Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Supply Bridges in Southern Front

Ukrainian military units are reportedly deploying new mid-range drones to repeatedly strike critical supply bridges utilized by Russian forces. The 1st Separate Assault Regiment claimed responsibility for attacks over the past week on four key bridges located in the Armyansk, Henichesk, and Chonhar areas.

These targeted locations represent three significant chokepoints connecting Crimea with Russia's southern front. The bridges, situated between 50 and 75 miles from the front lines, are considered vital for the Kremlin's logistical routes to the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The regiment asserted that the strikes aimed at the "only way of delivery" for Russian soldiers, ammunition, and fuel from Crimea.

The 1st Separate Assault Regiment indicated that some of these operations were coordinated with the 475th Assault Regiment and the Security Service of Ukraine's elite Alpha unit. The drones employed in these attacks reportedly include the FirePoint FP-2, which has an 18-foot wingspan and a 220-pound explosive payload, and the Hippo, featuring a 7.5-foot wingspan and carrying a 77-pound thermobaric payload alongside 88 pounds of explosives.

Footage released by the regiment appeared to show several bridges burning and sustaining visible structural damage from repeated strikes. Pro-Russian authorities in the region have confirmed these attacks. Vladimir Saldo, the Kremlin-appointed governor of Kherson, stated on Thursday that bridges in Armyansk had been subjected to at least 45 drone attacks, with preliminary reports indicating some damage.

Earlier in the week, Saldo also reported approximately 20 drone attacks on the Chonhar bridge, leading to its closure to traffic. His office subsequently recommended alternative traffic routes and announced the halting of civilian passenger bus services in the region due to a reported fuel shortage.

The introduction of mid-range drones represents a developing tactic for Ukraine, enabling strikes on Russia's rear areas and disruptions to critical supply lines. Previously, Ukraine primarily relied on sabotage or artillery systems like the US-made HIMARS to damage Russian supply bridges.

According to Business Insider, these new drones offer greater range and impact than standard grenade-carrying quadcopters, while being more cost-effective to produce than the long-distance drones used to target Russia's military-industrial base.