Terror from the air: what Russia's kamikaze drones are doing - and what strategy Putin is pursuing by Der SPIEGEL

Since September 2022, Russia has deployed over 2,000 Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones against Ukraine, targeting power plants, factories, grain silos, and civilian areas. These drones, often used in conjunction with ballistic and cruise missiles, have become a key component of Russia's military strategy, aiming to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. The attacks have been concentrated in regions like Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Kiev, with the latter being a symbolic target to terrorize civilians and distract air defenses.

The Shahed drones are relatively inexpensive, costing under $50,000 each, and are used to pressure Ukrainian defenses, forcing them to expend valuable ammunition. Despite their simplicity, these drones have proven effective due to their ability to fly autonomously to pre-set coordinates and carry a 50 kg explosive payload. Their loud motor and slow speed make them detectable, yet challenging to intercept, especially during night attacks.

Ukraine's air defense, initially effective with old Soviet systems, struggled against the combined drone and missile assaults, leading to ammunition shortages. Western countries have since provided support, helping Ukraine intercept approximately 80% of the drones. However, even intercepted drones pose risks, as falling debris can cause civilian casualties.

The use of Shahed drones signifies a shift in modern warfare towards smaller, cheaper, and expendable weapons. While these attacks have not broken Ukraine's resolve or significantly impacted its military, Russia's plans to mass-produce these drones domestically could escalate the scale of drone warfare. The ongoing conflict highlights the evolving nature of military strategies and the increasing role of drones in modern combat.