British intelligence has identified the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a key event that has changed the nature of Russia's war against Ukraine.
This was stated in an overview published by the UK's Ministry of Defence on X (formerly Twitter).
In particular, British analysts note that numerous attacks using strike UAVs likely provided Russia with the space and time needed to restore its fleet of long-range aircraft and associated stocks of cruise and ballistic missiles.
The ultimate effect is that Ukraine's air defense situation is becoming increasingly strained, complicated, and challenging.
Through this combination of systems, the Russians are continually targeting critical national infrastructure and airbases in Ukraine, with such attacks expected to continue this winter as Russia attempts to break the will of the Ukrainian people, the report emphasizes.
Additionally, in mid- and late September, Ukraine successfully used UAVs against military targets in Russia, striking four Russian strategic ammunition depots located hundreds of kilometers from Ukraine.
The total tonnage of destroyed munitions at these sites represents the largest loss of ammunition supplied by Russia and North Korea during the war, according to the report.
British intelligence also noted that despite its technological and numerical superiority, Russia has been unable to gain air superiority over Ukraine after 1,000 days of full-scale war.
Furthermore, Russia has resorted to using its tactical-level aviation, such as Su-34 fighter-bombers, as aerial artillery.
