Russia conserves missiles, leans on drones in Ukrainian conflict
Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi noted in a conversation with Ukraine's RBC channel on YouTube that the Russian Federation is attempting to avoid using expensive missiles because it recognises they might be needed in the event of an escalation in the conflict.
The Russians appear to be conserving resources in their war with Ukraine. At least, that's the belief of aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, the deputy general director of a company producing electronic warfare equipment. Khrapchynskyi observes that the Russian Federation has increased its use of assault drones (mainly Shaheds and their more economical counterparts).
They can use missiles, but they are saving them
The Russian Federation can launch cruise missiles, yet it opts for Shaheds and creates simulated targets for Ukrainian air defence forces. What does this indicate? It signifies that Russia is beginning to economise on the war, says Khrapchynskyi. He adds that the aggressor's forces understand that using strategic bombers with missiles capable of traversing several thousand kilometres is expensive.
This economising is necessary for the Russian Federation if the conflict escalates when it would be necessary to strike the USA and Europe at so-called "decision-making centres," as the Russians tend to put it. Therefore, it is important to recognise that the Russian Federation is attempting to preserve resources, which explains the increased use of Shahed-type attack drones and even plywood drones.
Drones used by the Russians
Shahed-136 drones, known as Geran-2 in Russia, are currently equipped with an engine replicating the German Limbach L550E, operating under the name Mado MD550. The engine, with a power of 50 HP, allows the unmanned aircraft to attain speeds of about 185 km/h. According to some sources, Shaheds are capable of covering distances of up to 1,930 km.
Geran-2 has a length of about 3.5 metres, and its wingspan is approximately 2.4 metres. The total weight of this device is about 200 kg, with the warhead alone weighing 40 kg. There are also versions of Shaheds in which the Russians have introduced Komet receivers. They aim to mitigate the impact of interference generated by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
