The new methods tried in the Russia-Ukraine War, which started on February 24, 2022, opened many new pages in terms of war history.
While the war went down in history as the first major long-term war in which UAVs were actively used, the parties continue to develop UAV technologies day by day.
Many people lost their lives in many UAV attacks carried out by both sides deep into each other's territory.
Why did the parties turn to intensive use of UAVs?
It is noted that the lack of human resources was an important factor among the reasons for the use of UAVs in the Russia-Ukraine War.
In addition, the fact that UAVs cause serious damage to high-value equipment and facilities at low cost is of great importance for both Moscow and Kiev.
The accurate and predictable performance of UAVs is also among their preferences.
Mutual intense UAV attacks
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that 9 thousand 994 UAVs flew towards the Moscow region between September 1 and October 5, and 862 of them were shot down while approaching Moscow.
While Russian authorities announced that more than 1600 UAVs were shot down during the intense attack wave in Ukraine on September 19-20, it was stated that approximately 450 of them were shot down while approaching Moscow.
According to early June data cited by Western media based on Ukrainian military officials, in 2026 Ukraine used approximately 9 thousand UAVs per day in various operations. These included intelligence, logistics flights and many other missions.
Russia increased the use of jet-powered UAVs in attacks
According to data from the US-based Institute of Science and International Security (ISIS), Russia used 5,749 Shahed-type UAVs, including fake targets, in attacks against Ukraine in June.
According to ISIS data, Russia used an average of 263 Shahed type UAVs per day, including fake targets, in May and 192 in June. While these uses include "fake target" attacks, Russia has increased its use of jet-powered UAVs in attacks since June.
While Ukrainian military officials also pointed out that Russia increased its jet-powered UAV attacks, it was noted that the Moscow administration launched approximately 3,200 jet-powered UAV attacks against the country in September. In August, it was shared that this number was approximately 2 thousand 850.
In addition to Shahed and Gerans, Gerbera and Lancet UAVs also stand out in Russia's attacks against Ukraine.
While Iran-origin Shahed UAVs stand out with their delta wing structure and piston engine, it is stated that the system, which weighs approximately 200 kilograms, carries a warhead between 30-50 kilograms and flies at a speed of approximately 185 kilometers per hour.
Gerbera UAVs, which stand out with their low cost, are generally used as "fake targets" to tire out air defense systems. However, some models can also be used in attack and reconnaissance missions.
Gerans, which have been used in the war for a long time, have become a more serious threat to Ukraine's air defense systems with the recently developed new models and technical improvements.
While the use of jet engines enabled the speed of the new Gerans to reach approximately 300-370 kilometers, these UAVs also began to fly at higher altitudes.
It is estimated that the maximum speed of Geran-4s, which started to be used in May, has been increased to 500 kilometers per hour.
According to data from open sources, Russia has been using Geran-5 in attacks against Ukraine since the beginning of 2026, while significantly increasing the use of renewed models in the summer months.
Prominent UAVs of Ukraine
Ukraine, on the other hand, uses systems such as FP-1, AN-196 Liutyi, UJ-26 Bober in its attacks against Russia.
FP-1, one of the long-range kamikaze UAV models developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point, has a range of approximately 2 thousand kilometers with its piston engine and the capacity to carry a warhead of over 60 kilograms.
It is reported that the long-range kamikaze UAV AN-196 Liutyi, designed by the Ukrainian Antonov company, has a range of more than 1000 kilometers.
UJ-26 Bober, also developed by Ukrainian companies, stands out with its approximately 800 kilometer range and 20 kilogram warhead carrying capacity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's statement that UAV production in the country has reached approximately 10 million per year and that they aim to increase it to 20 million with the help of their partners attracted attention.
