Russia’s “swarm” tactics against Ukraine are increasingly cutting through Ukraine’s defences, with drones striking targets at three times the typical rate in recent months, according to official data.

Mass attacks of Shaheds, an Iranian-designed drone now manufactured in Russia, appear to be overwhelming Ukraine’s beleaguered air defences, with the drone hit rate reaching its highest levels since Moscow’s invasion.

Ukrainian air force data suggests about 15 per cent of the drones penetrated defences on average between April and June — rising from just 5 per cent in the previous three months.

The sheer volume of Russian attacks has also increased sharply this year, with a heavy assault on Sunday night into Monday morning including 426 Shahed style attack drones, Ukraine’s air force reported.

The success of the drones in recent months demonstrates how cheap mass can overwhelm even sophisticated and layered air defences, and has shown Moscow’s ability to rapidly adapt fighting techniques to stretch Kyiv’s resources.