Ukraine's high-tech defence: Drones and artillery prevail
The Russians are persistently attempting to displace Ukrainians from the Kursk region. Despite achieving some successes in the west, the Ukrainian defence still holds some breaches. The first line of defence consists of drones alongside artillery, capable of halting even the most formidable Russian tanks. Here's what they attacked with and how the renowned 47th Mechanised Brigade thwarted them.
This time, the Russians deployed four heavily armoured tanks into the attack in the Kursk region, three of which were the latest T-80BWM. These are the best-armoured Russian tanks, yet they were overcome in a clash with a swarm of drones piloted by soldiers of the Ukrainian 47th Mechanised Brigade, known for their daring charges with American M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles and M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Drones, mines, and artillery — the first line of defence
Ukrainian units employ a layered defence, which is particularly effective for elite units with good coordination. The first barrier consists of mines such as the PTM-3 or AT2, placed a few kilometres from the front line using multi-launch rocket systems like the M270 MLRS or M142 HIMARS.
The second means of striking beyond a distance of over 10 kilometres are reconnaissance drones paired with artillery conducting fire missions directed at vehicles or groups of soldiers. It is worth noting that even a hit by a 155 mm shell, while it might not destroy a tank, can lead to a track being blown off and its immobilisation.
Moreover, there are also anti-tank shells such as the old M712 Copperhead or the new Bonus and SMArt 155. At the same time, FPV-type drones and heavier "Baba Yaga" drones drop explosive charges on the remnants. This makes the Russians feel as if they are fighting against "ghosts," as one Russian prisoner admitted he saw Ukrainian soldiers with his own eyes for the first time only after surrendering.
Entrenched fire points and tanks or infantry fighting vehicles are used by Ukrainians as a last resort because each appearance attracts considerable attention, prompting the Russians to deploy, for instance, aircraft with KAB bombs (FAB with UMPK module) or even Iskander-M ballistic missiles if they are available at the time.
