Russian Drones Pose Growing Threat to Ukraine
Russia is increasing its drone production capabilities, with plans to deploy over 500 long-range drones a night for attacks on Ukraine. The intensification of missile and drone attacks has been a key strategy in Russia’s efforts to demoralize the Ukrainian population, as well as ramping up ground attacks in various regions. The recent drone attacks in Ukraine have severely impacted Moscow’s strategic bomber fleet, with a significant number being destroyed or damaged.
The Ukrainian military conducted a massive drone assault on September 18, resulting in a powerful explosion at a Russian weapons depot. This attack, carried out with more than 100 locally produced long-range drones, was so substantial that it was detected by earthquake monitoring stations. Ukraine’s use of drones in this manner has been described as a tactic straight out of the history books by the country’s president.
One of the notable targets of the Ukrainian drone strikes was the Belaya air base in Irkutsk, marking the first time Siberia had been targeted since the beginning of the conflict. The drones used in these attacks, including the Shahed-136 models, were developed in Iran and later supplied to Russia, showcasing the effectiveness of drone technology in modern warfare.
Both Russia and Ukraine have engaged in a high number of drone exchanges, showing the escalating tensions between the two nations. The use of drones, particularly by Ukraine, has proven to be a formidable force against Russia’s military might, with the potential to shift the dynamics of the conflict.
