https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=celKaz4Fejw

2026 is shaping up to be a decisive year for Ukraine on the battlefield as well as in diplomacy, so the big question is: what can we expect from season 5 of the Ukraine war? 

0:00 What to Expect in 2026?
4:29 War vs Diplomacy
8:34 Summary of operations in 2025
12:45 Russia’s battle plan for 2026
18:34 Ukraine’s perspective
21:25 How the Ukrainian Army should change in 2026?
25:58 Robotization of Armed Forces of Ukraine

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Russia is turning its military into a high-tech arsenal – here’s what’s next
From nuclear-powered subs to AI-powered drones, these upgrades are set to transform Russia’s battlefield reach

In 2026, Russia’s military-industrial complex is set to introduce a new wave of weapons systems across nearly every domain of warfare. A number of long-running projects are expected to reach key testing stages or enter service, while others will appear in updated configurations shaped by recent operational experience. Together, these developments offer a useful snapshot of where Russian military technology is headed in the near term.

RT provides an overview of the most significant platforms and systems that are likely to define the next stage of modernization for Russia’s armed forces – from strategic missiles and submarines to air defense systems, combat aircraft, and unmanned technologies. These programs reflect a consistent focus on survivability, automation, and asymmetric advantage, as well as a clear intent to integrate new solutions rapidly into active service.

Seen in this light, the developments expected in 2026 are best understood not as speculative prototypes, but as practical upgrades intended for immediate use by Russia’s strategic forces, navy, air force, and ground troops.

The first flight of the new single-seat, single-engine supersonic fifth-generation fighter, known as the Su-75 Checkmate, is expected in 2026. The mock-up was first unveiled at the MAKS Air Show in August 2021. Following construction, the aircraft is preparing for test flights.

The Su-75 holds tremendous export potential and is a highly sought-after addition to the Russian Air Force’s frontline fleet. This aircraft will replace the MiG-29. In the global market, it will compete with contemporary 4++ generation aircraft like the F-16 and others.

The Su-75 is designed to be stealthy, maneuverable, and supersonic. Its versatility makes it suitable for both air-to-air combat and strike missions. This will be the first single-engine jet fighter built in Russia. Fighters of this class (i.e. MiG-21s and MiG-23s) were produced in the Soviet Union and formed the backbone of the USSR’s frontline fighter aircraft for many years. 

The Khabarovsk, a new Project 09851 nuclear-powered submarine constructed by the Sevmash company in Severodvinsk, is expected to begin sea trials in 2026.

The Khabarovsk is no usual submarine – it will serve as the main carrier of Poseidon nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) which are already undergoing testing. Currently, the submarine Belgorod is involved in these tests, but the Khabarovsk will serve as the primary carrier of the UUVs. Six launchers for Poseidon UUVs will be installed in the bow of the submarine, and it can also be equipped with torpedo weapons for self-defense.

The technical solutions used in the construction of the Khabarovsk submarine draw on the developments for another strategic Russian submarine – the Borei-A project. This ensures the successful completion, testing, and adoption of the submarine with the unique Poseidon system into the Russian Navy. 

This year, we can also expect test launches of new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In 2026-2027, they could begin to replace Topol-M missiles deployed in the late 1990s. Both silo-based and mobile-launched missile versions are likely to be tested.

While the specific capabilities of these new missiles remain unknown, it is reasonable to assume they will utilize more advanced solid propellant technology and potentially feature guided hypersonic warheads instead of traditional ballistic warheads. Unlike the payloads of Avangard missiles, these warheads could represent a second generation of ICBM hypersonic equipment.

The heavy liquid-fueled Sarmat ICBM is set to enter the final phase of its flight testing program. Once this stage is complete, the missile will be officially adopted into service and deployed within Russia’s Strategic Rocket Forces division based in Uzhur. Sarmat will replace the older Voevoda ICBM which was developed in the late 1980s.

In terms of energy capabilities, Sarmat surpasses the Voevoda and any other ICBM worldwide; it will likely carry multiple payload options, including at least 10-14 conventional ballistic warheads or several Product 4202-class hypersonic gliding warheads utilized in the Avangard system. Its combat capabilities will make Sarmat the flagship of Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces.

The Zircon air-launched ballistic missile has proven itself in the Russian military operation in Ukraine, and production is expected to ramp up in 2026. Efforts are certainly underway to modernize these missiles. The K-572 Perm nuclear submarine of the Yasen-M 885M project, which is currently undergoing trials and is expected to enter service in 2026, will be equipped with new Zircon missiles.

This submarine will be the first operational platform to carry the underwater-launch variant of the Zircon missile. All Yasen-M class submarines that are currently under construction will also be supplied with these missiles. Eventually, earlier models of the Yasen class will be upgraded as well; this will significantly enhance the anti-ship and anti-aircraft capabilities of the Russian Navy.

