A Ukrainian expert in electronic warfare says that due to production limitations, Russia is increasingly relying on drones instead of expensive cruise missiles. These drones are able to deliver more destructive payloads and target Ukrainian cities.
In recent times, Russia has used drones more than cruise missiles to attack Ukraine. This shift indicates the aggressor is unable quickly to produce the necessary number of missiles, Anatolii Krapchynskyi said in an interview with “Ukrainian Radio”.
The Russian aerial assaults against Ukraine have intensified in recent years, especially with the increased deployment of Shahed Drones. In October 2024, Russia launched 2,023 drones against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces intercepted 1,185 of these drones. Military analysts have noted that Russia has deliberately stocked up missiles in the past two months. This is likely to be a preparation for larger aerial attacks as winter approaches.
“The Russians are having problems with the engines of missiles.” We’ve even heard statements about Iran acquiring the technology to manufacture missile engines for both ballistic and cruise missiles. Russia cannot produce enough missiles for its own needs. It also understands that it is a war of attrition and that missiles are expensive. “Also, to launch most missiles, you need to raise strategic aviation which is very expensive,” explained the expert.
Khrapchynskyi said that Russia has a limited number of strategic aviation aircraft. They are also non-renewable. He stressed that Russia can still produce tactical aviation but the situation with strategic aviation is different, as it can only be repaired using decommissioned aircraft.
“We’re also seeing Russia use Kh-69 missiles. It’s a missile that was designed to be a missile capable of reaching distances of up to 1,000 km, but is launched from tactical aircraft. They use it again because strategic aviation costs a lot. Strategic aviation is essential for Russia to fight NATO. These aircraft can fly up 6,000 km and launch missiles 4,000 km. The Russians are now looking for ways to cut costs.
He said that the Russians had not announced a mobilization, but instead enlisted North Koreans as a cheaper way to manage the domestic situations while continuing the war.
“We are seeing the use of cheap drones and Kh69 missiles. “Russia will look for solutions to make a single Shahed do more damage than two Shaheds did previously,” said Khrapchynskyi.
Defence Express experts had noted earlier that Russia began using thermal warheads against Shaheds.
Khrapchynskyi explained that in densely populated urban areas, this weapon is dangerous because thermobaric weapons cause secondary detonations which can cause significant destruction and a powerful explosion wave that damages nearby buildings.
Experts say that Russia first launches “Gerberas”, which are drones that fly around and appear and disappear on radar. Then, Russia sends Shaheds with thermobaric weapons along the mapped routes.
“Russia is waging a war as a terrorism, trying to cause more harm to civilians.” They are also trying to penetrate deeper in the rear of Ukraine to cause more damage. It’s still too early to tell if this will be a standard,” he said.
Khrapchynskyi says that Russia will continue to seek ways to make each Shahed do more damage than two before.
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