Analysis & Reports

HMS Prince of Wales carried 24 F-35Bs into the Mediterranean for the Falcon Strike exercise on November 6, 2025. The Royal Navy is testing the Vanquish drone, which aims to operate from Queen Elizabeth-class carriers without catapults. The UK Ministry of Defence has committed to a demonstration of the Vanquish by the end of 2027, as part of a broader investment in autonomous systems.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Otokar and Leonardo successfully completed integration and live-fire testing of a 120mm turret on the Tulpar medium tank at the Nettuno test range in Italy. This new turret system is being proposed as a potential replacement for Brazil's aging Leopard 1A5 tanks. The testing demonstrated the turret's capabilities and integration with the Tulpar platform, which is designed for modern military requirements.

Germany deployed four Eurofighter Typhoons to Latvia to protect the airspace during the parliamentary election on October 3, 2026. This action responds to increased drone incidents on NATO's eastern flank, highlighting the challenges of defending against small, inexpensive drones. The mission serves to demonstrate NATO solidarity and provide a visible military presence.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

The French Army's Future Combat Command is exploring methods to create battlefield opacity to enhance offensive maneuvers, as stated by General Bruno Baratz during an innovation day in Besançon on September 9, 2023. The command is focusing on deception techniques, including physical decoys and electromagnetic warfare, to counteract the dangers posed by drone surveillance. Additionally, the Army is increasing its budget for innovation projects to adapt civilian technologies for military purposes and improve operational effectiveness.

Oy Sisu Auto Ab and Rumble Tools Oy launched a partnership on September 18, 2026, to integrate intelligent robotics into heavy tactical vehicles in Finland. This collaboration aims to enhance battlefield capabilities through the development of the SISU G-Series product family, incorporating autonomous technologies and robotic helicopters for improved force protection and situational awareness.

The U.S. Army is prioritizing training for soldiers to operate drones effectively in contested electromagnetic environments as part of the Drone Dominance program. With 12,080 drones acquired, the focus is on ensuring every squad is equipped and trained by the end of fiscal 2026. Recent exercises in Germany highlighted the need for soldiers to navigate the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The Royal Navy is set to introduce four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, with the first, HMS Dreadnought, expected to be commissioned in the early 2030s. These submarines will replace the aging Vanguard-class and are designed to enhance the UK's nuclear deterrent capabilities. Each submarine will be equipped with 12 Trident 2 D5 missiles and advanced stealth technology, including new X-rudders and Pumpjet propulsors for reduced noise.

The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, faced significant mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues from 2022 to 2025, impacting operational readiness. HMS Prince of Wales broke down shortly after departing Portsmouth, leading to a nine-month repair period, while HMS Queen Elizabeth experienced multiple issues, including a propeller shaft coupling failure. Despite these challenges, HMS Prince of Wales successfully completed Operation Highmast in 2025, suggesting improved reliability moving forward.

On September 16, 2026, U.S. and Indian soldiers conducted a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration in Auli, India, involving approximately 6,000 personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability in mountain warfare without indicating a formal military alignment against China. While it improves cooperation, India's military priorities remain focused on continental issues rather than Pacific engagements.

Marcus ChenThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces killed Russian Major General Anton Grunis in a drone strike in Donetsk City on September 12. This operation underscores the vulnerabilities of Russian command structures, as Grunis was a prominent figure linked to recent military claims. The incident reflects Ukraine's effective use of drone technology and intelligence to target high-ranking officials far from the front lines.

Alexandra ReevesThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.

Germany is deploying four Eurofighter jets to Lielvārde, Latvia, to secure the airspace during the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3, 2023. This mission, involving several dozen soldiers and technicians, is a response to heightened concerns over drone incursions from Russia and Belarus. The operation is part of NATO's enhanced air policing efforts in the Baltic region.

The U.S. Navy is enhancing its mine hunting capabilities through the integration of unmanned vessels and advanced sonar technology. This includes the use of the Angler ROV for mine neutralization and AI for target classification. The discussion highlights the strategic importance of addressing naval mine threats, particularly in contested areas like the Straits of Hormuz and the Baltic Sea.

The Russian Armed Forces struck Ukraine's largest military data center on September 17, 2023, using precision weapons and drones. This facility was responsible for supporting military servers and processing intelligence data. Additional strikes targeted metallurgical, radio, and military enterprises, as well as energy and transportation infrastructure in Kyiv and Odesa Oblast.

Moog showcased a new air defense mission module for the Boxer 8×8 vehicle at DVD 2026 in Tewkesbury. This marks the first integration of the RIwP® system on the Boxer platform, featuring an XM914 cannon, M240 machinegun, and missile systems. The collaboration with KNDS highlights the modular capabilities of the Boxer, enhancing its air defense capabilities for the UK Armed Forces.

Thales launched HexaForce, an AI-powered command and control system, on 17 September 2026, designed for high-intensity warfare and capable of supporting over 100,000 personnel. The system enhances decision-making and operational efficiency across multiple domains, having been successfully tested during NATO CWIX 2026. HexaForce integrates advanced AI capabilities to process vast amounts of operational data, ensuring rapid response and improved military agility.

On September 15, 2026, Italian fighter aircraft from NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted and destroyed a suspected Russian drone that had entered Lithuanian airspace. The drone was believed to be headed for Ukraine and likely strayed from Belarus. This incident underscores the complexities of NATO's air defense and the potential for ambiguous military encounters in the region.

S.WThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched a new wave of airstrikes on Ukraine from September 16 to 17, 2023, targeting Kyiv, Zaporizhia Oblast, and Odesa Oblast. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 131 drones, while the airstrikes resulted in 18 injuries in Kyiv. Explosions were heard in the city, and various facilities were damaged.