Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack in History; Russian Air Defense Intercepts 337 UAVs

Russian air defense forces successfully repelled what is described as the largest drone attack in history, with the destruction of 337 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the night of March 11, 2025. The Russian Defense Ministry characterized the assault as the most significant since the onset of hostilities, highlighting a marked intensification in the use of drones by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The attack commenced late at night and spanned multiple regions of Russia, showcasing a new level of operational capability. According to military officials, air defense systems operated under extreme pressure, intercepting drones not only in combat-adjacent zones but also deep within Russian territory. This extensive attack appears to be aimed at inflicting substantial infrastructural damage and instilling fear among the civilian population. Remarkably, there have been no official reports of casualties or significant destruction.

This latest incident marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, which has now entered its third year. The Ukrainian military has increasingly employed UAVs to target areas close to the Russian border, including the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, while also attempting strikes further afield. Analysts suggest that the night of March 10-11 could be remembered as a turning point in the aerial confrontation, with drones emerging as critical tools for both combatants.

Unverified reports from social media indicate that 91 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Moscow region alone, although these numbers have yet to be officially confirmed by the Ministry of Defense. The scale of the attack reflects a broader trend where both sides are enhancing their drone warfare capabilities. In early February 2025, Ukraine had previously targeted southern Russian regions, striking a gas processing plant in Astrakhan, while Russia has continued its own drone and missile assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Experts suggest that the uptick in drone attacks correlates with a strategic shift in Ukrainian tactics following the cessation of U.S. intelligence sharing. The loss of precision guidance has compelled Ukraine to rely on mass drone strikes, resulting in increased risks of collateral damage and interceptions.

In a separate development in Vidnoye, drone debris struck a multi-story residential building, igniting a fire that engulfed several floors. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before the fire erupted, and emergency services were mobilized to evacuate residents. Footage shared on social media depicted smoke billowing from the building as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Simultaneously, in Ramenskoye, a drone reportedly crashed into an apartment on the 19th floor of a residential complex, also sparking a fire that prompted the evacuation of over ten individuals, including children. Local residents recounted hearing a loud bang prior to the flames, suggesting that the drone may have been intercepted by Russian air defense systems, leading to debris falling on populated areas.

These incidents are reflective of a broader pattern of drone activity that has intensified in recent months. The Russian Defense Ministry has indicated that over 1,000 Ukrainian UAVs have been intercepted in recent weeks, particularly in border areas. The authorities have since imposed temporary flight restrictions at Moscow’s major airports in a bid to ensure safety following the night’s aerial onslaught.