Ukraine’s Armed Forces are now operating the MV-25 Oskar, a new fixed-wing loitering munition developed in France, according to KNDS France. The drone with the range of 25 km is part of the Mataris drone family.
Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles—operating in the air, on land, and at sea—now play a central role, with both sides rapidly advancing their technologies. Ukraine’s allies are also pushing forward their own dron
Ukraine’s Armed Forces are now operating the MV-25 Oskar, a new fixed-wing loitering munition developed in France, according to KNDS France. The drone with the range of 25 km is part of the Mataris drone family.
Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles—operating in the air, on land, and at sea—now play a central role, with both sides rapidly advancing their technologies. Ukraine’s allies are also pushing forward their own drone development efforts to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving domain.
Ukrainian military deploys MV-25 Oskar
Ukraine has officially received and deployed the MV-25 Oskar loitering munition, part of the French Mataris drone series. KNDS France, the primary developer, stated the drone is already in operational use and has garnered “excellent feedback” from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Development and international collaboration
KNDS France developed the Mataris line in cooperation with DELAIR and EOS TECHNOLOGIE. The MV-25 Oskar was selected under the French Defense Innovation Agency’s COLIBRI program in 2022 and reached operational deployment in Ukraine within two years. It successfully underwent a test flight with a live warhead in June 2024.
KNDS emphasized that the Mataris systems were created to urgently address a capability gap in the French arsenal.
The Mataris range includes four models with varied capabilities:
MT-10: dual-rotor drone with a 10 km range
MX-10 Damocles: quadcopter-wing drone with 10 km range
MV-25 Oskar: fixed-wing drone with 25 km range
MV-100 Veloce 330: turbine-powered fixed-wing drone with 100 km range and speeds over 400 km/h
Each system features warheads specifically developed by KNDS Ammo France. The MV-25 Oskar’s deployment marks the first operational use of this mid-range fixed-wing drone in Ukraine.
French military prepares to field parallel drone
Meanwhile, the short-range MX-10 Damocles will enter service with the French Army in July 2025. DELAIR manufactures the quadcopter wing, and KNDS Ammo France produces the fragmentation-incendiary warhead. The drone is designed to neutralize infantry and light armored vehicles.
Next steps for longer-range drones
KNDS has also partnered with EOS TECHNOLOGIE to develop the MV-100 Veloce 330, capable of engaging medium and long-range targets. It features a 2.5 kg anti-armor warhead based on BONUS shell technology. An operational detonation test is scheduled before the end of 2025.
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it used a new method to breach Israel's air defenses during a missile attack early on June 16, that killed at least eight people, Reuters reports.According to the IRGC, Iranian missiles were guided in a way that caused Israeli interceptor missiles to target each other, confusing Israel's integrated defense system, which includes Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow platforms. It did not provide any further details. Ballistic missiles are rocket
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it used a new method to breach Israel's air defenses during a missile attack early on June 16, that killed at least eight people, Reuters reports.
According to the IRGC, Iranian missiles were guided in a way that caused Israeli interceptor missiles to target each other, confusing Israel's integrated defense system, which includes Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow platforms.
It did not provide any further details.
Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered and are launched high into the atmosphere before arcing back down onto their target.
They're only guided during the initial stages of launch, so they can be less accurate than cruise missiles, but have the advantage of reaching incredibly high speeds – sometimes more than 3,200 kilometers per hour – as they approach their targets.
Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) reported for the first time that its systems had an 80-90% success rate intercepting Iran's ballistic missiles, while roughly 5-10% penetrated the shield and struck populated areas, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The strike came three days after Israel launched a sweeping aerial campaign against Iranian nuclear and military facilities, killing several high-ranking officials, including IRGC aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
Kyiv has expressed support for Israel, describing Iran as a "source of instability in the region and beyond," citing Tehran's extensive military cooperation with Russia.
