Ukraine is launching nightly attacks with armed "Befayer" unmanned aerial vehicles to destroy Russian military assets on the Kinburn Spit [1].
These operations represent a strategic effort to disrupt Russian occupation forces along the Black Sea coast. By targeting logistics and personnel, Ukrainian forces aim to weaken the Russian presence on the occupied southern coast and degrade their ability to maintain control of the region.
The operations are conducted by the 122nd Territorial Defense Brigade [1]. A platoon commander known by the nickname "Jasmine" oversees the deployment of these armed UAVs, which are launched under the cover of darkness to avoid detection.
According to available data, the Befayer drones possess an operational range of 90 km [1]. This capability allows the brigade to strike targets deep behind Russian lines, specifically focusing on the Kinburn Spit. The drones are used to destroy military equipment, warehouses, and personnel [1].
The nighttime nature of these sorties is designed to maximize the element of surprise. By maintaining a consistent nightly schedule, the 122nd Brigade forces Russian troops to operate under constant threat of aerial bombardment, disrupting their sleep and operational readiness.
These strikes focus on the narrow strip of land that forms the Kinburn Spit. This geography is critical for controlling access to the waterways, and protecting the flank of the southern front. The use of long-range UAVs allows Ukraine to project power into this area without risking manned aircraft or large-scale ground incursions [1].
“The Befayer drones possess an operational range of 90 km.”
The deployment of Befayer UAVs indicates a shift toward asymmetric, long-range attrition warfare on the southern coast. By utilizing a 90 km strike radius, Ukraine can neutralize high-value logistics targets on the Kinburn Spit without engaging in direct frontal assaults. This strategy effectively turns the geography of the spit into a vulnerability for Russian forces, who must now defend a wide area against invisible, nighttime threats.
