The Economist: Russia has 500 hard-to-stop ballistic missiles

The Russian army has approximately 500 ballistic missiles, which are notably difficult to intercept.

A year ago, a single night attack involving 30 drones was considered exceptional. Now, Russia overwhelms Ukraine’s air defences with hundreds of drones in massive coordinated strikes, Caliber.Az reports per The Economist. 

On May 25, Moscow launched what it called a “massive strike” involving 298 drones and 69 missiles targeting Ukrainian cities — likely a new record. Russia’s air campaign has intensified since the start of the year, shifting to ballistic missiles, many supplied by North Korea, alongside advanced Shahed attack drones from Iran.

These drones, now in their sixth version, use machine learning to target heavily defended areas like Kyiv. Recent attacks damaged buildings in the capital’s northern suburbs and struck a shopping centre and a military training ground. The main challenge for Ukraine’s air-defence units is sheer volume. Last year, Russia produced about 300 Shahed drones monthly; now it reportedly manufactures that many in less than three days. 

Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia aims for 500 drones daily, potentially enabling attacks involving 1,000 drones, though experts caution these figures may be inflated. Kostiantyn Kryvolap, a Ukrainian aviation expert, says, “But it’s clear the numbers are going to increase significantly.” In Kyiv, engineers dissect downed Shahed drones to understand their technology and devise countermeasures. They warn the newest drones are “unfazed by Ukraine’s electronic warfare” because they rely on artificial intelligence and use Ukraine’s own internet networks. 

A note found inside one drone revealed control via Telegram bots, transmitting live data to operators. Ukraine’s air defences reportedly shoot down 95 per cent of drones, but even the 5 per cent that get through cause damage. While Ukraine has some Patriot missile batteries, President Zelenskyy calls for more, pledging to pay “whatever it takes.” However, US support remains uncertain amid competing global priorities.

Kryvolap warns, “We will have to destroy Russian launch complexes, the factories and the stores. We should be under no illusions.”

By Naila Huseynova