. The T-90IM features a fully localized V-92S2 diesel engine and is part of India's strategy to reduce dependency on foreign military supplies.

Mark Rutte proposed a 0.25% GDP military support plan for Ukraine during NATO discussions in Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 21-22, 2026. The plan aims to establish a more institutionalized burden-sharing among NATO allies, although Rutte acknowledged it would not achieve consensus. The discussions highlighted the unequal distribution of military aid within NATO and set the stage for the upcoming Ankara summit.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun May 24 2026Loading...

A Turkish startup has developed Kürşat 3.0, a radar-absorbing coating for drones, which can be applied like paint. Recent tests indicate it can absorb 43.2 decibels of radar energy, significantly reducing detection capabilities. This innovation addresses a growing operational need in modern warfare, particularly in light of the increasing use of drones in conflicts. The development is supported by Turkey's robust defense industry.

JNIM and FLA exerted significant pressure on Bamako's supply routes as of April 25, 2026, following the death of General Sadio Camara. A convoy of 700 fuel trucks was escorted from Côte d'Ivoire to support the capital, indicating logistical challenges. The coalition's actions have destabilized the Malian junta, particularly after the loss of Kidal and Tessalit, forcing military leaders to reassess their strategies.

Marie DuboisSun May 24 2026Loading...

On May 24, 2023, the Russian military launched large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military command structures, air bases, and defense industry facilities in response to attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. The strikes involved various missile systems, including Iskander and Dagger missiles, and resulted in at least 83 injuries and significant damage to infrastructure in Ukraine.

Ukrainian paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade are operating the B1 Centauro wheeled tank destroyers, assessing their performance in combat training exercises. The Centauro, while praised for its speed and fire control system, is criticized for its inadequate armor against modern threats like FPV drones. The brigade has implemented improvised armor solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities. Visual confirmation of the Centauro's use in Ukraine first appeared in November 2025.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is actively seeking AI tools to enhance tactical operations and resource allocation in remote locations. The focus is on developing AI capabilities that can function without reliance on cloud computing, utilizing concepts like 'fog computing.' SOCOM is also exploring partnerships with smaller startups to meet these needs, aiming to simplify operations through advanced technology.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is actively seeking AI tools to enhance tactical operations and resource allocation in remote locations. The focus is on developing AI solutions that can operate independently of cloud computing, utilizing 'fog computing' concepts. SOCOM is also exploring partnerships with smaller startups to meet its unique operational needs.

The South Korean submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho arrived at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on May 23, 2026, after a 14,000 km voyage from South Korea. This deployment coincides with Canada's critical military procurement decision regarding new submarines, showcasing the submarine's capabilities in long-range operations. The visit aims to strengthen defense ties and influence Canada's choice in the ongoing evaluation of submarine suppliers.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi observed emergency scramble drills at Chitose Air Base on May 23, 2025, in response to Russian military aircraft approaching its airspace. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) scrambled fighters 595 times in fiscal year 2025, with 214 of those against Russian aircraft. Koizumi emphasized the serious defense concerns posed by the coordinated military activities of Russia and China, which have become a structural feature of Japan's security environment.

Ukrainian drones attacked 13 major Russian oil facilities in May 2026, including the Sheskharis terminal in Novorossiysk, causing significant operational disruptions. The strikes resulted in a fire and injuries, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian logistical infrastructure. Reports indicate that six of the ten largest Russian oil refineries halted operations following these attacks, marking a strategic shift in Ukraine's military approach.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 24 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct joint military training with Mongolia, named 'Steppe Partner 2026', in Inner Mongolia from late May to early June 2026. The exercise aims to enhance capabilities against illegal armed groups and improve regional security. It follows a similar training in 2024, indicating ongoing military collaboration between China and Mongolia.

Li MinghuiSun May 24 2026Loading...

Russia fired the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast on the night of May 23-24, 2026. This marks the third use of the missile, which is nuclear-capable and travels at over Mach 10. The strike was intended to demonstrate the missile's capabilities without causing civilian casualties, as the warhead carried concrete simulators.

Airbus CEO hinted at the possibility of developing two different fighter jets under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project due to significant disagreements between France and Germany. The project, initiated before the Ukraine war, faces challenges as France demands a larger share and specific design features for carrier operations, while Germany favors a larger stealth fighter. The FCAS project remains in a stalemate as both nations navigate their differing military needs.

Turkey plans to procure approximately 100 disposable unmanned surface vessels for its navy, with the procurement finalized in February 2023. The vessels will be manufactured by three different suppliers, including the 'Storm' and 'Akyüz' drone boats, which are designed for precision strikes and feature a low-profile design to minimize radar detection. This initiative was announced at the 2026 SAHA International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul.