Key facts
- Russia launched 76 jet-powered Shahed-type drones against Ukraine on Aug. 18.
- Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 70 of the launched drones.
- Debris from Russian drones was reported in two locations in Kyiv's Dniprovskyi district.
- Russia is increasingly using upgraded, domestically manufactured drones based on Iranian designs.
- New Russian drone launch bases near Ukraine and Belarus could potentially reach NATO countries.
Russia launched a significant assault on Ukraine on Aug. 18, deploying 76 jet-powered Shahed-type drones between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 70 of these drones throughout the day, though several evaded detection and hit ground targets. Debris from downed drones was also reported in multiple locations.
Kyiv experienced a heightened state of alert, with at least nine air raid alerts issued by 6 p.m. local time. Later in the evening, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that debris from Russian drones had been found in two separate locations within the Dniprovskyi district, though no fires or injuries were reported.
Russia has been increasingly relying on upgraded, long-range drones, domestically manufactured under names like Geran-3, Geran-4, and Geran-5, based on Iranian designs. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force communications department, noted a substantial increase in the use of these jet-powered drones, with their flight parameters now approaching those of cruise missiles in terms of speed and altitude. The latest Geran-5 variant is reportedly capable of speeds up to 600 km/h, a range of 950 km, and can carry a 90 kg warhead, making it more challenging to intercept.
An investigation by The Telegraph revealed that Russia has established 10 new bases with launch pads for these advanced drones along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus, potentially placing NATO countries within their operational range.