Russia Unleashes Record Drone Barrages on Ukraine Amid Intensifying Air War
Russia Unleashes Record Drone Barrages on Ukraine Amid Intensifying Air War
Russia is escalating its drone attacks on Ukraine to unprecedented levels, with nightly swarms numbering in the hundreds and a record 700+ drones unleashed on July 8. Analysts warn that daily barrages could soon exceed 1,000, as Moscow seemingly aims to inflict maximum damage ahead of a looming early September deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a ceasefire.
The surge is fueled by Russia’s significantly boosted domestic production of upgraded Shahed-type drones, now known as ‘Geran.’ These advanced drones feature improved altitude, jamming resistance, powerful thermobaric warheads, and even autonomous AI capabilities. Russia’s Defense Ministry is reportedly transforming its drone force into a separate military branch, underscoring its strategic importance.
Moscow is refining its tactics, deploying large numbers of drones, including ‘Gerbera’ decoys, to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and pave the way for more expensive missile strikes. While Ukraine relies on mobile defense teams and is developing its own interceptor drones, the relentless volume of Russian attacks is severely straining its capabilities.
Despite international sanctions, Russia’s military spending has increased, allowing for the mass production of these cost-effective weapons. Ukrainian intelligence indicates a significant portion of drone components are sourced from China. The ongoing drone war highlights a new, attritional phase of the conflict, with both sides adapting to the evolving challenges of unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield.
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