Dara Massicot

Dara Massicot

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Russia military analyst; defense industrial base and operational analysis.

Exiled General's Botched Air Ops Prompt Civilian Warnings
SocialMay 4, 2026

Exiled General's Botched Air Ops Prompt Civilian Warnings

media corroborations grow about this odd choice, a lackluster and exiled army general in charge of the Russian Air Force.Remember: it was Chaiko’s EMD units in Bucha and northern Ukraine that were so bad that other Russian forces were said...

By Dara Massicot
Russia's Closed Defense Innovation Collides with Oligarch Interests
SocialApr 29, 2026

Russia's Closed Defense Innovation Collides with Oligarch Interests

Interesting analysis below about how defense innovation is managed in a closed system, and the inevitable clash between operational requirements, and business/oligarch interests from colleagues @sambendett @KofmanMichael

By Dara Massicot
Iran, Hezbollah Likely Gaining FPV Drone Expertise From Russia
SocialApr 27, 2026

Iran, Hezbollah Likely Gaining FPV Drone Expertise From Russia

Flagging this as another sign of potential learning transfer between Russia/Iran/Hezbollah that have emerged this spring regarding FPVs from war in Ukraine. If Hezbollah is experimenting with it, then I assume Iran already has the capability. Must be factored into...

By Dara Massicot
Carnegie Launches “Future of Russian Power” Event
SocialApr 13, 2026

Carnegie Launches “Future of Russian Power” Event

I’m excited to share the news about our new initiative at Carnegie, The Future of Russian Power. Join us online for our inaugural event this Wednesday, 15 April with @amenka @KofmanMichael @eugene_rumer as we discuss upcoming economic, military, and...

By Dara Massicot
Demand Counter‑UAS Testing Before Deploying Troops
SocialMar 24, 2026

Demand Counter‑UAS Testing Before Deploying Troops

I’m choosing my words carefully here—I have concerns putting our troops into this sort of environment, without prior c-uas testing in a high density combat environment or more direct learning from the AFU. Please factor c-UAS into these deliberations....

By Dara Massicot
C‑RAM Success, but Fear Iranian Shaheds Get Geran Tech
SocialMar 20, 2026

C‑RAM Success, but Fear Iranian Shaheds Get Geran Tech

Good work by the C-RAM teams, but let’s hope that Iranian Shaheds do not get upgraded Russian Gerans (and the tech goes along with them), which skim rooftops or maneuver between buildings like they do against Kyiv.

By Dara Massicot
Eleven Nations Seek Ukraine's Aid Against Shahed Drones
SocialMar 12, 2026

Eleven Nations Seek Ukraine's Aid Against Shahed Drones

Interesting interview with Oleksandr Kamyshin. He says 11 countries in the Middle East, Europe, and U.S.A have requested official assistance for Shaheds recently. Also Ukraine offered last year.

By Dara Massicot
Russia Confirms Sharing UAV Tactics with Iran
SocialMar 11, 2026

Russia Confirms Sharing UAV Tactics with Iran

Good thread from Nicole below on reports that Russia is sharing specific tactics with Iran. I agree, this would not be surprising to me at all. The community of learning between Russia, Iran, China, and DPRK is active...

By Dara Massicot
Russia Expands Geran Drone Factory, Adds Robust Site Defenses
SocialMar 10, 2026

Russia Expands Geran Drone Factory, Adds Robust Site Defenses

Interesting report from CSIS on the expansion of Russia’s UAV factory that manufactures Geran drones (Shahed) over time. Noting some of the site protection mechanisms as well.

By Dara Massicot
Ukraine Deploys Drone Experts to Guard U.S. Bases in Jordan
SocialMar 9, 2026

Ukraine Deploys Drone Experts to Guard U.S. Bases in Jordan

Ukraine Sent Drone Experts to Protect U.S. Bases in Jordan, Zelensky Says - The New York Times https://t.co/Kyzi5X5UXK

By Dara Massicot
Force Still Fails to Institutionalize Ukraine War Lessons
SocialMar 3, 2026

Force Still Fails to Institutionalize Ukraine War Lessons

Thank you @ChristopherJM for highlighting our piece. It’s painful to see that we are not institutionalizing available and relevant lessons and expertise from the war in Ukraine, across the force. We’ve made some great additions (LUCAS, APKWS II),...

By Dara Massicot
U.S. Needs More Point Defenses; Ukraine Offers Expertise
SocialMar 3, 2026

U.S. Needs More Point Defenses; Ukraine Offers Expertise

The U.S. military and partners need additional point defenses at key facilities to complete its layered defenses against Shahed drones. Ukraine has this expertise. My initial thoughts with ⁦@SteveJFeldstein⁩ ⁦@CarnegieEndow⁩ https://t.co/sxlcR09D9V

By Dara Massicot
Military Must Rapidly Adopt Ukraine’s Defensive Lessons
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Military Must Rapidly Adopt Ukraine’s Defensive Lessons

Watching our military operate, no one can doubt our offensive operational excellence. But what I see against our bases today, and risks we accepted before today, our military must do more ASAP to institutionalize defensive lessons from Ukraine and experienced...

By Dara Massicot
Russia’s Self‑inflicted Wars Sow Generational Military Decay
SocialFeb 24, 2026

Russia’s Self‑inflicted Wars Sow Generational Military Decay

Four years ago: Russian personnel fumbles then and it’s only grown worse over time. The violence they commit against their own will ricochet through the Russian military for another generation to come, as it did from their wars in...

By Dara Massicot