War in Ukraine: Russia urgently deploys 24 battalions and 162 batteries to counter Ukrainian strike drones

In a way, it is an admission of weakness by Moscow. Russia has urgently strengthened its air defense in recent days, according to a statement from the Ukrainian armed forces commander published on social media on Friday, citing assessments from military intelligence.

According to Kiev, Russia has deployed four additional regiments, 24 battalions, and 162 air defense batteries to counter Ukrainian strike drones. The Kremlin has also decided to enhance the multi-layered air defense coverage around Moscow and Krasnodar.

“The enemy is adapting,” emphasized Oleksandr Syrskyi in his statement. “Russia is effectively strengthening its unmanned systems by copying Ukrainian solutions – technical, tactical, and organizational. The enemy is adapting, seeking new ways to counter our forces. Therefore, we must act faster, more flexible, and more technologically.”

This statement came on the eve of Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on Saturday, May 9th, which has in recent years become a symbolic demonstration of Moscow’s military might and a way to justify its large-scale invasion of Ukraine. This year, Vladimir Putin chose not to display the usual tanks or armored vehicles to avoid any enemy attacks and potential material losses.

Oleksandr Syrskyi also noted that the Russian army had increased the deployment of combat drones equipped with turbojet engines. He stated that Moscow plans to produce 7.3 million FPV drones and 7.8 million components for combat unmanned aerial vehicles by 2026.

“Despite all the challenges, we continue to maintain the initiative and set the pace. Our advantage in FPV drones is growing,” reassured the Ukrainian armed forces commander.