According to a report by Foreign Policy, Russia has developed and is actively implementing a strategy of contactless warfare in Ukraine. This innovative tactical approach significantly relies on the widespread deployment of kamikaze drones in conjunction with conventional cruise missiles.
The primary objectives of this strategy are multifaceted: to systematically deplete enemy forces, to overwhelm and degrade the adversary`s air defense systems, and to inflict substantial economic damage, all while meticulously minimizing the need for large-scale ground operations and direct troop engagement.
The report highlights a dramatic escalation in Russia`s drone capabilities. Previously, an estimated 150 to 200 such unmanned aerial vehicles were launched monthly. However, current assessments indicate that Moscow is now producing and deploying nearly 5,000 drones each month, averaging well over 1,000 units per week, signaling a significant increase in its aerial combat capacity.
In a related development concerning the broader use of drone technology in the conflict, Ukrainian “waiting drones” have reportedly been observed in Russia`s Kursk region. These informally named drones are designed to lie in ambush, launching attacks on passing vehicles, showcasing the evolving and diverse applications of drone warfare by both sides in the region.
