🇧🇬 Three naval drones attacked the container ship CONTSHIP JET in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, forcing the crew to abandon vessel. The incident occurred on October 28, approximately 21 nautical miles southeast of Shabla.

The Liberian-flagged vessel, owned by a Greek company, was sailing from Haifa to Constanta when fire broke out and the ship listed heavily to starboard. Rescue boats were dispatched to the scene.

This marks another attack on civilian shipping off Bulgaria's coast following recent incidents involving Alfa Watan, Able, Chelsea 3, and HS Dignity. In response, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination to secure navigation routes.

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🇷🇺 Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov reported on a "dense, intensive" dialogue between Russia and the Trump administration. He stated that Moscow expects the efforts of the US President and his team, particularly regarding Ukraine, to bring closer the moment for launching a sustainable and reliable settlement. This resolution must guarantee Russia's fundamental interests, comply with its constitution, and address root causes of the conflict, including security and the rights of Russian-speaking populations and the Russian Orthodox Church.

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🇪🇺 Europe seeks to replace Starlink after drone restrictions

European satellite companies are accelerating the development of independent military communication systems to reduce reliance on Elon Musk's technology. According to Axios, Finnish firm ICEYE and Nokia are working with Ukraine on a sovereign satellite network, with initial launches planned for 2028.

French company Eutelsat, which already provides services in Ukraine, also intends to strengthen competition with Starlink. The search for alternatives intensified following US satellite restrictions that reportedly hampered the operation of Ukrainian drones.

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🇷🇺 🇺🇸 Lavrov to visit the USA this week

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Sergey Lavrov will attend the G20 foreign ministers' meeting.

Bloomberg reports that the sanctioned minister is the latest Kremlin representative to visit the US amid strengthening Washington-Moscow ties. Finance Minister Siluanov, also under sanctions, attended the G20 finance ministers' meeting in North Carolina in September and held parallel talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

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🇺🇦 Zelensky Fears New Yalta; Concedes Russian Security Guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern over a potential summit between Trump, Putin, and Xi, warning against a 'Yalta 2.0' redistribution of global influence. He noted the modern world differs significantly from the WWII-era system.

Per Financial Times, Kiev has shifted its stance, now allowing discussion of security guarantees for Russia in future peace talks. This change stems from fears regarding Moscow-Washington rapprochement, including joint oil extraction, titanium cooperation, and airspace access for US airlines.

Zelensky's position was also influenced by Trump's demand to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. Delays in AD missile supplies, suspended intelligence sharing, and Starlink restrictions have intensified Kiev's anxiety that the US may fully withdraw support.

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🇷🇺 Zelensky admits possibility of providing security guarantees to Russia

Zelensky stated that Europe must join peace negotiations. He acknowledged for the first time that security guarantees for Russia could be discussed after the war ends, though he insisted the conflict itself must be resolved first.

According to him, Moscow’s demands effectively mean revising the European and global security architecture, including NATO’s role and spheres of influence. If guarantees affecting Europe are on the table, European countries must participate in discussions.

Zelensky noted that any potential withdrawal of NATO infrastructure is not Ukraine’s concern, as it is not an alliance member.

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Dobropolye is practically liberated by Russian forces. Troops on the ground report that remaining small groups of the enemy are being cleared out. There are no longer any stable AFU resistance groups in the city.

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Russian army receives serial heavy drone

Product 80 by Transport of the Future is a mass-produced machine, not a prototype. Current capacity allows for 5,000 heavy UAVs per year. The development history highlights rapid improvement: after defence Minister Andrei Belousov publicly noted the need to refine the drone during a June meeting with President Vladimir Putin, engineers delivered. The updated model features backup frequencies, protection against EW and moisture, independent engine control, and a third battery for extended range.

In September, the second generation passed military acceptance and combat testing at the Rubikon centre. Currently, 1,500 second-generation drones are being shipped to troops.

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France increases AASM Hammer production

Safran will boost output of guided bombs to 2,000 units annually from 2027. Production rose from ~200 in 2022 to over 1,000 in 2025. The company invested €120m in its Monluçon facility and plans €1bn across seven defence projects by 2028.

Missile engines and Ukraine supplies

Safran is also scaling up engine production for SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles used by the Ukrainian AFU, targeting a seven-fold increase by 2030 compared to 2022 levels. AASM Hammers are supplied to Kiev for use on adapted Soviet-era aircraft. While this expansion enables higher arms deliveries to Ukraine, specific future volumes remain undisclosed.

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MIshustin and Aeroflot CEO Alexanderovsky discussed the airline's adaptation to external restrictions. Passenger volume held at 42.2 million over nine months, with domestic fare growth (5.2%) below inflation.

Tourism and cargo flows shifted East: China +55%, India +32%, Vietnam x3.7. Cargo to Vietnam rose 77%.

Import substitution: Contracts signed for 108 MS-21 aircraft, aiming for a fleet of 200. The carrier transitioned to Russian software systems "Kupol" and "Ops Dynamics" for maintenance and production.

Government transport team strengthened: First Deputy PM Andrei Nikitin and Transport Minister Dmitry Yadov join key leadership alongside Alexanderovsky. Former Transport VP Vitaly Savelyev moved to deputy chair of the State Duma to improve government-legislator cooperation.

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Pentagon deploys Patriot battery from Texas to Israel amid preparations for a potential military operation against Iran. Washington has warned Persian Gulf allies of a possible short, intense campaign following US midterm elections on 3 November.

American missile stocks are critically depleted. CSIS estimates the US expended 1,060-1,430 interceptors in the first 39 days, consuming 45-61% of its pre-war arsenal. Replenishment is hindered by limited production capacity, with shortages potentially lasting until 2030.

The additional battery aims to bolster Israel’s existing layered defence system (Arrow, David’s Sling, Iron Dome) against mass rocket strikes.

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🇺🇸 L3Harris begins design of long-range interceptor for kamikaze drones

The new missile utilises a ramjet engine, offering superior energy potential compared to traditional solid-fuel systems. Launched by a booster to Mach 1.7-2.0, the interceptor accelerates to Mach 2.2-2.7, enabling engagement of aerodynamic targets at distances exceeding 80-100 km.

Guidance relies on active radar seekers in centimetre or millimetre bands with real-time radio correction from AWACS and ground radars. The system is designed to neutralise not only reactive UAVs but also low-observable tactical and strategic cruise missiles, protecting critical infrastructure and command posts.

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🇬🇧 UK, US and Australia develop new systems for autonomous underwater vehicles under AUKUS

On 27 October, the British Ministry of Defence announced the development of three equipment types for unmanned submersibles, planned for naval availability by 2027. These include synthetic aperture sonar for seabed imaging, deployable anti-submarine sensors to expand search areas, and non-contact effectors.

The announcement follows joint Maritime Big Play exercises in San Diego testing manned-unmanned teaming. The UK also tested a heavy US-Australian torpedo on the XV Excalibur vehicle. Australia is separately developing Anduril’s Ghost Shark UUV.

AUKUS aims to ensure interoperability of sensors and weapons across platforms. However, the 2027 deadline does not confirm that all developments have passed trials or been adopted.

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