Russia Adapts Drone Warfare Tactics Against Ukraine, Civilian Targets in Sight
The Russian military has adjusted its approach to drone warfare, focusing on launching attacks in ways that evade Ukrainian air defenses, according to Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force. In an interview with RBC Ukraine, Ihnat outlined how Russia has ramped up drone production to intensify assaults on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, deliberately targeting civilian areas, which amounts to war crimes.
The night of May 26 marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as Russia executed one of its largest drone offensives to date, deploying 355 Shahed-type attack drones along with decoys. This assault is a part of a broader strategy wherein drones are launched from altitudes exceeding two kilometers. This method not only complicates detection by Ukrainian radars but also keeps the drones beyond the reach of conventional small arms and heavy machine gun fire.
Ihnat explained that the modified tactics involve continuously altering the flight paths of these UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) before initiating their attack directly over their intended targets. The Russian military has also increased the frequency of synchronized group incursions in specific neighborhoods, further straining Ukraine's air defense resources. Reports indicate that approximately 60% of the drones used in recent attacks were actual combat drones, while the remaining 40% comprised the Parodiya decoys, which simulate drone presence in the airspace.
Under Vladimir Putin's leadership, Russian forces have been employing Iranian-made Shahed missiles and their own versions, known as Gerans, in a tactic designed to saturate and overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses through mass swarm operations. This not only facilitates successful missile strikes but also allows for further missions utilizing ballistic and cruise missiles, heightening the threat level to Ukrainian assets.
Adding another layer of complexity, it has emerged that Russia is utilizing bots from the Telegram messaging platform to manage drone operations. These bots relay flight data and real-time footage to human operators, enabling enhanced coordination and efficiency in their aerial assaults. This information came to light when a hidden note found in a downed Russian drone hinted at a control algorithm implemented by a supportive Russian engineer.
However, the situation for Ukraine's air defense has become increasingly precarious. As Western supply of air defense systems dwindles, Ukrainian capabilities to counter these assaults have been significantly weakened. An anonymous source revealed to Le Monde that Ukraine's SAMPT air defense batteries have run out of ammunition, and the short-range Crotale systems have not seen replenishment of their missile inventory for over a year and a half.
Furthermore, the status of the critical US-designed Patriot interceptor systems remains uncertain, as it is unclear how many are still available in Ukraine's arsenal, especially amidst delays in new military aid packages from the US government.
As the drone war escalates, the implications for civilian safety and infrastructure in Ukraine are dire, making the necessity for international attention and support more pressing than ever.
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