Nightly Raids Grow Sharper
Russian forces have already sent nearly 730 attack drones against Ukraine in a single night. German and Ukrainian officials say that level of intensity could double by November.
They report that Russia wants to fire 2000 drones each night. This move marks a clear shift in Moscow’s tactics and a new challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses.
Drone Output Jumps
Ukraine’s military intelligence office notes that Russia now builds about 170 Shahed-style drones every day. They aim to push that number to 190 before the year ends. As a result, weekly drone attacks have climbed from about 130 to peaks of 1100 since late 2024. The main launch site lies in Krasnodar Krai. Crimea also hosts a busy airfield that sends out many drones.
Budget Boost Fuels Assault
Moscow’s defense spending for 2025 will hit 13.5 trillion rubles, roughly $136 billion. That is a 25 percent rise from last year. This budget now takes up nearly one third of Russia’s federal funds. Analysts say that on a purchasing power basis, Russia spent an amount in 2024 that beats all of Europe’s combined defense budgets.
NATO’s Drone Wall Response
Seven NATO nations, led by Germany, have pledged to build a “drone wall” along the alliance’s eastern flank. The project would stretch from Norway down to Poland. Its goal is to spot and stop incoming enemy drones.
At the same time, Britain and Ukraine will work together to build interceptor drones driven by Ukrainian design. These steps aim to block the nightly waves of Shahed drones.
Impact on Ukrainian Defenses
Ukraine’s air defenses now let through about 15 percent of incoming attack drones. That figure was closer to 5 percent in the spring of 2025. These gaps mean more damage to vital power lines and civilian areas. Each breach forces defenders to repair or replace costly equipment. They also drain Ukraine’s limited missile stocks.
Personal Analysis
I see this drone surge as a test of resilience. Russia relies on cheap drones to exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses. Ukraine must find ways to stretch every missile and radar. The new NATO drone wall could help. Still, success will depend on fast deployment and steady cooperation. I think Ukraine may need to explore new radar tech and cheaper interceptors. That way, they can meet the sheer numbers Russia plans.
Sources: pbs.org
