Russian drones get rearview cameras to counter Ukrainian threats

Drones play a vital role on the front line, eagerly used by both Ukrainians and Russians. Both sides constantly adapt to changing combat conditions, as shown by the recent debut of so-called dragon drones by the Ukrainians.

These "dragon drones" are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with a container of flammable material, such as thermite, used to douse the enemy with fire from above. The Russians quickly adopted this technology and soon showcased their own tests with a "dragon drone."

Recently, there has been an increase in attacks where one drone strikes another. This tactic, primarily used by Ukrainians, is often shared through recordings of their defense equipment hunting Russian drones mid-flight.

Drones attacking other drones have become a significant problem for Russia, which lacks the means to defend against such aerial threats. Attack drones are relatively simple constructions, consisting mainly of an engine and an explosive charge. They lack advanced systems to monitor their surroundings and react to threats. Once a drone is aimed at a target, it flies in a specific direction, making it an easy target to eliminate.

In response to these threats, Russians have begun searching for ways to protect their drones during flight. One solution was shared by the Defense Express portal, which published a photo of the Russian Zala-421 drone equipped with a rearview camera. The wreckage showed a camera aimed in the opposite direction of flight to observe the situation behind the drone. This allows the drone pilot to monitor potential threats and react when necessary.

It should be noted that the Zala-421 drone, which is often targeted in aerial attacks, is an advanced drone with a different mission than conducting kamikaze attacks. It is designed for reconnaissance operations, capable of staying airborne for long hours, conducting observations from altitudes of up to 11,500 feet, and delivering high-quality imagery.

The Zala-421 was created to meet the Russian Federation's expectations for low-visibility equipment capable of conducting high-altitude reconnaissance. The drone's fuselage is equipped with a digital SLR camera with at least 18 MP resolution, delivering Full HD quality imagery with a 20x zoom capability. It also features a gyroscopic stabilizer and a thermal imaging camera.

The drone is powered by an electric motor, allowing it to reach altitudes of up to 11,500 feet. Weighing around 22 pounds, it can perform four-hour reconnaissance missions, flying at approximately 68 mph. Its maximum range exceeds 124 miles, with an operational radius of 28 miles. The precise positioning of the drone is ensured by a GPS/GLONASS navigation system working in conjunction with a three-axis magnetometer.