Russia sets new drone deployment record in March 2025, escalating threat to Ukraine

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the issue on his Telegram channel.

During the third week of March, over 6,200 FPV drones were used, setting a weekly record. The previous record was 5,700, set the week before. Additionally, a new daily record for FPV drone usage was established during the third week, with over 1,360 drones deployed in a single day.

In total, during the first half of March, the invading Russian forces used over 16,500 FPV drones, which is already undeniable proof that they will set another absolute record in March - over 20,000. This rapid increase in the use of these weapon systems is cause for concern.

March 2025 drone usage statistics:

• Lancet loitering munitions: Use dropped in the third week, with just over 20 deployed, down from 32 in week 1 and 35+ in week 2. Total for the first three weeks: ~100, averaging 4-5 per day, lower than 2024's daily average.
• Molniya-2 'kamikaze' drones: Deployment increased, with over 150 used in the third week, up from 70 in week 1 and 120 in week 2. Total for the first three weeks: 340+, showing a steady rise.
• Privet-82 strike drones: Only 10 were used in week 3, bringing the total for the first three weeks to just over 60, indicating a decline in usage.
• Shahed-136/Gerbera/Parody drones: These drones saw the biggest increase, with over 1,100 used in week 3, surpassing earlier weeks. Total for the first three weeks: 2,852, reflecting a sharp rise.

In January 2025, Russian forces used 2,507 drones in the last category, and in February, 3,907. If Russia maintains the same intensity of Shahed-136/Gerbera/Parody drone usage in the last week of March, the final figure will be comparable to February's, which in no way suggests a reduction in the level of terror caused by Russian drones in Ukraine.