British Intelligence: Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine Using Kalibr Cruise Missiles and Kamikaze Drones.

On December 28, 2024, the British MoD (Ministry of Defense) Intelligence Service reported a significant escalation in Russia's aerial and missile campaign against Ukraine. In mid-December 2024, Russia executed a coordinated, large-scale attack utilizing Kalibr, NATO reported name Sagaris SS-N-30A cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), marking one of the largest strike waves in recent months.
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The Russian Navy Buyan-M class corvette Vyshniy Volochek (609) launches a Kalibr cruise missile. (Picture source: Russia MoD)

The operation involved approximately 90 Kalibr Land Attack Cruise Missiles (NATO designation: SS-N-30A SAGARIS) launched by Russian Black Sea Fleet warships and aircraft. Complementing this, over 180 One-Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Systems (OWA UAS), often referred to as "kamikaze drones," were launched from multiple sites, saturating Ukrainian airspace. The coordinated assault targeted critical Ukrainian national infrastructure, including energy grids and industrial hubs. The wave also sought to overwhelm and suppress Ukrainian air defense systems and strike key military installations such as airfields.

Kalibr missiles are high-precision, long-range cruise missiles capable of striking ground and naval targets. Operable from ships, submarines, and aircraft, the Kalibr series boasts a range of up to 2,500 kilometers and features advanced guidance systems. Designed for versatility, these missiles are highly effective against infrastructure, military installations, and strategic assets, making them a cornerstone of Russia's long-range strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the One-Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Systems (OWA UAS), also known as kamikaze drones, are low-cost, expendable aerial platforms designed to crash into targets, delivering explosive payloads with precision. Easy to mass-produce and deploy, they are particularly effective for saturation attacks, overwhelming air defense systems by sheer numbers. The drones used by Russia in this operation are believed to have been deployed from multiple launch sites, allowing for simultaneous attacks across various fronts.

The December strikes reflect a shift in Russian tactics observed since August 2024. Rather than launching frequent smaller-scale attacks, Russia appears to be stockpiling precision-guided munitions and drones for periodic, high-intensity strike waves. This approach enables more impactful attacks, straining Ukrainian defenses by saturating their response systems. However, analysts caution that Russia retains the flexibility to deploy smaller-scale punitive strikes with little to no warning, using its existing stockpiles of missiles and drones.

This surge in Russian strikes underscores the ongoing challenge for Ukrainian air defense systems, which must contend with a complex mix of low-cost drones and sophisticated cruise missiles. The use of OWA UAS as a saturation tool further complicates efforts to protect critical infrastructure and military assets. Ukraine's continued reliance on Western-supplied air defense systems remains a crucial element of its defensive strategy. The growing frequency of attacks on industrial and infrastructure targets also highlights the importance of bolstering protective measures for civilian facilities.

Russia's ability to execute such large-scale operations demonstrates its sustained capacity for prolonged aerial campaigns despite international sanctions and logistical challenges. As the conflict continues, the pattern of infrequent but intense missile and drone strikes is likely to persist, with significant implications for the course of the war and regional stability.

The British MoD (Ministry of Defense) Intelligence Service’s report serves as a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, where precision munitions and uncrewed systems play an increasingly dominant role. This escalation aligns with broader strategic objectives of crippling Ukraine's infrastructure and undermining its ability to sustain the ongoing war effort. Continued vigilance and support for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities will be critical in mitigating the impact of such aggressive tactics.