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Russians add rear-view cameras to drones to counter Ukrainian FPV threats

After Ukraine deployed FPV drones against Russian UAVs, Russia quickly added rear-view cameras to detect incoming anti-air UAVs.
russians add rear-view cameras drones counter ukrainian fpv threats russian reconnaissance drone captured camera interceptor moments before shot down defense express 30d66f258f9aa2fe
Russian reconnaissance drone captured on the camera of a Ukrainian FPV interceptor drone moments before it was shot down. Screenshot via Defense Express.
Russians add rear-view cameras to drones to counter Ukrainian FPV threats

Russian forces have swiftly implemented a new countermeasure against Ukrainian anti-air FPV drones by equipping their reconnaissance drones with rear-view cameras. This development was reported by communications specialist Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov on 23 September, according to Defense Express.

Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles of various sizes, operating in the air, on land, and at sea, play a central role, with technology advancing rapidly. Aerial drones dominate the battlefield and are often used as a substitution for precise artillery and anti-air systems.

According to Flash, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already managed to down one such modified Russian drone. The captured drone, believed to be a ZALA 421 type, was found to have a miniature camera connected to a custom device from a Russian manufacturer. This device is also equipped with RHCP antennas, typically used in FPV drones.

Downed Russian ZALA 421 reconnaissance drone, equipped with a rear-view camera. Photo: Serhii Flash

The rear-view camera system is designed to provide a view of the rear hemisphere, potentially allowing the drone operator to spot approaching anti-air drones and take evasive action. However, Defense Express notes that reconnaissance drones are not capable of performing complex aerial maneuvers like fighter jets. One possible evasive tactic could be attempting to outrun the threat, as FPV drones have limited flight time, and higher speeds would deplete their batteries faster. The overall effectiveness of this solution remains questionable.

Rear camera from a downed Russian ZALA 421 reconnaissance drone. Photo: Serhii Flash

Defense Express says the speed at which the Russians has moved from theoretical discussions to practical implementation of countermeasures against anti-air FPV drones is noteworthy, and it is expected that the list of countermeasures will continue to grow, possibly including the installation of small electronic warfare devices on the drones.

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