Analysis & Reports

The 71st Group Army reconnaissance unit conducted a recent infiltration exercise in a mountain forest, utilizing drones and light assault vehicles to penetrate enemy lines. Teams overcame natural obstacles, including a river and a vertical cliff, to gather intelligence and execute coordinated strike operations. This exercise focused on enhancing reconnaissance capabilities and operational readiness.

U.S. Central Command completed airstrikes against Iranian military targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa Island, and Abbas Port on July 13, 2023, at 22:15 EDT. The operation lasted about 5 hours and utilized precision-guided munitions to target Iran's coastal defense systems and military capabilities. Over 50,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed in the Middle East, maintaining high readiness for further actions.

The Kilo-class submarines, integral to the Russian Navy, have faced significant vulnerabilities from modern drone technology, with incidents in 2023 and 2025 resulting in severe damage and sinking. Despite their historical success and ongoing production, these submarines are now at risk from inexpensive drone strikes while still being utilized by various navies worldwide. Russia continues to enhance their capabilities, but the design's limitations are becoming apparent as more advanced alternatives emerge.

French President Macron announced that multinational forces will conduct exercises in Ukraine's neighboring countries within months. Approximately 25 countries are expected to participate in this initiative, which aims to provide security to Ukraine as a defensive force following a potential ceasefire with Russia. The announcement was made during a summit in Paris focused on the 'Volunteer Alliance' for Ukraine's security.

Kyiv is under missile attack as of October 14, with intense explosions reported throughout the city. The mayor confirmed the activation of air defense systems and urged residents to seek shelter.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down two U.S.-made Lucas drones in Abbas Port and Laar City on July 13. This action highlights the ongoing military capabilities and defensive measures of the IRGC in response to perceived threats.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt by fitting counter-drone cages on its Kilo-class submarines in Novorossiysk due to significant losses inflicted by Ukrainian naval drones. Approximately one-third of the fleet has been destroyed or rendered inactive, leading to a retreat from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost naval drones has changed naval warfare dynamics, prompting global naval powers to reassess their strategies.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, completing the program in under 16 months. A live-fire demonstration occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on January 21, 2026. The missile is designed to be affordable and mass-producible, with a range exceeding 930 kilometers, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russia. Ukraine is authorized to purchase thousands of these missiles.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, resulting in the closure of the maritime corridor by Russia. Over a recent eight-day period, Ukraine reportedly struck 105 vessels, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries. The attacks have raised concerns in Russia regarding their naval defense capabilities and have impacted logistics in occupied Crimea.

Ukrainian drone strikes recently killed three and wounded five in Pionersky, Moscow region. The strikes also caused a fire in Stavropol and temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow airports. Ukrainian drones flew 1,500 miles to hit an oil refinery in Omsk, marking the longest-range strike of the war. These actions are testing Russian air defenses and have led to significant operational disruptions.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike against over ten Russian military targets on July 13, including an airbase in Crimea and oil storage facilities. In retaliation, Russian forces struck Ukrainian infrastructure in Chernomorsk, destroying facilities used for military supplies. Both sides utilized drones and precision weapons in their operations.

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and have been used effectively in combat. The contract is believed to be funded by Germany, and the total order exceeds previous deployments to Ukraine.

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and are part of a contract valued at $100 million. The order, more than double previous deployments, was awarded by an undisclosed European NATO nation, believed to be Germany. The Shrike drones have already proven effective in combat against Russian military assets.

The U.S. Navy is developing a new system that enables Virginia-class submarines to launch and recover autonomous Iver4 900 drones through torpedo tubes. This capability, awarded to L3Harris in March 2023, enhances the Navy's operational reach and efficiency in undersea warfare. The system has been validated for various missions, including reconnaissance and mine detection, and represents a significant advancement in submarine warfare technology.

Ukraine's military conducted a mass simultaneous strike using at least ten modified light aircraft to target an underground logistics hub in Armyansk, Crimea. The aircraft, converted from ultralight models, were equipped with Soviet-designed high-explosive bombs. This operation represents a significant evolution in Ukraine's military capabilities, showcasing their ability to utilize civilian technology for military purposes.

Ukrainian forces conducted the world's first combat mission using a naval drone to deliver an armed ground robot to Russian-occupied Kinburn Spit on July 13. The operation involved the 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, which utilized an unmanned surface vessel to transport the Rys ground robot, equipped with a PKT machine gun, to carry out combat tasks behind enemy lines. This innovative tactic aims to minimize risks associated with conventional landings in heavily surveilled areas.

The Hydis project has finalized a concept for a hypersonic interceptor based on a solid-propellant rocket motor in Paris. The European Defence Fund is set to allocate €100 million for this interceptor as part of its 2026 work program. The project aims to counter hypersonic threats, including glide vehicles and cruise missiles, with the final concept review recently validated by the steering committee.

Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI successfully executed a collaborative flight on July 13, 2026, demonstrating the NAMIB electronic warfare payload aboard a Rafale F4. The payload detected and geolocated a radar target several dozen kilometers away, allowing the Rafale to simulate a strike. This achievement highlights advancements in electronic warfare capabilities and the integration of autonomous systems in modern air combat.

Ukrainian forces targeted 14 vessels in the Kerch Strait overnight, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries, disrupting Russian military logistics. This operation reflects a strategic effort to undermine the supply routes critical for Russian operations in the region. The attacks are part of a broader campaign against the Russian shadow fleet, which is essential for transporting oil and fuel.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

On July 13, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces reported a drone attack on the Moscow region, with over 350 drones launched. Authorities intercepted 81 drones, resulting in 3 fatalities and 3 injuries in Pionersky. Additionally, a drone struck a residential building in Solenichnogorsk, injuring 2 more individuals.