Strategic Alliance: The Flow of Chinese Technology to Russia

In the face of stringent Western sanctions, Russia’s importation of sensitive, dual-use goods from China surged by more than 40% to over $5.2 billion in 2023. These Chinese components are integral to Russia’s defense industrial base, fueling the production of long-range armaments, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and electronic warfare (EW) systems. These systems empower Russian forces to launch effective and often indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilian and military targets, while simultaneously bolstering defensive capabilities for Russia’s invasion.
Exposing Russian Coordinated Inauthentic Online Behavior through GEOINT

At GEOINT 2024, Steven Sheffield delivered a lightning talk where he discussed a specific disinformation campaign orchestrated by Russia, discovered through a partnership between 3GIMBALS and Clemson University. As a seasoned intelligence professional, Steven brings extensive experience in both military and private sector intelligence operations, providing unique insights into the evolving landscape of disinformation threats.
Integrating GEOINT into Cyber Intelligence Investigations

At GEOINT 2024, Rob Falcon delivered a lightning talk where he discussed the integration of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) into cyber intelligence investigations. As the Lead Cyber Analyst at 3GIMBALS, Rob brings a wealth of experience from both military and private sector backgrounds, offering unique insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Navigating Troubled Waters: China’s Maritime Aggression in the Asia-Pacific

Amid the ebb and flow of geopolitical currents in the Asia-Pacific, China’s maritime conduct continues to stir deepening tension. The nation’s far-reaching territorial claims, symbolized by its “nine-dash line,” have catalyzed a series of bold maneuvers across the South China Sea. The creation and fortification of artificial islands, the routine dispatch of naval patrols, and confrontations at sea remain hallmarks of China’s growing maritime footprint, directly challenging the sovereignty of nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, while casting a shadow over the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight that anchor global commerce.
From Cyber Attacks to Missile Barrages: Russia’s Evolving Ukraine Strategy

Last winter, Russia attempted to break the will of the Ukrainian people to force a peace settlement through widespread attacks against Ukraine’s energy sector. Having failed, and in the face of an increasingly advanced Ukrainian air defense posture, Moscow likely shifted tactics.
On 29 December 2023, Russia launched the largest barrage of missiles and drones against key cities across Ukraine since the start of the war. Similar large-scale attacks have continued into 2024. These barrages have primarily targeted the front line, striking energy infrastructure with far less frequency than in 2023.
North Korea-Russia Technology Deal Could Mark a Significant Shift in Global Balance of Power

North Korea’s successful satellite launch and advanced weapons tests suggest an emergent technology sharing alliance with Russia. Following Kim Jong Un’s September 2023 meeting with Vladimir Putin, North Korea announced its first spy satellite launch and fielded new solid-fueled ballistic missiles and a nuclear underwater drone. The timing implies a reciprocal deal exchanging North Korean weapons for Russian technical aid. This burgeoning partnership marked by quid pro quo arrangements signals a tectonic shift toward a multipolar order, as Russia and North Korea cooperate to improve weapons capabilities threatening the US and allies. With global conflicts stretching Western resources, informed decision-making is critical. Contact 3GIMBALS to learn how our OMEN solution provides the intelligence needed to remain a step ahead.
Logistical Shift: How New Rail Routes Will Transform Russia’s Ukraine Campaign

3GIMBALS’ OMENTM analysis identified new rail construction in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories (TOT). When complete, these railroad logistics routes will provide Russian military forces direct and secure logistics options with greater flexibility to transport ammunition, armor, fuel, and personnel. The location of these rail lines will diversify Russian military movement options away from the forward line of troops and vulnerable chokepoints, such as the Kerch Bridge directly connecting Russia to Crimea. Since Russia relies heavily on rail for logistics, this infrastructure project could have significant impacts on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and long-term plans for the region.
Regional Instability Modeling & Migration Analysis: Adding Structure to a Complex Mission

The number of migrants approaching borders around the world remains at record levels. Throughout Eastern Europe, Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia—economic hardship, political unrest, violence, and changing climates drive people to leave home. Drought and storms devastate agricultural productivity, impacting food and water security. Poverty, economic decline, and lack of institutional governance create space for corruption, gangs, organized crime, and extremist influence.
Russian Adversarial Electronic Warfare and Analytic Response

Immediately following Russia’s failed blitz invasion into Ukraine in early February 2022, Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones used by Ukraine gained notoriety in the press for successful exploits against Russian armor and heavy equipment. In contrast, the relatively slow-moving months following the onset of the war presented a prime opportunity for Russia to deploy its vast electronic warfare (EW) network.
OMEN™ Illuminates Chinese Chemical Companies Helping Fund the Syrian Assad Regime

The fallout from the Syrian civil war had catastrophic effects on the Arab Republic’s legitimate economy, resulting in the Assad regime’s reliance on illegal production of an amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) called Captagon.