Russia might be leaning towards using jet-powered “Shaheds” – what’s the danger.
Oleh Zhdanov / © TSN
Contents
Following another large-scale combined assault, Russia retains the technical capability to conduct a similar strike in the near future. Furthermore, the Russian military might have altered its tactics for deploying strike drones and decided to focus on producing jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles.
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov shared this insight in a commentary with TSN.ua.
Russia may repeat a massive strike
According to Zhdanov, the Russian army currently possesses sufficient resources to replicate an attack of comparable magnitude. The expert suggests that after deploying approximately 500 strike drones, Russia still has at least an equal reserve remaining.
“If around 500 ‘Shaheds’ were used, then, I believe, they have at least that many still in reserve,” he stated.
Regarding missile armaments, Zhdanov’s assessment indicates no signs of depleted stockpiles. He pointed out that during the recent attack, Russia utilized only a portion of its strategic aviation.
“Based on reports about the readiness of strategic aircraft, they engaged slightly over half of their bombers. Therefore, they have the technical capacity to repeat the strike. Whether they will do so is something only our intelligence can ascertain,” the expert noted.
Russia has changed its drone launch tactics
Zhdanov also highlighted a shift in the deployment strategy for strike drones during the latest night attack.
He explained that this time, the occupiers did not launch large groups of “Shaheds” as they had previously. Instead, the drones were dispatched in smaller batches almost continuously throughout the night.
“They weren’t flying in large formations of 20-30 units, as was the case before. The drones came one after another, in a steady stream,” Oleh Zhdanov elaborated.
The military expert posits that this approach could indicate the use of a new control system employing communication modems, enabling operators to maintain command over the unmanned vehicles.
Additionally, he mentioned that this allowed the drones to approach Kyiv from various directions and reach their targets almost simultaneously, significantly complicating the efforts of Ukrainian air defense systems.
Russia might have opted for jet-powered “Shaheds”
Zhdanov does not rule out the possibility that the Russian command may have temporarily redirected its production towards jet-powered strike drones.
“They are well aware that we currently have a vulnerability in combating jet-powered drones. Therefore, they could have entirely shifted their main production capacity to these,” the expert believes.
At the same time, he stressed that this does not signify an abandonment of conventional “Shaheds.” According to Zhdanov, Russia continues to manufacture and accumulate such drones, meaning that during future assaults, the occupiers might resort to their widespread use once again.
Comments Sort: New Old Popular Send