Ukrainian drones struggle as Russian tactics evolve
According to The Telegraph, Ukraine is beginning to lose one of the few advantages it had over Russia. Ukrainian drones are becoming less effective in destroying enemy equipment and positions. What is the cause of this?
The analysis conducted indicates that the Russians have learned lessons and have significantly improved their actions in the realm of electronic warfare. A larger number of systems tasked with jamming and downing Ukrainian drones means that a significant increase in the number of UAVs is needed to conduct a successful attack.
Ukrainian drones are becoming less effective
According to reports from Ukrainians of the 92nd Air Assault Brigade, the change in the situation in the skies to their disadvantage is particularly noticeable around Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. The Russians are much more effectively countering Ukrainian drones, both reconnaissance and assault.
An experienced Ukrainian military personnel quoted by The Telegraph, who has completed over 5,000 combat drone flights during the war, assesed that Ukrainians can still attack, but it's much harder than before.
Drones as an extremely valuable weapon for Ukrainians
The war in Ukraine is often described as a "drone war" because they are used on a large scale by both sides of the conflict. Ukrainians have mastered the art of operating not only larger drones prepared for the army's needs and sent to the front as support from the West (e.g., Bayraktar TB2) but also small FPV (first-person view) drones.
These are UAVs with a built-in camera, usually small commercial units suitably modified for military needs. Ukrainians attach explosive charges or grenades and bombs to them. In the first case, the UAV acts as a kamikaze weapon, while grenades and bombs are dropped on enemy equipment from above. Anti-tank grenades like the RKG-3 are used, for instance.
Fibre optic drones as new weapon in Ukraine
As a response to current issues, a new concept has emerged. It involves drones controlled via fibre optic cables. Although they have limited range, they compensate with a range of other advantages, including resistance to jamming. However, this type of solution is already being used by the Russians, so it will not be a "Ukrainian wonder weapon."
