What you need to know: In Ukraine, drones play a central role, shaping battlefield tactics and providing critical support in reconnaissance, long-range strikes and frontline medical aid.

-Russian forces have increased their use of suicide drones supplied by Iran, launching 2,000 attacks in October 2024 alone – a significant increase attributed to the diversification of suppliers and launch sites.

-These drones are particularly effective against troop concentrations and armored vehicles. Despite heavy losses among Russian drone operators, Russia’s reliance on one-way attack drones is expected to continue at a high rate, with British military intelligence suggesting these figures could soon become the norm.

2,000 drone strikes in one month: how Russia’s drone strategy is shaping the conflict in Ukraine

In many ways, the war in Ukraine is a drone war. Granted, this isn’t a sci-fi situation where drones are fighting for humans – the death toll stands at more than a million on both sides bears witness to this. Rather, drones are shaping combat in ways never before seen in the history of warfare.

Both sides use unmanned aerial vehicles to attack, conduct reconnaissance, deny territory, support long-range fire, and even provide medical care to injured soldiers.

In its attempt to make as much progress as possible before weather conditions deteriorate and large-scale offensive operations become more difficult, the Russian army uses a record number of suicide drones on the front line.

2,000 drone attacks

“Approximately 2,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (OWAs) were launched by Russia against Ukraine during the month of October 2024, surpassing the September figures by approximately 700 and increasing significantly for the third month in a row,” he said. assessed British military intelligence. in his final assessment of the war.

“Continuing Russian investment “Across a range of OWA drones, diversification of supply and expansion of launch sites, rates of fire have followed a steady upward trend since mid-2024,” British military intelligence said.

Despite crippling international sanctions against Russia following the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the Russian defense and aerospace industry has managed to keep the Russian military in the fight. But not without the help of some unsavory partners, including Iran and North Korea.

The Russian army uses drones manufactured in Iran for most of its operations. Russian forces notably use the Shahed family of unidirectional attack drones. However, without the (direct and technological) support of Tehran, Russian forces It would be much harder to find enough drones to maintain current rates.

“During the first week of November, Russian rates of fire remained high and consistent with that of recent weeks,” British military intelligence said.

Suicide drones deliver great destructive results against troop concentrations and heavy weapon systems, such as main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. They are most effective when working in conjunction with other ground and air assets to maximize the overall outcome. For example, a Ukrainian dismounted mechanized infantry element can neutralize a Russian T-90 main battle tank, and then a suicide drone can destroy it.

“As launch sites are reasonably simple and easy to re-establish if targeted, if production remains free, the main limiting factor for Russian OWA drone operations is likely human resources relative to launch capacity,” they said. added British military intelligence.

The extremely high rate of victims who the Russian army What the country is suffering – more than 1,000 casualties every day – has even led to drone operators being sent to the front lines to fight and die like infantrymen. As we discussed previously here at The national interesteven Russian drone commanders are furious at such measures that prioritize short-term gains over long-term operational capabilities.

“It is likely that the high figures seen so far in September and October will become normal,” British military intelligence concluded.

About the author

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist, specializing in special operations and a veteran of the Hellenic Army (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MS from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins. His work has been featured in Business Insider, SandboxAnd SOFREP.

Image credit: Creative Commons.