Ukrainian military experts have observed a noticeable decline in the quality of Russian weaponry deployed during ongoing attacks against Ukraine.
Despite Russia’s efforts to adapt its arsenal to the demands of modern warfare, including the mass production of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, the quality of these systems has deteriorated due to supply shortages and cost-cutting measures.
Andriy Kulchytsky, head of a military research laboratory of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, shared insights in an interview with DW, stating that while Russia has managed to establish large-scale domestic production of Shahed drones and modify their design for battlefield conditions, these changes have come at a cost.
“The Russians have adapted these drones to their needs, but due to a lack of components and efforts to reduce costs, their quality has declined,” Kulchytsky explained.
Earlier iterations of Shahed drones contained numerous foreign-made components, including Japanese-manufactured bearings and precision-built servo drive rods. However, recent versions have shown a transition to simplified bearings and direct rod assemblies, indicating a shortage of high-quality components.
Kulchytsky highlighted the findings from Shahed drones recovered after striking Ukrainian targets.
“This is the engine from a drone that hit a residential building in Kyiv,” he said. “It’s evident that with the mass production of drones, Russia is increasingly facing a shortage of parts. There’s no flywheel, no starter. Instead, there are rough cuts and bolts. The drones are manually launched and designed for mass use. If it flies, it flies.”
Such modifications reflect Russia’s strategy of prioritizing quantity over quality in its aerial campaign. While the efficiency of Shahed drones has diminished, their volume in attacks has significantly increased.
The deterioration of Russian drone quality underscores the effectiveness of international efforts to restrict the supply of high-tech components to Russia. Ukrainian experts are systematically analyzing components found in recovered drones and sharing this information with international partners.
“We see results from this effort,” Kulchytsky noted. “The lack of bearings and the simplifications in design reflect a lack of access to critical components, likely due to international sanctions and restrictions.”
Despite the decline in quality, the growing volume of Shahed drone attacks presents an ongoing challenge for Ukraine’s air defense systems. The reliance on simplified, mass-produced drones highlights Russia’s shift toward saturation tactics, which aim to overwhelm defensive systems through sheer numbers rather than precision or sophistication.