Latest news with #airdefense
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
The Air Defenses Iraqi Kurdistan Can Realistically Hope To Receive
A Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) system firing. Iraqi Kurdistan has once again found its territory, including its oilfields and main international airport in the capital, Erbil, targeted by explosive drones. These attacks again underscore the autonomous region's urgent need for air defense systems, which the United States has pledged to supply. However, it remains unclear what specific systems, if any, Erbil may ultimately receive. At 2:30 am local time Monday morning, an explosive drone was successfully intercepted near Erbil International Airport, according to a statement from Iraqi Kurdistan's Directorate General of Counter Terrorism. The interception did not cause casualties or material damage, the CTD statement added. Later the same. day, another drone attack damaged water pipelines at the Khurmala oilfield southwest of Erbil. Yet another drone attack targeting Iraqi Kurdistan's Sarsang oilfield resulted in a halt in production on Tuesday morning. These incidents mark the latest of several drone attacks carried out across Iraqi Kurdistan since the end of the 12-day Israel-Iran War in June. For example, CTD announced another attempted drone strike against Erbil airport on July 3, also intercepted swiftly without any casualties or damage, only temporarily delaying a single landing aircraft. Earlier that day, another drone crashed near the airport in Kirkuk, which was previously hit four days earlier with rockets in another unclaimed attack. The United States has a troop base on the grounds of Erbil airport protected by a close-range Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar, C-RAM, system. The U.S. also deployed at least one MIM-104 Patriot system, which intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed for Israel during Iran's then-unprecedented April 13, 2024, ballistic missile and drone attack. Elsewhere in Iraqi Kurdistan, Kurdish forces intercepted an unidentified drone approaching another base hosting U.S.-led coalition forces in the eastern Sulaymaniyah province on July 10. Earlier in the month, another two drones were shot down over the province. An explosive drone also crashed into an internally displaced persons camp in Kurdistan's western Duhok province on July 1, sparking a fire but fortunately causing no casualties. That camp hosts Yazidis uprooted from their homes by the infamous August 2014 genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State group. The Kurdistan Regional Government has officially blamed Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces paramilitary for these attacks, an accusation Baghdad vehemently denies. Powerful Iran-backed elements in the PMF previously targeted U.S. bases in Iraqi Kurdistan with rockets and drones since 2020. Furthermore, uncovered debris from attacks on the Duhok camp, Sulaymaniyah, and Kirkuk matched components of Iranian-made Shahed-101 explosive drones. Since Congress passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision for equipping Iraqi Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces with air defenses, in December 2023, Erbil has hoped the U.S. will finally supply air defenses. Since Iraqi Kurdistan isn't an independent country, it cannot purchase such systems off the shelf like sovereign states can, and as Iraq is presently doing with its acquisition of advanced medium-range KM-SAM systems from South Korea. Consequently, Erbil finds itself dependent on America's goodwill, especially given Baghdad's consistent track record of not sharing any military hardware with Erbil. A provision of any air defenses would undoubtedly improve Erbil's almost non-existent surface-to-air capabilities against the present drone threat markedly. Nevertheless, there are most likely significant limits on what Washington will prove willing to provide. Alex Almeida, a security analyst at the energy consultancy Horizon Engage, doubts that high-end systems with anti-ballistic capabilities, such as the Patriot, will be on offer. Ditto for the NASAMS, a medium-range system that fires AIM-120 missiles. Almeida notes that Iraq will likely oppose any provision of such systems. Additionally, these systems are presently in high demand and short supply worldwide, especially the Patriots. The C-RAM destroys incoming rocket and drone threats like the ones Iraqi Kurdistan has intermittently faced throughout the past five years by firing its 20 mm high-explosive incendiary tracer, self-destruction, HEIT-SD, rounds in rapid succession. Almeida doubts Erbil will acquire any of these either. 'It's a fairly complex system that's only been exported to a limited number of countries,' he told me. 'The U.S. has also been hesitant about using the C-RAM systems it has in place at Erbil due to the airport's proximity to built-up areas, including numerous high-rise towers.' 'The Iraqi government has also been very sensitive about U.S. transfers of heavier weapons like large-caliber artillery to the KRG.' Iraqi officials strongly criticized a U.S. transfer of lightweight 105 mm M119 howitzers to Erbil for use by the Peshmerga in August 2024, with some calling for confiscating these weapons, underscoring Baghdad's sensitivities to Kurdish forces possessing even basic weapons. A more cost-effective provision for the U.S. may come in the form of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS. The APKWS is an unguided Hydra 70 rocket converted into a precision-guided munition using a laser-guidance kit. It costs a little over $20,000 per unit and has proven effective against the types of drones continuously harassing Iraqi Kurdistan. The U.S. has adopted an air-to-air version for F-16 fighter jets and even the A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft, as it is a fraction of the cost of countering drones compared to traditional air-to-air missiles. Saudi Arabia, which has also faced Iran-backed drone threats, recently ordered them for its air force. The APKWS could give Iraqi Kurdistan an independent and cost-effective solution against drone threats and may not provoke as strong a reaction from Baghdad as the transfer of more advanced systems undoubtedly would. 