“Russia increases attacks with drones to suppress Ukraine’s air defense – ISW March 4, 06:13 Share: Drone attack on Zaporozhye March 1 (photo: Reuters/Stringer) The Russian army increases the use of Shahmed and missiles to overload the Ukrainian air defense system. This may indicate that the Russian Federation does not yet face a lack of components for drones. This is stated in the report of the Institute of War Study (ISW). Experts ISW analyzed data”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
Drone attack on Zaporizhzhia March 1 (Photo: Reuters/Stringer)
The Russian army increases the use of shahas and missiles to overload the Ukrainian air defense system. This may indicate that the Russian Federation does not yet face a lack of components for drones.
This is stated in the report of the Institute of War Study (Isw).
ISW experts analyzed data and noted that from the fall of 2024 Russia has significantly increased the number of percussion drones in night attacks. In October-November, the Russian army launched from 80 to 100 shahas and baits at a time, and in February 2025-from 100 to 200 drones.
Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine Vadim Skibitsky said that the Russians:
- rockets from several directions are launched;
- combine missiles with drones to overload Ukrainian air defense systems;
- They start attacks in the evening, and the blows last until the morning.
Previously, the Russian forces used 20-30 drones per night, but now their number has increased several times.
According to ISW, Russia has slightly increased missile production – 1.2-1.5 times in 2024, but now rely on rockets and drones that are more effective against Ukrainian air defense.
Experts believe that the increase in drone production is related to the Russo-Iranian Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed in January 2025.
Problems with components
Despite the active use of drones, there are no signs that the Russian Federation is faced with a shortage of components for Shahaned. However, in the long run, production can be limited by the availability of Iranian parts.
Other conclusions isw (as of March 3):
- There are 620,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine and the Kursk region – 40,000 more than at the end of 2024.
- The Kremlin has increased the set of recruits with financial incentives and recruiting in prisons, but this method will not be stable in the future.
- Ukrainian troops advanced near Pokrovsk, while the Russians – under the Great Novosilka and in the Kursk region.
- Russia continues the militarization of society through programs for veterans such as “Heroes time. “