RT. © Sputnik / Mikhail Woskresenski; Vitaly Ankow; Evgeny Bijatov
In 2026, the Russian military-industrial complex is to introduce a fresh wave of weapons systems in almost all field of warfare. A number of long-term projects are expected to scope key test stages or enter service, while others will appear in updated configurations based on fresh operational experience. Together, these changes give a useful image of the direction Russian military technology is heading in in the close future.
RT provides an overview of the major platforms and systems that are likely to specify the next phase of the modernisation of the Russian Armed Forces – from strategical missiles and submarines to air defence systems, combat aircraft and unmanned technologies. These programmes reflect a consistent focus on survival, automation and asymmetric advantage, as well as a clear intention to rapidly integrate fresh solutions in active service.
In this light, the improvement expected in 2026 is best understood not as speculative prototypes, but as applicable improvements intended for immediate usage by Russian strategical forces, navy, air force, and land troops.
Fifth generation aircraft: Su-75 Checkmate
The first flight of the fresh single-seat, single-engined supersonic fighter of the 5th generation, known as Su-75 Checkmate, is expected in 2026. The model was first presented at the MAKS Air Fair in August 2021. After construction, the aircraft prepares for test flights.
Su-75 has large export possible and is simply a very desirable complement to the Russian Air Force fleet. This plane will replace MiG-29. On the global market, it will compete with modern 4++-generation aircraft specified as F-16 and others.
The Su-75 was designed for safety, maneuverability and supersonic speed. Its versatility makes it suitable for both air combat and strike missions. It will be the first single-engine jet fighter built in Russia. Fighters of this class (i.e. MiG-21 and MiG-23) were produced in the russian Union and for many years were the backbone of the russian hunting front line.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. A prototype fighter of the 5th generation Checkmate at the MAKS-2021 air show, Żukowski, Moscow Region, Russia. © Sputnik/Alexey Nikolsky
Strategic underwater deterrence: task 09851 Chabarovsk
Chabarovsk, the fresh atomic submarine task 09851, built by Sieverodwińsk's Sieverodwińsk company, is expected to launch naval trials in 2026.
Chabarovsk is not an average submarine – it will service as the main carrier of unmanned submarines (UUV) with the atomic propulsion Poseidon, which are already in the investigating phase. Currently, a Bielgorod submarine takes part in the tests, but Chabarovsk will be the main carrier of UUV. Six launchers of unmanned Poseidon submarine systems will be installed on the bow of the ship. The ship may besides be equipped with torpedo weapons for self-defense.
Technical solutions for submarine construction Chabarovsk is based on solutions developed for another strategical Russian submarine – the Borej-A project. This guarantees successful completion, investigating and acceptance of the ship with a unique Poseidon strategy for the Russian Navy.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. The ceremony of boarding the atomic submarine Chabarovsk at the Sieverodwińsk shipyard in Russia. © Sputnik/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
New generation intercontinental missiles: Replacement of Topol-M
This year we can besides anticipate investigating fresh intercontinental solid fuel ballistic missiles (ICBM). From 2026 to 2027 they could replace the Topol-M missiles deployed in the late 1990s. Both versions of missiles fired from silos and mobile launchers will most likely be tested.
Although the detailed capabilities of these fresh missiles stay unknown, it can reasonably be assumed that they will be utilizing more advanced solid fuel technology and possibly equipped with guided hypersonic heads alternatively of conventional ballistic heads. Unlike the Awangard rocket charges, these warheads may constitute the second generation of hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
Sarmat: Flag ship of Russian atomic forces
The dense intercontinental Sarmat ballistic missile, powered by liquid fuel, is expected to enter the final phase of the flight test program. After its completion, the rocket will be officially admitted to service and deployed in Russian strategical Rocket Forces based in Uzur. Sarmat will replace the older intercontinental ballistic rocket of the Provincial, developed in the late 1980s.
In terms of energy potential, Sarmat surpasses the Voivode and all another intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world; it will likely carry multiple cargo options, including at least 10-14 conventional ballistic warheads or respective hypersonic sliding heads of the Product 4202 class, utilized in the Avantgard system. His combat capabilities will make Sarmat a flagship of Russian atomic deterrence forces.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. Launching an intercontinental ballistic Sarmat rocket from the Plesieck Cosmodrome in Russia. © Sputnik/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
Hypersonic impact at sea: Circus and Jasien-M fleet
The ballistic rocket launched from the air was proven in the Russian military operation in Ukraine, and its production is expected to increase in 2026. I'm certain there's work on upgrading these missiles. Atomic submarine K-572 Perm plan Jasien-M 885M, which is presently undergoing trials and is scheduled to enter service in 2026, will be equipped with fresh Cyril missiles.
