Royals will call up LHP Rich Hill, 45, for 21st season

Royals will call up LHP Rich Hill, 45, for 21st season

The Kansas City Royals will call up 45-year-old left-hander Rich Hill from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday and give him the start against the host Chicago Cubs. Royals manager Matt Quatraro made the news official late Monday night after Kansas City beat Chicago 12-4. Hill, entering his 21st major league season, will be the oldest active player in the major leagues. He will also tie fellow pitcher Edwin Jackson's record by playing for a 14th team. Hill most recently appeared in the majors for the Boston Red Sox last season. He was 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in four relief appearances before being designated for assignment by his hometown team in September. He has pitched for the Cubs (2005-08), Baltimore (2009), Red Sox (2010-12, 2015, 2022, 2024), Cleveland (2013), Los Angeles Angels (2014), New York Yankees (2014), Oakland (2016), Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-19), Minnesota (2020), Tampa Bay (2021), New York Mets (2021), Pittsburgh (2023) and San Diego (2023). His career record is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA, 543 walks and 1,428 strikeouts in 1,409 innings over 386 games (248 starts). In 11 postseason appearances (10 starts), Hill is 1-2 with a 3.06 ERA. Hill made nine starts for Omaha this year, going 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA. --Field Level Media

byKonstantin Pynzar

in

July 21, 2025

Royals will call up LHP Rich Hill, 45, for 21st season

Royals will call up LHP Rich Hill, 45, for 21st season The Kansas City Royals will call up 45-year-old left-hander Rich Hill from Triple-A O...

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NFL’s all-time statistical leaders: Team-by-team top performers for passing yardage

NFL's all-time statistical leaders: Team-by-team top performers for passing yardage

