Stavros Atlamazoglou

Ukraine's military demonstrated its long-range strike capabilities by targeting the Caspian port of Kaspiysk with drones on November 6, damaging at least two Russian Gepard-class frigates. British Military Intelligence assessed that the attack was likely in retaliation for Russian naval strikes on Ukraine, although the damaged vessels had not been directly involved.

The Sukhoi Su-33, NATO reporting name Flanker D, is a single-seat, multi-role fighter designed as a naval interceptor for Russia’s aircraft carriers. Based on the Su-27, the Su-33 boasts impressive speed (Mach 2), altitude (55,000+ feet), and range (~2,000 miles).

The U.S. Air Force is developing three ambitious programs to maintain air superiority: the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) sixth-generation fighter, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone swarms, and the Next Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS).

Aircraft carriers are critical warships, projecting immense power and influence, but they are also vulnerable. During a 2005 U.S. Navy exercise, the Swedish diesel-powered HSMS Gotland submarine demonstrated this vulnerability by "sinking" the USS Ronald Reagan and its battlegroup multiple times.

Israeli airstrikes in late October reportedly destroyed Talegahn 2, a covert Iranian nuclear research facility near Tehran, according to U.S. and Israeli sources. The strikes were initially thought to target air defense systems but may have dealt a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The war in Ukraine could shift dramatically as reports suggest the U.S. has authorized the use of long-range munitions, such as ATACMS missiles, inside Russia’s Kursk Oblast. France and the U.K. are also considering allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles against Russian targets.

Israeli airstrikes in late October reportedly destroyed Talegahn 2, a covert Iranian nuclear research facility near Tehran, according to U.S. and Israeli sources. The strikes were initially thought to target air defense systems but may have dealt a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

One thousand days into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war has reshaped European history and global defense dynamics. Casualties have soared, with Russia reportedly losing around 725,000 personnel and significant quantities of military hardware, while Ukraine's losses are estimated at 300,000-400,000.

The Black Sea theater in Ukraine's 1,000-day conflict has become a striking example of asymmetric warfare. Despite limited naval resources, Ukraine has neutralized over 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, including major vessels like the Moskva cruiser and Rostov-on-Don submarine.

Russian forces are reportedly experiencing significant losses in Ukraine, with daily casualties reaching into the thousands. British Military Intelligence estimates that over 700,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded, drastically affecting the quality of Russia's military personnel.