Cost-Effectiveness of Shahed Drones

Russia's use of one-way attack drones, particularly the Shahed series, has emerged as a remarkably cost-effective strategy in its military operations against Ukraine. Despite their track record of hitting targets less than 10% of the time, the affordability of each drone, estimated at around $35,000, allows Russia to launch mass attacks, overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses. This approach highlights a strategic focus on attrition, where the sheer volume of attacks induces significant stress on Ukraine's defense systems, forcing them to allocate resources and constant attention to counter these low-cost threats. The ongoing war has seen Russia ramping up drone launches, especially in the latter months of 2024, showcasing a shift toward increased reliance on relatively inexpensive, yet disruptive, drone technology in its operations.