“Malicious Balalaika”: Kamikaze drones change the course of the war in Ukraine, but they will also push the West towards allocating more aid to the Armed Forces

Since Monday, October 17, russia has been intensively attacking Ukrainian cities with suicide drones. Military analysts talk about the peculiarities of this weapon. Mind summarises the main thoughts.

What are kamikaze drones?

This is a cheap and simple type of weapon whose task is to reach the specified location, detect a target, swoop down on it and set off a warhead upon contact with or approach to the target.

“These drones belong to the loitering munition category of weapons. In other words, they are designed to drift over the battlefield for a long time, searching for targets, such as radar systems. As soon as they detect a target, they strike it,” explains Ingvild Bode, a specialist of the Centre for War Studies at the University of Denmark.

Read also: What is jarring in the sky? Or How the Armed Forces down Iranian kamikaze drones

Why do kamikaze drones break through air defence?

Due to the fact that these loitering munitions are relatively small and fly at low speed and low altitude, some radars do not notice them, while others show them as “birds”.

“Drones can fly in bunches. Radar shows them as one mark, and it is impossible to understand that there are actually five of them. Unfortunately, it is unreal to shoot down 100% of them, as the targets are complex and small,” alarabiya.net quotes Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as saying.

According to the Kyiv City Council, in the morning of October 17, 28 kamikaze drones launched by russia flew towards Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence shot down most of them. Only five exploded in Kyiv.

What kind of kamikaze drones does russia use?

russian drones are called “putin's balalaikas” or “flying mopeds” for the specific shape and sound of their engines. The inscription Geran-2 was clearly visible on their wreckage found at the site of the explosions. However, according to many analysts, these are renamed Shahed-136 drones which russia purchased from Iran.

“The flight range of Shahed-136 is not as important as the duration of soaring in the air. Even with a small fuel tank, this drone is capable of hovering for two to three hours, which is enough to find targets and attack them,” The National cites Scott Crino, an expert on combat drones and anti-drone technology.

The explosive power of this kamikaze drone equates to three mortar shells. This is ten times less than the russian Kalibr cruise missile. However, the cost of the Shahed-136, according to analysts, does not exceed $20,000, while the production price of the Kalibr, according to various estimates, ranges from $300,000 to $6.5 million.

Why did russians start using them?

Experts associate the emergence of kamikaze drones with the depletion of russia's missile stockpiles, as well as with the military failures of putin's army on the eastern and southern fronts, and the change of commander of the russian invasion of Ukraine. On October 8, 2022, Sergei Surovikin, a supporter of strikes on civilian infrastructure, was appointed to this position.

“The kremlin’s brutal “General Armageddon” armed forces commander, has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy supply facilities. The type of attacks has changed as russia intends to destroy the infrastructure. As winter sets in, this will have serious consequences for the civilian population and Surovikin is obviously the man to carry out this campaign. Strategically the aim is to terrorise the entire country as militarily russia is failing in the East and South of Ukraine,” British Mirror quotes military experts as saying.

According to Samuel Bendett from the U.S. think tank Centre for Naval Analyses, Ukraine is capable of shooting down most kamikaze drones. But one drone, which broke through the defence, is enough to have a psychological impact on civilians, sow fear and disrupt daily activities.

Will kamikaze drones change the situation at the front?

The appearance of “flying balalaikas” in the skies over Ukrainian cities has made the Shahed-136 the most discussed weapon in the world. However, analysts believe that this response will bring Ukraine more benefits than harm.

Read also: A drone in the back: It's high time Ukraine used food as leverage against Iran. What can be done today?

“russia's attacks with the use of Iranian drones will result in more aid and weapons, including anti-aircraft guns, being sent to Ukraine by the U.S. and other allies,” Newsweek cites military expert and veteran Sean Spoons as saying.

What to do in case of a kamikaze drone attack?

You can recognise the approach of a Shahed-136 loitering munition by a loud sound reminiscent of a moped or chainsaw engine operation.

The Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine recommends following the further rules when detecting a kamikaze drone, as well as in case of a threat of missile attack:

• stay as far as possible from administrative buildings, strategic and military facilities;

• try to find a specially equipped shelter and wait out the attack. Stay in the shelter for at least 10 minutes after the end of the attack;

• do not stay in transport, near vehicles and gas stations during the attack. Remember that it is also dangerous to hide in entrances, stairwells and basements of panel houses;

• if you are in the premises, look for a place in the corner or near the exit to leave the building as soon as possible in case of a strike;

• if a reliable shelter is far away, follow the “double-wall rule”; this will save you in the event of a threat;

• if the shelling caught you on the street, find any ledge, deepening or ditch. Lie on the ground, open your mouth and cover your head with your hands.