Here is a look at the all-time passing yardage leaders for every NFL franchise. This list includes 10 current Pro Football Hall of Famers and a number of other quarterbacks who will one day be enshrined in Canton. While some teams have obvious all-time passing yardage leaders (Indianapolis Colts,Miami Dolphins,New England Patriots, for starters), other teams have surprising players atop their passing lists. Years:1966-1983 Yards:34,639 (209 TDs) Others:Neil Lomax (22,771 yards), Kyler Murray (19,498), Jake Plummer (17,622), Carson Palmer (17,622) Notes:Hart played for the then-St. Louis Cardinals. In 1974-75, Hart – under coach Don Coryell – led the Cardinals to back-to-back NFC East titles, quite an accomplishment when you consider the dominance enjoyed by theDallas Cowboysin the division during that decade. Current Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is making a rapid rise up the franchise's all-time passing leaders list. Years:2008-2021 Yards:59,735 (367 TDs) Others:Steve Bartkowski (23,470 yards), Chris Miller (14,066), Chris Chandler (13,268), Michael Vick (11,505) Notes:Ryan also was the 2008 offensive rookie of the year and 2016 NFL MVP. During his career, the Falcons made six playoff appearances and reached Super Bowl LI (the Falcons had eight playoff appearances in the 41 seasons before Ryan's arrival). Years:2008-2018 Yards:38,245 (212 TDs) Others:Lamar Jackson (20,059 yards), Kyle Boller (7,846), Vinny Testaverde (7,148), Steve McNair (4,163) Notes:Flacco's career in Baltimore was highlighted by being named the MVP in the Ravens' victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Years:1986-1996 Yards:35,467 (237 TDs) Others:Joe Ferguson (27,590 yards), Josh Allen (26,434), Jack Kemp (15,134), Ryan Fitzpatrick (11,654) Notes:Kelly,the Pro Football Hall of Famer, directed one of the most prolific offenses in league history and guided the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.Allen's contract extensionsigned during the 2025 offseason should assure that he will be in Buffalo long enough to top Kelly's franchise record. Years:2011-2019 Yards:29,041 (182 TDs) Others:Jake Delhomme (19,258 yards), Steve Beuerlein (12,690), Kerry Collins (8,306), Bryce Young (5,280) Notes:Newton was NFL MVP in 2015, throwing for a career-high 35 TDs, leading the Panthers to Super Bowl 50. Years:2009-2016 Yards:23,443 (154 TDs) Others:Sid Luckman (14,686 yards), Jim Harbaugh (11,567), Jim McMahon (11,203), Mitchell Trubisky (10,609) Notes:Cutler directed the Bears to their last NFC championship game appearance in 2010. Luckman is the only former Bears quarterbackin the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Years:1971-1986 Yards:32,838 (197 TDs) Others:Andy Dalton (31,594 yards), Boomer Esiason (27,149), Carson Palmer (22,694), Joe Burrow (19,001) Notes:Anderson was the 1981 NFL MVP, a season in which he led the Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl XVI. Burrow is signed through the end of the decade and could be atop the team list by the time that deal expires. Years:1974-1983 Yards:23,713 (154 TDs) Others:Otto Graham (23,584 yards), Bernie Kosar (21,904), Baker Mayfield (14,125), Frank Ryan (13,361) Notes:Graham,a Pro Football Hall of Famer, led the Browns to seven combined championships in the AAFC and NFL. Years:2004-2016 Yards:34,183 (248 TDs) Others:Troy Aikman (32,942 yards), Dak Prescott (31,437), Roger Staubach (22,700), Danny White (21,959) Notes:Romo and Prescott have posted three 4,000-yard passing seasons apiece. Prescott could be atop this list by the end of the 2025 season, but health has been a concern for the Cowboys' current quarterback. Years:1983-1998 Yards:51,475 (300 TDs) Others:Peyton Manning (17,112 yards), Craig Morton (11,895), Brian Griese (11,763), Jake Plummer (11,631) Notes:At the time of his retirement, Elway was the NFL's second-leading all-time passing yardage leader (behind Dan Marino); he's currently No. 12. Years:2009-2020 Yards:45,109 (282 TDs) Others:Jared Goff (16,887 yards), Bobby Layne (15,710), Scott Mitchell (12,647), Greg Landry (12,451) Notes:Stafford's statistical ledger includes seven 4,000-yard passing seasons and one 5,000-yard passing season with the Lions. Years:1992-2007 Yards:61,655 (442 TDs) Others:Aaron Rodgers (59,055 yards), Bart Starr (24,718), Lynn Dickey (21,369), Tobin Rote (11,535) Notes:Dickey held the Packers' single-season passing yardage record (4,458 in 1983) for 28 years until Rodgers finally broke it in 2011 (4,643). Years:2007-2013 Yards:23,221 (124 TDs) Others:Deshaun Watson (14,539 yards), David Carr (13,391), C.J. Stroud (7,835), Davis Mills (5,955) Notes:Stroud's 2024 offensive rookie of the year season included setting a rookie record for most passing yards (470) in a game. Years:1998-2010 Yards:54,828 (399 TDs) Others:Johnny Unitas (39,768 yards), Andrew Luck (23,671), Bert Jones (17,663), Jack Trudeau (9,647) Notes:Unitas and Jones each played for the Baltimore Colts. Manning also is the Broncos' No. 2 all-time leading passer, which is impressive given he played just four seasons in Denver. Years:1995-2003 Yards:25,698 (144 TDs) Others:Blake Bortles (17,646 yards), David Garrard (16,003), Trevor Lawrence (13,815), Byron Leftwich (9,042) Notes:Brunell led the Jaguars to two AFC championship game appearances (1996 and 1999) during his time in Jacksonville. Years:2017-present Yards:32,352 (245 TDs) Others:Len Dawson (28,507 yards), Trent Green (21,459), Alex Smith (17,608), Bill Kenney (17,277) Notes:Mahomes passed Dawson on the Chiefs' all-time passing yardage list during the 2024 season. Dawson's first season was with the Dallas Texans, who he led to the American Football League championship in 1962 before the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963. Years:2014-2022 Yards:35,222 (217 TDs) Others:Ken Stabler (19,078 yards), Rich Gannon (17,585), Daryle Lamonica (16,655), Jim Plunkett (12,665) Notes:Carr was a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the Raiders. Stabler, Gannon, Lamonica and Plunkett each helped the Raiders reach the Super Bowl, with Stabler and Plunkett (twice) winning titles. Years:2004-2019 Yards:59,271 (397 TDs) Others:Dan Fouts (43,040 yards), John Hadl (26,938), Justin Herbert (21,093), Stan Humphries (16,085) Notes:Chargers with as impressive a top six (Drew Brees is sixth with 12,348 yards) as there is in the league. Years:1986-1993 Yards:23,758 (142 TDs) Others:Marc Bulger (22,814 yards), Roman Gabriel (22,223), Jared Goff (18,171), Norm Van Brocklin (16,114) Notes:Everett twice led the NFL in touchdown passes, including in the 1989 season when he helped the Rams reach the NFC championship game. Matthew Stafford (14,700 yards) should reach Rams' top five in 2025. Years:1983-1999 Yards:61,361 (420 TDs) Others:Bob Griese (25,092 yards), Ryan Tannehill (20,434), Tua Tagovaloa (12,639), Jay Fiedler (11,040) Notes:Once the NFL's all-time passing yardage leader, Marino enters the 2025 season ranked No. 9 behind Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan. Years:1961-1966, 1972-1978 Yards:33,098 (239 TDs) Others:Tommy Kramer (24,775 yards), Kirk Cousins (23,265), Daunte Culpepper (20,162), Wade Wilson (12,135) Notes:Tarkenton long held the league's career passing yardage record (47,003) before beingsurpassed by Dan Marino in 1995. Years:2000-2019 Yards:74,571 (541 TDs) Others:Drew Bledsoe (29,657 yards), Steve Grogan (26,886), Babe Parilli (16,747), Tony Eason (10,732) Notes:Brady had 10 seasons with 4,000-plus passing yards and one with 5,000-plus passing yards during his time in New England. Years:2006-2020 Yards:68,010 (491 TDs) Others:Archie Manning (21,734 yards), Aaron Brooks (19,156), Bobby Hebert (14,630), Jim Everett (10,622) Notes:Coupled with his 12,348 passing yards accumulated during his time in San Diego, Brees is the league's No. 2 all-time leading passer behind Tom Brady (89,214 yards for Brady, 80,358 for Brees). Years:2004-2019 Yards:57,023 (366 TDs) Others:Phil Simms (33,462 yards), Charlie Conerly (19,488), Kerry Collins (16,875), Daniel Jones (14,582) Notes:Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, threw for 4,000-plus yards seven times while also leading the league in interceptions three times. Years:1965-1976 Yards:27,057 (170 TDs) Others:Ken O'Brien (24,386 yards), Richard Todd (18,241), Chad Pennington (13,738), Vinny Testaverde (12,497) Notes:Namath, who made good on the most famous"guarantee"in sports history, led the league in passing yardage three times. Years:1999-2009 Yards:32,873 (216 TDs) Others:Ron Jaworski (26,963 yards), Randall Cunningham (22,877), Carson Wentz (16,811), Norm Snead (15,672), Notes:McNabb helped the Eagles qualify for the playoffs eight times and make one Super Bowl appearance. Entering 2025, Jalen Hurts is 1,005 yards behind Snead on the Eagles' all-time passing yardage list. Years:2004-2021 Yards:64,088 (418 TDs) Others:Terry Bradshaw (27,989 yards), Kordell Stewart (13,328), Neil O'Donnell (12,867), Bubby Brister (10,104) Notes:Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl winner, led the NFL in passing yards twice in his career. Years:1979-1992 Yards:35,124 (244 TDs) Others:John Brodie (31,548 yards), Steve Young (29,907), Jeff Garcia (16,408), Y.A. Tittle (16,016) Notes:Montana, a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time league MVP, led the NFL in completion percentage five times in his career. Years:2012-2021 Yards:37,059 (292 TDs) Others:Matt Hasselbeck (29,434 yards), Dave Krieg (26,132), Jim Zorn (20,122), Geno Smith (12,961) Notes:Wilson has accounted for five of the top seven single-season passing yardage totals in Seahawks history (Geno Smith's 4,320 and 4,282 yards in 2024 and 2022, respectively,top the team list). Years:2015-2019 Yards:19,737 (121 TDs) Others:Vinny Testaverde (14,820 yards), Tom Brady (14,643), Josh Freeman (13,534), Trent Dilfer (12,969) Notes:Brady's three-year tenure in Tampa includedwinning Super Bowl LVduring the 2020 season, and leading the league in passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43) in 2021. In 2019, Winston becamethe first quarterback in NFL historyto throw for at least 30 touchdowns (33) and at least 30 interceptions (30). Years:1984-1993 Yards:33,685 (196 TDs) Others:Steve McNair (27,141 yards), George Blanda (19,149), Dan Pastorini (16,864), Ryan Tannehill (14,447) Notes:Moon, Blanda and Pastorini all played for the Houston Oilers, with Moon's final season with the franchise taking place four years before the relocation to Tennessee. Years:1974-1985 Yards:25,585 (160 TDs) Others:Sonny Jurgensen (22,585 yards), Sammy Baugh (21,886), Kirk Cousins (16,206), Mark Rypien (15,928) Notes:Theismann earned NFL MVP honors in 1983 when the Redskins scored a then-record 541 points. All the NFL news on and off the field.Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL passing yards leaders for all 32 teams

