New Ukrainian drone strikes reveal key insights

Defense Express writes about it.

The recent rapid attacks on targets like the Shahed production facilities and the TANECO oil refinery in Russian Tatarstan, exceeding a range of 1,200 km, offer three crucial takeaways on Ukraine's enhanced long-range capabilities.

Firstly, the expanded reach of these drones, navigating complex routes to evade air defenses, marks a new level of engagement, extending beyond traditional boundaries.

Moreover, these drones boast a substantial size akin to small aircraft, like the Cessna 172, suggesting the potential for heavier payloads, thereby amplifying the impact of strikes.

In addition to range and payload, the strikes underscore a significant gap in Russian air defense coverage, as evidenced by the successful targeting of heavily defended sites like Shahed production facilities, alongside critical infrastructure such as KamAZ and Nizhnekamsk power station.

This revelation exposes vulnerabilities in Russian defense strategy, as even well-defended areas remain susceptible to drone attacks, highlighting the need for a comprehensive defense approach.

The combination of size, range, and the absence of adequate defense coverages unveils new possibilities for targeting various strategic assets across the Russian Federation, transcending geographical constraints and posing a significant challenge to Russian defense capabilities.