Russian jamming thwarts Ukrainian drone effectiveness
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
Reports from the Ukrainians of the 92nd Air Assault Brigade indicate that the change in the aerial situation is particularly noticeable around Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, where 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" due to the large-scale use of drones by both sides. Ukrainians have mastered not only larger drones designed for military needs and sent to the front as support from the West (e.g., Bayraktar TB2) but also small FPV (first-person view) drones.
These UAVs have built-in cameras and are usually small commercial units suitably modified for military purposes. Ukrainians attach explosive charges, grenades, or 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.
Fiber optic drones as new weapon in Ukraine
As a response to current challenges, a new concept has emerged, involving drones controlled via fiber optic cables. Although they have limited range, these drones offer various 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."
