New Air Strategy of Russia: Massive Daytime Drone Attacks Deplete Ukrainian Air Defense

New Tactics on the Air Front

According to ХВИЛЯ: Russian forces have adopted a new tactic of air strikes on Ukraine, conducting massive daytime attacks using a large number of drones and missiles. The primary goal is to deplete the stockpiles of Ukrainian air defense systems, including missiles for Patriot systems. Ukrainian military reports a shortage of anti-aircraft missiles, partly due to their redirection for defense in the Persian Gulf and increased intensity of shelling. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces managed to regain control of a small area on the front.

In the past two weeks, Russia has repeatedly carried out mass attacks during daylight hours, some of which lasted up to 24 hours and involved as many as 1000 drones. Colonel Yuri Ignat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, noted:

“They conduct attacks during the day, and they are becoming longer and more exhausting.”

Only last month, over 6500 drones were launched over Ukrainian territory, indicating a sharp increase in the intensity of the attacks.

Consequences of Mass Bombardments

During one such attack, which lasted ten hours on Friday, 542 drones, 27 cruise missiles, and 10 ballistic missiles were used. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept 515 drones and shoot down 26 missiles. As a result of the strikes in Zhytomyr region, 18 buildings were destroyed, two people died in Kharkiv, and a veterinary clinic was destroyed in Kyiv, where 20 animals perished. The first attack in 12 days, which began on March 23 at 18:00, included 984 units of drones and missiles.

Russia is also using 'kamikaze' drones Gerbera, imitating Iranian Shahed, complicating the work of Ukrainian air defense systems. Colonel Yuri Ignat warned:

“We are running out of Patriot missiles.”

The cost of one Pac-3 missile for this system is 4 million dollars. He emphasized the importance of support: “We survived this harsh winter thanks to Patriots. We are constantly asking for additional supplies. If we are left without these critically necessary missiles - we will have nothing left, and the Russians will destroy our critical infrastructure.” For context: the cost of one such missile is comparable to the price of dozens of premium cars.

Despite the challenging conditions, Ukrainian forces managed to regain control of just over 26 square kilometers of territory in March. According to data from the Washington Institute for the Study of War, this is the first recorded net gain in territory since October. The length of the front line is 1200 kilometers, illustrating the complexity of the operational situation.

A pilot of an F-16 fighter jet involved in repelling Friday's attack remarked: “In one sortie, we can shoot down ten drones - and we could shoot down more if we had more missiles.” He added: “I see how Russia is trying to change tactics to deplete our air defense with multiple waves of attacks and deprive us of the ability to destroy all targets. But we are ready. War is like chess: you need to anticipate the opponent's move in advance - it's a battle of minds.”

President Zelensky commented on the situation, stating that “the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been a lull in the sky into an Easter escalation.” These events signal the continuation of the conflict, and the shift in Russian tactics creates new challenges for Ukrainian defense.

The new air strategy of Russia may indicate an adaptation to previous losses and an attempt to break Ukrainian defense through the depletion of its resources. Under constant pressure, Ukrainian forces need to find ways to support their air defense systems, including obtaining new missile supplies. At the same time, recent successes in reclaiming territory show that Ukrainian troops continue the fight for stabilization on the front, despite all difficulties.

Amid increasing pressure from Russian forces, the Ukrainian air defense faces new challenges. The situation's escalation is confirmed by a recent night strike, during which 164 drones and a ballistic missile were used, highlighting the changing tactics of the enemy and the need for prompt response from the Ukrainian military.