Analysis & Reports

USS Parche (SSN-683) operated from 1974 to 2004, conducting covert intelligence missions in the Sea of Okhotsk, including tapping undersea cables and retrieving Soviet missile technology. The submarine was heavily modified for espionage, featuring advanced equipment and capabilities. It remains the most decorated vessel in US Navy history, recognized for its significant contributions during the Cold War.

Ukrainian forces destroyed three Russian heavy multiple launch rocket systems and a transport-loader vehicle near Karakul in Crimea using a long-range one-way strike drone. The operation was executed by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces with intelligence support from the Security Service of Ukraine. This strike is part of a broader strategy to degrade Russian artillery capabilities.

Ukrainian forces conducted significant strikes on March 27-28, 2026, targeting the Promsintez explosives plant in Chapayevsk and the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery. These operations utilized the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile and FP-1 long-range drones, demonstrating Ukraine's evolving strike capabilities. The attacks inflicted substantial damage on Russian military logistics and prompted Russia to suspend gasoline exports, highlighting the economic impact of Ukraine's military strategy.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 29 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy decommissioned the Dmitry Donskoy submarine, the last of the Typhoon-class submarines, in February 2023. These submarines, known for their massive size and nuclear capabilities, were designed to carry 20 R-39 nuclear missiles. The Typhoon-class submarines had a displacement of 48,000 tons and featured advanced design elements for survivability. The Dmitry Donskoy will await utilization at a naval base in Severodvinsk before being converted into a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.

Russia is replacing its aging fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 10 to 12 advanced Yasen-Class submarines by 2036. These new submarines will be armed with hypersonic missiles and are designed for multi-role capabilities, enhancing Russia's naval power. The transition involves retiring older Soviet-era submarines, reflecting a significant modernization effort in response to evolving military needs.

Russia's Air Force currently operates around 30-32 Su-57 stealth fighters, which are facing production challenges and strategic irrelevance in modern warfare. The fleet is numerically inferior to U.S. and Chinese fifth-generation aircraft, and the Su-57's complex systems are not suited for the drone-dominated conflict in Ukraine. Despite upgrades, the Su-57's role remains limited as Russia adapts to the realities of contemporary combat.

Russian forces' spring-summer offensive against Ukraine stalled in March 2026, with Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacking and liberating Berezove. Ukrainian long-range strikes have disrupted Russian oil exports significantly. Public criticism from Russian military commentators highlights systemic issues within the Russian military. Additionally, Russia plans to train over 70,000 drone operators to address operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russian lawmaker Andrey Kartapolov criticized U.S. military capabilities, asserting that the Russian Armed Forces are superior in operational experience. He claimed that since the start of the conflict, Russian forces have destroyed hundreds of aircraft and thousands of tanks, although these figures are disputed by independent assessments. Kartapolov's remarks highlight ongoing Russian propaganda efforts to portray military strength and operational success.

Ukrainian forces struck the JSC 'Promsintez' explosives production facility in Chapayevsk on March 28, 2026, using an FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile. The attack aimed to disrupt Russia's ability to manufacture explosive materials for munitions. This facility is a key part of Russia's defense-industrial base, and the strike is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to degrade Russian military production capacity.

Russian forces intensified military operations across Ukraine from March 23-27, 2026, launching a concentrated aerial campaign that deployed nearly 1,000 drones and missiles. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Russian ground operations maintained pressure in Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts, with claims of territorial gains. The introduction of new drone systems indicates an evolving tactical approach as Russia prepares for a significant ground offensive.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russia began supplying drones and intelligence to Iran in early March 2026, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites. The drones, primarily Geran-2 systems, are part of a strategic partnership aimed at reinforcing Iran's military capabilities. Russia's production capacity allows it to sustain its own operations while supporting Iran, which has faced significant disruptions in its drone manufacturing due to external attacks.

As of March 2026, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region, supporting Russian military operations. They have suffered around 6,000 casualties, reflecting nearly 50% losses due to high-risk frontal assaults. North Korean troops are organized into five brigades and have been involved in brutal combat tactics, receiving Russian military support in return for their involvement.

DARPA is conducting research on Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a fungus that can harness ionizing radiation, for potential military applications. This includes using the fungus to grow structures in space and training it to detect nuclear radiation. The research is ongoing at the Chernobyl site and the International Space Station.

Ukrainian forces conducted an airstrike on the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, on March 26, 2023. The strike successfully targeted and damaged key production facilities, including oil processing and asphalt production units, impacting the refinery's core operations. As of now, there has been no response from Russian authorities regarding the attack.

Russia is modernizing its armored forces and command architecture, focusing on AI and unmanned systems, while refurbishing existing tanks. The Russian Armed Forces plan to produce over 2,000 advanced main battle tanks by 2036, with significant increases in T-90 production. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its command capabilities through the Glaz/Groza software and integrating UAVs into military operations. These efforts indicate preparations for extended military confrontation with NATO.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

On March 27, Russian President's press secretary clarified that President Putin did not discuss voluntary donations for military operations with business representatives. A participant at the meeting proposed a personal donation to the state, which Putin supported. The meeting did not address U.S. economic cooperation projects, and the Kremlin expressed a desire to explore trade potential with the U.S. while welcoming efforts to halt conflicts, including U.S.-Iran negotiations.

The Russian Navy announced plans to replace its entire fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 12 Yasen-class submarines by 2035. This modernization aims to phase out aging Soviet-era submarines and enhance undersea capabilities with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles. The latest Yasen-M submarine, Perm, was launched in March 2025, marking a significant step in this initiative. However, resource constraints may challenge the timely completion of this ambitious plan.

Russia developed the Sierra Class submarines, including the Sierra I and II, which feature titanium hulls for deep diving. Only four submarines were built due to high costs and complexity. The U.S. Navy responded with the Mark 48 torpedo, designed to effectively target these submarines. Currently, the operational status of the Sierra II submarines is limited, primarily due to maintenance challenges.

Russian forces launched mechanized assaults in Borova and Lyman in March 2026 but faced significant challenges due to inadequate preparation and systemic failures. Ukrainian forces successfully advanced in multiple sectors and conducted deep strikes against Russian infrastructure in Leningrad Oblast. The operational situation reflects ongoing difficulties for Russia, including high casualties and logistical issues.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

Two Ukrainian UAS entered Baltic airspace as part of a drone barrage targeting the Russian port of Ust-Luga, where Shadow tankers are active.