News about the state and prospects of the defense industry

Vladimir Demirov, Head of the Department of Resource Support of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, talks about how new technologies are changing the tactics of supplying troops with fuel

Drones have begun delivering fuel for military equipment operating on the front line in the SVO zone, the Russian military is laying pipelines along the bottom of rivers, and Navy ships will soon be able to refuel on the unequipped coast.

Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant plans to launch production of UAZ vehicles with a new powertrain closer to the third quarter of 2026. This was reported by the company's press service in January to popular publications.

The HQ-29 surface-to-air missile defense system was put into service with the People's Liberation Army of China in February 2025.  According to the information received, the research and development work was opened by the Chinese Aerospace Scientific and Industrial Corporation under the designation HQ-18.

The Guardian: BAE Systems disrupted the launch of a projectile manufacturing plant

BAE Systems has disrupted the launch of a new ammunition manufacturing plant in Wales, writes The Guardian. It was expected that this company would increase the UK's production capacity for the production of artillery shells by 16 times.

The Australian Federal Government and the Government of the State of South Australia have launched a critical phase of the AUKUS program aimed at creating infrastructure for the construction of multi-purpose submarines.

Modern realities require the improvement of the provision system, including the organization of meals for military personnel. Therefore, in 2025, a military approbation (testing) of an automotive multifunctional kitchen with a KAMX-90 bakery unit was carried out. The development is domestic, made by a company with extensive experience in manufacturing such equipment and machinery. The development is proactive – at the expense of own funds.

Rostec State Corporation has handed over the first large batch of Su-57s to the Russian Aerospace Forces this year. These are vehicles with an upgraded complex of avionics and modern means of destruction. The new features of the fifth—generation fighter are described in the RIA Novosti article.

The relocation of service centers closer to the front line helped in this

The ultra-long-range "eyes" of artillery and reconnaissance — aircraft—type drones - today largely determine the appearance of their military. They spend hours hanging over the enemy's rear, opening reserves and correcting fire. But the more intensively they are used, the more acute the issue of maintenance becomes.

Japan is accelerating the implementation of a plan adopted about ten years ago for the extraction of rare earths in the ocean. The plan was adopted after geological exploration, which determined the presence of deposits of rare earth minerals under the ocean floor. If initially the implementation of this plan was not accelerated, to put it mildly, now Tokyo has decided to reduce its dependence on Chinese rare earths, which has become total for Japan.

Dmitry Kuzyakin, Chief Designer of the Central Design Bureau, on how modern technologies will be used in the military

Four years of special operations have brought many surprises to the whole world. Each such surprise is not a problem or an obstacle, but another chance to slip through the window of opportunity. Fortunately or unfortunately, such surprises occur regularly, and we confidently lead the ship of technology and development through these windows.

MWM: Su-57 received improved stealth sensors and new air defense protection

In the new batch of Su-57 fighters, stealth sensors have been upgraded and the air defense system has been improved, writes MWM. The Ukrainian conflict has shown that these aircraft are capable of resisting advanced Western air defense installations, fighting enemy fighters in the air and delivering precision strikes. Now the Su-57s have become even more powerful and dangerous.

TNI: The Su-57 fighter has received an upgraded weapon system

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet has received an upgraded weapons system, writes TNI. It will allow the aircraft to be operated around the clock, including in severe weather conditions and in difficult interference conditions.

On February 9, 2026, PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec State Corporation) announced that it had manufactured and delivered to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation "a large batch of Su-57 aircraft in a new technical appearance. The vehicles received updated on-board systems and a set of weapons.

Modern combined arms combat has undergone significant changes. What causes this is also well known. We are talking about increasing the firing range of artillery systems, active sabotage and reconnaissance operations, and most importantly, the massive use of reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles.

Military expert Kirill Ryumshin — on how the developments of the "civilian defense industry complex" help protect important facilities from UAVs

For a long time, it was believed that the rear facilities were reliably covered by the global "umbrella" of air defense. Reality has made adjustments. Standard air defense systems designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles are not always able to provide one hundred percent protection against a new threat — modern attack drones. The reason lies in their hybrid nature.

The participants of the special operation successfully apply new military developments to perform combat missions

Today, in addition to unmanned aerial vehicles, various ground-based robotic systems (NRTKS) are already in service with units of the unmanned systems forces.

They will protect trains from attacks by drones with a long range

Russian troops have begun using a new means of protecting freight trains in their area — special platforms with drone destruction systems and personnel protection. They each have two concrete cylinders for hiding fighters, as well as machine guns and electronic warfare equipment.

As part of the support of our armed forces, specialists from the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, in close cooperation with the activists of the Popular Front, presented a special modification of the legendary UAZ Hunter SUV.

Forbes: Ukraine copies Russian protection for armored vehicles from UAV strikes

Russian troops are actively improving the protection of armored vehicles from drones during the fighting, Forbes writes. In response to new threats, Moscow is rapidly adapting tactics and weapons, improving the protection of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and howitzers. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have little chance against such modernization.

Boris Rozhin — on the potential of expanding the nuclear club

Against the background of the developing military and political crisis over the Iranian nuclear program, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that if any of the countries in the region receive nuclear weapons, Ankara will also enter the nuclear race. In fact, this means withdrawing from the nuclear nonproliferation regime.