Ukrainian drones redefine warfare with deep strikes into Russia
Ukrainian drones can operate at a depth of over 2,000 kilometres into Russia, revealed the commander of the Unmanned Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vladimir Sukharevsky, in an interview published on the Radio Svoboda channel on YouTube.
Vladimir Sukharevsky, the commander of the unit operating unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine, emphasizes that the development of drone technology is crucial for Ukraine's future. Thanks to advancements in this field, Ukraine has a chance to transform into a technological state.
Strategic importance of drones
Sukharevsky explained in the interview how effective Ukrainian drones are in terms of striking deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. According to the military official, the unmanned aircraft can operate at a depth of over 2,000 kilometres into Russia. This achievement is the result of intensive technological development aimed at strengthening the country's defence and preparing for future conflicts.
At the same time, this means that if a drone is launched from the northeastern part of Ukraine, the design can reach even the vicinity of the cities of Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Tagil, Murmansk, and Arkhangelsk.
Cooperation with the West
The military official emphasizes the importance of cooperation with western partners who provide essential components and technologies. Ukrainian wartime experiences are valuable for western allies, who can use them in their defence sectors.
Despite the progress, Ukraine is still dependent on western technologies. Sukharevsky points to the need for developing its own satellite communication systems, which would allow for greater independence.
Long-range drones
Currently, the Ukrainian armed forces have an advanced arsenal capable of carrying out attacks at a considerable distance into the Russian Federation. Among the publicly known technologies, the "Bóbr" drones stand out. Although the technical details are largely unknown, it is assumed that their range is around 1,000 kilometres. These machines feature a wingspan of about 3.5 metres and a takeoff weight of several dozen kilograms, allowing them to achieve speeds up to 200 km/h.
It is also worth noting the Sokół-300 drone, developed since 2022. According to information provided by Ukrainians, this machine can reach targets up to 3,300 kilometres from the starting point. The Sokół-300 is capable of carrying an explosive payload of 300 kilograms, and its wings have a span close to 14 metres.
In addition to the mentioned models, Ukraine also possesses the UJ-22 Airborne and Rubaka drones. The former has a range of about 800 kilometres, while the Rubaka can reach a distance of about 500 kilometres.
