Russia to increase production of Shahed drones in 2025 - ISW

Russia has not yet overcome limitations in its ability to produce and use Shahed drones. The aggressor country is likely to continue to struggle with these restrictions in 2025.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

It is noted that the Institute has already drawn attention to signs that Western sanctions are complicating Russia's ability to obtain high-quality components for Shahed drones and that the aggressor is increasingly relying on low-quality Chinese engines to power this type of drone.

At the same time, Ukrainian innovations in the field of electronic warfare also allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to more effectively repel attacks by heavy Shahed drones.

The ISW predicts that Russian forces will likely continue to adjust their strike packages throughout the winter of 2024-2025 to cause significant damage to Ukraine's energy system and critical infrastructure.

“Russia probably intends to further increase the production and use of Shahed drones after the expected signing of the Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in January 2025,” the Institute for War Studies notes.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 30/12/2024