Ignat: Russia could launch up to 80 jet drones in an attack

Yurii Ihnat. Photo: Ihnat/Facebook

Russia during future air attacks may change the balance between conventional and reactive drones. As one possible option, the head of the Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, colonel Yurii Ihnat, called a situation where hundreds of drones 80 could be reactive, and 20 — with conventional engines.

He spoke about this on the air of Ranok.LIVE.

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Russia may change the composition of attack forces

Ihnat noted that currently, conventional unmanned aerial vehicles predominate in Russian strike groups. But during subsequent attacks the ratio may change.

“Everything is, first of all, according to weather conditions, the situation, and the enemy’s targets,” he said.

According to Ihnat, reactive UAVs from the perspective of Russian troops may be more effective for striking individual targets. However, for this they need to be available in the required quantity and employed at the right moment.

When asked whether the current situation could indicate accumulation of drones for a new massive strike, Ihnat replied that reconnaissance and relevant units are engaged in forecasting possible attacks.

Reactive drones are being shot down by various means

According to the head of the Air Forces Communications Directorate, Ukrainian air defenses currently intercept up to 60% of reactive UAVs. They are destroyed using fighter aircraft, short- and medium-range air defense missile systems, man-portable air defense systems, and interceptor drones.

Ihnat explained that the possibility of using a particular air defense asset depends, among other things, on the speed and altitude of the drone. Reactive drones can reach much higher speeds than conventional interceptors, and at high altitude their interception largely depends on the work of aviation. Decisions on employing different air defense assets during an attack are made depending on the current situation.

Russia is increasing drone use

Earlier, News.LIVE reported that Russia plans to expand the Alabuga-Volokno plant in Tatarstan. Additional capacities could supply production of about 28 thousand strike drones per year, increasing current capabilities by about 78%.

Also, News.LIVE wrote that during August Russian troops used against Ukraine 2800 reactive drones. The largest wave of attacks fell on 28–31 August — then about 800 drones were directed at Kyiv and Kyiv region.