byKonstantin Pynzar

in

July 21, 2025

NFL’s all-time statistical leaders: Team-by-team top performers for passing yardage

NFL's all-time statistical leaders: Team-by-team top performers for passing yardage Here is a look at the all-time passing yardage leade...

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Beloved ballpark therapy bunny, Alex The Great, has died after complications from cancer

Beloved ballpark therapy bunny, Alex The Great, has died after complications from cancer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A beloved therapy bunny named Alex The Great, who provided snuggles and comfort from ballparks to NBA arenas, airports, farmers markets and even Easter egg hunts and NASCAR races, has died. He was 4. A floppy-eared Flemish giant who was larger than life in both size and spirit,Alex suffered complications from cancer treatmentand died early Monday, his owners said. The rabbit had undergone care at the renowned UC Davis Veterinary Hospital in recent days. Alex appeared June 4 sporting his signature cap for Padres-Giants at Oracle Park. At 4 months old,he attended his first Giants gamein April 2021 — believed to be the first bunny in the stands at the waterfront ballpark. He loved wearing bow ties and riding in his remote-controlled car, which Alex did in November 2021 following an Arizona Fall League appearance at Scottsdale Stadium where he saw now-Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe as a rising prospect. Owners Kei Kato and Josh Row saved Alex from a slaughterhouse — but, really, it was the bunny who saved them. They took Alex on all their trips and he spent hours at San Francisco International Airport with a golden retriever friend offering travelers emotional support. "He saved us and saved so many people," Kato said via text message Monday. "All the stories people are sharing are so overwhelming." Fans stopped in awe when they saw Alex The Great wherever he went, often surprised by his size and always eager to snap a photo or selfie. Kato and Row were thrilled to share him with the world because Alex had brought them so much love and joy and they wanted to spread that to anyone who might need a lift or a smile. Or provide a chance to pet Alex's soft orange fur or give him a hug. "We remember him well for his surprise frequent visits to the ballpark," Giants CEO Larry Baer said in a text message. "We remember the comfort he brought those who loved him and the joy he brought so many." Kato lost her brewery restaurant during the pandemic and adopting Alex provided her with a new purpose. He helped Kato deal with the anxiety and stress of no longer having her main source of income and the fulfillment her business brought. "I lost it all because of COVID, so I've been really stressed a lot," Kato said at the ballpark that spring night in 2021. "We support local. I was a local. He's well trained, too." When Alex became such a hit on the big screen, quick-thinking Daniel Kurish of the Marlins' media relations staff went to find the bunny in the seventh inning to deliver some Miami gear. Less than a month later, in May 2021,Alex appeared at a Suns-Warriors game at Chase Center. Of course, they loved him there, too. He'd also pop up outside the arena in Thrive City every now and then to greet fans before games. "Let his legend continue," Kato and Row wrote on Alex's social media, "he was very loved." ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

byKonstantin Pynzar

in

July 21, 2025

Beloved ballpark therapy bunny, Alex The Great, has died after complications from cancer

Beloved ballpark therapy bunny, Alex The Great, has died after complications from cancer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A beloved therapy bunny named ...

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Trump and Philippine leader plan to talk tariffs and China at the White House

