Analysis & Reports

Turkey has begun construction of a second Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessel for the Portuguese Navy, enhancing its logistics capabilities. The ship, designed by STM, will support naval operations by resupplying warships at sea without returning to port. This development marks a significant expansion of Turkey's defense exports within NATO, reflecting a growing collaboration in military logistics.

Russia has modified its Mi-28NM attack helicopter with new electronic warfare equipment to counter drone threats in Ukraine. The changes, visible in recent military footage, include new antenna housings that suggest an upgrade to the helicopter's electronic countermeasures system. This adaptation reflects the ongoing challenges posed by drone warfare in the region, as the Mi-28NM is actively deployed for both direct fire support and stand-off attacks against Ukrainian forces.

Leonardo UK Ltd was awarded a £27 million contract to supply consumable parts for the UK's military aircraft fleet, which includes Typhoon jets and Chinook helicopters. This contract, potentially worth £70 million over seven years, aims to enhance logistics and ensure operational readiness. It supports 75 jobs across the UK defense industry and covers around 11,000 essential items for aircraft maintenance.

The Russian military has begun deploying 'Molniya-PVO' drone interceptors to target Ukrainian UAVs, marking a shift from traditional air defense strategies to low-altitude interception. This new approach aims to counter the increasing threat posed by inexpensive UAVs, as the military adapts to the economic realities of modern warfare. The effectiveness of these interceptors has been noted in recent engagements, indicating a significant change in operational tactics.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jun 20 2026Loading...

Germany and Poland signed a defense cooperation agreement in Warsaw on June 17, 2023, reaffirming their commitment to mutual security. The agreement covers areas such as cybersecurity, space, and Baltic security, with Poland investing 5% of its GDP in defense. German troops will assist in constructing defenses along the Russian-Belarusian border, marking a significant step in their military collaboration.

At the Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition in June 2023, companies like Airbus and Boeing showcased new drone technologies aimed at enhancing military capabilities. Germany plans to invest around 16 billion euros in drone defense capabilities, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and U760 Raven Storm drones being key developments. The focus is on integrating drones with manned aircraft to improve situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Kongo participated in group sailing exercises with naval forces from the Philippines, South Korea, Italy, and Singapore, heading towards RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii from June 24 to July 12, 2026. This exercise aims to enhance multilateral command and control capabilities amid evolving threats from North Korea and increasing Chinese naval activities in the Pacific.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs conducted historic flight operations from a highway in Tervo, Finland, from June 8-12, 2026, as part of NATO-led Exercise Ramstein Flag 2026. The exercise involved 19 nations and aimed to enhance combat adaptability in contested environments, with air command coordinated from NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center in Bodo, Norway.

Germany is rearming its military in response to the war in Ukraine, with 2,300 troops participating in NATO training exercises in Rukla, Lithuania. The Bundeswehr has received a €100 billion budget increase, marking a significant shift in its defense posture. This is the first time since World War II that German troops are permanently stationed abroad, reflecting a new role as peacekeepers in Europe.

Russian military drones attacked two foreign-flagged civilian ships in the Black Sea on June 19, resulting in one death and five injuries. Additionally, a minibus in Kherson Oblast was struck, injuring four people. The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Kuleba reported these incidents on social media.

A Russian fiber-optic FPV drone struck a Ukrainian M-ATV armored vehicle, but the armored crew compartment protected the soldiers inside, allowing them to survive. The vehicle sustained significant damage, particularly to its rear cargo section. This incident highlights the effectiveness of the M-ATV in protecting its occupants against drone threats, despite the evolving nature of these threats on the battlefield.

On June 19, 2026, Russian drones attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, resulting in one death and five injuries among the crew. The vessels, flagged from Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis, were targeted as part of Russia's strategy to disrupt maritime operations and exert control over shipping routes. This incident follows a significant Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow, indicating escalating tensions in the region.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jun 19 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces have been attacking the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant over 50 times daily using drones and other means. The attacks have intensified, targeting not only the plant but also civilian infrastructure in Enerhodar. This situation has raised international concerns regarding the safety of the facility, which has been under Russian control since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022.

Russia has developed a new engine, the Product 177, for its Su-57 Felon aircraft, enhancing its thrust and stealth capabilities. However, the aircraft remains largely grounded in Russian airspace, launching air-to-ground missiles from a distance due to concerns over potential losses in combat over Ukraine. Currently, only about 24 Su-57s are operational, limiting their impact in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow, targeting an oil refinery and causing injuries. This was the second such attack in a week, following damage to a monastery in Kyiv. Russia reported shooting down 555 drones nationwide, with 180 intercepted near Moscow. The conflict escalated as both sides exchanged strikes, with Ukraine intensifying its campaign against Russian logistics and energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian drone operators are actively targeting Russian supply trucks and support systems in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, significantly straining Russian logistics. This campaign, termed 'Logistics Lockdown,' involves strikes occurring 30 to 180 kilometers behind the front lines, forcing Russia to pull back critical air defense systems. As a result, fuel and munition shortages are slowing Russian advances in the region.

Eurosatory 2026 featured numerous defense firms showcasing military equipment in Paris on June 15, 2026. Notable displays included Lynx's Commander ride, John Cockerill's i-X armored vehicle, and AM General's unmanned ground vehicles. The Emirati EDGE Group presented munitions, while Northrop Grumman exhibited a missile with a South Korean booster.

DroneShield and Defenture signed a memorandum of understanding at Eurosatory 2026 to integrate counter-drone systems with tactical vehicle platforms for NATO armies. This partnership aims to provide mobile drone defense solutions, addressing the evolving threats posed by inexpensive drones. The collaboration will focus on developing layered on-the-move counter-drone concepts, enhancing military capabilities in dynamic environments.

Russian forces captured Novy Donbass on June 16 and Kutuzovka on June 17, 2026, reporting significant Ukrainian casualties of approximately 1,330 and 1,370 respectively. The operational costs are rising, and the front line is not advancing at a pace that justifies these costs. Ukraine is also targeting Russian logistics further behind the front lines, complicating Russian supply efforts.

Dmitri VolkovThu Jun 18 2026Loading...

On October 18, Russia transferred 522 bodies identified as Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine, while receiving 33 bodies in return. This exchange was confirmed by the Ukrainian Prisoner of War Coordination Headquarters, indicating a continuation of efforts to return deceased military personnel between the two countries.