Russia has reportedly begun deploying a new generation of jet-powered strike drones against Ukrainian targets as the Kremlin seeks to counter the growing effectiveness of Ukraine’s interceptor drones. This latest development underlines the relentless race to innovate that has defined the Russia-Ukraine War, with neither side able to retain a clear technological advantage for long.
Russia has been using jet-powered drones in its air offensive against Ukraine for some time. However, the latest model is believed to combine a significantly expanded range of up to one thousand kilometers along with a substantially larger warhead. Open source analysts claim Russia is expanding launch infrastructure for these weapons systems in the Oryol region around two hundred kilometers north of Ukraine, suggesting preparations are now underway for large-scale deployment.
Speaking in early June, Ukraine’s top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that Russia aims to increase the share of jet-powered drones in its bombing campaign up to 50 percent. “The enemy is constantly changing tactics, increasing the number of drones and improving their quality,” he commented.
Stay updated
As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold, UkraineAlert delivers the best Atlantic Council expert insight and analysis on Ukraine twice a week directly to your inbox.
