The Kremlin is leaning on cheap Russian-made drones like never before, war analysts say

• Russia is adding cheap, domestic-made drones to its arsenal, war analysts say.
• The Institute for the Study of War said Moscow is ramping up production of lighter drones.

Russia seems to be using cheap, domestic-made drones more and more to supplement its arsenal of explosive weaponry as it ramps up production ahead of the winter, according to war analysts.

Analysts with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in a Tuesday dispatch that Moscow used new, long-range "Italmas" drones for the first time in its war on Ukraine, according to speculation by Russian media.

The ISW cited Russian sources who said the Russian-produced "Italmas" drones are lighter and harder for Ukrainian air defenses to shoot down. Military bloggers said the drones are also cheaper to make than the more imposing Shahed drone variants sent from Iran, though they carry a lighter payload, limiting the impact of their attacks.

The ISW previously said Russia is aiming to add more drones, loitering munitions, missiles, and guided bombs to its arsenal. The analysts say that Russia may be planning strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure before the winter hits.

Both Russia and Ukraine are scrambling to add shells, drones, and more to their arsenals as Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against the eastern European country grinds on.

A Ukrainian Air Force spokesman said this week that Russia is so desperate for parts that it's using engines obtained from AliExpress to make simple drones that are still dangerous for Ukrainian forces.