Russia has changed the tactics of Shahed attacks on Zaporizhzhia: drones fly at an altitude of 250 meters.

According to ТСН: The Russian military has changed the tactics of attacks on Zaporizhzhia, starting to use strike drones 'Shahed'. They are lowering the altitude from which they launch unmanned aerial vehicles.

New attack strategy

The head of the Zaporizhzhia regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov, reported that previously the occupiers launched drones at an altitude of 3000-4000 meters, but during the last attack, they used an altitude of about 250 meters.

“Earlier, the enemy launched 'Shaheds' at an altitude of 3000-4000 meters. During the last attack on Zaporizhzhia, the enemy launched them at an altitude of 250 meters. They are constantly seeking gaps in our defense,”

— emphasized Fedorov.

He noted that the Russian army is trying to bypass air defense, constantly adjusting its strategy to find weak points in the defense.

Decreasing effectiveness of attacks

Fedorov also noted that previously the occupiers actively used the Dnipro River channel to launch 'Shahed' and 'Molniya' drones, but this tactic has ceased to be effective. Overall, the effectiveness of 'Molniya' drone attacks has decreased, and less than 10% of them are reaching Zaporizhzhia.

“The enemy launches dozens, but for example, only two reach. There was a day when we shot down 86 'Molniyas'. This is significant work,”

— he added.

Russia is equipping 'Shaheds' with anti-aircraft missile systems to strike Ukrainian aircraft, including through MANPADS 'Verba', which have an operational range of about 6 km and a maximum trajectory height of about 4.5 km during ground attacks.

Thus, there is a significant adaptation of tactics by the Russian military, indicating their intent to focus efforts on bypassing the Ukrainian air defense system. As their attacking actions have become less effective in recent weeks, this may reflect both the lessons of the war and the response to the efforts of Ukrainian air defense forces.