Night massive drone attack: Russian forces used not only Shaheds

"Of course, during nighttime attacks, the enemy often uses various types of UAVs: primarily the 136/131 Shaheds, as well as unidentified UAVs and decoys (false targets). Thus, the enemy is constantly improving and may introduce something new," Ihnat wrote.

According to him, among the drone debris used by the Russian troops to attack Ukraine last night, there may be not only Shaheds but also other types of UAVs.

However, as a representative of the Ukrainian Air Force added, this does not change anything, as all drones must be destroyed by all available means.

Ihnat explained that during nighttime air defense operations, the target type is determined by its parameters: altitude, speed, etc., as well as by visual and acoustic data. However, the exact type of drone or missile can only be established after examining the debris.

In turn, Presidential Office advisor Vladyslav Vlasiuk mentioned that the Russian army today "limitedly" used a new type of drone, the Gerbera, against Ukraine.

"We haven't taken it apart to the molecules yet, but it looks like a budget version of the Shahed. Plywood instead of composite, minimal components, the same cheap 'made in China'," he wrote.

Gerbera drones

Earlier, the media, citing Ukrainian radio technology expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, reported that the Russian forces had begun using Gerbera drones for attacks on Ukraine. He referred to this type of drone as the "younger sister of the Geran" (as Russia labels the Shaheds).

According to Defense Express, Gerbera drones are made of foam and plywood. They can be produced in three variants: kamikaze, electronic reconnaissance drone, and decoy target.

The detailed specifications of these drones are not yet known. There is only information that their flight range can reach up to 100 kilometers.

Incidentally, today, on the night of July 31, according to the Air Force, Ukrainian defenders managed to shoot down all 89 of the 89 Russian Shahed drones.