This ship will be the first operational platform to carry a submarine version of the Cyclone missile. All current Jasien-M-class submarines will besides be equipped with these missiles. In the end, earlier models of Jasien class ships will besides be upgraded; this will importantly strengthen the capabilities of the Russian Navy in the field of anti-ship and anti-aircraft defense.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. Launching a hypersonic manoeuvring rocket from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov in the Barents Sea. ©
Sputnik/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
Admiral Nachimov: Restoring the conflict Capability of dense Ships
In 2026 a dense nuclear-powered rocket cruiser Admiral Nachimov will proceed his sea trials, possibly even complete them. We can anticipate demonstrations of his ability to launch hypersonic Cylon missiles along with another weapons systems.
Once full operational, Admiral Nachimov is expected to become the most powerful warship of the Russian Navy and 1 of the most heavy armed submarines in the world.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. rocket cruiser Admiral Nachimov with atomic propulsion at the Sevmash shipyard in Russia. © Sputnik/Alexey Kudenko
Strategic air and rocket defense: S-500 Prometheus
The deployment of the S-500 Prometheus rocket strategy will proceed this year. It is presently the state-of-the-art Russian rocket defence system, capable of combating virtually all threat from ballistic missiles.
These unique systems are expected to be deployed in high-risk areas and close critical facilities that require robust protection against air strikes or threats at close range.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. Air defence rocket strategy S-500 during investigating at the camp
Cabbage Jar in Russia. © Sputnik/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
Combating drone threats: FPV interceptors and artificial intelligence systems
Several types of interception drones are developed for Russian land forces. These drones are to defend against enemy FPV drones on the front line. The creation of FPV interceptors utilizing artificial intelligence in control systems will guarantee effective detection and guaranteed control of enemy kamikaze drones.
Importantly, the cost of this solution should be importantly lower than the cost of projectiles for air defence systems. This urgent challenge can be solved by implementing advanced digital systems for mass production of drones.
Ground robotics and improvement of unmanned formations
New types of ground drones are besides being developed. In 2025, we observed a crucial increase in the usage of ground robots in the Russian military operations area. This trend is expected to proceed in 2026, with the deployment of fresh drones, including fire stations drones, drones with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), mobile autonomous FPV drone transporters, and drones intended to transport injured and ammunition.
Wherever it is possible to usage wheeled or caterpillar ground robots, they are expected to become an integral part of military operations. The foundations for this process have already been laid. In 2026 we anticipate to complete the creation of a fresh kind of Russian Armed Forces dedicated to unmanned systems. Although this is peculiarly useful for land forces, the benefits of these changes will besides be enjoyed by the Navy and the Air Force.
Modern artillery for land troops: Coalition-SW
Land troops are expecting fresh self-propelled Haubic 152 mm Coalition-SW. These systems are characterized not only by advanced electronics, but besides by a fresh artillery platform comparable to the best Western counterparts.
It is rather possible that the Coalition will be adapted on a wheel chassis, akin to the chassis of the Malwa and Giacint-K self-propelled artillery systems.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO. Self-propelled Haubica Coalition-SW and armored transporter BTR-82A during the rehearsal of the triumph Day parade, Moscow Region, Russia. © Sputnik/Vadim Savitsky
Perspectives
Overall, the improvement expected in 2026 is more than gradual modernisation – it reflects the coherent evolution of the Russian armed forces in all areas. From strategical atomic missiles and submarines, to advanced air defense, combat aircraft and unmanned systems, emphasis is placed on survival, automation and operational versatility.
These systems are not theoretical or experimental: they are integrated into service-ready units ready to transform the possible of Russian strategic, naval, air and land forces. For global safety observers, the year 2026 offers a clear image of the modernization of the Russian army not by the specified numbers, but by the careful deployment of technologically advanced, asymmetrical and highly adaptable fighting tools.
In short, this year sets the key phase of the transformation of the Russian military-industrial complex – a phase in which modernisation and combat readiness converge, and each fresh strategy contributes to increased resilience and efficiency of defence.
Written by Dmitri Korniew, military expert, founder and author of the MilitaryRussia project
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/russia/630864-russia-military-2026-outlook/
