Russia Has Launched 6,130 Shahed-Type Drones in 2024, Zelensky Reports
UK Post
Russia has significantly escalated its use of Shahed-type drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since the start of 2024, Russia has deployed a total of 6,130 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to an update provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 20. This surge in drone attacks has intensified in recent weeks, with Russian forces targeting Ukrainian cities and towns almost daily since the beginning of September.
These drones, which have been described as cost-effective yet capable of inflicting damage, have become a central element of Russia’s military strategy against Ukraine. The use of Shahed drones first became prominent in the fall of 2022, and recent attacks have demonstrated a sharp uptick in their frequency and scale. On August 26, Russia carried out its largest assault to date, launching 127 missiles and 109 drones simultaneously, resulting in strikes on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and a dam in Kyiv. Ukraine’s air defences successfully intercepted a large portion of these threats, downing 102 missiles and 99 drones.
However, the recent shift in Russia’s tactics has placed a growing strain on Ukraine’s defences. On October 18, Russia employed 129 Shahed-type drones in a single attack, signalling an increased reliance on this weaponry. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed frustration with delays in receiving additional defence systems from allied nations, urging a more decisive international response. He emphasized the need to disrupt not only the storage of Shahed drones but also their production and logistics infrastructure.
In response to this intensified threat, Ukraine has made notable counterstrikes. On October 9, Ukrainian forces hit a key Russian base in Krasnodar Krai, which was storing 400 Shahed-type drones. Ukraine’s military is also working to bolster its defences against drone attacks. One of the latest developments is a domestically-produced drone called “Sting,” which is designed to track and intercept Shahed drones. This new technology represents a significant step forward in Ukraine’s ability to combat the growing drone threat.
While Russia initially relied on importing Shahed drones from Iran, reports from August 2023 suggest that Russia has begun domestic production of these drones, further complicating efforts to curb their use. As the conflict continues, the evolving drone warfare between the two nations highlights both the strategic importance of drone technology and the urgency for Ukraine to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
