Ukrainian Forces Received 6,000 Long-Range Attack Drones in 2024

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have received over 6,000 long-range strike drones since the beginning of 2024, according to the Ministry of Defense.

These drones are being deployed for attacks on targets deep inside Russian territory, with models like the “Fluty” and Firepoint playing key roles.

While most long-range drone models remain classified for security reasons, some, like the “Fever” UAV, have gained public attention due to their operational success. The Fever drone has been pivotal in targeting critical Russian infrastructure, disrupting operations behind enemy lines.

The Fever’s first recorded combat use occurred on May 3, 2023, when it struck an oil depot in Volna, a village on the Taman Peninsula along the Black Sea coast. At that time, it was Ukraine’s only operational Fever drone, used experimentally to test its ability to hit targets in Russian territory. Since then, the Fever has been employed in multiple operations, causing considerable challenges for Russian forces.

The Fever UAV is built with a two-beam low-wing fuselage made of fiberglass and epoxy resin. Metal mesh reinforcement and plywood are incorporated into its design to enhance structural rigidity. The drone features a fixed wheeled chassis, enabling takeoff from runways or well-paved roads.

The Fever is powered by an internal combustion engine driving a three-blade pusher propeller mounted at the rear. Its front section contains a compartment for a warhead weighing up to 75 kilograms, providing substantial destructive potential. For ease of transport, the drone can be disassembled into its main components.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in November that Ukraine plans to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones by 2025, significantly boosting the country’s strike capabilities. The current inventory, which includes drones like the Fluty and Firepoint, underscores Ukraine’s focus on expanding its unmanned aerial systems for military operations.