Ukraine's long-range drones using Western tech to hit Russia

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine has been utilizing advanced drones to conduct long-range strikes deep within Russian territory. This strategy has been made possible through the support of Western technology and financial resources. Despite NATO allies being cautious about providing Ukraine with more powerful weapons due to concerns about escalating the conflict, Ukraine has significantly increased its drone operations in recent months. They have been launching multiple drones at once, targeting critical infrastructure such as air force bases, oil depots, and ammunition storage facilities. Ukrainian manufacturers are now producing hundreds of these armed drones each month, and they are doing so at a fraction of the cost compared to similar drones made in Western countries. One Ukrainian company has reported that their drone operations are having a substantial impact on Russia's war economy while keeping expenses relatively low. A notable example is the AQ 400 Scythe drone, which is constructed from wood and boasts a range of 750 kilometers. This drone is playing a crucial role in Ukraine's military strategy against Russia. The production of these drones is taking place in former furniture factories across Ukraine, showcasing the innovative ways in which the country is adapting to the challenges of war. Francisco Serra-Martins, a co-founder of one of the drone manufacturing companies, has stated that they are now producing over a hundred AQ 400 Scythe drones each month. Additionally, they manufacture the AQ 100 Bayonet drones, which have a shorter range but are also effective. The cost of the Bayonet drone is approximately $2,000, while a Russian missile designed to intercept it can exceed $1 million. This significant cost difference allows Ukraine to deploy numerous drones without incurring excessive expenses. Another key player in supporting Ukraine's drone operations is Palantir, a prominent American data analysis company. Palantir has been instrumental in providing software that enhances the speed and accuracy of Ukraine's artillery strikes. Recently, they have developed new tools that assist Ukraine in planning its long-range drone strikes. British engineers from Palantir have collaborated with Ukrainian counterparts to create a program that identifies the most effective routes to reach specific targets. While Palantir clarifies that it is not directly involved in the missions, it has trained over 1,000 Ukrainians in using its software. The software utilizes data streams to map out Russia's air defenses, radar systems, and electronic jammers, allowing Ukraine to navigate around these obstacles. The execution of these drone strikes is coordinated by Ukraine's intelligence agencies, who operate in secrecy. Reports indicate that Ukraine can launch scores of drones in a single mission, with some missions involving as many as 60 drones targeting one location. Most of these strikes occur at night, and while many drones are intercepted, the sheer volume of attacks can overwhelm Russian defenses. Ukraine has also developed countermeasures against Russian electronic jamming, with the Scythe drone employing visual positioning technology to navigate autonomously. The combination of sending numerous drones and keeping their costs low is crucial for Ukraine's strategy to exhaust Russia's air defenses. Experts believe that these long-range drone attacks are creating significant challenges for Moscow, as they reveal vulnerabilities in Russia's defense capabilities. Ukrainian drones have been spotted operating over 1,000 kilometers inside Russian territory, and they have successfully targeted military installations. The focus has primarily been on military sites, as Ukraine aims to disrupt Russia's ability to conduct air operations. Satellite imagery has shown damage to Russian airbases, forcing Russia to relocate aircraft and reduce the frequency of their attacks. While Ukraine is eager to expand its capabilities with Western-made long-range weapons, many Western allies remain hesitant to provide such support due to fears of escalating the conflict. Nevertheless, Ukraine is determined to continue its drone operations, believing that the current level of activity is just the beginning of what is to come.