Russia changed the tactics of missile attacks on Ukraine using cheap drones - British intelligence

Since the beginning of May, Russia has resumed frequent missile strikes on Ukrainian territory. This time, their key target is obviously attempts to deplete the Ukrainian air defense system.

At the same time, the aggressor state has increased the use of reconnaissance drones along with missiles to assess the consequences of the strikes and adjust them. This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense.

According to British intelligence, having intensified missile strikes deep into Ukraine since early May, the invaders apparently aim to deplete the Ukrainian air defense system. At the same time, the Russians slightly diversified their tactics and began launching reconnaissance drones along with missiles.

"Using previous waves of deep strikes, Russia has begun to use unarmed surveillance drones (UAVs) more frequently. Among them are Russian-made SuperCam UAVs, they are relatively cheap and have sufficient range over cruise missile targets," the British defense ministry said.

This innovation may signal an attempt by the Russians to deal with one of their systemic problems: ineffective targeting.

This innovation may indicate an attempt by the Russians to deal with one of their systemic problems: ineffective targeting.

"Russia has likely adopted this tactic in an attempt to get a more timely assessment of combat damage and improve its targeting cycle. The Russian military's slow and ineffective targeting process has been a major flaw in their operations in Ukraine. However, slow reconnaissance UAVs are very vulnerable to Ukrainian air defenses," the British MOD stressed.

As a reminder, earlier the British intelligence stated that Russia was taking a risk by transferring new forces near Bakhmut after the merging of the Wagnerians. By resorting to such a step, the aggressor jeopardized the "security" of its other flanks.

After Ukraine's tactical gains on the city's flanks in the Donetsk region through mid-May and public doubts about the readiness of Wagner forces to continue fighting in this sector, Russia has relatively few unengaged combat units on the Ukrainian front. This redeployment of forces is a notable risk for the Russian command. However, it simply has to close the "holes" by redeploying the occupants from one direction to another.

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