Since 2022, Iran has supplied Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones and short-range ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine. Russia, for its part, has condemned the Israeli air strikes on Iran as "unprovoked aggression" and backed calls for restraint.
Israel is home to one of the largest Russian-speaking populations outside the former Soviet Union, with approximately 1 million people — or 15% of the total population — identifying as Russian-speaking. Israel has historically maintained relatively friendly ties with Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 15 that he is considering Russian President Vladimir Putin as a possible mediator between Israel and Iran.
As of June 16, Iran's Health Ministry claims 224 people have been killed since the Israeli air campaign began on June 13 — 90% of them civilians, according to Tehran. Israel has not confirmed the civilian casualty figure, and independent verification remains difficult.
AI is no longer confined to futuristic movies or research labs. It’s actively shaping modern warfare, moving rapidly from theoretical concepts to deployed capabilities on the battlefield. Across the globe, militaries are integrating and deploying autonomous and AI-enhanced systems that fundamentally redefine how operations are planned and executed. These technologies range from unmanned vehicles operating with increasing independence to complex systems aiding human decision-making and perceptio
AI is no longer confined to futuristic movies or research labs. It’s actively shaping modern warfare, moving rapidly from theoretical concepts to deployed capabilities on the battlefield. Across the globe, militaries are integrating and deploying autonomous and AI-enhanced systems that fundamentally redefine how operations are planned and executed. These technologies range from unmanned vehicles operating with increasing independence to complex systems aiding human decision-making and perception. Here’s a look at five groundbreaking AI technologies already in service or entering operational use, showcasing tangible examples of how science fiction is quickly becoming military reality.
Key AI Technologies Deployed in Modern Military Operations
1. AI in Autonomous Drone Systems & Swarms
What’s happening
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become ubiquitous in modern conflict, but AI is pushing their capabilities further towards autonomy and coordinated action. While long-range strikes deep into enemy territory are often conducted by larger, specifically designed strike drones, AI is playing a role in enhancing their navigation, target recognition, and electronic counter-countermeasures. Simultaneously, smaller, low-cost FPV (First-Person View) drones are being used in massive numbers on the front lines.
Although mass coordination of hundreds of FPVs via complex AI swarming algorithms is still largely experimental, AI is being applied to individual FPVs or small groups for tasks like autonomous target tracking, pathfinding in GPS-denied environments, or object identification (e.g., distinguishing between different types of vehicles or personnel), making them more effective even with limited human oversight during the final attack phase. Concepts like AI-guided “loyal wingman” drones (like the XQ-58A mentioned later) also represent a form of airborne swarm where AI facilitates coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft. ([news.com.au][1], [timesofindia.indiatimes.com][timesofindia.indiatimes.com_spiderweb])
Why it matters
AI enhances the effectiveness and reduces the cognitive load on operators, allowing drones to perform missions more efficiently and with greater precision, especially in complex or contested areas.
The potential for AI-coordinated swarms (even if currently limited in scale and autonomy) offers the ability to overwhelm defenses with speed, scale, and affordability, posing a significant challenge to traditional air defense systems.
This technology represents a paradigm shift, moving from remotely piloted vehicles to semi-autonomous or even potentially fully autonomous combat drones capable of making certain operational decisions independently (within pre-defined parameters).
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2. AI-Powered Counter-Drone Systems & Automated Air Defense
businessinsider.com
What’s happening
The proliferation of inexpensive and sophisticated drones demands equally rapid and cost-effective defenses. Militaries are deploying automated counter-drone systems that heavily rely on AI. These systems typically involve sensors (radar, cameras, acoustic sensors) linked to AI algorithms that detect, track, identify, and classify potential drone threats in real-time, distinguishing them from birds or other non-threats. Once identified, AI can cue a response mechanism, which could range from electronic jamming to physically neutralizing the drone. Examples include static or mobile turrets equipped with autocannons or other effectors.
