Russia is significantly ramping up its production of Shahed-type combat drones, aiming to launch large-scale strikes involving up to 2,000 drones simultaneously, according to Major General Christian Freuding of the German Ministry of Defense.
In an interview released last week by the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, Freuding emphasized Moscow’s rapid expansion of drone manufacturing and its evolving tactics in aerial warfare. The Russian-made Shahed variants have reportedly improved in both quantity and quality, now boasting enhanced resistance to electronic warfare and higher destructive power.
Freuding noted that Russia has reduced the frequency between airstrikes from once every 10–12 days last year to once every 3–4 days, with the capacity to deploy as many as 7,800 drones at peak operational levels.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War estimates that, if current production rates continue, Russia may achieve its goal of a 2,000-drone single-night deployment by November. Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) reported that Russia is currently capable of producing around 170 Shahed-type drones daily.
Footage recently aired by Russian media purportedly shows a production facility manufacturing and testing the Geran-2 drone – the Russian version of the Shahed-136.
Freuding also pointed out that Russia has adjusted its drone attack strategies by flying drones in swarm formations and at higher altitudes, making them harder to intercept. Ukraine’s previous mobile anti-drone units, relying on machine guns, are now proving ineffective against these higher-altitude threats.
“A Shahed drone costs around €30,000 to €50,000 to produce, depending on the variant,” Freuding explained. “That’s why using €5 million Patriot missiles to take them down is unsustainable. We need more cost-effective countermeasures in the range of €2,000 to €4,000.”
Freuding has gained recognition in Germany since 2022 for his tactical breakdowns of the Ukraine conflict, particularly land operations. He is expected to assume the position of Chief of Staff of the German Army in September.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. His remarks followed renewed Russian resistance to ceasefire negotiations.
