Drone attacks on Russian airfields are likely being launched from within Russian territory, according to a UK intelligence update. The report suggests that these attacks, carried out using quadcopter UAVs due to their limited range, were almost certainly launched from within Russia.
The update also noted the creation of volunteer security patrols near the affected air bases in Russia’s Pskov Oblast, indicating a shortage of trained security personnel in the region. These volunteer patrols are intended to act as a deterrent and provide a defense against potential UAV attacks launched from the immediate vicinity of the air bases.
Traditional small-arms fire has proven ineffective against UAVs, emphasizing the need for air-defense systems with surveillance, interception capabilities, and trained personnel to counter these threats.
This development occurs amid escalating drone warfare between Moscow and Kyiv, with both sides using UAVs to target critical infrastructure and locations in each other’s territories. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously acknowledged the potential threat of drone attacks on Moscow and stated that appropriate security measures were being implemented. In response, Ukrainian forces have intensified their UAV attacks on the Russian capital.