Russia has adopted new tactics in its attacks on Ukraine, including the use of decoy drones and strategic avoidance of zones with mobile air defence units, The Wall Street Journal reports.
At a plant in Tatarstan, Russia is producing local versions of Iranian Shahed drones. Unlike the originals, some of these drones lack live payloads and are designed to deplete Ukrainian air defences. Ukrainian officials estimate that the plant can produce up to 1,200 drones monthly.
From September to November, Russia launched over 6,000 missiles and drones at Ukraine — triple the number used in the preceding three months and four times the figure from autumn 2023. This surge suggests a strengthened arsenal, bolstered by domestic UAV production and missile shipments from North Korea.
Key Tactics
- Decoy Drones: Up to half of the Shahed drones launched by Russia serve as decoys. These drones:
- Lack explosive payloads.
- Gather intelligence by filming Ukrainian positions.
- Consume valuable air defence resources.
- Route Avoidance: Drones are programmed to bypass areas where air defence teams were previously active. If a drone is intercepted in one location, subsequent drones avoid that route for weeks.
- Diversion and Camouflage:
- Drones often fly over forests, making interception by mobile groups challenging.
- They may change course mid-flight, targeting new locations.
- Recently, drones are being painted black to reduce visibility.
- Enhanced Payloads: Russia is deploying thermobaric warheads and radar-evading missiles to increase the lethality of its strikes.
Ukrainian Response
Despite Russia’s evolving tactics, Ukraine has improved its air defence capabilities. In October, 93% of drones were intercepted or lost. However, ballistic and hypersonic missiles remain a challenge, with only 8% being intercepted.
Major Anton Yanovych, commander of the 164th Brigade, emphasised that Russia’s strategy focuses on “exhausting air defence capabilities.” Yet, Ukraine continues to adapt, improving its ability to counter these unprecedented aerial attacks.
