Launching rockets and cleaning windows. Russians improvise with lifts

The concept of mounting guided missile launchers on a boom to overcome ground obstacles has existed for over 30 years. Germany had similar projects towards the end of the Cold War, but these were quickly replaced with better alternatives. However, Russia implemented this concept in Ukraine in its unique style, modifying a civilian lift generally used for washing windows or trimming trees.

The Russians have given many examples of creative military equipment management. This largely stems from their lack of equipment. We've seen wooden armor on tanks and airplane hangars made from garden netting. Russians' video on social media reveals a civilian car fitted with a basket crane. A soldier operates an anti-tank missile complex from the top of this crane, which allows the guided anti-tank missile (GATM) launch operator to fire over ground obstacles, such as the edge of a forest.

During the end of the Cold War, battlefields were very different when this concept was coming into existence. Field obstacles presented problems, and a vehicle with a lift seemed like an innovative way to overcome them. As per the German concept, a HOT missile of German-French design was launched from a similar makeshift "tower". Wire-controlled, it required an operator to guide its flight until the target was hit, making it vulnerable to enemy retaliation.

Of course, the types of battlefields from the Cold War era blanketed in the "fog of war", are rare nowadays. The areas where conflicts occur are usually under constant surveillance by satellites, drones, and countless cameras that transmit images globally via the internet. The Russians quickly realized this reality and published a video featuring their improvised basket crane. Shortly after its unveiling, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed the gimmick.

The development of drones that transmit images to a pilot or smart missile-equipped drones has rendered standard GATM launchers obsolete. The potential of outfitting a flying platform with such a missile is intriguing. The British multi-copter Jackal, equipped with Martlet rockets, serves as an example. The lack of such advanced solutions in the Russian arsenal means soldiers attacking Ukrainian positions must make do with what they have available.