Newly obtained documents confirm that Russia is secretly manufacturing Su-35 fighter jets for Iran, with deliveries expected by 2027. The internal documents, dating from 2024 to 2025, show coordinated efforts across Russian defense plants to fulfill the order, with parts being manufactured for export and explicitly marked for Iran (“K10”). This deal, which includes full prepayment, highlights the deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Such advanced technology may shift the balance of power in the region.
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The Uran-9 unmanned combat ground vehicle, touted as a “robot tank” by Russia’s defense industry, has failed to live up to expectations, despite being accepted into service in 2019. Trials in Syria revealed significant shortcomings, including loss of control, limited range, and unreliable sensors. The vehicle, equipped with a 30 mm cannon, 7.62 mm coax, ATGM, and rockets, has not seen verified combat use in Ukraine and has not secured any significant export contracts. Ultimately, the Uran-9 represents a case of over-promise and under-delivery, highlighting the limits of Russia’s ground-combat robotics.
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In a move to fortify European defenses against drone threats, Ukraine has dispatched a specialist mission to Denmark to share its expertise in countering Russian drones, as announced by President Zelenskyy. This initiative follows European defense ministers’ agreement to establish a “drone wall” along borders with Russia and Ukraine to detect and intercept unauthorized drone activity, a need highlighted by recent airspace violations in Denmark and elsewhere. Denmark, facing increased drone sightings near military facilities and airports, has also restricted civilian drone flights to mitigate risks. As a result, Ukraine’s experience in drone warfare is deemed crucial for bolstering European security, with the Danish mission intended to serve as a model for broader cooperation with other European nations.
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South Korea is currently investigating reports of Russia supplying North Korea with nuclear submarine reactor modules, a move that experts believe is highly plausible. According to reports, Moscow allegedly provided two or three modules, including reactor cores and turbines, removed from decommissioned Russian submarines earlier this year. While South Korean officials have not confirmed the intelligence, analysts suggest the transfer is realistic given the strengthening military ties between the two nations. This development would significantly advance North Korea’s long-term goal of establishing a nuclear-powered navy.
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Russia’s Pokrovsk offensive collapses into chaos — Ukrainian forces seize the moment and liberate Udachne. It seems like the situation around Pokrovsk has taken a significant turn, and the news is, well, promising, though maybe not quite a complete collapse. Udachne’s liberation is certainly a victory for the Ukrainian forces, potentially shoring up their flank. But let’s be realistic; the fighting in the South and East remains fierce, and any truly decisive shift probably needs more positive developments in the North.
There’s a sense, a feeling that this was somewhat inevitable. The Russian economy, it appears, is struggling to adequately supply the front lines.… Continue reading
In a recent move, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order withdrawing Moscow from a military technical cooperation agreement with Germany, citing Germany’s “hostile” policies as the reason. The agreement, initially signed in 1996, has become irrelevant amid strained relations stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions. As a result of these geopolitical shifts, Russia has shifted its focus towards partnerships with countries like North Korea and Iran, with officials reaffirming support and discussing cooperation on various fronts. Furthermore, Russia has threatened to provide advanced weapons to regions that could strike Western targets in response to Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied arms.
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The first anniversary of the North Korea-Russia strategic partnership reveals a concerning level of military cooperation, with North Korea supplying Russia with millions of artillery rounds and ballistic missiles to support its efforts in Ukraine. Kim Jong-un’s strategic aims involve weakening international sanctions and modernizing North Korea’s military with access to new technologies. This alliance has implications for regional security, particularly for South Korea, as North Korean troops may soon become directly involved in the conflict. The partnership also highlights Russia’s geopolitical isolation and desperation, prompting the need for international diplomatic efforts to curb this alliance and mitigate its destabilizing impact.
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Ukraine’s HUR has obtained over 4.4 GB of internal data from Russia’s Tupolev aircraft manufacturer, including personnel files, correspondence, and meeting minutes. This cyber operation follows a recent drone attack that significantly damaged Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. The acquired data exposes details about engineers maintaining Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, crucial components of Russia’s nuclear triad. The combined cyber and physical attacks represent a substantial setback for Russia’s long-range air capabilities. The compromised data’s significance is undeniable, providing Ukraine with significant intelligence advantages.
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A UN report reveals that North Korea has supplied Russia with over 20,000 containers of munitions since September 2023, including ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This military cooperation, solidified by a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, violates UN sanctions and allows Russia to intensify its attacks on cities like Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. In return for this aid, Russia is assisting North Korea’s spy satellite program and providing technological advancements to its ballistic missile capabilities. The report also highlights the deployment of approximately 14,000 North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
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Russia’s reported massing of over 50,000 troops for a potential offensive in northeastern Ukraine, as stated by President Zelenskyy, has sparked considerable discussion and analysis. The sheer scale of the reported troop concentration naturally raises concerns about a renewed large-scale offensive targeting Kharkiv. However, it’s crucial to consider the context of this potential action. The Russian military’s capabilities have significantly diminished since the early stages of the conflict.
The effectiveness of a 50,000-strong force today differs vastly from a similar-sized force deployed at the start of the war. Russia’s initial attempts at swift, decisive breakthroughs proved disastrous, particularly during the Battle of Kharkiv in 2022.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood