Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Russia claims Ukraine's "Flamingo" missile strikes Moscow, multiple facilities in Kyiv hit by Russian attacks.
Ukrainian forces launched Flamingo cruise missiles at Moscow, marking the first such attack. In response, Russian air defense intercepted 8 of these missiles and a total of 1600 aerial targets. Concurrently, Russian forces conducted extensive drone strikes on various facilities in Ukraine, including data centers in Kyiv, leading to a record 15-hour air raid alert in the city.
In 1997 a Bankrupt Russian Tank Factory Showed Off a Prototype That Stored Its Ammunition in an Isolated Turret Bustle Behind Blowout Panels. Nobody Bought a Single One. Russian Tanks in Ukraine Still Carry Their Shells in a Ring Under the Crew.
Omsktransmash developed the T-80 Black Eagle tank prototype from 1997 to 1999, featuring a redesigned turret and advanced armor. Despite showcasing the tank at various expos, it failed to attract buyers, leading to the company's bankruptcy in 2002. The Russian Army's disinterest in the T-80 series contributed to the project's cancellation.
Russian Tu-95 crashes on takeoff after engine failure
A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed near Krasnoyarovo in the Amur region on September 29, 2023, due to engine failure during takeoff, resulting in six fatalities among the seven crew members. The sole survivor was hospitalized. Initial reports mistakenly identified the aircraft as a Tu-154, but later evidence confirmed it as a Tu-95MS, a long-range bomber used in military operations.
Putin’s Next Target May Be NATO Itself
Russia is preparing to escalate military pressure on NATO, with significant troop movements and infrastructure developments near the Finnish border. Clandestine operations have been reported in allied territories, including attempted drone attacks and sabotage. The situation is evolving as NATO faces increasing threats along its eastern flank.
Chinese shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles appear in Russian service
Russian air defense troops are using Chinese-designed shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles during exercises in Rostov. The missiles, referred to as 'Iva', were observed in footage aired on state television. This development suggests that Russia may be relying on foreign-made systems to meet its military needs, particularly against Ukrainian drone threats. The equipment resembles Iranian and Chinese models, indicating potential military cooperation between these nations.
Russia Builds Drone Acoustic Detection Network
Russia has developed an acoustic detection system for drones, capable of identifying drone types and estimating their speed and direction. This system, designed for early warning, can be deployed in remote areas and is resilient to sensor loss. It has a detection range exceeding 1000 meters for larger drones and is currently in the preparation phase for mass production.
Sukhoi’s Su-37 Terminator Fighter Could Hit Mach 2.5 and Flip a Full 360 Degrees in a Tiny Patch of Sky. Only 1 Was Built and No Buyer Ever Paid to Put It Into Production.
The Sukhoi Su-37, a prototype fighter aircraft, was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Russia but never entered production. It showcased advanced thrust-vectoring technology and could exceed Mach 2.5. The sole prototype crashed in Shatura, near Moscow, in 2002 due to structural fatigue. Despite its impressive capabilities, the aircraft was never operationally deployed due to post-Soviet economic challenges.
‘It Flew Less than An Hour’: Russia’s MiG-1.44 Stealth Fighter Tried to Be the Mach 2 Fighter the F-22 Raptor Was Destined to Be and Never Had a Chance
The MiG-1.44 stealth fighter, developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau, flew for a total of 40 minutes over two flights before its program was discontinued on April 27, 2000, due to financial constraints in post-Soviet Russia. Designed to compete with the F-22 Raptor, the MiG-1.44 featured advanced technologies but ultimately could not achieve operational status. The program's cancellation marked a significant moment in the decline of Soviet military aviation capabilities.
S-500: Russia’s New Missile System ‘Custom Built’ To Shoot Down US Air Force F-22 and F-35 Fighters
Russia is developing the S-500 air defense system, which poses a significant threat to U.S. and allied aircraft, particularly stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. The system is expected to be sold to China and India, enhancing their military capabilities and complicating U.S. strategic planning in the Pacific and Europe. The S-500's operational range is approximately 370 miles, allowing it to monitor airspace effectively.
Russia’s Su-47 Berkut First Flew 29 Years Ago Today With Its Wings Swept Forward. Only One Was Ever Built.
