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Defense news — August 19, 2026

Publications tagged with Defense published on August 19, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive.

9 publications

  3. PoliticsDefenseIntelligenceCounterterrorism

    Russia Enhances Drone Defense Amid Ukraine's Aggressive Drone Strikes

    Russia has significantly bolstered its drone defense capabilities in response to Ukraine's escalating drone attacks. The Russian military has reported shooting down a record number of drones in a single day, indicating the intensity of Ukrainian drone warfare. Russia's air defense system now includes new towers equipped with 'Pantsir-S1M' short-range air defense systems and compact surface-to-air missiles like 'Gvozd', specifically designed to counter drones. Experts suggest that Russia's multi-layered air defense strategy, prioritizing threats, has made it an air defense superpower.
    16 sourcesSee all sources
  5. PoliticsMiddle EastConflictDefense

    Ukraine Appoints Yevhen Khmara as New Defense Minister

    Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has appointed Yevhen Khmara as the new Minister of Defense. Khmara, a Major General and career SBU officer, previously headed the SBU's Special Operations Centre 'A' and served as acting head of the agency. He is known for his proponent of an asymmetric approach to warfare and involvement in daring operations. His appointment comes after the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov in July. Khmara's nomination faced protests due to his past actions, including alleged involvement in terrorist acts on Russian territory.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  6. PoliticsMiddle EastDefenseBorder Security

    Strike on Russian Rocket and Space Complex 'Progress' in Samara

    On August 15, 2026, the rocket and space complex 'Progress' in Samara, Russia, was struck by missiles. The attack hit the production shop for assembling engines for 'Soyuz' type launch vehicles and the shop for servicing aviation equipment of the 'Aviakor - Aviation Plant'. A fire covering an area of about 5,000 m² was recorded. The complex is a key enterprise in the Russian rocket and space industry, producing 'Soyuz' launch vehicles used for launching satellites into orbit and deploying Russian satellite communication groups in the interests of the Russian army. The strike significantly reduces Russia's military-technological capabilities.
    17 sourcesSee all sources
  8. WorldMiddle EastDefense

    Japan's Record Defense Spending in 2027

    Japan's defense ministry plans to request a record 8.9 trillion yen (around $56 billion) for the 2027 fiscal year, potentially reaching around 10 trillion yen, according to Kyodo News sources. This marks the 14th consecutive year of increase, accelerating after the adoption of new security documents in late 2022. The budget includes numerous unspecified items, suggesting a final budget higher than the initial request. The increased spending is part of Japan's ongoing military buildup, which includes developing hypersonic missiles, unmanned submarines, and long-range attack drones.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  9. WorldMiddle EastBudgetCommoditiesDefense

    Russia Earns Billions from Iran War

    Russia has earned approximately $30 billion due to the war in Iran, primarily from increased oil and commodity exports. The surge in global commodity prices, driven by reduced supplies from the Middle East, significantly boosted Russia's export revenues in the second quarter of 2023. The Kremlin has benefited from increased demand for Russian energy resources, with oil exports being a key factor.
    10 sourcesSee all sources