Russia And Ukraine Are Now Destroying Drones Before They Are Even Made

BusinessAerospace & DefenseRussia And Ukraine Are Now Destroying Drones Before They Are Even MadeByVikram Mittal,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Vikram Mittal is a contributor who covers aerospace and defense.Follow AuthorMay 11, 2026, 09:18am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Images captured from social media and posted on X by Exilenova_plus on May 5, 2026. The video shows a Ukrainain drone flying low over Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic. The target for the drone strike was the VNIIR-Progress plant, which produces parts for many Russian drones.Social Media CaptureSince drones have become the defining feature of the modern battlefield, both Russia and Ukraine have deployed a wide range of counter-drone systems. Yet these counter-drone defenses are inherently reactive. They exploit specific vulnerabilities in drone technology, require constant updates, and remain only partially effective, with many drones still reaching their targets. In response, both Russia and Ukraine are shifting toward a more proactive approach by conducting deep strikes against their opponent’s drone production facilities. These strikes have increased in recent months, as both sides attempt to counter opposing drones before they can even be built.Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Drone InfrastructureOver the past months, Ukraine has increased its long-range strike campaign against Russia’s drone production infrastructure. One of the most prominent attacks occurred on April 19, 2026, when Ukrainian forces struck the Atlant Aero facility in Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, using Neptune cruise missiles. The plant produced the commonly used Molniya strike-reconnaissance drones and components for the larger Orion drone. Satellite imagery released afterward showed extensive damage to production buildings and logistics areas. The facility was subsequently targeted multiple ti...