While specific performance statistics for systems like Ukraine’s “Sky Sentinel” at scale in combat are hard to verify publicly, the concept of an automated turret using AI for detection and targeting is a verifiable trend being actively developed and tested. The goal is to provide a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional missile-based air defense against drone swarms, potentially achieving a lower cost per engagement.
Why it matters
AI-powered counter-drone systems enable a much faster reaction time than human-operated systems, crucial for intercepting fast-moving or swarming threats.
They offer a potentially cost-effective defense against the growing threat of cheap, mass-produced drones, addressing the economic imbalance of using expensive missiles against low-cost targets.
These systems are a tangible example of AI being deployed for autonomous air defense, capable of operating with minimal human intervention once activated in a defined area.
3. AI Integration in Robotic Ground Platforms & Combat Dogs
Milremrobotics
What’s happening
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and more agile quadruped robots (“robot dogs”) are increasingly integrating AI for navigation, situational awareness, and task execution in environments too dangerous or inaccessible for humans. While the widespread deployment of robot dogs with lethal weapons in active combat remains limited and ethically debated, prototypes and demonstrations showcasing quadrupeds equipped with weapon mounts (rifles, rocket launchers) have been conducted by forces like the US military in urban drill scenarios, demonstrating the technical capability.
In combat zones like Ukraine, quadruped robots are reportedly being used primarily for less controversial roles such as reconnaissance, carrying supplies, mapping dangerous areas, and potentially acting as mobile sensor platforms or decoys in trenches and urban ruins. AI assists these robots with tasks like autonomous navigation through complex terrain, obstacle avoidance, and processing sensor data to identify objects or people.
Why it matters
Robotic ground platforms extend military presence into high-risk environments (urban combat, minefields, trenches) without risking human lives.
AI enables these robots to operate semi-autonomously, navigating and performing tasks with less reliance on constant remote control, increasing their effectiveness and reducing operator workload.
Their potential roles range from mobile sentries and advanced scouts to logistical support in difficult terrain, offering a versatile, AI-enhanced addition to ground forces.
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4. Autonomous Navigation & Operation in UGVs & UAVs
What’s happening
Beyond simple remote control, AI is enabling military vehicles to navigate and operate more autonomously. Examples include Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) like Estonia’s Milrem Type-X robotic combat vehicle, which incorporates AI for autonomous navigation in various terrains and can be integrated with heavy weapons systems up to 50mm cannons, operating as an uncrewed fire support platform. Similarly, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are using AI for autonomous flight, route planning, and navigating in environments where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.
Companies like Shield AI are developing UAVs, such as the MQ-35 V-BAT, designed to operate autonomously in complex urban areas or GPS-denied maritime environments by using AI for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and object recognition. While specific operational details by US forces in sensitive areas like the Black Sea may not be widely publicized, the capability for autonomous navigation in contested electronic environments is a key development being pursued and tested.
Why it matters
Autonomous navigation allows UGVs and UAVs to operate more independently, reducing the need for constant human piloting or driving, freeing up personnel for other tasks.
AI enables operations in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments, crucial for maintaining effectiveness against sophisticated adversaries attempting to disrupt communications and navigation signals.
Autonomous capabilities allow uncrewed vehicles to perform complex tasks, like convoy following, perimeter patrol, or detailed area mapping, with greater efficiency and endurance.
AI is fundamentally transforming the analysis of military data and the robustness of communication networks. The sheer volume of data from modern sensors (satellites, drones, ground sensors) is overwhelming for human analysts. AI is being deployed to automatically process, filter, and identify patterns in this data – spotting targets in satellite imagery, detecting anomalies in electronic signals, or predicting potential enemy movements based on aggregated information. The Pentagon, for instance, has allocated significant budgets towards AI-driven ISR and related domains like cyber defense and logistics optimization.
Advanced large language models and AI analysis tools are being developed and used by military and intelligence agencies for rapid analysis of text-based intelligence. Furthermore, tactical communication networks are leveraging AI for real-time data fusion, dynamic routing to maintain connectivity in contested environments (“self-healing”), and enhancing cybersecurity by detecting and responding to threats automatically.
