Analysis & Reports

On September 18, 2026, Ukraine launched a significant drone barrage toward Moscow, involving 350 drones, while Russia continued its military operations against Ukraine. The Shahed-136 drones are being used to test NATO's air defenses, creating ambiguity and challenging the alliance's response protocols. This situation highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and its implications for regional security.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Russia is training over 8,000 specialists for its Unmanned Systems Forces as of July 2026, focusing on building institutional systems to capture and generalize battlefield experiences. NATO is advised to shift its focus from mere adaptation of Russian military capabilities to their reproducibility, which is essential for understanding the evolving threat. The report emphasizes the importance of assessing how quickly Russia can regenerate military capabilities after losses.

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...

India has exported its Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, marking its first defense export to Central Asia. The Akash system is designed to intercept various aerial threats and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. This move follows earlier negotiations for the newer Mk 1S variant, indicating a shift in the region's military procurement strategies.

Russia launched a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Plesetsk on September 17, 2023, carrying a satellite for the Ministry of Defense. The launch created a glowing optical effect in the sky, described as a 'space jellyfish'. This event is part of ongoing military operations involving satellite deployments.

On September 18, 2026, Russian air defense intercepted 629 Ukrainian drones over Southern Russia. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes led to the disruption of operations at the Syzran and Saratov oil refineries. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of Ukrainian radar and electronic warfare systems, highlighting the ongoing military engagement and the shift towards a war of attrition targeting economic infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Putin is using the upcoming elections in Russia, scheduled for 18-20 September, to recruit military personnel by promoting over 200 veterans as candidates. This strategy aims to bolster support for the war in Ukraine and mitigate potential backlash from the public. The Kremlin is managing the election narrative to project legitimacy and encourage military enlistment among the youth.

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian airbase in Rostov Oblast on September 17, 2026, damaging six aircraft. This attack is considered one of the most significant against Russian aviation infrastructure in the past year. While Russian officials confirmed the activation of air defense systems, they did not disclose the extent of the damage, indicating a successful strike by Ukrainian forces.

S.WThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy is developing the Lada-class submarines to replace the older Kilo-class, with plans to commission a total of nine vessels. The lead ship, Sankt Peterburg, faced significant design flaws and was decommissioned in 2024. The second and third submarines, Kronshtadt and Velikiye Luke, were commissioned in 2024 and 2025, respectively, featuring advanced stealth and combat capabilities.

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian military airfield in Rostov-on-Don overnight into Sept. 17, destroying one An-12, two An-26 transport aircraft, and three helicopters. The operation, conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and military intelligence, also targeted an oil refinery in Yaroslavl. A fire was reported at the airfield, but no casualties occurred.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.

Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

Thomas Dans was appointed chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in December 2020, where he has promoted U.S. military interests in the Arctic and advocated for closer ties with Russia. His actions have raised tensions with Denmark regarding Greenland, and he has been involved in discussions about national security and energy security in the region. Dans has also been linked to Damen Shipyards, which builds icebreakers.

A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Poland-Ukraine border on the 13th, potentially targeting a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European leaders. The attack occurred shortly after the train departed, prompting emergency evacuations of passengers, including former CIA Director David Petraeus. Officials from Poland and Ukraine condemned the strike as an escalation of Russian aggression.

The Admiral Nakhimov battlecruiser of the Russian Navy, equipped with 176 vertical launch cells and advanced weaponry, is undergoing a significant refurbishment after 25 years and $5 billion in investment. In contrast, the proposed Trump-Class battleship of the U.S. Navy, which would feature 128 Mk 41 cells and advanced systems, has not yet been funded or constructed. This comparison underscores the ongoing naval arms race between the U.S. and Russia, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics.

Ukraine proposed to pause attacks on Russian critical infrastructure if Russia ceases its strikes on Ukrainian energy systems. This offer aims to mitigate civilian suffering as winter approaches, while maintaining military options. The proposal raises questions about Russia's strategic objectives and the complexities of verifying any potential agreement.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Russia increased its drone operations by launching 102 Shahed drones overnight on September 14, 2026, while Ukraine is developing faster interceptors to counter this threat. The introduction of jet variants of the Shahed drones alters the dynamics of the air war, as they can evade detection and engage Ukrainian defenses more effectively. Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure, including radar systems.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced a proposal for Ukraine and Russia to mutually refrain from attacking each other's critical infrastructure on September 14. This initiative is positioned as a key step towards promoting peace and requires assurances from international partners for its implementation. U.S. President Trump confirmed the agreement on non-attacks on energy targets, while Ukraine awaits further actions from international partners. No response has been received from Russia regarding this proposal.

The Russian Navy completed the modernization of the nuclear battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov in 2025 after 26 years in dock. The refurbishment cost around $5 billion, enhancing its capabilities with new weapon systems, including up to 80 anti-ship missiles. The ship is now equipped with advanced radar and communication systems, allowing it to operate effectively in modern naval warfare. Following its trials, Admiral Nakhimov is set to rejoin the Northern Fleet.