Defense Tech Monthly – July 2025 Edition

This paper documents the main threats, technological and operational developments in Ukraine’s defense during July 2025:

New Capabilities of Shahed Drones:

• — Thermal imaging systems and Nvidia Jetson processors in recovered Shahed drones.

• — Features such as enhanced onboard sensing, computer vision, autonomous target recognition, and swarm coordination potential.

• — Early signs of mesh-network communication indicate greater adaptability and operational complexity.

Early insights into Laser Technologies:

• — The capabilities and limitations of lasers in military use.

Naval Warfare Innovations:

• — Operational deployment of the Ursula (river drone) for maritime strike missions

• — Multi-drone boat campaign that limits Russia's Black Sea Fleet movements

Deep-Strike UAV Operations:

• — Ukraine has built on its number of long-range drone attacks in July

• — Ukraine's drone campaign shifts to target the broader industrial base.

Cyber:

• — Ukraine carries out multiple major cyberattacks on Russian systems

Satellite Communication:

• — Addresses vulnerabilities shown by the recent Starlink disruption and outlines steps toward establishing backup connectivity solutions.

Defense Tech Investment:

• — Insights into recent foreign defense tech investments.