Why it matters
AI-enhanced ISR dramatically speeds up the process of turning raw data into actionable intelligence, providing commanders with faster and more comprehensive battlefield awareness.
AI in communications ensures networks remain resilient and secure even under electronic attack or in complex operational environments.
These AI applications act as a critical backbone, improving decision-making across all levels of command, from tactical operations on the ground to strategic planning, making military forces more informed and agile.
Summary Table: AI in Combat Roles
AI Technology Applied
Primary Combat Role
Significance
Autonomous Drone Systems & Swarms
Aerial strikes & reconnaissance
Scalable offense, overwhelming defenses, reduced human risk
AI-Powered Counter-Drone Systems
Automated Air Defense (vs. Drones)
Fast, potentially low-cost interception against UAVs
AI in Robotic Ground Platforms
Reconnaissance, Security, Support
Operates in dangerous terrain, reduces human exposure
Autonomous Navigation (UGVs & UAVs)
Fire Support, Logistics, ISR
Operates without human piloting, functions in GPS-denial
AI-Enhanced ISR, Analysis, & Comms
Intelligence, Command & Control Support
Improves situational awareness & decision speed
FAQ
Q: Are military AI systems truly autonomous? A: As of 2025, most deployed military AI systems are highly autonomous but typically remain under human supervision (“human-on-the-loop” or “human-in-the-loop”). They can perform complex tasks independently but require human authorization for lethal actions or operate within strict, pre-defined parameters established by human commanders.
Q: What are the ethical concerns around AI in the military? A: Major concerns include the potential for autonomous lethal weapons (LAWS) operating without human intervention, questions of accountability when AI systems make errors, the risk of algorithmic bias leading to unintended consequences, and the potential for an accelerated pace of conflict. International debates and efforts to establish regulatory frameworks are ongoing.
Q: How do AI systems distinguish between military targets and civilians? A: AI systems designed for targeting rely on sophisticated computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms trained on vast datasets to identify and classify objects. However, ensuring 100% accuracy in complex or crowded environments is a major technical and ethical challenge. Robust rules of engagement and human oversight are critical safeguards.
Q: Is AI primarily used in expensive, advanced military equipment? A: While AI is integrated into high-tech platforms, it’s increasingly being applied to low-cost systems like FPV drones and automated counter-drone turrets. AI is becoming a tool to make even inexpensive hardware more effective, democratizing access to advanced military capabilities.
Why It Matters Now
By 2025, AI in military use is not a distant concept – it’s tactical and operational, demonstrably deployed in real conflict zones and integrated into defense planning worldwide. From enhancing the effectiveness of drone strikes and enabling autonomous air defenses to improving intelligence analysis and operating robotic ground platforms, AI is rapidly reshaping modern combat roles, logistics networks, and the speed and accuracy of battlefield decisions. The technologies discussed here represent just the tip of the iceberg. Expect these AI-powered systems to become even more sophisticated, autonomous, and integrated across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains in the coming years, presenting both significant opportunities and complex challenges for global security.
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We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next.
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Editor's note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.Iran and Israel continued to exchange attacks on June 14, more than 24 hours after Israel launched its first strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership.According to recent reports, there are civilian casualties in both countries. In Israel, two people have been killed and more than 40 injured since Iran launched its initial wave of retaliatory strikes. In Iran, more than 70 people have been killed and 329 injured, accordin
Editor's note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
Iran and Israel continued to exchange attacks on June 14, more than 24 hours after Israel launched its first strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership.
According to recent reports, there are civilian casualties in both countries. In Israel, two people have been killed and more than 40 injured since Iran launched its initial wave of retaliatory strikes.
In Iran, more than 70 people have been killed and 329 injured, according to the country's United Nations ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani.
Responding to Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran overnight on June 13, Tehran responded with multiple waves of ballistic missiles, as well as an earlier barrage of drones.
