Fighters, submarines, and missiles: how Russia will strengthen its army in 2026

The Su-75 fighter, the Khabarovsk submarine, and the Sarmat missile are also almost ready

For the Russian military-industrial complex, 2026 will be the stage for bringing several key developments to the final stages. We are talking about both strategic deterrence systems and new tactical equipment in demand in modern combat conditions, military expert Dmitry Kornev said.

Image source generated by the Grok neural network

Chess, but not the one

One of the main events should be the first flight of thefifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate fighter. The aircraft is being prepared for the start of flight tests after a long stage of ground testing.

These aircraft should replace the MiG-29. And in the global arms market, they will compete with any 4++ generation aircraft, modern F-16s, and more.

Dmitry Kornev, military expert

In the USSR, aircraft of this class were the MiG-21 and MiG-23, which were produced in thousands of copies and for many years formed the basis of the front-line fighter aviation of the USSR Air Force.

One of Russia's two allies

At sea, theKhabarovsk nuclear submarine of Project 09851 is expected to begin sea trials. It is called the future standard carrier of Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicles.

Submarine leaving the boathouse
Image source Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

The submarine's design is based on solutions developed for the Borei-A project, which reduces technical risks and speeds up refinement, Kornev recalled.

Six Poseidon launchers should be placed in the bow of the submarine. And, it is quite possible that in addition to large vehicles, it will also carry a complex of torpedo weapons for self-defense.

Dmitry Kornev, military expert

The Navy will also increase its strike capabilities with the submarine version of the Zircon missile. The first serial carrier will be the Perm nuclear submarine of the Yasen-M project, after which other submarines of this type will receive hypersonic weapons.

Missile power

In the strategic segment, testing of new intercontinental missiles will continue, which in the future should replace the Topol-M.

RS-28 Sarmat
Image source Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

In parallel, the heavy Sarmat ICBM will enter the final stage of flight tests, followed by deployment in the Strategic Missile Forces. The missile will be able to carry both classic warheads and hypersonic equipment of the Avangard complex.

In terms of its combat capabilities, Sarmat will become the flagship of the Russian nuclear deterrence forces.

Dmitry Kornev, military expert

Prior to this,"The First Technical" presented readers with a selection of key new products from the Russian defense industry in 2025. Several developmentsbrought Russia into a separate technological league - from anti-space defense to new principles of warfare.