Oddly-secured Russian trenches spark curiosity
Often referred to as the "drone war," the conflict in Ukraine drives the Russians to adapt unique methods of protection in their positions from drone attacks. Among the measures taken by these invaders, trenches have been sighted shielded with photovoltaic panels, increasing speculation on the effectiveness of such makeshift fortifications.
8:12 PM EST, December 10, 2023
The Defence Express portal, an expert in military affairs and a diligent reporter on the Ukraine war, has drawn attention to materials released by the 501st Separate Marine Infantry Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Surveillance drone footage reveals that the Russians have begun to uniquely equip their trenches with protective measures against unmanned aerial vehicles.
The invaders have set up photovoltaic panels atop their positions. Interestingly, efforts are directed not just to cover the trenches from above, but from the sides as well.
This approach might prove to be a more effective deterrent than previously observed methods of stretching nets over trenches. Solar panels create a larger physical barrier for drones or payloads, additionally obscuring the whereabouts of the soldiers in hiding.
In the case of the referenced video, the fortifications were incomplete, enabling the Ukrainian drone to complete its mission. The drone operator skillfully neared the trench entrance to strike the enemy. Implementing such protective measures certainly demands greater skill and professionalism from drone operators.
The source of the solar panels used by Russians to create these trench protections has sparked conjecture. The Defence Express suspects they are likely sourced from looting.
It is known that the Russians once disassembled Ukraine’s largest solar power plant, located near Tokmaka. They likely do not hesitate to pilfer solar panels from homes or factories within the occupied territories.
The drones deployed for such attacks are often the simplest and least expensive First Person View (FPV) models, equipped with an attached explosive charge. Depending on the model, the drone's weight and subsequent destructive power vary.
Recently, the Ukrainians have produced a new design named Mamut. Capable of carrying loads up to 9 lbs, Mamut is larger and heavier than its counterparts. The Come Back Alive Foundation's press office announced earlier this month that they handed over another 5,000 small FPV drones to the Ukrainian military.
