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In September, an absolute record was set for the use of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones against Ukraine by Russian invaders — 521. This is taking into account 30 drones launched the night before, saidmilitary-political observer of the Information Resistance group Alexander Kovalenko.
According to him, the previous record was recorded in May 2023 , when the Russian Federation used 413 drones, after which a drop in intensity was observed: in June — 197, in July — 246, in August — 167.
— I cannot yet say that this figure is a consequence of the launch of production of Shahed-136 in the Russian Federation, since according to the available information they have big problems with this. Thus, in the first half of 2023, the Russians planned to produce an experimental batch of 100 kamikaze drones exclusively at their own facilities, in a closed cycle. But they couldn't do it, — Kovalenko explained.
The expert noted that production is highly dependent on the supply of smuggled spare parts, so in the near future Russia is unlikely to be able to enter a closed cycle, maintaining dependence on Iran.
Now they are watching
He believes that in a certain sense, the Russian Federation could increase the intensity of strikes by increasing production in Iran, but there are also some nuances here.
— The fact is that when the Russian Federation turned to Iran for supplies of Shahed-136, the production facilities, which were exclusively manual and not automated assembly, made it possible to assemble up to 50 Shahed-136 per month. By the end of 2022, Iran was able to increase production to 100 Shahed-136 per month. It is possible that as of May this figure reached 150-200, — the expert suggested.
Kovalenko recalled that in February, March and April the intensity of strikes was below 100 per month, that is, even then the Russians had the opportunity to accumulate dronesto increase attacks in September.
— And the most important. Most of all attacks occurred in September in the Odessa region, Danube port infrastructure and grain hubs. The Russian occupiers continue their grain terror, using variable routes and searching for directions with the least anti-aircraft component. And taking into account the reduction in the number of Shahed-136s shot down, they succeed, — Kovalenko noted.
In his opinion, this is a reason to raise the issue of partners providing more air defense systems — both cannon and anti-aircraft missile types — to counter Shahed-136.
On the night of October 1, the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine with 30 Shahed-type attack drones, 16 — managed to be destroyed.
