Moscow Pelted With Drones, as Russia Strives To Boost Air Defenses
British Intelligence Report Gives Details
Overt Operator
August 22, 2023
According to the British Ministry of Defence's latest war intelligence update, the leadership of ) is facing "intense pressure" to bolster air defenses in response to continued drone attacks originating from Ukraine and penetrating Russian territory. Ukraine estimated that, as of August 21, Russia had lost “315 war planes,” The Kyiv Independent reported.
The intelligence report highlights that recent months have witnessed an expansion in the range of threats that manage to breach deep into western Russia. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have played a prominent role in these attacks.
Notably, the report points out that Moscow has experienced regular drone strikes.
The strategic importance of these strikes is underlined by the fact that they target locations well within Russia. The report suggests that these attacks challenge President Putin's earlier assumption that his actions in Ukraine would have limited repercussions on Russians themselves.
The pressure to enhance air defenses is specifically impacting the leadership of Russia's Aerospace Forces. The UK intelligence report highlights the likelihood of intense scrutiny falling on VKS Chief of Staff, Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov. This intensified focus is exacerbated by the absence of VKS Commander-in-Chief General Sergei Surovikin, who is believed to have been detained in connection with the Wagner Group mutiny in June 2023.
The intensified drone warfare between Moscow and Kyiv has led to UAVs being employed by both sides to target vital infrastructure and strategic locations within each other's heartland. These drone attacks have become a notable feature of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare.
The potential for drone attacks on Moscow was acknowledged by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who emphasized the adoption of appropriate security measures to address this threat. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces have escalated their use of UAVs, particularly targeting the Russian capital.