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Ukraine’s Long-Range Drones Cut Russian Artillery Use in Half, Forcing Warplanes Deeper into Russia
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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Ukraine’s long-range drone operations have led to several strategic outcomes beyond widely reported attacks on Russian oil refineries and storage facilities, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
In an interview with LB.ua on April 9, Syrskyi highlighted three major impacts of drone strikes on Russian military infrastructure:
A significant reduction in artillery usage
The forced relocation of tactical aviation
The targeting of airbases housing long-range missile carriers
One of the most notable results came after Ukrainian drones struck multiple Russian GRAU ammunition depots in September 2024. Before these attacks, Russia reportedly used around 40,000 artillery shells and munitions daily, including those for tube artillery, rocket systems, and mortars.
Following the strikes, the number dropped to approximately 23,000. While Russia has since increased its usage to around 27,000–28,000, Syrskyi attributes the recovery to external supplies from North Korea and Iran, as well as a possible rise in domestic production.
Between April and October 2024, Ukrainian drones also targeted airfields used by Russian tactical aircraft such as Su-34 bombers, Su-25 attack aircraft, and Su-30 and Su-35 fighters. Publicly known strikes include those on Millerovo, Morozovsk, and the Khanskaya airbase. As a result, Russia was forced to relocate its aircraft further inland.
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According to Syrskyi, aircraft that had previously operated 100–150 kilometers from the front line were moved to a distance of 200–300 kilometers. This increased distance has reduced operational efficiency due to longer flight times and greater wear on aircraft engines.
Ukrainian drone attacks have also extended to airbases used by Russian long-range strategic bombers. While the strike on Engels airbase, which destroyed a large ammunition depot, has been widely reported, Syrskyi also confirmed a recent strike on the Shaikovka airbase in Kaluga region.
The operation resulted in the destruction of a Tu-22M3 bomber, an aircraft capable of carrying Kh-22 and Kh-32 missiles. According to Syrskyi, the drone strike occurred immediately after the aircraft landed, suggesting either precise intelligence or a highly calculated operation, given that the drone required more than an hour to reach the site from the Ukrainian border.
Earlier, Syrskyi confirmed a shift in international military aid, stating that Europe has become Ukraine’s primary donor as US support has declined. He noted Ukraine’s growing reliance on domestic defense production, including drones, electronic warfare systems, and munitions, and highlighted that Ukrainian-made systems are now being studied by foreign partners.
