The long-range drone war: Ukraine and Russia scramble for supremacy in the skies
A conflict that began with tanks and then artillery is now pivoting around a new generation of drones focused on military, industrial, economic and civilian targets
TL;DR
- Ukraine's 413 Raid drone regiment uses FP-2 drones for long-range attacks into occupied Luhansk.
- The conflict has shifted from tanks and artillery to a new generation of drones capable of striking hundreds of miles beyond the frontline.
- Ukraine has developed its drone and missile capabilities to counter Russia's escalating drone arsenal, which now includes jet-powered Shaheds.
- The FP-2 drone is designed to attack hardened targets and disrupt Russian logistics, contributing to a slowdown in Russian advances.
- Russia has upgraded its Shahed drones (Geran-4 and Geran-5) with jet engines, increasing their speed and making them harder to intercept.
- Long-range drone attacks by both sides are targeting military, industrial, and economic sites, impacting civilian infrastructure and economies.
- Civilian casualties are increasing, with more deaths reported in Ukraine and Russia due to sustained drone attacks on infrastructure and warehouses.
- Russia possesses advantages in weapon diversification, air defense, and societal resilience, while Ukraine faces economic pressure and an overspent war budget.
- The balance of power in the long-range drone war remains uncertain, with neither side near defeat but facing significant challenges.
- Both sides are adapting rapidly, with Ukraine aiming to 'hang on one more day than them'.