Russia has increased the production of attack UAVs used in the war against Ukraine. In particular, the aggressor produces about 600 "Shahed" type kamikaze drones every month. This was stated by the head of the military research laboratory, Andriy Kulchytskyi, UNN reports.
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"We have already seen drones with serial numbers over 5000. After making calculations, we determine that the monthly production is about 600 units," Kulchytsky told DW.
According to him, KFI experts note changes in the production of kamikaze drones. In particular, Russians have begun to pay less attention to the quality of drones. Previously, they used many foreign-made parts, including Japanese bearings, but now they are increasingly using simplified analogs.
"This may indicate a lack of imported components due to sanctions or supply restrictions. For example, drone engines are increasingly lacking parts compared to the first research samples: there is no starter, flywheel, etc. All the elements are simplified for mass use in order to fly," Kulchytsky said.
He also recalled that the Russians changed the color of the Shahadis to black to make them harder to detect at night by air defense forces. In addition, the body of the new kamikaze drones has become stronger.
Strike drones can also change course and altitude.
At the same time, Ukrainian defenders are adapting their methods of counteraction: mobile groups, air defense systems, helicopter strikes and the development of FPV interceptor drones. According to experts, a strategically important step could be the use of Ukrainian attack drones to destroy Shahed production plants in Russia and Iran.
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Earlier, the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise) reported that during the attacks on the territory of Ukraine on October 26-29, the Russians used attack drones with a thermobaric warhead.
It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all types of missiles and drones they have, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. In a commentary to UNN, KFI experts explained, what features are involved and what role Western components play in the changes to enemy weapons. The enemy uses not only Western components. According to Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, components for UAVs used by the enemy to attack Ukraine are supplied by about 50 manufacturers from China.
In addition, experts of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise found that the Russian X-69 missiles used by the occupiers to hit Ukraine are made of several types of weapons and have foreign components.