Ukraine Faces "Devastating" "Shahed" Threat as Russia Scales Drone Production, Expert Warns

Expert Warns of Escalating "Shahed" Threat

Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, a renowned specialist in electronic warfare and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has issued a stark warning regarding Russia's alarming capacity to produce and deploy "Shahed" drones. He emphasizes that without a robust and immediate counter-strategy, Ukraine faces the devastating prospect of widespread destruction across the nation.

A Grim Outlook and Urgent Call to Action

Beskrestnov, known for his measured optimism, states that he only raises the alarm in dire circumstances. "As you know, I am an optimist and only sound the alarm in extreme cases," he articulated via Telegram. "Russia, with this kind of momentum, will 'razneset' (devastate) our entire country with 'Shaheds'. They have massively scaled up production and will continue to do so. If we don't start acting right now, our infrastructure, production, and defensive structures are doomed."

The Scale of the Challenge

The gravity of the situation is underscored by recent figures. According to UNIAN, Russia launched an astonishing 3,340 "Shahed" drones and 135 missiles into Ukraine during June alone. Compounding this concern, reports indicate plans for Russia to escalate long-range drone production to potentially 1,000 units per day. The frequency of these attacks has also intensified, with cities like Kyiv and Odesa enduring air raids almost daily.

Evolving Tactics and Counter-Measures

Russian tactics are not static; they are adapting. "Shahed" drones are now observed flying at higher altitudes, executing sharp descents just before impact. This maneuver significantly complicates the effectiveness of traditional countermeasures like machine guns and standard mobile interception groups. Furthermore, Ukrainian military findings reveal that these Russian UAVs are equipped with more sophisticated navigation systems and enhanced electronic countermeasures, making them more resilient to electronic warfare attempts.

The Promise of Interceptor Drones

In this challenging landscape, Beskrestnov highlights the critical need for a proactive solution: mass production and deployment of interceptor drones. "In such a situation, interceptor drones in sufficient quantities could become the best solution," he posited. He also stressed the importance of training military personnel in their effective utilization, alongside the continued application of electronic warfare (EW) systems and light aviation. An innovative development in this area was previously discussed by ITC.ua, offering a glimpse into potential technological advantages.