Ukraine and Russia race to dominate the skies in a long-range drone war

Ukraine and Russia are locked in an escalating long-range drone war, with both sides developing new weapons to strike military, industrial, and civilian targets hundreds of miles beyond the frontline, leaving the balance of power uncertain. Ukraine's specialist 413 Raid regiment launches FP-2 drones with over 100kg of explosives into occupied territory, while Russia has upgraded its arsenal with faster jet-engined Shahed drones, reducing Ukrainian interception rates from over 90% to 60%. Both sides are translating deep strikes into economic effects, with Russian oil production falling 7.7% and Ukrainian infrastructure under sustained attack. Civilian casualties are climbing, with 2,222 killed in Ukraine in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding all of 2025. Russia plans to produce tens of thousands of new jet drones by 2027, while Ukraine faces a £40bn budget shortfall, though neither side appears close to defeat.