Russia shifts focus to drones, conserving missiles in Ukraine
Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi noted in a conversation with Ukraine's RBC channel on YouTube that the Russian Federation is trying to avoid using expensive missiles because they understand these might be needed in case of a conflict escalation.
The Russians are beginning to economize on the war with Ukraine—at least that's what aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, the deputy general director of a company that produces electronic warfare equipment, believes. Khrapchynskyi points out that the Russian Federation has increased its use of assault drones, mainly Shaheds and their cheaper counterparts.
They can use missiles, but they are saving them
The Russian Federation can launch cruise missiles, but it uses Shaheds and creates simulated targets for Ukrainian air defense forces. What does this mean? It means that Russia is starting to save on the war, says Khrapchynskyi. He adds that the aggressor's army understands that using strategic bombers with missiles capable of covering several thousand miles is costly.
If the conflict escalates, this saving is necessary for the Russian Federation when it would be necessary to strike the USA, Europe, and "decision-making centers," as the Russians like to say. Therefore, it is important to understand that the Russian Federation is trying to conserve resources, which is why we are seeing an increase in Shahed-type attack drones and even plywood drones.
Drones used by the Russians
Shahed-136 drones, known as Geran-2 in Russia, are currently equipped with an engine that is a copy of the German Limbach L550E, operating under the Mado MD550. The engine, with a power of 50 HP, allows the unmanned aircraft to reach speeds of about 115 mph. As suggested by some sources, Shaheds can cover distances of up to 1,200 miles.
The Geran-2 has a length of about 11.5 feet and a wingspan of approximately 8 feet. Its total weight is 440 pounds, with the warhead alone weighing 88 pounds. The Russians have also introduced Komet receivers into versions of Shaheds, designed to reduce the impact of interference generated by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
