Russia reduces intensity of UAV attacks for first time since spring – British intelligence

In December 2024, the russian occupiers reduced the intensity of drone attacks by a number for the first time since spring. It is likely that weather conditions affected the operations at the beginning of the month. At the same time, russia seems to be able to maintain the number of launches at the level of at least 1,500 per month.

The UK Ministry of Defense reported this in an intelligence update.

Thus, in December 2024, russia launched approximately 1,700 kamikaze drones of various types into Ukraine, which is less than in November, when 2,300 were launched.

"This was the first time that a decline in numbers (of UAVs – Ed.) has been seen since March to April 2024," the report says.

It is noted that weather factors likely affected the operations at the beginning of the month. This may be evidenced, in particular, by several nights with waves of over 100 OWA UAS, which followed periods of particularly low or no activity.

Intelligence cited data from the Ukrainian Air Forces - 53% of russian OWA UAS were shot down, while the rest were disabled by electronic warfare or had already deviated from course without posing a significant threat.

"Various factors can impact the monthly launch rates positively or negatively, however it remains likely that Russia can sustain numbers in excess of at least 1,500 per month," the agency concluded.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, British intelligence previously explained the increase in the number of drones launched by the russian federation over Ukraine.