'Something like the ground-based APKWS that's a more basic and rugged system, or the Coyote counter-drone missile, is a more realistic option and would probably be equally effective and more suitable for use near urban environments,' Almeida said. 'Those combined with electronic jammers and hand-held systems are probably a better bet and would be sufficient to handle the militia drone threat to Iraqi Kurdistan.'
Al Mayadeen
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Trump weighs more Patriot missiles for Ukraine: WSJ
The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday revealed that US President Donald Trump is considering sending an additional Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine, as Washington intensifies its military backing of Kiev despite repeated diplomatic failures and continued escalation. Two officials confirmed the Pentagon has been asked to present options for reinforcing Ukraine's defenses, including the highly sought-after Patriot system. Trump, who once expressed openness to negotiations with Russia, has recently adopted a more confrontational stance, lashing out at President Vladimir Putin by saying, "We get a lot of bulls—t thrown at us by Putin." Officials said the administration is not only considering deploying US systems but also exploring ways to source additional Patriot batteries from allied nations. The US and several European countries have already provided Ukraine with a limited number of these high-demand systems, and one official noted that the US Army could assign a Patriot unit to Ukraine if ordered. While Ukraine has received several Patriot systems from the US and European states, their effectiveness remains questionable due to maintenance delays and limited missile stocks. A former Pentagon official cited that while three systems were delivered by the US, three by Germany, and one by a European group, not all are currently operational. In recent weeks, the Trump administration had paused an arms shipment that included a wide array of offensive and defensive munitions, among them AIM-120 and Hellfire missiles, HIMARS rounds, Stinger missiles, and grenade launchers. Trump now claims the shipments have resumed, stating, "Defensive weapons, primarily, but they are getting hit very, very hard. So many people are dying in that mess." But the delays were not solely political. According to a recent report by The Guardian, the United States' stockpile of Patriot missiles has dropped to just 25% of its original reserves, largely due to its support for "Israel" during the recent 12-day war on Iran. Nearly 30 Patriots were fired to intercept Iranian missile strikes in that conflict, significantly depleting US inventories. As a result, the Pentagon temporarily halted some munitions transfers to Ukraine in June while reassessing global commitments. A White House spokesperson confirmed the pause was part of a broader audit, not limited to Ukraine, though it has had direct consequences on Kiev's battlefield readiness. Patriot systems, especially the PAC-3 MSE variant produced by Lockheed Martin, cost around $4.1 million per interceptor, making them both logistically limited and financially burdensome. Trump's recent pledge to send 10 Patriot missiles falls well short of the originally planned 30, highlighting the strategic challenges facing U.S. defense planners. Moreover, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump acknowledged Putin could be "very nice," but said his words "turn out to be meaningless," a comment that may further strain any future attempts at diplomacy. Trump's earlier phone call with Putin, during which he urged a halt to the war, reportedly ended in disappointment. In contrast, his conversation with Zelensky was more productive, after he clarified he had not personally ordered the weapons shipment freeze, a pause that exposed disarray within the US administration. Trump is also weighing new economic measures against states cooperating with Russia. "I'm looking into" a Senate-led sanctions bill, he said on Monday, though insiders say the current version lacks the flexibility he seeks. The White House is now reportedly working with lawmakers to shape the legislation around Trump's preferred terms. Read more: US bill proposes 500% tariffs on nations trading with Russia Despite previously questioning the massive US financial outlays to Ukraine, Trump appears to be embracing a more militaristic path. "The Ukrainians, whether you think it is unfair that we gave all that money or not, they were very brave," he said, praising a war effort that many view as a proxy confrontation driven by US and NATO interests. Meanwhile, analysts warn that US escalation risks deepening the conflict. "Putin sees no reason to stop the war, because the US hasn't taken action to force him to change his calculus. The only way to do that is to impose tough costs, economic and military, on Russia," said Alina Polyakova, president of the hawkish Center for European Policy Analysis.
