The Long-Range Drone Race Between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia are locked in a rapidly escalating long-range drone warfare featuring advanced jet-powered UAVs targeting military logistics and economic infrastructure, increasing civilian casualties on both sides.
Ukraine and Russia are vying for supremacy in a long-range air war with advanced jet-powered drones striking military, industrial, and economic targets far behind the front lines.
Night Operations
Teams from Ukraine's 413th Raid Drone Regiment carry out preparations at midnight for attack missions targeting occupied Luhansk. FP-2 type unmanned aerial vehicles with a 6-meter wingspan and an explosive capacity of more than 100 kilograms are used in these operations.
Capacity Increase
Established two years ago and utilizing domestically produced FP-2 attack drones since last autumn, the 413th Raid unit has increased its operational capacity more than tenfold compared to its inception. The success of such medium-range strikes has slowed the advancing pace of the occupying forces.
Russia's Jet Revolution
In addition to using delta-winged Shahed drones imported from Iran to increase the number of long-range strikes, Moscow has enhanced its arsenal since May with new jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 models.
Rising Civilian Casualties
While both sides target infrastructure, warehouses, and energy facilities in this long-distance war, civilian casualties continue to climb as a result of intensifying attacks, according to UN data.