Trump and Philippine leader plan to talk tariffs and China at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — PresidentDonald Trumpplans to host Philippine PresidentFerdinand Marcos Jr.on Tuesday at the White House, as the two countries are seeking closer security and economic ties in the face of shifting geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region. Marcos, who met Secretary of StateMarco Rubioand Defense SecretaryPete Hegsethon Monday, is set to become the first Southeast Asian leader to hold talks withDonald Trumpin his second term. Marcos' three-day visit shows the importance of the alliance between the treaty partners at a time when China is increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have clashed over the hotly contestedScarborough Shoal. Washington sees Beijing, the world's No. 2 economy, as its biggest competitor, and consecutive presidential administrations have sought toshift U.S. military and economic focusto the Asia-Pacific in a bid to counter China. Trump, like others before him, has been distracted byefforts to broker peacein a range of conflicts, fromUkrainetoGaza. Tariffs also are expected to be on the agenda. Trump has threatened to impose20% tariffs on Filipino goodson Aug. 1 unless the two sides can strike a deal. "I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of," Marcos said Sunday when he was departing for Washington, according to his office. Manila is open to offering zero tariffs on some U.S. goods to strike a deal with Trump, finance chief Ralph Recto told local journalists. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt hinted that a trade agreement with the Philippines was in the works. "Perhaps this will be a topic of discussion," she told reporters Monday when asked about tariff negotiations. The White House said Trump will discuss with Marcos the shared commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific. Before a meeting with Marcos at the Pentagon, Hegseth reiterated America's commitment to "achieving peace through strength" in the region. "Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today, and together we remain committed to the mutual defense treaty," Hegseth said Monday. "And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea." Marcos, whose country is one of the oldest U.S. treaty allies in the Pacific region, told Hegseth that the assurance to come to each other's mutual defense "continues to be the cornerstone of that relationship, especially when it comes to defense and security cooperation." He said the cooperation has deepened since Hegseth's March visit to Manila, includingjoint exercisesand U.S. support in modernizing the Philippines' armed forces. Marcos thanked the U.S. for support "that we need in the face of the threats that we, our country, is facing." China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been involved in long-unresolved territorial conflicts in the South China Sea, a busy shipping passage for global trade. The Chinese coast guard hasrepeatedly used water cannonto hit Filipino boats in the South China Sea. China accused those vessels of entering the waters illegally or encroaching on its territory. Hegsethtold a security forum in Singaporein May that China poses a threat and the U.S. is "reorienting toward deterring aggression by Communist China." During Marcos' meeting Monday with Rubio, the two reaffirmed the alliance "to maintain peace and stability" in the region and discussed closer economic ties, including boosting supply chains, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. The U.S. has endeavored to keepcommunication open with Beijing. Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met this month on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They agreed to explore "areas of potential cooperation" and stressed the importance ofmanaging differences. ___ Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.

byKonstantin Pynzar

in

July 21, 2025

Trump and Philippine leader plan to talk tariffs and China at the White House

Trump and Philippine leader plan to talk tariffs and China at the White House WASHINGTON (AP) — PresidentDonald Trumpplans to host Philippin...

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Swarms of Russian drones attack Ukraine nightly as Moscow puts new emphasis on the deadly weapon

Swarms of Russian drones attack Ukraine nightly as Moscow puts new emphasis on the deadly weapon

Thelong-range Russian dronescome in swarms each night, buzzing for hours over Ukraine by the hundreds, terrorizing the population and attacking targets from the industrial east to areas near its western border with Poland. Russia now often batters Ukraine with more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate. On July 8, Russia unleashedmore than 700 drones — a record. Some experts say that number could soon top 1,000 a day. The spike comes as U.S. PresidentDonald Trumphas given Russia until early Septemberto reach a ceasefire or face new sanctions -– a timeframe Moscow is likely to use to inflict as much damage as possible on Ukraine. Russia has sharply increased its drone output and appears to keep ramping it up. Initially importingShahed dronesfrom Iran early in the3 1/2-year-old war, Russia has boosted its domestic production and upgraded the original design. The Russian Defense Ministry says it's turning its drone force into a separate military branch. It also has established a dedicated center for improving drone tactics and better training for those flying them. Fighting 'a war of drones' Russian engineers have changed the original Iranian Shahed to increase its altitude and make it harder to intercept, according to Russian military bloggers and Western analysts. Other modifications include making it more jamming-resistant and able to carry powerfulthermobaric warheads. Some useartificial intelligenceto operate autonomously. The original Shahed and its Russian replica — called "Geran," or "geranium" — have an engine to propel it at 180 kph (just over 110 mph). A faster jet version is reportedly in the works. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that cooperation with China has allowed Russia to bypass Western sanctions on imports of electronics for drone production. Ukraine's military intelligence estimates that Russia receives up to 65% of components for its Geran drones from China. Beijing rejects the claims. Russia initially launched its production of the Iranian drones at factory in Alabuga, located in Tatarstan. AnAssociated Press investigationfound employees at the Alabuga plant included young African women who said they were duped into taking jobs there. Geran production later began at a plant in Udmurtia, west of the Ural Mountains. Ukraine has launched drone attacks on both factories but failed to derail production. A report Sunday by state-run Zvezda TV described the Alabuga factory as the world's biggest attack drone plant. "It's a war of drones. We are ready for it," said plant director Timur Shagivaleyev, adding it produces all components, including engines and electronics, and has its own training school. The report showed hundreds of black Geran drones stacked in an assembly shop decorated with Soviet-style posters. One featured images of the father of the Soviet nuclear bomb, Igor Kurchatov, legendary Soviet space program chief, Sergei Korolyov, and dictator Josef Stalin, with the words: "Kurchatov, Korolyov and Stalin live in your DNA." Shifting tactics and defenses The Russian military has improved its tactics, increasingly usingdecoy dronesnamed "Gerbera" for a type of daisy. They closely resemble the attack drones and are intended to confuse Ukrainian defenses and distract attention from their more deadly twins. By using large numbers of drones in one attack, Russia seeks to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and keep them from targeting more expensive cruise and ballistic missiles that Moscow often uses alongside the drones to hit targets like key infrastructure facilities, air defense batteries and air bases. Former Russian Defense Ministry press officer Mikhail Zvinchuk, who runs a popular war blog, noted the Russian military has learned to focus on a few targets to maximize the impact. The drones can roam Ukraine's skies for hours, zigzagging past defenses, he wrote. "Our defense industries' output allows massive strikes on practically a daily basis without the need for breaks to accumulate the necessary resources," said another military blogger, Alexander Kots. "We no longer spread our fingers but hit with a punching fist in one spot to make sure we hit the targets." Ukraine relies on mobile teams armed with machine guns as a low-cost response to the drones to spare the use of expensive Western-supplied air defense missiles. It also has developed interceptor drones and is working to scale up production, but the steady rise in Russian attacks is straining its defenses. How Russia affords all those drones Despite international sanctions and a growing load on its economy, Russia's military spending this year has risen 3.4% over 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which estimated it at the equivalent of about $200 billion. While budgetary pressures could increase, it said, the current spending level is manageable for the Kremlin. Over 1.5 million drones of various types were delivered to the military last year, said President Vladimir Putin. Frontelligence Insight, a Ukraine-based open-source intelligence organization, reported this month that Russia launched more than 28,000 Shahed and Geran drones since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, with 10% of the total fired last month alone. While ballistic and cruise missiles are faster and pack a bigger punch, they cost millions and are available only in limited quantities. A Geran drone costs only tens of thousands of dollars — a fraction of a ballistic missile. The drones' range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) allows them to bypass some defenses, and a relatively big load of 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of explosives makes them a highly effective instrument of what the Center for Strategic and International Studies calls "a cruel attritional logic." CSIS called them "the most cost-effective munition in Russia's firepower strike arsenal." "Russia's plan is to intimidate our society," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, adding that Moscow seeks to launch 700 to 1,000 drones a day. Over the weekend, German Maj. Gen. Christian Freuding said in an interview that Russia aims for a capability of launching 2,000 drones in one attack. Russia could make drone force its own military branch Along the more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, short-range attack drones have become prolific and transformed the fighting, quickly spotting and targeting troops and weapons within a 10-kilometer (6-mile) kill zone. Russian drone units initially were set on the initiative of midlevel commanders and often relied on equipment purchased with private donations. Once drones became available in big numbers, the military moved last fall to put those units under a single command. Putin has endorsed the Defense Ministry's proposal to make drones a separate branch of the armed forces, dubbed the Unmanned Systems Troops. Russia has increasingly focused on battlefield drones that use thin fiber optic cables, making them immune to jamming and have an extended range of 25 kilometers (over 15 miles). It also has set up Rubicon, a center to train drone operators and develop the best tactics. Such fiber optic drones used by both sides can venture deeper into rear areas, targeting supply, support and command structures that until recently were deemed safe. Michael Kofman, a military expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the Russian advancements have raised new defensive challenges for Ukraine. "The Ukrainian military has to evolve ways of protecting the rear, entrenching at a much greater depth," Kofman said in a recent podcast.

byKonstantin Pynzar

in

July 21, 2025

Swarms of Russian drones attack Ukraine nightly as Moscow puts new emphasis on the deadly weapon

Swarms of Russian drones attack Ukraine nightly as Moscow puts new emphasis on the deadly weapon Thelong-range Russian dronescome in swarms ...

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