UK intelligence: Russia launches record 1,300 UAV strikes on Ukraine in September

During September 2024, Russia launched over 1,300 One Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (OWA-UAVs) into Ukraine.

This marks the highest number of OWA-UAVs launched in a single month since the conflict began, according to an update from UK Defence Intelligence, Caliber.Az reports.

"Based on current rates it is almost certain that Russia will surpass that number in October 2024. It is unclear whether Russia can sustain this rate through the remainder of 2024," the statement reads.

According to the intelligence report, Russia, however, is almost certainly expanding its capacity to conduct large-scale OWA-UAV attacks against Ukraine, supplementing Iranian supply with increasing domestic production.

"Russia utilises its OWA UAVs against a multitude of targets, particularly energy infrastructure, given their ability to strike deep into Ukrainian territory, maintaining pressure on the Ukrainian Air Defence system," it said.

Notably, several Russian One-Way Attack (OWA) drones, or loitering munitions, have been deployed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, each with distinct technical features.

One of the most commonly used is the Shahed-136, known in Russia as the Geran-2. Developed by Iran, it has a characteristic delta-wing design and is powered by a small engine, typically the MD-550, with a range of around 2,500 kilometres. It carries a warhead weighing approximately 40-50 kilograms and is designed to strike static targets, such as infrastructure and supply depots. 

The Shahed-131, or Geran-1 in Russian terms, is a smaller version of the Shahed-136, sharing much of the same design but with reduced range and payload capacity. It has a range of roughly 900 kilometres and carries a warhead of around 10-15 kilograms, making it suited for shorter-range attacks on military targets.

In contrast, Russia’s domestically produced Lancet drone, developed by ZALA Aero, boasts more advanced targeting capabilities. It is equipped with electro-optical systems for greater precision and can carry a payload of up to 3 kilograms, depending on the model. Lancet is designed for tactical strikes on targets such as artillery, vehicles, and air defence systems. 

These drones play a key role in Russia’s strategy, particularly in targeting rear positions and straining Ukraine's air defence resources.

By Aghakazim Guliyev