Russia is conducting nightly drone attacks on Ukraine with unprecedented intensity. Swarms of long-range drones, often numbering in the hundreds, terrorize civilians and strike targets across the country from the industrial east to areas near the Polish border. On July 8, 2025, over 700 drones were launched in a single night, a record high.
With more attacks anticipated, experts warn that daily drone use could soon exceed 1,000. The surge coincides with a deadline from U.S. President Donald Trump, giving Moscow until early September to agree to a ceasefire or face renewed sanctions.
Russia has significantly ramped up its drone manufacturing, transitioning from relying on Iranian Shahed drones to producing improved domestic versions known as Geran. These upgraded drones fly higher, resist jamming, and carry powerful thermobaric warheads.
Some can even operate autonomously using AI. Russia’s Defense Ministry is investing heavily in drone development, creating a dedicated branch and training centers to refine drone tactics and usage, indicating a long-term commitment to drone-based warfare.
Russia Circumvents Sanctions, Expands Production and Deploys Decoys to Overwhelm Ukrainian Defenses
Initial drone production began in Alabuga, Tatarstan, where workers, some reportedly misled African women, were used in the factories. Despite Ukrainian drone strikes on production facilities in Alabuga and Udmurtia, operations continue.
A state TV report described Alabuga as the largest attack drone factory in the world. Analysts have also highlighted Russia’s ability to circumvent Western sanctions through collaboration with China, which allegedly supplies up to 65% of the drone components, a claim Beijing denies.
Russia now employs decoy drones called “Gerbera” to mislead Ukrainian air defenses and ensure the success of real drone strikes. By concentrating attacks on fewer, high-value targets and deploying drones in overwhelming numbers, Russia aims to wear down Ukraine’s expensive Western-supplied missile defenses.
In turn, Ukraine relies on mobile ground units with machine guns and interceptor drones as a more sustainable countermeasure, although the relentless Russian assaults are pushing these defenses to the limit.
Russia Expands Drone Warfare with Growing Budget, New Tactics, and Military Reorganization Plans
Despite facing sanctions and economic strain, Russia’s military budget continues to grow, with drone spending at the forefront. Over 1.5 million drones were reportedly delivered to the military last year.
The relatively low cost of Geran drones, tens of thousands of dollars compared to millions for ballistic missiles, makes them an ideal weapon for continuous, large-scale assaults. Their 2,000-kilometer range and 40-kilogram explosive payload enable them to strike deep inside Ukraine, reflecting a strategy of sustained attritional warfare.
Russia plans to formalize its drone units into an independent branch of the military: the Unmanned Systems Troops. Once managed informally by midlevel commanders and fueled by donations, drone units are now centralized under military command.
These forces now include fiber optic-controlled drones with extended ranges and jamming resistance, capable of targeting critical rear-area facilities. The Rubicon Center trains operators and develops evolving tactics to maintain superiority on the battlefield.
Short-range battlefield drones have transformed frontline combat, allowing for precision strikes within 10 kilometers. Military experts like Michael Kofman argue that Ukraine must now rethink its entire defense strategy, particularly by reinforcing rear positions and supply chains.
As Russia pushes drone warfare into new territory—both technologically and strategically—Ukraine faces the challenge of adapting rapidly or risking being overwhelmed in this new era of remote, high-volume, and cost-effective attacks.
