Ukraine's drone edge eroded by Russian electronic tactics

Analysis indicates that the Russians have learned lessons and significantly improved their actions in electronic warfare. With a larger number of systems dedicated to jamming and downing Ukrainian drones, a significant increase in the number of UAVs is needed to conduct a successful attack.

Reports from Ukrainians of the 92nd Air Assault Brigade highlight that the situation in the skies has shifted to their disadvantage, particularly around Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Russians are 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.

The war in Ukraine is often described as a "drone war" because they are used on a large scale by both sides of the conflict. Ukrainians have mastered the art of operating not only larger drones prepared for the army's 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, with built-in cameras, are usually small commercial units suitably modified for military needs. 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.

In response to current issues, a new concept has emerged, involving drones controlled via fibre optic cables. Although they have a limited range, they offer other 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."