Al Mayadeen
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Ukraine seeks US clarification amid halt in defense system shipments
Ukrainian officials on Wednesday urgently requested clarification from the United States following its announcement of a halt in the delivery of air defense ammunition, as the country faces unprecedented waves of Russian aerial attacks. According to media reports, Ukrainian officials either remained silent or declined to comment when questioned about the US decision, suggesting they were caught off guard. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Kiev is 'now verifying with the Americans what exactly is happening.' Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that any reduction or suspension in Western weapons supplies to Ukraine would contribute significantly to ending the conflict. 'As far as we know, the reason for this step is empty stockpiles and a shortage of available weapons. In any case, the fewer weapons delivered to Ukraine, the closer we get to the end of the special military operation,' Peskov stated. The Pentagon has halted shipments of critical air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine due to mounting concerns that US weapons stockpiles have "fallen too low," Politico reported on Wednesday at dawn. The move, reportedly spearheaded by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, follows an internal review of US military reserves. The review concluded that current stockpiles of Patriot interceptors, Hellfire missiles, precision-guided artillery rounds, and other vital munitions have fallen to levels considered insufficient for America's national defense priorities. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the decision, stating it was made 'to put America's interests first' following a Department of Defense reassessment of global military aid commitments. 'The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,' she said in a statement. The shipments originally authorized under the Biden administration were part of two aid streams: emergency drawdowns from existing stockpiles and contracts signed through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. According to Politico, this freeze affects both channels and comes into effect just as Ukraine faces its heaviest wave of Russian aerial attacks in over a year. Read more: Ukraine to launch arms production in Europe this summer: Zelensky
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
With Military Drones in Hot Demand, Cantor's Got 2 Stocks You'll Want to Own
War has always been a driver of human invention, and the latest wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are no exception. Both conflicts have been dragging on – the Middle East war for nearly two years, the Ukraine war for three and a half now – and some trends are growing clear. Prime among these: the increasing importance of drone aircraft and high-end air defense systems. Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Ukraine's strike against the Russian strategic bomber force demonstrated the attack capabilities of military drones, while Israel's 12-day campaign against Iran made clear the importance of air defenses in protecting the home front. Defense sector expert Colin Canfield, from Cantor, has been following the developments in the military field, and sees drone technology as a key point for investors to follow. 'We think investor sentiment has materially improved from 1Q, thanks to pragmatism around U.S. defense budget growth, the sustainability of Ukrainian security funding, and likelihood of continued deterioration of global security architectures. However, we think markets are still under-appreciating both the magnitude and the sustainability of growth for Defense Tech, especially in faster-growing areas like drones, air defense, munitions, and directed energy. We admit valuations are stretched, but we also think shares can quickly approach Space-like valuations, as companies benefit from both a robust catalyst cycle and cash flow environment,' Canfield opined. Against this backdrop, Canfield has singled out two drone-tech stocks that could be well-positioned for gains. But is he alone in his optimism? To find out if other analysts share his view, we turned to the TipRanks database. Let's dive in. Kratos Defense (KTOS) First up is Kratos Defense, a San Diego-based defense contractor that specializes in transformative technologies, platforms, and systems, particularly those applied to drone and aerial target vehicles. The company's main customer base resides in the US national security sector, where the company has important contracts with the US Air Force and Navy, as well as with the