Written By Lisa Murimi
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes deep into Russian territory, thanks to a blend of Western technology and home-grown ingenuity.
Despite NATO allies’ reluctance to provide permission for using Western-supplied munitions, Ukraine has been carrying out hundreds of attacks, targeting strategic Russian sites such as airbases, oil depots, and command centers.
Ukrainian companies have ramped up production of cost-effective, long-range attack drones, with some firms manufacturing hundreds of drones monthly.
One such company, Terminal Autonomy, co-founded by Australian Francisco Serra-Martins, is producing the AQ400 Scythe drone, which has a range of 750 kilometers.
These drones, often assembled in former furniture factories, are designed to be both affordable and effective against Russia’s defenses.
Western technology companies like Palantir have also played a crucial role. Palantir has provided software that allows Ukraine to map Russian air defenses and optimize drone routes, helping to increase the success rate of these strikes.
While most drones are shot down, the few that reach their targets are creating significant dilemmas for Moscow.
The strikes have forced Russia to rethink its air defense strategy, revealing vulnerabilities and challenging its ability to protect its own territory
