Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), announced on September 7 that Ukrainian-made drones now have a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles). This milestone enables Ukraine to potentially strike deep into Russian territory, including airfields responsible for launching attacks on Ukrainian cities. Budanov highlighted how these drones, developed by HUR specialists, can target key Russian infrastructure supporting the war effort.
Though Budanov did not disclose specific drone models or confirm their involvement in previous strikes, the enhanced range suggests Ukrainian drones could now reach regions such as Russia’s Ural Mountains and military airfields far inside the country. Notably, Ukrainian drones have been linked to incidents near the Ural city of Yekaterinburg and at a Russian airfield in Chelyabinsk, though HUR did not claim responsibility.
The expanded drone range also covers airbases outside of Russia, including in Syria, where Ukrainian drones have reportedly struck Russian troops stationed at Kuweires airbase. However, the Olenya airfield in Murmansk, located in the Arctic Circle, lies beyond the stated 1,800-kilometer range, despite HUR claims of a TU-22M3 bomber strike there in July.
Despite Ukraine’s growing domestic capabilities, Kyiv continues to push for access to Western long-range weapons like the U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which could offer faster and more precise strikes on Russian airfields.
Budanov emphasised the need for speed and firepower that drones lack, as drones are slower and easier to intercept. Western missile systems would offer little warning to Russia, providing Ukraine with a significant advantage in disabling Russian air threats.
Ukraine’s domestic drone advancements, coupled with its appeal for Western missile support, signify a continued effort to counter Russia’s aerial threat more effectively.
Post Image – The potential range of Ukraine’s drone strikes, assuming they are launched from Kharkiv, reaching even northern parts of Syria.
