British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Nov. 23

British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Nov. 23

Since September, Russia has likely launched hundreds of Iranian-manufactured uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Ukraine. These have been a mixture of one way attack (OWA) UAVs and more traditional reusable armed systems.

Russia has largely used these weapons against tactical military targets and the Ukrainian electricity grid.

However, recently Russian commanders likely also wanted Iranian-sourced UAVs to prioritise medical facilities as targets of opportunity, and strike them with guided munitions if identified.

Russia likely conceived of the UAV campaign to make up for its severe shortage of cruise missiles, but the approach has had limited success. Most UAVs launched have been neutralised.

No OWA UAVs strikes have been publicly reported since around 17 November 2022. Russia has likely very nearly exhausted its current stock, but will probably seek resupply.

Russia can probably procure UAVs from overseas more rapidly than it can manufacture new cruise missiles domestically.