Analysis & Reports

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.

Iran has rapidly resumed drone production and is rebuilding its military capabilities, including missile systems, since early April 2023. Intelligence indicates that Iran's recovery speed exceeds initial estimates, with two-thirds of missile launchers reportedly intact. This poses a significant threat to regional allies if hostilities resume.

On May 20, 2023, the U.S. Marine Corps showcased suicide attack drone training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, with participation from the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This joint exercise emphasizes the importance of drone operations in the U.S.-Japan alliance. Additionally, a new political alliance in Japan has formed to promote defense policies, including increased military spending and capabilities against adversaries. The U.S. Ambassador expressed support for Japan's defense initiatives.

Russian President Putin announced the completion of joint nuclear exercises with Belarus on May 21, 2023. The exercises, which began on May 19, involved 64,000 troops and included the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Key locations included Plesetsk Cosmodrome and Kapustin Yar, with naval forces also participating. The drills emphasized nuclear readiness in response to potential threats.

On May 19, 2026, drones targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, reportedly launched from Iraq. The UAE's Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, which did not result in casualties or radiation leaks, but tested the country's air defense capabilities, including the Iron Dome system. This incident underscores the ongoing military tensions in the region and the strategic implications for UAE-Iran relations.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun May 24 2026Loading...

U.S. Marines conducted a live-fire exercise at Camp Fuji on May 20, 2026, firing 12 training rockets from two M142 HIMARS. Approximately 40-50 Marines participated in the exercise, which tested the long-range precision fire capabilities of the unit. The event was coordinated with Japanese authorities and included safety measures such as road closures.

Tanaka TakashiSun May 24 2026Loading...

Multiple fighter jets from the Naval Aviation Brigade of the Southern Theater Command engaged in high-intensity air combat training in early summer. Pilots from both red and blue teams executed various tactical maneuvers, with the red team successfully simulating an attack on the blue team. The exercise aimed to evaluate pilots' tactical skills and psychological resilience in a fast-paced environment.

The U.S. conducted military exercises in Caracas on May 23, involving two MV-22B Osprey aircraft. This marks the first military exercise in Venezuela since a significant operation in January. During the exercise, protests erupted in the city center, with citizens expressing opposition to U.S. military presence. The Venezuelan government stated the exercise was authorized as an 'evacuation drill' to address potential medical emergencies or disasters.

The People's Armed Police Force has enhanced family visit services for military personnel in China by establishing a special task force to address travel difficulties. This initiative includes the provision of special vehicles, oxygen support, and medical personnel during family visits. New policies have been implemented to improve the overall experience for families visiting their loved ones in the military.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively optimizing training resources across multiple units in early summer. Various training exercises, including drone operations, are being conducted in the Eastern Theater Command and Northeast China. A mobile instructor talent pool has been established to address training needs, and units are collaborating to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness.

A certain brigade of the army conducted external sling load flight training at a western airport in early summer. The exercise involved multiple helicopters delivering equipment, showcasing the coordination between pilots and ground personnel. This training aims to improve logistics capabilities in complex environments, with plans for future night operations and challenging weather conditions.

Ukrainian air defense intercepted multiple missile and drone attacks in Kyiv early on the 24th, with reports indicating dozens of missiles launched from various directions by Russian forces. The attacks resulted in damage to buildings and injuries among civilians. The Ukrainian military has raised concerns about the suspected use of Zircon missiles by Russia, which has not yet responded to these claims.

A certain naval brigade conducted a fuel supply training exercise at a naval base in the Eastern Theater Command. Personnel quickly responded to equipment malfunctions and performed emergency repairs during the operation. The exercise involved multiple hovercraft and included fuel quality testing before supply. The operation concluded successfully with all vessels refueled and departing the base.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least 1 death and 13 injuries. The attack targeted an office area in the Shevchenkivskyi district, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Thick smoke was reported in the area as rescue vehicles arrived.

On May 22-23, 2023, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted operations around Taiwan, involving 16 aircraft and 8 naval vessels, with 13 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. This activity reflects ongoing military pressure on Taiwan amid uncertainties regarding a $14 billion U.S. arms sale. The PLA's operations are designed to test Taiwan's defense readiness and logistics capabilities.

Li MinghuiSun May 24 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones attacked the transport workshop of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant on the 23rd, damaging 8 buses. No casualties were reported. The Ukrainian government has not issued a response to the incident.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military industrial enterprises and energy facilities on the 23rd, while Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian facilities along the Black Sea coast and in the Perm region. The Russian air defense reported the downing of 8 guided bombs and 800 fixed-wing drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a strike on a significant chemical enterprise in Russia.

The Dagang Maritime Safety Administration announced military exercises in the Bohai Sea from May 26 at 8:00 to May 29 at 17:00, prohibiting entry into the area.

On May 21, 2026, a joint training exercise involving 19 aircraft from Japan, the U.S., and Australia was conducted in the Pacific Ocean east of Okinawa, focusing on air defense operations. The exercise included F-22s, F-35As, and various support aircraft, enhancing regional air defense capabilities. This training followed the detection of Chinese naval vessels nearby and precedes Japan's participation in Valiant Shield 2026 in June.

Tanaka TakashiSun May 24 2026Loading...

Kyiv was subjected to a massive ballistic missile attack on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least three injuries. Buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi, Podilskyi, Darnytskyi, and Solomianskyi districts were struck, causing fires. Ukrainian air defense forces engaged in intercepting incoming missiles during the attack, which began around 1 AM and was ongoing as of 2 AM.