US Intelligence Community and the Missile Defense Agency. Kratos has multiple programs under development, including various drones, satellites, and microwave electronics – but the company's leading program, generating the most headlines and hype, is the XQ-58 Valkyrie. The XQ-58 is a stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle being developed under the Air Force's Low-Cost Attritable Strike Demonstrator program. The aircraft has been flying since 2019, is anticipated to enter service in the coming years, and has potential to change the way that air warfare is conducted. In short, the XQ-58 was conceived as the embodiment of the 'loyal wingman' concept, a dedicated, combat-capable drone controlled, or overseen, by a manned fighter aircraft. The XQ-58 can have several roles, ranging from advanced reconnaissance to penetrating air defenses and drawing fire, to delivering air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. In addition to its 'loyal wingman' design concept, the XQ-58 is capable of autonomous operations, using a combination of stealth, maneuverability, and high subsonic speed to enhance its survivability. It's a flexible airframe, with applications across multiple Defense Department missions. We should note that, while the XQ-58 may be Kratos's leading program, the company has numerous other projects ongoing, and is actively moving to take on new ones. On the latter, the company announced this past June 11 that it had been awarded a $25 million task order from the US Space Force, to provide support ground system capabilities for the Space Force's Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program. This is a vital satellite communications capability of the nation's strategic nuclear command and control. Turning to the financial results, we see that Kratos reported 1Q25 revenues of $302.6 million, beating the forecast by $10 million and growing 9% year-over-year. The company's earnings in the quarter came to 12 cents per share by non-GAAP measures, or 3 cents per share ahead of expectations. Kratos finished Q1 with $263.7 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand, and the company's consolidated backlog, as of March 30, came to $1.5 billion. This stock was named as a Top Pick by analyst Canfield. In his coverage for Cantor, Canfield noted the XQ-58 as a key driver for Kratos's near-term success, writing, 'While we've seen significant run-ups in share price ahead of X-58's expected entry into services (the stock is up 96% year-to-date), we think this time market sentiment is under-appreciating the upside and sustainability of KTOS' growth algorithm, especially as we consider Group 4-5 drones as not a 'winner take all' as implied by CCA, but part of a series of service-branch solutions where each drone fits each mission. In this setup, we especially like the X-58 as U.S. force structure decisions move from survivable to attrition-derived outcomes.' Looking forward, Canfield believes that Kratos holds a sound position to support further growth, with a solid backlog and a strong proposal pipeline. He says of the company's prospects, 'We also think KTOS has best-in-class potential for assuming a greater role in the microwave electronics and munitions markets, thanks to their work around higher-value systems and classified programs… Taken together, we think KTOS is still early innings in its growth trajectory after years of careful investment in drones, and electronics position itself well to take on more significant Prime-like capabilities.' In all, the Cantor analyst rates KTOS as Overweight (i.e., Buy), and he gives it a $60 price target to suggest a one-year gain of 16%. (To watch Canfield's track record, click here) KTOS shares have a Strong Buy consensus rating from the Street, based on 10 reviews that include 8 Buys and 2 Holds. However, the stock is priced at $51.71 and its average target price of $49.57 implies that it will shed 4% in the next 12 months. Given this discrepancy, watch out for price target hikes or rating downgrades shortly. (See KTOS stock forecast) AIRO Group Holdings (AIRO) The second stock we'll look at, AIRO, is new to the public markets, having started trading on Wall Street through an IPO held just last month. The shares represent AIRO Group Holdings, an aerospace and defense company with four operating divisions, focused on drones and other uncrewed air systems; electric and hybrid vertical lifting aircraft; training for both commercial and military aviation; and avionics and electronics systems. The company got its start in urban air mobility but has quickly learned to adapt its technology to the growing demands of the defense industry. AIRO's leading