43% of capacities disabled: how Ukraine’s long-range strikes changed the nature of the war
A serviceman of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of Unmanned Systems named after Yakov Handziuk of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, launches a reconnaissance drone, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine October 6, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
In the first half of 2026, Ukrainian long-range drones hit 697 targets on Russian territory. The strikes disabled 43% of the capacity of Russian oil refineries.
This is stated in the material of “RBK-Ukraine” .
Scaling Ukrainian Deep Strike
Ukraine’s Deep Strike capabilities, designed to strike targets deep inside enemy territory, have grown significantly in recent years. These include strikes on Russian military, logistical, industrial, and energy facilities.
According to the National Security and Defense Council, in 2025, Ukraine used 6 times more long-range drones than in 2024. Since the beginning of 2026, the number of strikes deep inside the Russian Federation has increased by 1,150%.
The 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems of the Unmanned Systems Forces noted that the work to destroy Russian infrastructure is planned.
“Of course, we do not disclose specific plans and future goals. But the work is planned, each next step continues our joint strategy,” the center emphasized.
According to the military, the main areas of attack are the fuel industry, the defense industry, and the logistics that ensure their work.
“In June, we hit 11 oil refineries and more than 8 military-industrial complex enterprises. There were only a few days when nothing was burning in the enemy’s strategic depths. Moscow burned twice in June,” the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems of the SBS added.
Strikes on Russian refineries
In July, Ukrainian drones also struck the Omsk oil refinery. According to the military, the distance to Omsk is about 2,400 kilometers as the crow flies, and taking into account the flight route, the drones traveled up to 3,000 kilometers.
Representatives of the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems (SBS) noted that the increase in the scale of strikes is part of an overall plan for developing capabilities.
“The scaling up is part of the overall plan to improve capabilities: we have more resources, conduct more accurate reconnaissance, and shorten the training cycle. Everything is calculated,” the center said.
Features of long-range drones
According to Oleg Krot, CEO of Culver Aerospace, long-range drones differ from tactical systems primarily in the requirements for range, energy efficiency, reliability of on-board electronics, navigation, and stability of operation over long distances.
The developers of the Bars drone noted that the amount of fuel and the capacity of the batteries play a key role in flight range. At the same time, manufacturers emphasize the importance of accessibility and the possibility of mass production of such systems.
Individual Ukrainian platforms can also perform multiple functions. In particular, the “Spatula” drone was developed as a universal system that can be used to destroy targets, as a decoy to overload enemy air defense systems, or as a communications repeater.
Manufacturers also note that flight routes for long-range drones are prepared in advance, taking into account the target, range, platform capabilities, navigation conditions, and safety factors.
Countering Russian electronic warfare (EW)
The manufacturers do not disclose specific technical methods for countering Russian electronic warfare. However, they indicate that resistance to electronic warfare is ensured by a combination of navigation, communication and other systems, as well as constant platform updates.
“The war showed that electronic warfare and drones develop as a constant race of adaptation. One side finds a way to worsen the effectiveness of the system – the other changes approaches. Therefore, the advantage is not permanent. It is held by the one who learns faster, implements changes faster, and better integrates the experience of combat use,” Oleg Krot emphasized.
DG Industry noted that there is currently a growing need for drones with a satellite communication channel that can perform tasks in conditions of active operation of Russian electronic warfare equipment.
Drone testing and improvement
A separate stage in the creation of long-range drones is comprehensive testing. It begins with checking components, electronics, engine, and software, followed by flight tests.
Manufacturers emphasize that feedback from the military plays an important role in improving systems. The cycle “combat application – analysis – engineering change – new iteration” in Ukraine is one of the factors behind the rapid development of unmanned systems.
According to the National Security and Defense Council, Ukraine’s production capabilities in the Deep Strike segment as of 2026 amount to about $25 billion. Thus, long-range drones are gradually becoming a separate direction of defense industrial production.
How will Deep Strike drones change?
According to Oleg Krot’s forecast, in the next 1-2 years, Deep Strike drones will become more autonomous, more resistant to electronic warfare, and more integrated with reconnaissance and strike systems.
Developers also expect further development of navigation in conditions of degradation of GPS and communication, wider use of artificial intelligence elements, as well as group use of drones.
“The modernization process does not stop. What was effective and flew a month ago, almost does not fly today. We do not just track, we hunt for all possible global technologies and solutions. The process of integrating innovations continues around the clock,” summed up one of the Deep Strike manufacturers surveyed.
As is known, Ukraine has significantly expanded its capabilities to launch long-range strikes on Russian territory , which, according to journalists, has become one of the key factors in changing the nature of the war. At the same time, despite the successes of Ukrainian drones and missiles, the country remains vulnerable to Russian air attacks on the eve of winter.
Recall that in July, Belarus sharply increased the supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to Russia. The reason was the fuel shortage that arose after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.
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