Russia changes its tactics of Shahed drone strikes: Expert explains challenges for air defense
Illustrative photo: expert explained the difficulties for air defense in shooting down Shahed drones (Getty Images)
Recently, Russia has been using a new tactic of drone attacks, which creates objective difficulties for Ukrainian air defense, states Oleksandr Musiienko, a serviceman of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a military expert, in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, technical changes in the use of kamikaze drones have allowed the enemy to partially bypass Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. In particular, some Shaheds now fly at altitudes of 3–4 kilometers, and sometimes even higher, which complicates their interception.
"There are objective difficulties. Not all electronic warfare systems were able to be deployed, and not everything worked. Mobile firing groups cannot always reach the targets, and where they can, there is a lack of means of destruction, including MANPADS," the expert noted.
Additionally, Russia has begun actively using imitation drones that deceive Ukrainian defense forces. They distract attention and complicate target identification on radars.
"On the radar, it’s not always clear what exactly you are seeing. And that is also a problem," Musiienko explained.
He also added that against the backdrop of these technical changes, Ukraine urgently needs more radars for accurate drone detection.
The expert also commented on the informational background surrounding the topic of the attacks. According to him, forecasts about a thousand drones per day were made, people were frightened by "apocalyptic scenarios," urging them not to leave shelters.
"We have entered a period when the enemy has indeed managed to technically advance in terms of using Shaheds. But this is not the same as a massive attack every day. A proper assessment of the situation is needed," he concluded.
Mass drone attacks
Recently, Russia has significantly increased Shahed kamikaze drone strikes on Ukrainian territory. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, over 28,000 Shaheds have been launched.
Recently, information appeared that Shaheds are being equipped with new warheads weighing 90 kg — both domestically produced and of Iranian origin.
The use of drones equipped with artificial intelligence, cameras, and radio control modules has also been recorded. For more details, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.
