Analysis & Reports

The Russian Navy is developing and commissioning Lada-class submarines, with two currently in service and a third undergoing sea trials. The lead ship, Sankt Peterburg, was decommissioned in 2024 due to design flaws. The class aims to enhance stealth and combat capabilities compared to the older Kilo-class submarines, with plans for a total of nine vessels by 2025.

On October 7, 2023, Russian forces launched missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly targeting energy facilities and military production sites in Kyiv and other regions. The attacks resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 40 injuries. In retaliation, Ukrainian forces struck four Russian targets, including oil facilities and a training ground. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Ukraine's economy, particularly its agricultural exports.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered a new batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces in Novosibirsk in 2026. This marks the second batch of Su-34s delivered this year, with at least two jets confirmed. The aircraft, known for their versatility in striking ground, surface, and air targets, have been extensively used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Turkmenistan publicly displayed the Chinese FK-2000 air defense system during an Independence Day parade in Ashgabat on September 27, 2026. The display included at least 10 FK-2000 vehicles, marking a shift in Turkmenistan's air defense strategy towards integrating Chinese systems alongside existing Russian equipment. The FK-2000 is designed for short-range defense and complements Turkmenistan's current air defense capabilities.

Li MinghuiWed Oct 07 2026Loading...

The Russian Armed Forces received over 10,000 pieces of military equipment in September 2023, including Su-57 and Su-35S fighter jets, T-90M, T-80BVM, and T-72B3M tanks. The newly delivered tanks are equipped with enhanced protection systems developed from combat experience. Additionally, various reconnaissance and attack drones, as well as over 1 million munitions, were acquired for operational use.

Russia is modifying the Geran-4 drone to improve its autonomous capabilities, focusing on targeting logistics and infrastructure in Ukraine. This includes enhanced navigation systems and a new warhead designed for concrete and steel. Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russian strikes have damaged over 500 locomotives since February 2022, indicating a strategic shift in targeting. Concurrently, Ukraine has successfully attacked Russian fuel depots, significantly impacting their refining capacity.

Dmitri VolkovTue Oct 06 2026Loading...

Uralvagonzavod completed testing of the upgraded BREM-80 armored recovery vehicle on October 6, 2024, and has begun serial production. The vehicle allows crews to tow damaged tanks without leaving the vehicle, significantly reducing the risk of injury. It features reinforced armor and advanced radio equipment, enhancing its operational capabilities in combat situations.

Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack involving 650 drones against the Moscow region from the evening of October 5 to the early hours of October 6, resulting in 1 death and 6 injuries. Local authorities reported that 105 drones were intercepted before they could reach Moscow.

Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a massive drone attack involving 650 drones targeting Moscow from October 5, 20:30 to October 6, 5:00. Most of the drones were intercepted by Russian air defense forces. This incident marks one of the largest drone assaults on the city in the past two years.

Russian Armed Forces conducted military exercises named 'Center-2026' in the Ural region in October 2026, involving 47,000 personnel and showcasing advanced technologies such as drones and laser systems. The exercises included participation from Chinese forces, indicating a military collaboration. Central Asian nations viewed the maneuvers as a demonstration of Russia's regional military influence and commitment to defense cooperation.

Dmitri VolkovMon Oct 05 2026Loading...

Russia is modernizing the T-14 Armata tank, incorporating a new 152mm smoothbore cannon and a tethered Pterodactyl UAV for enhanced reconnaissance and air defense. This decision comes as the tank has not been deployed in Ukraine due to fears of losing it to drone swarms. The modernization aims to improve the tank's capabilities in the ongoing conflict.

Russian forces took control of a settlement in the Kharkiv region on October 3 and conducted strikes on Ukrainian drone storage and deployment points. Ukrainian forces retaliated with long-range strikes targeting Russian missile systems in Samara and Bryansk. Russian air defense successfully intercepted 6 guided bombs and 680 fixed-wing drones during these operations.

The Shturm robotic tank of the Russian Armed Forces failed to maintain its control link and got stuck in mud during the Tsentr-2026 strategic exercise in Chebarkul, Russia. A human driver took control due to fears of technical failure, but the vehicle still became immobilized. Experts have criticized the tank's design and operational concept, highlighting significant technical flaws.

Russia conducted strategic exercises Center-2026 in Chelyabinsk in October 2026, involving approximately 700 units of equipment, over 600 drones, and more than 60 ground robotic complexes. The Chinese military actively participated, gaining insights into the integration of drones and robotic systems in warfare. This collaboration marks a shift in military cooperation, with Russia focusing on sharing combat experience rather than traditional weaponry.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 03 2026Loading...

A Russian T-90M tank successfully intercepted attacking drones using its Arena-M active protection system during the Tsentr-2026 strategic exercise at the Chebarkul training range from September 28 to October 3, 2026. The exercise involved over 47,000 troops and demonstrated the tank's capabilities against drone threats. The Arena-M system has been previously used in combat in Ukraine, where it proved effective against FPV drones.

Russia conducted combat drills on October 2, 2026, utilizing uncrewed tanks from the Shturm heavy robotic assault system at the Chebarkul training range. The robotic tanks provided fire support to assault units during the Tsentr-2026 strategic exercise, which involved over 47,000 troops. The Shturm system features T-72-based vehicles with uncrewed fighting compartments, controlled remotely by operators using advanced technology.

Russia fired a guided missile from a new truck-mounted launcher, Izdeliye 347, during the Tsentr-2026 military exercise at the Chebarkul training range on October 2, 2023. The launcher, which carries a modified LMUR missile, can strike targets up to 20 km away and was used against mock artillery positions identified by aerial reconnaissance. This development enhances Russia's long-range strike capabilities without risking helicopter assets.

Russia demonstrated the upgraded Pantsir-S1M air defense system mounted on a Belarus-built MZKT-7930-312 chassis during the Tsentr-2026 strategic exercise from September 28 to October 3, 2026, at the Chebarkul training range in Chelyabinsk. Over 47,000 troops and more than 2,000 pieces of equipment participated in the exercise, which was observed by President Vladimir Putin.

During the Central-2026 strategic exercise, the Russian Armed Forces deployed numerous drones and ground combat vehicles. Drones provided precise target information and coordinated strikes on enemy positions using tactical UAVs, armed helicopters, and ground unmanned combat vehicles. Multiple waves of fire assaults were executed against enemy defenses.

ASELSAN signed agreements with Azerbaijan on September 30, 2026, to establish a strategic production facility in Nakhchivan and procure ALP 100 Multifunction AESA Air Surveillance Radar systems for the Azerbaijani Air Force. This collaboration aims to enhance Azerbaijan's defense manufacturing capabilities and support the integration of advanced technologies into its military platforms. ASELSAN also showcased a range of defense technologies at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026).