The drone attack followed heavy air strikes launched by Israel against Iran, targeting the country's nuclear program and reportedly killing Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other top officials.
Amid the escalation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond to the most recent attack.
"More is on the way. The (Iranian) regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker," Netanyahu said in an address.
Clear, dramatic footage captures active missile intercepts over Tel Aviv, including impacts that struck locations downtown. pic.twitter.com/ISxbIQ6CU0
U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that the U.S. military is on high alert and watching for any kind of retaliation, adding that the U.S. will respond to defend itself or Israel if Iran strikes back.
Before the attacks, Trump emphasized that despite tensions, he is committed to avoiding conflict and prefers a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear aspirations. "I want to have an agreement with Iran," Trump said, referring to ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman.
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has expressed willingness to accept limited restrictions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
Beyond the Middle East, Iran has emerged as a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine, supplying Moscow with drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed on June 13 that its aerospace commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who led Iran's Shahed drone supply to Russia, was killed in the strike on June 13.
Just hours after Russia launched its own missile and drone assault on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin decried the "numerous civilian casualties" in Iran and condemned Israel's actions as violations of the UN Charter and international law.
Following the initial strikes by Israel, Kyiv expressed concern over the security situation in the Middle East after Israeli air strikes against Iran, but stressed that Tehran remains a "source of problems" in the region "and beyond."
Editor's note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.Israeli forces launched "preemptive strikes" on Iran overnight on June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.Netanyahu said in an overnight address that Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," which would last for "many days," marking a drastic escalation in conflict in the Middle East."We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program... We targeted Iran's main
Editor's note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
Israeli forces launched "preemptive strikes" on Iran overnight on June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.
Netanyahu said in an overnight address that Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," which would last for "many days," marking a drastic escalation in conflict in the Middle East.
"We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program... We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb," Netanyahu said.
The strikes killed Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), multiple Iranian state media outlets reported. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confirmed that several nuclear scientists and officials had been killed in the attack.
The full extent of the attack was not immediately clear. Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran as videos posted on social media purportedly show fire burning in multiple locations of Tehran.
"Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future" Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned in a statement.
A view of a damaged building in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following an attack by Israel on June 13, 2025. (Ahmet Dursun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Iran's Supreme Leader vowed to enact "severe punishment" in response to the attack, accusing the United States for "also (being) responsible for the dangerous consequences of this reckless escalation."
In a statement released by the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was not involved in the strikes on Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who plans to convene a cabinet meeting in response to the strikes, expressed concerns about escalating tensions between Israel and Iran earlier in the day, warning that a "massive conflict" could erupt in the Middle East.
"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio said.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on June 12 ahead of the strikes, Trump warned that an Israeli strike on Iran "could happen" if a nuclear deal is not reached with Iran. Talks between Washington and Tehran were set to resume this weekend on Iran's nuclear program.
Earlier in the day, Trump emphasized that despite tensions, he is committed to avoiding conflict and prefers a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear aspirations. "I want to have an agreement with Iran," Trump said, referring to ongoing Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman.
Writing on Truth Social later in the day, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a "diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue," and insisted that his "entire administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran."
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has expressed willingness to accept limited restrictions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
Coinciding with Trump’s remarks, the International Atomic Energy Agency released a report highlighting Iran’s failure to comply with its obligations to fully disclose activities at its nuclear facilities.
Beyond the Middle East, Iran has emerged as a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine, supplying Moscow with drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In April 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putinratified a strategic partnership with Iran, vowing to strengthen bilateral ties and pledging not to support any third party engaged in conflict with the other.
Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Russian Federation. Here, in the aftermath of Russia’s largest missile strike of the war, Ukraine launched a thunderous response that sent shockwaves through the Russian homeland.
As drones swarmed strategic targets and panic gripped the skies over Moscow, even Vladimir Putin found himself uncomfortably close to the line of fire.
