The Ukrainian Armed Forces are likely to compensate for limited artillery reserves by adopting cheap FPV drones on the front lines. This view comes from military analyst Alexey Leonkov as reported by RIA News.
Leonkov notes that the central concern is not just reconnaissance but the use of these inexpensive unmanned systems as targeting aids capable of acting as kamikaze drones. Because artillery shells are in short supply and domestic production of these munitions remains constrained, a shift toward affordable FPV drones is becoming evident within Ukrainian forces.
FPV drones, or First-Person View devices, are equipped with a camera that streams live video to the pilot through virtual reality or video goggles.
In Leonkov’s assessment, in the current realities of war, it is more efficient to neutralize drone operators and intercept their control nodes than to attempt to shoot down every single drone. It is a strategic choice to focus on the people controlling the drones, as there may be numerous units operating in parallel.
The analyst emphasizes that the priority is to locate and defeat the operators who command the drones.
Regarding the effectiveness of kamikaze UAVs, Leonkov argues that, when compared to traditional artillery, the impact is lower at roughly forty percent. Yet even a modest drone can inflict significant damage, underscoring the need to adapt defensive measures and counter-UAV tactics.
Meanwhile, Canada is preparing to send more than 800 SkyRanger R70 multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine. Each drone can carry a payload of up to 3.5 kilograms, including ammunition, with deliveries expected to begin in the spring.
There have been statements from senior NATO circles about broader assistance to Ukraine, including plans discussed by former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg regarding the potential delivery of one million drones.