Analysis & Reports

Russia has produced approximately 30 Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, with limited operational use in the Ukraine war. The aircraft, intended to replace older models, has faced significant production challenges and delays. By 2026, the fleet remains far below initial expectations, with operational use being cautious due to the small number of available aircraft. The program continues to develop, but the scale of production is significantly less than planned.

Ukrainian forces struck and sank a Russian-flagged container ship named 'Yenina' in the Black Sea on August 1. The operation also included attacks on maritime targets and three oil refineries in the Republic of Bashkortostan, approximately 1600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Russian defense reported intercepting 274 Ukrainian drones during the same period.

A modernized Russian T-80BVM tank was spotted loaded onto a railway flatcar in Russia in July 2026. The tank features a new turret-mounted anti-drone shield and upgraded explosive reactive armor. This sighting indicates ongoing enhancements in Russian military equipment, particularly in response to drone warfare. The tank is part of a recent delivery to Russian forces, reflecting lessons learned from combat experience.

Russia delivered two Tu-160M strategic bombers in 2025, adding to its fleet of 15 active Tu-160 and Tu-160M bombers. The production of these bombers was approved in 2015, with a contract for ten aircraft signed in 2018. The modernization includes new systems and engines, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Russia deployed its first S-500 Prometey regiment for operational duty in December 2025, marking the introduction of its advanced missile defense system. The S-500 is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and high-altitude threats, with a claimed engagement range of 500 to 600 kilometers. A public test in July 2021 demonstrated its capabilities, although independent verification of its performance remains lacking. The system operates within a broader air defense network that includes the S-400 and S-350 systems.

Ukraine claimed to have sunk a Russian Kilo-class submarine in Sevastopol on August 2, 2024, during a missile strike. The Kilo-class submarines, used by various navies including Russia, China, and Vietnam, are known for their stealth capabilities and are armed with Kalibr cruise missiles. The report highlights the ongoing relevance of these submarines in modern naval operations.

Ukraine destroyed or damaged 26 Russian Black Sea vessels in October 2024 using shore-launched missiles, aerial drones, and unmanned surface craft. The USS Carney successfully engaged 15 drones and four cruise missiles during a 10-hour engagement in October 2023. The report highlights the evolving threats to naval operations, particularly from China and the effectiveness of Ukraine's naval strategies against Russian forces.

As of July 2026, only Admiral Nakhimov, one of the four Kirov-class battlecruisers, is undergoing modernization after years of inactivity. The other three ships have been decommissioned or dismantled due to age and condition. The modernization project for Admiral Nakhimov began in 2014 and is expected to complete in 2026, with costs exceeding $5 billion. The Russian Navy is increasingly focusing on submarines and smaller vessels, indicating a shift away from large surface combatants like the Kirov-class.

Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's last aircraft carrier, is currently mothballed in Murmansk and may be sold or scrapped. The ship has not sailed since 2017 and has undergone a costly overhaul without returning to operational status. Officially classified as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, its designation allowed it to transit the Turkish Straits under the Montreux Convention.

In July 2026, the Russian Armed Forces deployed 24 Pantsir air defense systems around Moscow in response to increased drone threats from Ukraine. This deployment includes additional Pantsir-SMD systems and S-400 systems, indicating a strategic shift in protecting critical infrastructure. Ukrainian drone strikes targeted various locations, including Rostov and Sarapul, prompting this military adaptation.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

The Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation's Sevmash shipyard moved the Ulyanovsk submarine out of its construction hall in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in its development. This submarine is the sixth in the Yasen-M class, designed for advanced strike capabilities. It will eventually join the Northern Fleet after undergoing extensive trials, reflecting Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces.

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is developing the Su-75 Checkmate fighter prototype in Russia, with plans for 300 aircraft over 15 years. The first flight is now expected by the end of 2025, delayed by redesigns and customer feedback. The program faces challenges due to Western sanctions affecting technology access and production capacity. UAC has not confirmed any firm orders for the aircraft, which is intended for both the Russian Defense Ministry and foreign customers.

The Russian Navy's Admiral Nakhimov battlecruiser is completing trials and is expected to enter service by the end of 2026. It has 176 missile cells, surpassing the proposed U.S. Trump-class battleship. The cruiser returned to Severomorsk in June 2023 after 27 years and is set to enhance Russia's naval capabilities in the Barents Sea.

Twenty-four new Pantsir air defense systems were deployed around Moscow in July 2026, indicating a shift in Russian military strategy towards domestic defense. This deployment coincided with an increase in military personnel to 2,426,130, as President Putin recognized the need for enhanced internal security. Ukrainian forces continued to target Russian infrastructure, highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 28 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Ukraine will continue its long-range strikes against Russian facilities, having updated its priority target list. The Ukrainian military's strike radius has surpassed 3000 kilometers, with a focus on disrupting Russian weapon production and oil industries. This year alone, Ukraine has completed thousands of firepower strike missions targeting significant military and logistical sites.

President Putin emphasized the foundational role of large ships in the Russian Navy during a meeting with naval personnel. He highlighted ongoing developments in hypersonic missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles, stating that 20 ships will be commissioned by 2026, with an additional 21 expected by the end of 2023. The importance of nuclear submarines for deterrence was also underscored.

Ukrainian drones conducted deep-strike attacks on Russian targets, including an export terminal in Rostov Oblast and oil facilities in Udmurtia and Yaroslavl Oblast, on July 27, 2023. This campaign has forced Russia to defend its territory, including St. Petersburg, where the Navy Day parade was canceled for the second consecutive year. Ukraine's drone capabilities now allow strikes at distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers, impacting Russian logistics and naval operations.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 27 2026Loading...

Rostec delivered a new batch of upgraded BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to the Russian Army in Russia. Production of these vehicles has tripled since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, reflecting increased wartime demand. The latest BMP-3s include enhanced protective measures and upgraded electronic warfare systems, addressing lessons learned from combat.

ST Engineering has deployed its counter-drone capabilities across Asia, responding to increasing demand for effective solutions against drone threats. These deployments include applications for defense and critical infrastructure protection, utilizing advanced sensors and AI technology to detect and neutralize drones. The company emphasizes the operational maturity and versatility of its systems in addressing diverse mission requirements.

Russian President Putin stated that the Navy's development plans will be implemented, emphasizing its importance for national security during a Navy Day event in Saint Petersburg. The Russian Navy is set to receive 20 ships and auxiliary vessels by 2026, with 21 more expected by the end of this year. Putin also highlighted Russia's commitment to protecting its interests in Arctic cooperation.