In one of Russia’s recent drone attacks on Ukraine, half of the drones were turbojet unmanned aircraft. These were the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which production is now being retooled for. Overall, the intensity of drone strikes fell in July, but to counter turbojet drones Ukraine needs different interceptors with the appropriate speed or short-range air defence, Deputy Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Vadym Skibitskyy told RBC-Ukraine. According to him, Russia’s planned monthly output of strike drones is 11,000.
New types of weapons have also appeared this year: the loitering munitions Banderol and Dan-T, launched from helicopters. Russia is working to enable launches from aircraft.
“The Zircon has appeared, as well as a modernised Oniks, which previously could strike only maritime targets because the contrast did not trigger for targets on land; it also has increased range and a larger warhead,” Vadym Skibitskyy said.
He added that July became the second-highest month for the number of Russian cruise missiles launched — after February. Missile-use figures have been rising since April. And July set a record for the number of ballistic missiles this year: the Russians used 198.
Russia is managing to exceed missile production targets. As of 3 August, Russia had already reached its production plan for the Zircon and Oniks missiles.
“Overall, for the main types of missile weapons, their monthly plan fulfillment is now at 110–120%. According to data from Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, the July production plan for the Kh-101 was fulfilled by 140%, for Kalibr missiles — 111%, and for the Kh-35 cruise missile — 200%. The August production plan for the Kh-101 is 72 units; the July target was the same, but they produced more — 87 missiles. As for the 3M14 Kalibr: the August plan is 26 units; in July they planned the same number, but produced 29,” the DIU representative said.