Russia launched approximately 2,300 one way attack unmanned aerial systems (OWA UASs) of varying types into Ukraine in the month of November 2024, once again surpassing the previous month’s total. Monthly OWA UASs numbers have been increasing consistently throughout 2024, with significant increases, greater than 200 on the previous month, since July 2024, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
It is likely that through September-November 2024, as many as 50-60% of the total launches were decoy OWA UASs. Russian forces have a variety of decoys available. Smaller and less expensive than the Shahed drones due to the construction materials, their purpose is to complicate the Ukrainian defensive effort through saturating or confusing the radar picture, forcing more work on the Ukrainian air defense teams in the hope of causing fatigue over time. Some of the decoy systems still likely carry a small payload (up to 5kg) of explosive, ultimately making them just as dangerous if they reach a target.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Tactical Advances Reclaim 30 sq km in Kursk Region, with Ukrainian-Held Territory Shrinking Under Naval Infantry and Airborne Pressure
The rate of increase from October to November dropped in comparison to previous months. December 2024 launch figures show approximately 850 launches so far. However it is likely that weather has impacted operations in December, evidenced through some nights with significantly larger waves following a period of low or no activity. With no impact on launch sites or production, it remains likely that russia can sustain numbers at least in excess of 1,500 per month. Russian OWA UASs maintain coverage of targets across the entirety of Ukraine, enabling russia to maintain pressure while allowing long range aviation missile stocks to replenish.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Reveals Why DPRK Troops Sustain Casualties Amid Interoperability Issues
