The British Defense Ministry reported on 13 May that Russian forces increasingly use lighter, faster vehicles to conduct reconnaissance of Ukrainian defensive positions
According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally inspected newly acquired Chinese Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicles from Odes Industries in November 2023. Russia has reportedly purchased over 2,100 of these vehicles.
The reports suggest that Russian forces have increasingly resorted to the use of lighter, faster vehicles to conduct reconnaissance of Ukrainian defensive positions, allowing for subsequent engagement using artillery, first-person view (FPV) or one-way attack (OWA) drones in an effort to consistently degrade Ukrainian forces.
However, the British Defense Ministry reported that in sacrificing armor and firepower for increased mobility, light vehicles are far more vulnerable than their armored counterparts to an array of weapon systems. Ukrainian FPV drones have already demonstrated their ability to effectively target such light vehicles.
Read also:
- ISW: Putin prepares for protracted war in Ukraine and possibly for future confrontation with NATO
- Top brass change for Ukraine’s Kharkiv contingent amid Russia’s offensive on the region
- German government reiterates opposition to NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine
