**Russia Adapts Drone Tactics to Bypass Ukraine’s Air Defenses**
In a significant shift in tactics, the Russian military has been launching attack drones against Ukraine at high altitudes, making it harder for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept them. According to Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia is now using this tactic to bypass air defenses and target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Ihnat explained that Russian forces are launching the drones over 2 kilometers above the ground, making them visible to Ukrainian radars but out of reach of small arms, heavy machine guns, and mobile fire teams. This has allowed Russia to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense systems with massive swarm attacks, comprising both attack drones and decoys.
**New Tactics, Same Goal**
Russia’s use of decoy drones, known as Parodiya, has increased pressure on Ukraine’s air defenses. These unmanned simulator drones are designed to mimic the appearance and behavior of real attack drones, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to distinguish between the two. According to Ihnat, recent Russian drone attacks have comprised roughly 60% attack drones and 40% Parodiya decoys.
**Russian Drone Production on the Rise**
Russia has been ramping up its drone production in recent months, with a massive swarm attack launched on May 26 involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys. This is part of a larger effort to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses and create openings for more destructive ballistic and cruise missiles.
**Ukraine’s Air Defense Systems Stretched Thin**
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s air defense systems are increasingly stretched thin. The country has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, while the Crotale short-range anti-aircraft systems have not received new missiles for over a year and a half.
**Western Aid Running Low**
Ukraine’s reliance on Western air defense supplies is becoming a major concern. An undisclosed source told Le Monde that Ukraine has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, highlighting the need for more aid from the West. The status of U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors, which are key in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, remains unclear.
**The Importance of Independent Journalism**
As the conflict continues to unfold, it is more important than ever that independent journalism can continue to provide accurate and reliable information without paywalls or compromise. We rely on your support to keep our reporting free for everyone. Please consider becoming a member today and help us reach 20,000 members.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
