21 November 2024

Long-range Capabilities Continue to be Key Deterrent for Ukraine

Yuri Lapaiev

In the early morning hours of November 6, drones attacked a Russian naval base near Kaspiisk City, Republic of Dagestan, Russia. Later, it was reported that it was an operation carried out by Ukrainian Defense Intelligence and that Ukrainian-made Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat drones were used. The distance from the state border of Ukraine to the site of the attack was more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). As reported, two Gepard-class frigates (project 11661) and a Buyan-class corvette (project 21631) could be damaged due to the attack (NV, November 6). This attack was yet another episode in a series of regular long-range strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces against targets deep in Russian territory. These deep strikes went from an extremely rare event at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to a routine in 2024. Moreover, the frequency, scale, and range of attacks constantly increase. According to official information for 2022–2023, the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted 17 long-range strikes in 2022–2023. In contrast, in January–September 2024, they conducted more than 30 long-range strikes (Texty, October 22). Ukraine’s capability to carry out long-range strikes on Russian targets provides an opportunity to weaken the Russian armed forces at their source, enabling a more proactive and assertive defense of its sovereignty.


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