Russia plans to launch 2,000 drones simultaneously against Ukraine

Russia is actively expanding its production capacity to deploy drones on a massive scale in the war against Ukraine. He added that the simultaneous use of up to 2,000 drones could pose a serious test for Ukraine’s air defense system.

Freuding noted that traditional methods of countering drones, particularly the use of expensive Patriot missiles, are ineffective against attacks by Shahed drones. One such drone costs between 30,000 and 50,000 euros, while a Patriot missile costs more than 5 million euros.

He emphasized the need to find more cost-effective countermeasures, ideally within 2,000 to 4,000 euros per unit. Such solutions would enable an effective response to Russia’s massive drone attacks.

The general identified strikes on rear facilities in Russia — including military aircraft, airfields, and defense industry enterprises — as another tactical response.

Separately, Freuding highlighted a shift in China’s position, noting that Beijing has completely stopped supplying drone components to Ukraine and instead redirected exports to Russia. According to him, this effectively excludes Ukraine from the technology market in this sector, further complicating its defense efforts.

On June 27, then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced Ukraine was introducing new “interceptor drones” and other undisclosed tools to combat air threats.

On July 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia plans to launch 700 to 1,000 drones daily. He added that Ukraine has found a solution that will allow it to shoot down “if not everything, then almost everything.” This solution involves interceptor drones. Zelenskyy said Ukraine will be able to mass-produce such drones but requires appropriate funding.