Analysis & Reports

A photo of Russia's new Filin cruise missile was released, revealing its solid-fuel booster and turbojet engine. The missile, which can reach speeds of 800 km/h and targets up to 1,200 km away, is produced by NPO Molniya and has been in use against Ukraine since late summer 2026. It features a small warhead and incorporates foreign electronic components.

Germany and Norway are enhancing their defense collaboration by producing Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks in Norway, with the production line starting on October 15, 2023. This initiative is part of a broader defense agreement that includes joint submarine development and military exercises. The Norwegian Army has ordered 54 tanks, with 37 to be manufactured locally. Additionally, both nations are working on next-generation missiles and conducting joint military training.

The U.S. approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine on October 31, 2026, with a total value of around $2.1 billion. European partners will finance the purchase, and Lockheed Martin will be the main contractor. The delivery timeline may extend over several years due to production constraints, impacting Russia's military strategy against Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovMon Nov 02 2026Loading...

The Rampart multi-weapon launcher conducted its first at-sea firings of Thales 68 mm guided and unguided rockets aboard the French Navy Mistral-class Tonnerre LHD during the Wildfire counter-drone exercise off Toulon from September 28 to October 2, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the system, which is designed to counter drone threats. Future tests are scheduled in Belgium and the UAE with additional munitions.

Ukrainian President Zelensky called for increased air defense support from the U.S. and Europe on November 1, 2023, citing intensified Russian airstrikes amid a shortage of interceptors. He emphasized the urgent need for Patriot missiles to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and ensure winter energy supply security.

Russian forces conducted drone strikes on logistics infrastructure in Ukraine on November 1, 2023, targeting 139 areas including energy and transportation facilities. In response, Ukrainian forces launched a long-range strike on a military factory in Rostov Oblast, hitting a site involved in missile production and attacking Russian air defense systems.

France's future aircraft carrier, France Libre, is set to begin construction in 2031 and will be commissioned in 2038, replacing the Charles de Gaulle. The carrier will displace 78,000 tons and accommodate 30 Rafale F5 fighter jets, among other aircraft. This project is significant for France's naval capabilities and military status as it will be the largest warship ever constructed in Europe.

Norway is producing 37 Leopard 2A8 tanks locally in Levanger, enhancing its military capabilities alongside Germany. This production is part of a broader defense cooperation under the Hansa Arrangement, which aligns military operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic. Germany has contributed troops to joint exercises and is involved in shared submarine and missile programs with Norway. Discussions are ongoing regarding joint satellite reconnaissance and secure communications.

Alexandra ReevesSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the effectiveness of conventional aircraft carriers versus nuclear-powered ones amid rising global tensions. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Harry S. Truman are currently operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, respectively. The Navy faces challenges with aging Nimitz-class carriers and the development of Ford-class carriers, prompting discussions on the potential benefits of conventional carriers for future conflicts, particularly with China.

Bulgaria ordered five additional IRIS-T air defense systems, raising its total to six, in response to recent drone attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea. The attacks, which occurred on October 6, resulted in one ship sinking and eleven crew members missing. The Bulgarian government views these maritime threats as unacceptable and is taking steps to bolster its defense capabilities. This procurement reflects broader security concerns in the region and the need for NATO's coordinated response.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

The Kilo-class submarine is analyzed as lacking serious threat capabilities by US Navy standards, particularly due to its limited submerged endurance and vulnerability when recharging. The report highlights that while the Kilo is quieter than some submarines, it is not undetectable and has been sold to various countries, undermining its perceived exclusivity as a military asset.

On November 1, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched 433 drones, including Shahed models, targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces intercepted 371 drones, resulting in one death and at least 47 injuries, while hundreds of thousands faced power outages. The strikes aimed to exert pressure on Ukraine's energy system and military resources.

Dmitri VolkovSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

U.S. Army Apache helicopters conducted training exercises in Grafenwoehr, Bavaria, in October 2023, focusing on countering drone threats. The 2nd Attack Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, engaged in operations against drone targets, reflecting a shift in military tactics due to the increasing dominance of drones in modern warfare. This exercise highlights the need for adaptation in traditional military roles as drone technology evolves.

Ukraine and Russia conducted drone strikes against each other's infrastructure from October 31 to November 1, 2023. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged Western allies to expedite air defense support, citing significant damage to energy facilities in Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi. Russia launched 1940 drones and 1580 guided bombs during this period, intensifying attacks amid Ukraine's shortage of interceptors. Nizhny Novgorod also suffered from large-scale drone attacks.

Ukraine approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot missiles from the U.S. on October 30, 2023, to enhance its air defense against ongoing Russian strikes. The $2.1 billion deal is financed by contributions from Canada, Germany, Norway, and the EU, but delivery may take years. This procurement underscores NATO's air defense challenges and reliance on U.S. military capabilities.

Alexandra ReevesSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

Naval Group delivered the second FDI frigate, HS Nearchos, to the Hellenic Navy in Lorient, France, on October 30, 2023. This delivery follows the first frigate, HS Kimon, received ten months earlier. Greece's version of the FDI frigate is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Aster 30 missiles and Thales Sea Fire radar, enhancing its naval capabilities. The Hellenic Navy is set to receive a total of three frigates by the end of 2026, with ongoing procurement of drones for operational support.

Russia launched a coordinated airstrike involving 113 drones and various missiles against Ukraine on October 30, 2026, aiming to overload Ukrainian air defenses and target energy infrastructure. This operation included the use of Iskander-M missiles, S-400, and KN-23 systems. Ukrainian forces reported significant Russian military losses, while continuing their own strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Dmitri VolkovSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. approved a potential sale of 500 PAC-3 MSE missiles to Ukraine, valued at $2.1 billion, with delivery expected no earlier than 2030. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to conduct strikes on Russian oil and rocket fuel facilities, responding to ongoing drone attacks from Russia. On October 31, Ukraine reported intercepting 105 out of 134 Russian drones launched against its territory.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 31 2026Loading...

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of 500 PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for $2.1 billion, but delivery is not expected until the early 2030s. This delay poses a significant challenge as Ukraine faces ongoing missile and drone attacks from Russia. European nations are contributing financially, but the production bottleneck remains with U.S. manufacturers, particularly Lockheed Martin.

Alexandra ReevesSat Oct 31 2026Loading...

France is retraining crews of the AMX-10 RC to operate FPV drones and plans to establish around 15 drone combat units by summer 2027. The 1er Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine has converted a cavalry squadron into a drone unit, demonstrating effectiveness in military exercises. France is deploying these units to Romania and Poland to enhance NATO's eastern flank.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Oct 31 2026Loading...