Drone swarm sends Russian officials fleeing
Even while the 1,000 for 1,000 prisoner-of-war exchange process was t
Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Russian Federation. Here, in the aftermath of Russia’s largest missile strike of the war, Ukraine launched a thunderous response that sent shockwaves through the Russian homeland.
As drones swarmed strategic targets and panic gripped the skies over Moscow, even Vladimir Putin found himself uncomfortably close to the line of fire.
Drone swarm sends Russian officials fleeing
Even while the 1,000 for 1,000 prisoner-of-war exchange process was taking place as agreed upon in Istanbul, the Russians launched a massive drone and missile strike campaign targeting Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.
The Russian strike consisted of almost 300 drones and 69 guided missiles, making it the largest strike launched in a single day, with the campaign lasting over 3 days, using nearly 1,000 drones in total.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
The Ukrainians responded with a massive drone strike of their own, targeting critical Russian military and economic infrastructure used for the launch of drones and missiles, as well as their production.
The intensity of the Ukrainian strike caused chaos to the point that a dozen Russian government planes, presumably with Russian government officials, flew from Moscow towards the eastern cities of Samara and Kazan, likely to evade being killed in precision strikes.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
Putin’s close call in the sky
At the time of the strike, Russian President Putin was in a helicopter, likely to avoid becoming a victim of the massive Ukrainian strikes on the ground.
However, the commander of Russian air defense forces, Yuri Dashkin, confirmed that Putin was almost killed, as his helicopter ended up in the middle of the Russian effort to repulse Ukrainian drones.
Such close calls and sheer incompetence are a common occurrence, as they previously targeted and shot down not just their own fighter jets, but several civilian airliners in the past as well.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
Moscow descends into panic
Another video from Moscow shows a Russian civilian jet being caught amidst the ground fire of Russian air defenses, narrowly avoiding being hit after being mistaken for a very large Ukrainian drone.
Such chaos, as well as Ukrainian strikes targeting military airfields in the area, forced the Russian government to close all airports in the Moscow area and other major cities in Russia during the day.
For the past week, the Ukrainians launched intense strikes that forced the Russian airports to keep all their civilian flights grounded.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
If Ukrainians consistently force Russian civilian aviation to stay grounded, it will prevent the travel of the civilian population, on top of denying the flow and export of goods across the country.
This is why the Ukrainians were intensively conducting drone strikes to force the grounding of civilian aviation at major airports in the Moscow and Kaluga regions.
Strikes hit Russia’s military-industrial nerve
The Ukrainian drone strikes properly struck key economic and military infrastructure, including a battery factory in the city of Yelets, as confirmed by satellite footage.
The batteries produced at this plant are used for an application in the Russian military industry, including guided missiles, which could indirectly delay future Russian strikes. Furthermore, two chemical plants in the cities of Kineshma and Tula were struck by Ukrainian drones, with footage confirming the direct impact on the plants.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
These chemical plants are directly tied to the Russian military industry, as they produce Nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, TNT, and RDX, which are used to produce missiles, artillery shells, and landmines. Strikes against these plants significantly disrupt Russian production of weapon systems and ammunition.
These strikes are no coincidence, as causing any disruption alleviates the pressure off of frontline Ukrainian infantrymen, as Russia prepares to go all in on the attack this summer.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
On top of that, the Ukrainians struck the Skaut tractor factory in Tula, after Ukrainian Military Intelligence discovered that the factory was covertly being used to produce parts for artillery systems and logistics trucks for the Russian army.
A screenshot for Reporting from Ukraine
Strategic pressure ahead of summer offensive
Overall, the largest Russian missile strike against Ukraine did not pass without an even more devastating Ukrainian retribution, which resulted in successful strikes against critical Russian military industries and the cancellation of air traffic.
Continuation of these strikes by the Ukrainians could lead to devastating blows to the Russian wartime industry, which could consequently weaken the Russian capability to conduct intense assaults during their planned summer offensive.
In our daily frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
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