Ukrainian Drones Extend Strike Range, Hitting Targets Over 1,000 km Inside Russia
kyiv – Ukrainian drones have recently struck targets more than 1,000 kilometers within Russian territory for three consecutive days, marking a meaningful escalation in the conflict and a demonstrable increase in the range of Ukraine‘s unmanned aerial systems. Attacks late last week targeted an oil refinery in Kirishi, Leningrad region – approximately 800 km from Ukraine – and a warship on Lake Onega, north of St. Petersburg, nearly 1,100 km from the border.
The developments, reported by Belsat, come as ukraine continues to refine and expand its domestic drone capabilities. A domestically produced assault drone, initially deployed in May 2023, has undergone constant modification, now capable of carrying a combat head of up to 75 kg and reaching speeds of up to 200 km/hour. Production costs are estimated at $200,000, making it “much cheaper than Western maneuvering missiles,” according to Belsat.
A key advantage of these drones is their integration of satellite navigation and image recognition systems, activated as they approach their targets. This feature is intended to provide resistance against Russian electronic warfare systems.
Ukrainian drone performance has reportedly improved threefold in maximum range over the last few months. This increased capability now places approximately 80 percent of all oil refineries in Russia within range of Ukrainian drones.
Ivan Kirichevsky, an expert with the Ukrainian Portal Defense Express, estimates Ukraine can currently produce around 36,000 long-range strike drones annually. He suggests the widespread adoption of FP-5 Flamingo jet bullets – capable of reaching targets up to 3,000 km and delivering payloads exceeding 1,100 kg – could extend Ukraine’s reach to facilities in the Asian part of Russia.