product is its RQ-35 Heidrun drone, which is produced under license in Denmark for the Danish military. The RQ-35 is a battle-proven, man-portable system, designed to be carried by a single user with a specialized backpack, although it is frequently used by small ground crews. The system does not require access to GPS or related navigation systems for successful deployment, can be controlled from a tablet device, and boasts best-in-class flight time and operational range. Also notable among AIRO's programs is its development of EVTOL systems. These are electric vertical take-off and landing craft, designed to carry a small number of passengers and/or gear over ranges of 20 to 100 miles while operating solely on battery power. They offer advantages in flexibility of basing and deployment, as well as noise reduction. AIRO is developing the technology for urban air taxi and cargo services – but also for emergency response missions. The company is developing EVTOL aircraft based on its patented slowed rotor compound (SRC) technology, which is proven to reduce drag and vibration for a quieter, more efficient flight. As noted, AIRO went public last month through an IPO. The company priced the offering on June 12, with 6 million shares made available at $10 each. When the IPO closed on June 16, 6.9 million shares had been sold, and AIRO had raised $69 million in gross proceeds. Checking in again with Canfield, and the Cantor view, we find the analyst upbeat based mainly on AIRO's drone and EVTOL technologies. He says of the company, 'We think of AIRO's equity story as a case of medium-term drone profits being invested in longer-term EVTOL prospects. Starting with drone dynamics, we think continued RQ-35 orders from NATO partners, DoD Blue UAS certification, and accelerating non-NATO demand can combine to support a robust multi-year growth trajectory. Longer term, we also think RQ-35's mission survivability, alt-PNT integration, and ISR capabilities can provide significant land-and-expand opportunities with NATO + other allies. Turning to EVTOL, we think investor sentiment may continue to be mixed, but we think of AIRO investment as an easy risk-adjusted bet by the company to unlock significant value.' Canfield sums it up by noting the stock's prospects, based on its exposure to the defense sector: 'Taken together, we think shares will track to defense sentiment near term as investors parse through organizations best-situated to execute, with longer-term sentiment progression driven by drone orders, air mobility progress, and avionics/training earnings growth.' For the Cantor analyst, this all adds up to another Overweight (i.e., Buy) rating. He backs that up with a $35 price target, showing his confidence in a one-year gain for the stock of 21.5%. AIRO's Strong Buy consensus rating is based on a unanimous 3 Buys while this new stock's $30.67 average target implies shares have upside of 6.5% in them for the next year. (See AIRO stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Ukraine Deploying ‘Tens Of Thousands' Of Interceptors To Stop Shaheds
Sting interceptor drones are now being produced at scale by the nonprofit Wild Hornets Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency has signed contracts for 'tens of thousands' of interceptor drones, according to director Arsen Zhumadilov speaking in an interview published on July 14th. The U.S. decision to supply more Patriot air defence missile batteries to Ukraine is vital to protect against Russian missiles. But stopping the massive drone onslaught is a job for far more numerous interceptor drones. The Numbers Game The strength of the Iranian-designed Shahed drones lies in their vast numbers. The low-cost drones fly at around 120 mph, with similar performance to a WW1 aircraft, and are just as easy to shoot down. The problem is the sheer volume of them. In June Russia launched over 5,000 Shahed-type drones (this includes smaller Gerbera and Parodiya types). The highest number in one night was 728. This is far too many for system like Patriot to handle. The U.S. total production capacity is only around 650 Patriot missiles per year. These missiles cost $3.3 million each – roughly 100 times as much as a Shahed. Patriots are still needed to counter Russia's ballistic and cruise missiles, of which 181 were launched last month . These pose a major threat in addition to the drones. But Shaheds require something that can be scaled up as rapidly as the Russians can make their attack drones. Ukrainian mobile fire groups, like this one using a .50 cal M2 Browning machine gun with special ... More sighting systems, have been a mainstay of the counter-Shahed defense Previously relied on