"Production of Russian-made drones picks up pace"
The Russian offensive against Ukraine is intensifying as the country faces an increase in drone attacks, according to Colonel Markus Reisner. In an interview with ntv.de, Reisner attributed this surge to an escalation in production of Geran-2 drones, a Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed-136 drone.
Russia's production capacity for Geran-2 drones has significantly increased, from manufacturing 300 units per month at the beginning of 2024, to producing three days' worth of these drones in just one day. The Ukrainian military calls these drones "flying mopeds" due to their distinctive engine noise.
There are currently numerous concerns surrounding these increased attacks. Attack drones now carry twice the explosive force they originally did, now carrying up to 100 kilograms of payload compared to the initial 50 kilometers. Furthermore, Russia is modifying some models to function solely as decoys to lure out Ukrainian air defense, which complicates Ukraine's efforts to combat these attacks.
Reisner believes that if Russia increases its production rate to 500 units per day, Ukraine can expect constant, large-scale strategic air attacks in the future. He also reported continuous Russian attacks along the entire front line, indicating a culmination of the spring offensive. The operational level of the conflict is becoming increasingly tense, particularly in the central section of the front.
Criticism from the Ukrainian side has arisen, questioning the strategy and leadership in the face of these attacks. Videos from the front frequently depict small groups of soldiers holding out under constant fire, slowly retreating and expressing their confusion and frustration at the senseless orders they receive. The lack of reserves and reinforcements, combined with the strained relationship between brigades equipped by different nations, contributes to this criticism.
The most pressing issue for Ukraine remains protecting itself against Russian drone attacks. While Germany provides Ukraine with anti-aircraft tanks (Gepards) capable of shooting down these drones, their limited range creates challenges. Additionally, medium and high-range air defense options, though viable, suffer from limited ammunition supplies and high costs. There is evidence that the USA is attempting to address this issue by continuously replenishing supplies of Patriot air defense missiles, but this remains an ongoing concern due to the saturation effect affecting all defense systems.
Ukraine's reliance on Western powers for support is being questioned, as the economic power, know-how, and innovations they could provide are yet to flood the Ukrainian forces with drones to counteract Russian capabilities. The challenge lies in sorely lacking quantities that can match Russia's production levels. China's involvement in supplying critical spool machines and electronic components to Russia, as well as Russia's independent production processes and recruitment of local labor, has played a significant role in the surge in drone production.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- Various online Ukrainian media outlets
- The Guardian
Attack on Ukraine * Donbass * Drones * Russia * Ceasefire * Debate on arms deliveries * Kremlin
- The increased production of Geran-2 drones in Russia, as depicted in the escalating attacks on Ukraine, echoes the strategic focus of many EC countries on their employment policies, with an emphasis on strategies that boost manufacturing sectors and technological advancement.
- In the face of the mounting continuous drone attacks and the limited range of Western anti-aircraft tanks provided to Ukraine, there is a growing need for employment policies that target the development of technological gadgets capable of counteracting these threats, making technological innovation a critical factor in the ongoing conflict.
