Ukraine Deploys New Drones to Restore Deep Strike Capabilities
Ukraine is utilizing new mid-range attack drones, including models equipped with AI systems, to restore deep strike capabilities that were previously reliant on Western artillery systems like HIMARS. These drones are designed to carry heavy explosive payloads and overcome Russian jamming, enabling consistent strikes on rear areas and logistical targets. Analysts suggest these new drone capabilities mark a "new phase of the war," contributing to Ukraine's recent momentum and impacting Russian logistics by traveling distances from 30 to 300 kilometers.
Ukraine has introduced new mid-range attack drones that are reportedly re-establishing a critical strike role previously fulfilled by Western-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). These drones are capable of evading Russian jamming while delivering substantial explosive payloads, according to recent reports.
Analysts indicate that the deployment of these drones has contributed to Ukraine regaining momentum in recent weeks. George Barros, director of Innovation and Open Source Tradecraft at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), described the Ukrainian mid-range strike capability as "heralding a new phase of the war," providing a "solid foundation for Ukraine to blunt Russian advances."
An example, the GARA drone, is a Ukrainian-made platform that can fly for dozens of miles and is equipped with some AI systems. These new medium-range drones are capable of traveling approximately 30 to 300 kilometers. They carry heavier explosive payloads designed to target command posts, supply trucks, and air defense assets.
Some models feature artificial intelligence, allowing them to autonomously lock onto targets if the pilot's signal is lost due to Russian jamming. A Ukrainian drone pilot, identified by the call sign Spring, reportedly achieved her first successful strike in mid-2025, hitting a house where Russian FPV drone pilots were living in Zaporizhzhia.
Early in the conflict, HIMARS strikes were crucial for undermining Russian attack styles. However, Russia managed to curb this threat after the first year. The new drones are now bringing this strike effect back, offering a lower-cost solution that allows Kyiv to independently decide targets and strike effectively despite jamming. Gil Barndollar, a non-resident fellow at Defense Priorities, noted that the drones appear to be having a "meaningful impact on Russian logistics" in some sectors.
The use of these drones has increased over the last two months. During this period, Russia has reportedly lost more ground than it gained, a reversal of a trend observed for several years. Barros of ISW expressed optimism for Ukraine gaining "substantial upper-hand momentum" through the summer.
According to Business Insider, early in the war, Ukraine's ability to conduct deep strikes behind Russian lines heavily depended on Western weapons, including British-French Storm Shadow missiles and approximately 40 U.S.-made HIMARS launchers, which could fire rockets up to 150 kilometers and longer-range missiles up to 300 kilometers.
