October 2023 became the most difficult month for Ukraine due to a record number of Russian drones attacking from the air. Compared to the previous months, when the number of drones did not exceed a thousand, in September there were 1,301, and in October - 2,023. As Forbes notes, Russia is trying to use these drones to cut off the electricity supply in Ukraine, creating conditions for the subjugation of the population in cold winter conditions.
Attacks on energy infrastructure
According to a report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, last year Russian attacks targeted power grids, while this year's campaign is focused on power generation facilities. As of June 2023, 73% of Ukraine's thermal power units have failed. In such a situation, losses for Ukraine may have strategically more important consequences than a slow Russian ground offensive.
The Washington Post warns that the destruction of the energy infrastructure could lead to "20 or more hours of darkness a day" in cold winter conditions, which could force Ukraine to negotiate on unfavorable terms.
Protection methods
Unfortunately, Ukraine does not have sufficient defenses such as Patriot missiles, but it is finding alternative methods of combating drones. For example, "Shakhed", which usually move slowly, become an easy target for helicopters capable of destroying them with cannon fire. Helicopters have already recorded the shooting down of six Shaheds.
Electronic warfare has also proven to be an important component of the defense. According to ShahedTracker, in October, 1,185 Shaheds were shot down by conventional weapons, while 738 were shot down by means of electronic warfare. The use of electronic means is a significant advantage, because they are practically free to use.
New technologies and modernization of drones
In response to ongoing threats, Russia is modernizing its drones, introducing new technologies such as Starlink satellite communications to improve communication stability, allowing for precision attacks. Smaller models have appeared among Russian drones, which act as decoys to distract the Ukrainian defense.
With limited Western aid, Ukraine has focused on developing its own drone industry, which has begun manufacturing interceptor drones. In particular, Shahed Killer drones, such as the Sting quadcopter, have already been successfully used to destroy Russian reconnaissance drones.
