Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army troopers from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted gunnery qualification with M1A2 SEPv3 tanks at Mielno Tank Range in Poland on September 22, 2022. The M1A2 SEPv3 features advanced armor and firepower but has reached its weight limit, leading to the cancellation of the proposed SEPv4 upgrades. The Army is now developing the M1E3 Abrams with a modular design to address these issues.

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on September 12-13, 2023, aboard a Qatari-donated Boeing 747. He will meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin during his visit. This trip follows security concerns that led him to leave Turkey on a different aircraft earlier this year.

Opposition from the U.S. and Russia has raised doubts about reaching an agreement on autonomous weapons regulations during the CCW meeting in Geneva. The 128 participating states are discussing a non-binding text that could lead to negotiations on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Concerns about the unpredictability of these weapons in conflict zones have been voiced, while a majority support the draft text despite proposed changes from the U.S. and Russia.

The British Army has been instructed to suspend non-essential training exercises in the United Kingdom for units not preparing for overseas deployment. This decision is part of a cost-saving measure amid budget constraints.

Germany's Navy conducted a successful live-fire trial of the Israeli LORA missile system between Ireland and Iceland, demonstrating its capability to hit targets accurately. This test is part of Germany's Operational Experimentation programme, indicating a shift towards enhancing its long-range strike capabilities at sea. The trial involved two frigates, including Sachsen-Anhalt, and reflects Germany's urgency in addressing military needs amid evolving security challenges in Europe.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

In 2010, the UK government decided to continue the construction of the HMS Prince of Wales after determining that canceling it would be more expensive. The HMS Queen Elizabeth conducted sea trials off the coast of Scotland, supported by Type 23 frigates and Merlin Mk2 helicopters. The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, the largest ever built for the Royal Navy, are set to enhance Britain's naval capabilities for the next 50 years.

Leonardo plans to demonstrate the Michelangelo Dome's capabilities against drone attacks in Ukraine by the end of 2026. This system aims to enhance air defense through integration of various military technologies. The establishment of a local structure in Ukraine allows Leonardo to expand its operations and adapt to the unique challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. This initiative highlights the need for effective integration of air defense systems in Europe, particularly in response to the evolving nature of warfare.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Russian forces attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's maritime logistics. This action is part of a broader strategy to economically isolate Ukraine by making access to its ports increasingly risky. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian port and energy infrastructure, indicating a shift in the conflict towards mutual attacks on logistics. The situation is evolving as both sides adapt their strategies to exert pressure on each other.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to procure four Echodyne EchoShield counter-drone radars for the 57th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, as of September 4, 2023. The purchase is contingent on funding availability, and the Air Force reserves the right to cancel the solicitation. The EchoShield radars are designed to detect various drone types and track multiple targets simultaneously.

Supacat has commenced production of 18 HMT Extenda military vehicles for the Czech Republic’s special operations forces, with deliveries set to start in 2027. These vehicles will replace the outdated Land Rover Defender 110s used by the Czech Army’s 601st Special Forces Group. The contract, signed in October 2025, includes a total package valued at around 2.16 billion koruna ($98.4 million).

NATO's Allied Maritime Command is actively monitoring Russian naval activities from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 is tracking Russian vessels, including the Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar, which was recently escorted by the destroyer Severomorsk. This ongoing surveillance is part of NATO's routine maritime security operations, emphasizing their readiness and vigilance in the region.

A Russian-made Geoscan 701 drone was discovered on September 1 on the shore of Pellinki in Finland. Finnish authorities are investigating the incident as a potential violation of territory, confirming the drone poses no immediate threat. The drone is a civilian model used for aerial surveying and mapping, and its presence is part of a broader concern regarding hybrid attacks from Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to seek reimbursement from European nations for military aid provided to Ukraine. He indicated a potential halt in sales to allied nations while ramping up U.S. munitions production. Concerns were raised about depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has implications for military readiness.

Trump announced that the U.S. would seek reimbursement from Europe for military aid sent to Ukraine on September 3. This statement alters the perception of military support from a shared burden to a transactional relationship, complicating future aid discussions for European governments. The timing coincides with upcoming diplomatic engagements involving Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the shifting dynamics within NATO.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Shield AI is developing the X-BAT autonomous fighter jet, utilizing a refurbished AVEN nozzle from GE Aerospace, originally designed 30 years ago. Testing is ongoing, with a tethered vertical flight test scheduled by the end of the year to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities. The collaboration focuses on enhancing performance through advanced propulsion technology.

Two Bulgarian nationals were arrested after throwing Molotov cocktails at Rohde & Schwarz and Helsing in Munich. This incident, along with previous sabotage at Leipzig, underscores vulnerabilities in Europe's defense industry. The attacks signal a growing concern over the security of critical military infrastructure in Europe, prompting discussions on the need for enhanced protective measures and redundancy in defense logistics.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna is establishing a 40 mm ammunition hub in Niewiadów, Poland, aimed at enhancing NATO security in Europe. The initiative leverages the group's manufacturing infrastructure and research and development capabilities.

Russian drones conducted near-daily incursions into Romanian airspace throughout August 2023, prompting interceptions by NATO aircraft. A Romanian F-16 destroyed a drone laden with explosives near the Neptun Deep gas platform. Moldova also faced border closures due to spillover from Russian strikes in Ukraine, highlighting vulnerabilities in air defense across Eastern Europe.

Britten-Norman flew its first fully UK-built BN2B-26 Islander aircraft from Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight on Thursday, marking a significant return to complete airframe manufacturing in the UK. The aircraft is intended for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service and has entered flight testing. Britten-Norman plans to produce eight aircraft annually, with components for future aircraft already ordered.

Russian forces have significantly enhanced their drone strike capabilities in Ukraine by utilizing Chinese-made MIMO mesh radios, allowing control of drones up to 175 kilometers away. On July 17, a Geran drone from the 50th Separate Operational Brigade struck a target in Poltava while maintaining operator control. This technology shift indicates a strategic pivot towards northern Ukraine, with implications for NATO logistics and operations.