In 2026, the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov will continue sea trials and could even complete them. We can expect demonstrations of its capability to launch Zircon hypersonic missiles alongside other weapon systems. 

Once fully operational, Admiral Nakhimov is set to become the most powerful warship in the Russian Navy and one of the most heavily armed surface combatants in the world.

Deployment of the S-500 Prometheus missile system will continue this year. Currently, this is Russia’s most advanced anti-ballistic missile system, capable of countering virtually any ballistic missile threat.

These unique systems are expected to be positioned in high-risk areas and near critical sites that require robust protection against aerial attacks or threats from near space

Several types of intercept drones are being developed for the Russian Ground Forces. These drones are designed to protect against enemy FPV drones along the front lines. The creation of FPV interceptors utilizing AI in their control systems will ensure effective detection and guaranteed engagement of enemy kamikaze drones.

Importantly, the cost of this solution should be significantly lower than that of missiles for air defense systems. This urgent challenge can be addressed through the implementation of advanced digital systems in the mass production of drones. 

New types of ground drones are also being developed. Throughout 2025, we observed a significant increase in the use of ground robots in the zone of Russian military operation. This trend is set to continue in 2026, with various new drones being deployed, including firing point drones, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) drones, mobile autonomous carriers for FPV drones, and drones designed for transporting injured personnel and ammunition.

Wherever wheeled or tracked ground robots can be utilized, they are expected to become integral to military operations. The groundwork for this has already been laid. In 2026, we expect the completion of the establishment of a new branch of the Russian Armed Forces dedicated to unmanned systems. While this is particularly useful for the ground forces, the navy and air force will also benefit from these developments. 

Ground troops anticipate the arrival of new Koalitsiya-SV 152mm self-propelled howitzers. These systems feature not only advanced electronics but also a new artillery platform comparable to the best Western analogues.

It’s quite possible that the Koalitsiya will be adapted to a wheeled chassis similar to that of the Malva and Giatsint-K self-propelled artillery systems. 

Taken together, the developments expected throughout 2026 demonstrate more than incremental upgrades – they reflect a coherent evolution of Russia’s armed forces across all domains. From strategic missiles and nuclear-powered submarines to advanced air defense, combat aircraft, and unmanned systems, the emphasis is on survivability, automation, and operational versatility.

These systems are not theoretical or experimental: They are being integrated into service-ready units, ready to reshape the capabilities of Russia’s strategic, naval, air, and ground forces. For observers of global security, 2026 offers a clear view of how the Russian military is modernizing not through sheer numbers, but through the careful deployment of technologically sophisticated, asymmetric, and highly adaptable tools of warfare.

In short, this year marks a critical phase in the transformation of the Russian military-industrial complex – a phase in which modernization and readiness converge, and where every new system contributes to a more resilient and capable defense posture.

https://www.rt.com/russia/630864-russia-military-2026-outlook/

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AND MORE GLIDE BOMBS....

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YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT — SINCE 2005.

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

MAKE A DEAL PRONTO BEFORE THE SHIT (WW3) HITS THE FAN............................

There are clear indications that US President Donald Trump remains committed to mediating a peace deal with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, but the challenge lies with his hawkish senior cabinet advisers, EMP Task Force scholar and former Pentagon officer David Pyne tells Sputnik.

They "keep telling him that no peace deal can be agreed to without Ukraine’s approval and that is simply not the case," Pyne says.

Similar dynamics were playing out in the Venezuela operation, which run counter to the US president’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace, as outlined in his 2025 National Security Strategy, according to the pundit.

While Trump’s focus on the Western Hemisphere aligns with a broader sphere-of-influence approach, assertive military actions are counterproductive, Pyne argues.

Earlier, Trump didn't rule out in an interview with Fox News that the US operation in Venezuela may have been influenced by personal political motives and linked to the position of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a descendant of Cuban immigrants. Cuba and Venezuela have long been closely linked by political, economic, and strategic ties.

The former Pentagon officer has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “Yalta 2.0”—a term describing a new, stable world order based on a balance of interests and spheres of influence. Pyne believes that the overall global trend is moving in this direction.

Following the seizure of an oil tanker Marinera, the US released two Russian citizens from the crew at Russia's request. "We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the US leadership," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, commenting on the matter.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20260112/trump-remains-focused-on-talks-with-russia-in-line-with-new-security-doctrine--ex-pentagon-officer--1123454553.html

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GUS: HUMOUR TRUMP BY EXPRESSING YOUR GRATITUDE — BUT PLEASE DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF WHAT TRUMP SAYS... HE IS WORSE THAN A MILLION GROSS OF RATTLE SNAKES IN A PRAIRIE OF STINGING NETTLES...

READ FROM TOP.

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT — SINCE 2005.

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.