In the first half of 2026 alone, Ukrainian drones struck 697 targets in Russia, with deep strikes increasing by 1,150 percent. The culmination of these efforts was a 40-day operation to destroy infrastructure.
Ukrainian forces have significantly intensified strikes deep into Russian territory, disabling a record 43 percent of Russia's oil refining capacity in the first half of 2026. According to data provided to RBC-Ukraine by the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems (SBS), a total of 697 targets on Russian Federation territory were hit during this period.
The number of strikes at strategic depth has surged by 1,150 percent since the start of the year, a result of systematic and planned capability enhancement. The culmination of these efforts was a 40-day operation to destroy enemy infrastructure. "We obviously don't reveal specific plans and future targets, but the work is planned, and every next step continues our joint strategy," the center stated.
June 2026 was a particularly intense month for Ukrainian deep-strike operations. According to representatives of the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems, 11 oil refineries and more than eight military-industrial complex enterprises were hit that month.
"There were only a few days when nothing burned in the enemy's strategic depth. Moscow burned twice in June," military sources said. The focus of Ukrainian strikes is currently on the fuel sector, defense industry, and the logistics supporting them.
The range of Ukrainian drones continues to grow. In July, Ukrainian forces carried out one of the most painful strikes for Russia, hitting the largest Russian oil refinery in Omsk. Although Omsk is 2,400 kilometers in a straight line from Ukraine, the drones covered up to 3,000 kilometers due to maneuvering, extending the operational zone all the way to Siberia.
"Increasing the scale is part of the overall plan to improve capabilities: we have more assets, conduct more precise reconnaissance, and shorten the preparation cycle. Everything is calculated," added the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems.
Oleg Krot, chairman of the board at Culver Aerospace, described to RBC-Ukraine the constant race between drones and electronic warfare (EW) systems. "The war has shown that EW and drones evolve in a constant race of adaptation. One side finds a way to degrade the effectiveness of the system, the other changes its approaches. Therefore, advantage is not permanent. It belongs to whoever learns faster, implements changes quicker, and better integrates combat experience," Krot said.
Manufacturers are increasingly turning to satellite communication channels to bypass jamming. "We now see a growing need for UAVs with satellite communication links, so we have adapted our drones to exactly that format of use. This allows missions to be carried out even under active EW conditions," explained representatives from DG Industry.
In 2025, Ukraine used six times more long-range drones than the previous year, according to the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO). The key difference between deep-strike drones and smaller UAVs lies in fuel capacity and battery size, which directly determine range. Flight routes are meticulously planned before launch, taking into account the target, distance, platform limitations, and safety factors.
Among the platforms that stand out are the universal drone "Shpatel" by DG Industry, which can be used as a strike drone, a decoy for air defense, or a communication relay, and the long-range drone "Bars." Mass production not only increases operational efficiency but also forces the enemy to expend significantly more expensive air defense systems on cheaper targets.
