Analysis & Reports

In July 2026, Russian forces launched over 25 ballistic missiles and 125 drones against Ukraine, exceeding their monthly production capacity. Despite the extensive use of these weapons, the operations have not achieved a decisive breakthrough on the front lines. Ukrainian forces reported successful interceptions of many of these attacks, while also conducting strikes on Russian logistics and military targets.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

Romanian Air Force shot down a second drone in its airspace on Saturday morning, following a similar incident the previous day. The first drone was intercepted near Padina in Buzău County, while the second was downed 10 km west of Sfântu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta. Both incidents involved F-16 fighter jets and mark a significant development in Romania's air defense capabilities against potential threats from Russian drones.

On July 24, 2026, Russian forces launched three Iskander-M ballistic missiles at a defense exhibition in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, resulting in ten fatalities and approximately one hundred injuries. One missile was intercepted, while two struck the target area. The attack aimed at Ukrainian defense industry representatives, prompting criticism from President Zelensky regarding the event's location near residential buildings.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

The Swedish Air Force is enhancing its operational capabilities and readiness for long-term conflict, focusing on multi-domain operations and increased training. Major General Jonas Wikman highlighted the participation in numerous scrambles and the introduction of advanced equipment, including Gripen E fighters and new transport aircraft. Sweden plans to expand its satellite capabilities and improve its air defense strategies in response to regional threats.

The Saudi-led coalition conducted military operations targeting Houthi military objectives related to threats against Red Sea shipping on the 25th. Ports in Yemen, including Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, remain open and operational, while flights to Yemen are also functioning normally. The coalition emphasized its commitment to protect its interests and assets, warning of a decisive response to any continued Houthi hostilities.

Rapid Support Forces attacked civilians in Bebar, North Kordofan, on July 23-24, 2023, resulting in 15 deaths and 7 injuries. The Sudanese Armed Forces engaged in intense fighting with the attackers, who used approximately 15 combat vehicles. The assault caused panic among local residents, prompting many to flee to Obeid for safety.

Mikhailo Drahapat was appointed as the new commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on July 21, 2023, amid significant challenges including troop shortages and the need for reforms. Protests erupted following the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, reflecting discontent with military leadership. Drahapat is expected to leverage his experience to address these issues while Ukraine intensifies its military operations against Russian forces.

BAE Systems unveiled its new unmanned combat aircraft, 'King of Thunder', at the Farnborough Airshow on July 22, 2023. The aircraft is set to begin flight testing next year and aims for operational use by 2030. This initiative reflects the UK's strategy to enhance its air power in response to global threats and lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. The project has attracted significant investment and is designed to operate alongside manned aircraft, potentially costing about one-third of traditional fighter jets.

Martin-Baker and Collins Aerospace are adapting their ejection seat technologies to support the development of unmanned aircraft, as showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow. They are engaging with drone manufacturers to enhance safety and operational capabilities. Despite advancements in unmanned systems, major militaries continue to invest in manned fighter jets, ensuring the need for life-saving technologies remains critical.

Ukrainian drone units have been actively targeting Russian ships and maritime infrastructure in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, hitting over 180 vessels in recent weeks. This campaign, led by commanders Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi and 'Ray', aims to weaken Russian control over Crimea and disrupt their logistics. The attacks have reportedly increased to six vessels targeted daily since July, coinciding with intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports.

MGI Engineering announced the launch of the T-022 Vortex combat drone in the United Kingdom. The drone is designed to operate autonomously alongside crewed jets, achieving speeds of Mach 0.85 and a combat radius exceeding 4,000 km. Priced between £3 million and £6 million, it aims to provide affordable air power and is powered by a Rolls-Royce Orpheus engine.

A missile strike by Russian forces in Kyiv Oblast on July 24 resulted in 10 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General reported the casualties, and President Zelensky confirmed the attack via social media. The situation is still being verified for further details.

A Ukrainian FPV drone struck a Russian T-72B3A tank equipped with the Arena-M active protection system near Mayak on July 23-24, 2026. The system failed to prevent the strike, raising concerns about its effectiveness against modern drone threats. This incident occurred within a column of ten Russian tanks, indicating potential vulnerabilities in Russian armored units.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

BAE Systems unveiled the Brontanax Collaborative Combat Aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow. The CCA, designed for electronic warfare and precision strikes, is set to be deployed in 2030. It involves over 500 employees and 75 companies from the UK aerospace sector, with an estimated cost of 25 million US dollars.

Germany plans to withdraw two naval vessels, the mine sweeper Fulda and supply ship Mosel, from the Red Sea to the eastern Mediterranean due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The German Navy's ships were previously stationed in the Gulf of Aden and are on standby for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision reflects concerns over regional instability and the uncertain security situation following military actions against Iran.

A Russian T-72B3A tank equipped with the Arena-M active protection system was struck by a Ukrainian FPV drone during a combat test near Maiak in January 2026. This incident, part of a larger assault involving ten tanks, highlights the system's failure to intercept drone threats, raising concerns about its operational effectiveness. The Arena-M system was recently upgraded to target drones, but its limitations were evident in this engagement.

Ukraine plans to produce the P1-SUN JetKiller interceptor starting in August 2026 to counter Iranian Shahed drones and their Russian variants. The interceptor is designed for a range of 30 kilometers and will utilize AI for guidance. Skyfall aims to manufacture up to 50,000 units per month, enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities against mass drone attacks. Additionally, Ukraine is targeting Russian defense industries to disrupt drone production.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

The German Navy is acquiring eight P-8A aircraft for anti-submarine warfare, with a request for more due to insufficient numbers. This acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance NATO's anti-submarine capabilities amid increasing Russian activity. The German Navy is also planning to integrate these aircraft with MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and is prioritizing the development of long-range surface missiles.

Embraer and Anduril signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Farnborough Airshow to integrate the Barracuda-500M missile into the C-390 Millennium aircraft. This collaboration aims to enhance the aircraft's operational capabilities by enabling the launch of multiple munitions simultaneously. The first successful flight test of the Barracuda-500M was conducted in September 2024, validating its performance and modularity.

A U.S. B-1 bomber conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets from Fairford base in the UK on July 21, 2023. In response, Iran issued a warning that any foreign military base used for attacks would be considered a legitimate target. The UK subsequently raised its military readiness level due to these developments.