Support us on Patreon
Eng
Esp
Support us on Patreon

Forbes: High-stakes tech race unfolds in Ukraine’s drone-dominated skies

Ukraine’s drone interceptors are blinding Russian reconnaissance, impacting long-range attacks in a high-speed technological arms race over Ukrainian skies.
byYuri Zoria
15/10/2024
2 minute read
forbes high-stakes tech race unfolds ukraine's drone-dominated skies video fpv interceptor seconds before brought down russian zala scout drone wild hornets interception
Video from an FPV interceptor seconds before it brought down this Russian ZALA scout drone. Screenshot: Wild Hornets via Forbes.
Forbes: High-stakes tech race unfolds in Ukraine’s drone-dominated skies

Ukraine has been successfully using modified FPV (First-Person View) drones to intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Forbes reports.

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.

The Ukrainian forces have adapted $700 racing quadcopters, typically used for ground target elimination, into high-altitude interceptors capable of neutralizing Russian scout drones at altitudes of up to 3.5 km. This innovative approach has resulted in a significant number of interceptions, with one group, Wild Hornets, claiming over 300 successful hits with a success rate exceeding 50%.

Russian forces rely heavily on their reconnaissance drones, including models such as Orlan-10, Orlan-30, ZALA, and SuperCam, to guide precision-guided glide bombs, artillery strikes, and loitering munitions. By disrupting these reconnaissance capabilities, Ukrainian forces are effectively “blinding” Russian long-range attack capabilities.

Forbes says his strategy has already yielded tangible results on the battlefield. For instance, Ukraine’s Kursk offensive reportedly made rapid gains due to the elimination of Russian scout drones, leaving Russian forces unable to effectively track or target the advancing Ukrainian units.

Recent weeks have seen a flurry of adaptations from the Russian side, including the application of camouflage paint schemes to drones, the installation of rear-facing cameras for early warning, and the implementation of jamming systems to disrupt incoming interceptors.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1845022187960295926/

As the contest evolves, both sides are likely to continue developing new tactics and technologies. Ukraine is reportedly working on next-generation FPVs with enhanced speed and capabilities, including potential optical homing for terminal guidance to counteract jamming efforts.

The outcome of this aerial contest could have far-reaching implications for the ground war and future conflicts. Forbes suggests three possible scenarios: a stalemate where reconnaissance continues with steady losses, a triumph of offensive capabilities leading to the disappearance of scout drones, or one side gaining drone air superiority, potentially dictating the outcome of the ground war.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts