"Baba Yaga" drones: Ukrainian tactics unsettle russian defences

Ukrainians are increasingly using drones in sophisticated ways. Recently, Dmitry Rogozin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence and space industries, discovered the new tactics employed by the "Baba Yaga" drone operators.

Drones have played a crucial role in the Russo-Ukrainian war, providing both sides with an advantage in intelligence and precision targeting. These technologies have revolutionised modern battlefields, underscoring the importance of contemporary solutions in armed conflicts and enabling more effective military operations planning.

The Ukrainian army has used drones to monitor the movements of Russian troops, allowing for better planning and coordination of defensive actions. Drones have also been used to attack strategic enemy targets precisely, minimising losses among Ukrainian soldiers and increasing the effectiveness of combat operations. Ukraine has responded more effectively to enemy actions and maintained an advantage in some sections of the front.

Dmitry Rogozin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence and space industries, posted on Telegram about Ukrainian drones' new tactics on the Zaporizhzhia front.

Rogozin claims that Ukrainian drones, or UAVs, are active both during the day and at night. The politician is convinced that operators are dropping various materials to set fields on fire and clear them of mines. At night, they try to penetrate the rear of Russian positions and attack the enemy by surprise.

"Enemy UAVs are very active both during the day and at night. The "Baba Yaga" strike drone squadron of the Armed Forces of Ukraine follows the Kakhovka reservoir at dusk, trying to penetrate the rear of our positions. During the day, they scatter various materials, trying to set fields on fire. In this way, the enemy has started to 'clear' mines from this section of the front, causing fires in fields and forest belts. Mines sizzle from the fire like chops in a pan. The tactics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should say something to military experts. I don't like any of this."

The Ukrainian military widely uses "Baba Yaga" drones. Designers present them as heavy strike UAVs capable of carrying combat loads of up to 20 kilogrammes and with a range of about 10 kilometres.

Karolina Modzelewska wrote more about the "Baba Yaga" drones. The machines can carry up to four 82 mm mortar shells or two 120 mm ones. Ukrainians use these extremely effective machines to destroy various types of targets, including unarmoured and lightly armoured military vehicles, which are vulnerable to aerial attacks.

Not only vehicles are targeted by these drones. Ukrainians also use them to destroy ammunition depots. This enables them to effectively limit the enemy's capabilities by preventing them from replenishing supplies.

"Baba Yaga" drones are also used to attack live forces. This means they can be directed against enemy soldiers, increasing their tactical value on the battlefield.

Moreover, these machines are equipped with thermal imaging and infrared cameras, which allow them to operate efficiently even in the dark. This means they can conduct daily and night operations, significantly increasing their versatility and effectiveness. This is precisely the use of drones that Rogozin mentioned.