mobile fire groups equipped with anti-aircraft machineguns, thermal imagers and tablet computers. These groups were linked them to a nationwide command-and-control and sensor system which tracks the slow-moving Shaheds. But the Shaheds have switched tactics, flying at 10,000 feet or more, above the ceiling of antiaircraft fire, and plunging down vertically when they reach the target. The rate of downing Shaheds dopped from 95% or more to 86% last month, so around three times as many were getting through. Machineguns cannot reach Shaheds flying at altitude. But small, fast interceptor drones can. Interceptor Evolution As we have seen, in 2024 Ukraine was rapidly modified its ground attack FPV drones, turning them into interceptors to bring down Russian reconnaissance drones. Previously almost immune, the Russian fixed-wing drones were soon being brought down by the hundred. The interceptor pilots, adapting air-to-air dogfighting tactics, became expert in taking out Russian drones , denying them the ability to see targets and direct artillery, rockets, missiles and drone strikes. A Sting interceptor drone It was a small step from reconnaissance drones to Shaheds. The attack drones are more massive, at over 400 pounds, and fly slightly higher and faster than the original FPV interceptors. This has required some design modifications, and we have seen aerodynamic bullet-shaped quadcopters (like Wild Hornet's Sting interceptor) and delta-winged arrow shapes as well as traditional designs. Prices quoted are in the region of $1,000- $5,000 depending on speed, range and endurance, many acquired via private fundraisers like Serhii Sternenko Crucially, production can be rapidly scaled up to meet the magnitude of the threat. But while we know there are lot of Shahed interceptors out there, operational security meant that very little information has been released. Basically, there has been a news blackout on Shahed interceptor operations until now. There have been a few reports of Shaheds brought down by drones and some alleged videos but little official information. That may be changing. This week President Zelensky praised the work on interceptor teams, noting on his Facebook page that "Interceptor drones are performing especially well — already hundreds of Russian-Iranian Shahed drones have been shot down this week," Interestingly we have more from the other side. Scaling Up The Shield Alexey Rogozin. CEO of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation claimed on his Telegram channel media that Ukrainian interceptor drones had downed over 500 Shaheds under the 'Clear Sky' initiative to defend Kyiv, using drones guided by radar and visual systems. This interceptor was unveiled by President Zelensky last year, but no details have been provided. 'In a few months since its launch, the system has intercepted more than 500 Geran [i.e. Shahed] attack drones,' according to Rogozin. 'In fact, we are talking about an urban anti-drone dome built on the mass use of small-sized interceptors, primarily FPV drones. The system includes calculations on vehicles, a monitoring and coordination center and a training center.' Rogozin is confident that big enough waves of Shaheds can break through the interceptors, but notes that they reverse the previous cost equation. Now it is more expensive to attack than to defend. Knocking out hundreds of Shaheds is an achievement, but with Zhumadilov's announcement deployment will shift to a much larger scale. "Tens of thousands [of interceptor drones]. This is what we have already contracted and will continue to contract. Our contracting now, on the one hand, depends on the manufacturer's capacity, and on the other hand, on the state budget's capacity," Zhumadilov told Ukrainian outlet Babel. "We will definitely contract everything that the state budget can afford.' Zhumadilov also said that is a manufacturer can produce more drones than Ukraine can afford, they could be funded by allied countries. This is in line with comments made by President Zelensky last month at the G7 summit, when he said that Ukraine has the drone interceptor technology but would need assistance to scale it up. He noted that the interceptor technology would benefit other countries. This is not likely to be the last war featuring massed long-range drone barrages. Russia's drone attacks have scaled up by a factor of ten in the past year. The interceptor effort is ramping up to match it, and looks like the best hope for stemming the rising civilian casualties returning to the days of 95%+ interception rates. The best hope, that is, until Ukraine's long-range attacks can take out Shahed production centers and stop the problem at its source.
