Russian forces are shifting their drone warfare tactics, increasingly deploying jet-powered Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles and new variants equipped with target-locking systems, according to Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, an advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense and a military technology specialist. While jet-powered drones are being directed at deeper targets, conventional gasoline-powered models are now primarily utilized for strikes against Ukrainian border regions.
Did You Know?
According to Serhii Beskrestnov, the shift toward jet-powered drones follows a trend where Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted the vast majority of the traditional gasoline-powered Shahed models, rendering their mass use against deep-rear targets increasingly ineffective.
Why the shift in drone technology matters
The transition to jet-powered drones suggests a strategic adaptation by the Russian defense industry, which is likely reallocating production capacity to these faster, more advanced models. Beskrestnov notes that the current decline in the total number of drones launched is not necessarily a reflection of economic or manufacturing constraints, but rather a move toward more specialized, high-impact equipment.
Furthermore, the introduction of “Seeker” type Shaheds—drones featuring automated target-locking capabilities—marks a significant evolution in tactical precision. These systems are designed to improve strike accuracy and create new challenges for Ukrainian countermeasures, as the military continues to adapt to evolving threats.
How border tactics differ from deep-strike operations
In the vicinity of the Ukrainian border, Russia continues to deploy roughly 200 gasoline-powered drones daily. These strikes target infrastructure such as fuel stations, storage facilities, energy grids, and transportation hubs.
.jpg/400px-Target_Rock_Hill%2C_SC_(7151362297).jpg "How border tactics differ from deep-strike operations")
Beskrestnov explains that these border-zone operations utilize different navigation principles. By employing radio control via mesh-modems, Russian forces can bypass the limitations of satellite navigation jamming. “The proximity to the border makes it possible to use radio control via mesh-modems on a mass scale,” Beskrestnov stated. “In these situations, suppressing satellite navigation systems is useless.”
What may happen next
As Russian forces move away from large-scale, mass-volume attacks in favor of selective strikes on priority targets, the operational environment is becoming more complex. Before launching, forces are now conducting multi-level reconnaissance to map the locations of Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, radar stations, and air defense assets.
They are also actively analyzing routes to circumvent interception, adjusting flight trajectories, altitudes, and speeds to reach their targets. In response to these developments, Ukraine has initiated the development of the APUS-1 interceptor. This system is designed to counter both Shahed-type strike drones and reconnaissance UAVs, featuring autonomous flight capabilities that do not rely on GPS, allowing it to operate effectively in high-interference environments.
Expert Insight:
The current tactical evolution highlights a clear trade-off: as traditional, slower drones lose their efficacy against modernized air defenses, the reliance on jet-powered platforms and mesh-networked control systems signifies a move toward higher-cost, higher-precision attrition. The success of these new tactics will likely depend on the speed at which Ukrainian electronic warfare and interception capabilities, like the APUS-1, can scale to meet these specific technical threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Russia using fewer drones in total?
According to Beskrestnov, the reduction is not tied to production or economic difficulties, but is instead part of a tactical shift where the Russian defense industry is reorienting capacity toward the serial production of more effective, jet-powered drone variants.
How do border attacks differ from long-range strikes?
Near the border, Russian forces use gasoline-powered drones controlled by mesh-modems, which makes electronic jamming of satellite navigation ineffective. In the deep rear, the emphasis has shifted toward faster, jet-powered drones to overcome high interception rates.
What is the purpose of the new “Seeker” drones?
These drones are equipped with an automated target-locking function, which is intended to increase the accuracy of strikes and complicate efforts by Ukrainian air defenses to intercept them.
How will the introduction of specialized interceptors like the APUS-1 alter the effectiveness of these new Russian drone tactics?
