Russian drone surge threatens to overwhelm Ukraine defenses
Russia has launched hundreds of drones and dozens of ballistic missiles toward Ukraine. As "The Economist" warns, this could risk overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses.
What do you need to know?
- Russia has intensified air attacks, launching hundreds of drones and dozens of ballistic missiles in a single day. This escalation could overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
- New Shahed drones are being upgraded and use machine learning, making them harder to intercept. Russia plans to increase production to 500 daily.
- Ukrainian air defense shoots down about 95 percent of the drones, but the ones that get through cause significant damage.
What are the effects of the intensified attacks?
Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and dozens of ballistic missiles in a single day. "The Economist" warns that such actions could overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
On the night from Saturday to Sunday, Russia likely set a record, sending 298 drones and 69 ballistic missiles. If ceasefire negotiations fail, Ukrainian air defense units may have to ration interceptor missiles.
What technologies is Russia using?
The new Shahed drones that Russia received from Iran are being improved and use machine learning, making them more difficult to intercept. These drones no longer rely on GPS signals but use artificial intelligence and Ukrainian cellular networks. Russia plans to increase production to 500 daily, which could enable attacks using up to a thousand drones.
How is Ukraine handling the attacks?
Ukrainian air defense shoots down about 95 percent of Russian drones, but the 5 percent that break through cause significant damage. Ukraine employs helicopters, F-16 fighters, and interceptor drones against these threats.
However, it is more challenging to stop ballistic missiles primarily intercepted by American Patriot systems. Ukraine has at least eight batteries of this system but needs at least 10 more.
