Russia and China are rapidly developing capabilities that could challenge the long-standing American lead in space, with recent advances in satellite constellations and reusable rockets highlighting the accelerating competition. The Washington Post recently pointed to two developments in particular: Russia’s rapid deployment of its Rassvet low-Earth-orbit satellite network and China’s successful recovery of the first stage of its Zhuque-3 reusable rocket. Both developments address capabilities that have become central to America’s increasingly commercialised space architecture.
Author: Michael
A senior Norwegian commander has warned that Western societies are fundamentally unprepared for a prolonged conflict on the scale and intensity of the war in Ukraine. Brigadier Atle Molde, who commands the Norway-led Task Force Legio responsible for training Ukrainian military personnel, recently warned: “We are not prepared. No Western country’s prepared.” He described avoiding a prolonged war of attrition as one of the most important lessons Norway and other Western countries should draw from Ukraine.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force has demonstrated the growing maturity of its Z-20K medium utility helicopter during the latest China-Belarus Swift Eagle 2026 joint training exercises, with footage released by the service showing the aircraft conducting troop rappelling operations, The exercises have highlighted the Z-20’s expanding role in air assault and counter-terrorism missions.
Iran looks to be reasserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian forces turning around an oil tanker attempting to use the U.S.-backed southern shipping corridor on Wednesday – just as Washington signals that it has no immediate intention to resume military strikes against Iran.
The incident, which involved the HAANA, an Indian-managed tanker, comes only a day after Iran and Oman announced that they had made progress toward agreeing on a new temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
A U.S.
Early on Wednesday, Ukraine struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries amid its ongoing campaign against the fuel infrastructure supporting its war on Kyiv.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, its forces struck the Lukoil-owned NORSI refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, overnight on August 26, causing a huge fire.
The Romanian Army’s 74th Patriot Regiment conducted the country’s first PATRIOT missile system live-fire exercise at the Capu Midia test firing range in Romania Nov. 14-15, 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed three classified decrees this week, just as CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a highly unusual trip to Moscow. Even after the U.S. official returned from Russia, the purpose of the trip remains a mystery.
Ratcliffe remained in Moscow for roughly eight hours, and the Kremlin confirmed that he met with Russian intelligence officials. U.S. President Donald Trump also acknowledged the visit but rejected some of the most dramatic theories about why he was there.
Putin Back in 2009. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Russian President Putin.
Following confirmation on August 23 that Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighters had engaged in medium- and close-range air combat training with Egyptian Rafale fighters as part of Eagles of Civilisation 2026 exercises, it was reported the following day that Chief of the French Armed Forces General Staff, arrived in Cairo at the head of a high-level military delegation.
Ukraine, in recent weeks, has been striking both warehouses belonging to Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries, as well as Russia’s oil infrastructure.
On Wednesday, it hit both.
Putin Back in 2023.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has stated that a government committee has prepared a draft agreement covering the acquisition of J-10C fighters and attack helicopters, with the proposal moving through government approval processes. The exact number of aircraft, contract value and delivery schedule have not yet been publicly confirmed, although previous reports have suggested a possible requirement for up to 24 aircraft.
The world’s first hypersonic glide vehicle capable of air-to-air engagements is reportedly currently under development in China, and is expected to extend China’s ability to attack high value support aircraft and bombers at unprecedented ranges and with a minimal warning time. This will build on the advantages provided by the PL-17 air-to-air missile, which is currently the longest ranged in the world, with hypersonic glide vehicles having significant advantages in terms of speed, flight performance, and efficiency.