The Su-47 Berkut, a unique fighter aircraft designed by the Soviet Union, first flew on September 25, 1997. Only one prototype was built, and it never entered operational service due to budget constraints following the Soviet Union's collapse. The aircraft featured innovative forward-swept wings and was powered by D-30F6 engines, showcasing advanced design concepts for future Russian military aircraft.
Russia Spent Years Building the MiG 1.44 to Beat the USAF F-22 Raptor — It Flew Once for 18 Minutes in 2000 and Was Mothballed Forever
The MiG 1.44 conducted its first and only test flight on February 29, 2000, at Zhukovsky, Moscow, lasting 18 minutes. Developed by RSK MiG to compete with the U.S. F-22 Raptor, the aircraft featured advanced design elements but was ultimately shelved due to budget constraints following the Soviet Union's collapse. Its design elements are noted to have influenced China's J-20 stealth fighter.
French-built spy drone spotted on Poland-Belarus border
A Safran Patroller surveillance drone conducted a flight along the Poland-Belarus border, passing near Białowieża Forest and Hajnówka. The drone was tracked at an altitude of 1,800 m and a speed of 117 km/h. This activity raises concerns about surveillance capabilities in a heavily fortified border area, although Poland has not confirmed any acquisition of the drone.
Ministry of Defense Responds to Uzbekistan Air Force's Introduction of J-10CE Fighter Jets
On the 24th, the Uzbekistan Air Force received J-10CE fighter jets, becoming the second country to do so. The Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Jiang Bin, commented on the friendly military relations and normal military trade cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, stating it does not target any third party.
Russia delivers upgraded Su-57 stealth fighters to its air force
Russia delivered a new batch of upgraded Su-57 stealth fighters to its air force. The jets feature enhanced onboard systems and a broader range of weapons options. Rostec confirmed the delivery, emphasizing the aircraft's capabilities in military operations. The Su-57 is designed for multi-domain strikes and has been operational since 2020.
Russian Shahed and 514 Drones Change the Logic of Air Warfare over Ukraine
Russian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv on September 23, 2026, using 514 drones. This operation follows a diplomatic meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and U.S. President Trump, signaling Russia's intent to maintain pressure despite negotiations. Ukrainian forces reported neutralizing over 350,000 Russian drones since early 2026, highlighting a significant shift in the air war dynamics.
Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 23 2026Loading...
World’s Most Heavily Armed Submarines Fortified with New Anti-Drone Protection ‘Shield’ at Russian Navy’s Key Pacific Base
Russia has reinforced submarine defenses at Rybachiy naval base with netting and floating barriers as of August 2023. This measure aims to protect various submarine types, including Borei-class vessels, from potential drone attacks. The enhancements began in May and indicate a strategic shift in how the Russian Navy safeguards its assets, despite the base's distance from Ukraine.
Russia is laying down 28,000 new "Geraniums" a year — underground restructuring of the defense industry in 2026
Russia is expanding its drone production capabilities by planning to manufacture 28,000 new 'Geran' drones annually by 2026 at Alabuga in Tatarstan. The construction of underground facilities aims to protect these production sites from Ukrainian strikes. Additionally, China is supplying materials necessary for this production, indicating a reliance on external sources for key components. This strategy reflects Russia's intent to maintain a sustained military campaign despite ongoing Ukrainian attacks.
Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...Ukrainian Army Attacks Large Oil Refinery in Southwestern Russia
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces conducted an airstrike on the Samara oil refinery in Russia on September 22, using multiple drones. The operation was coordinated with the Ukrainian Security Service and the Ministry of Defense. This refinery is one of the largest in the region, with a capacity of 7 million tons of oil per year, and has been targeted multiple times by Ukrainian forces.
Russian "Geraniums" Transition to Underground Production — 28,000 Drones Change the War in 2026
Russia is transitioning to underground production of Geran drones at the Alabuga facility, aiming to increase output by 28,000 units by 2029. This expansion is a response to Ukraine's capability to strike Russian targets and involves significant enhancements in drone technology and production methods. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in Russia's military capabilities, focusing on sustaining drone warfare over time.
Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...
Ukraine Fired over 1,000 Drones at Targets in Russia and Moscow Was One of the Prime Targets in ‘Largest Attack’ on Capital
Ukrainian forces launched over 1,000 drones at targets in Russia, with Moscow being a primary target, on 19-20 September. This attack, described as the largest of the war, coincided with Russia's parliamentary elections and resulted in significant damage to the Moscow Oil Refinery and other locations. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the use of various domestically produced weapons systems during the operation.
