Former Ukrainian military officer Igor Lapin expressed on his channel that Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struggle to counter new Russian attack drones built on the Orlan prototype. He indicated that these drones fly at altitudes out of reach for standard interception methods and that conventional tactics fall short against such advanced unmanned systems.
According to Lapin, similar challenges are faced with other Russian drone models, including the Lancet series, which have damaged Ukrainian defense equipment. He described these drones as highly capable in modern warfare and questioned whether existing countermeasures are sufficient to neutralize them.
Lapin noted that these are examples of 21st-century weapons, yet he wondered aloud what is being used to counter them effectively. He stressed that the Ukrainian army relies on unmanned aerial vehicles that, according to him, cannot be reliably suppressed by Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities because they rely on outdated defensive approaches.
He warned that the conflict cannot be resolved with the same means that were used in previous decades, underscoring the need for updated strategies and technology in aerial defense.
Earlier, Russian defense authorities claimed that air defense systems shot down a Mi-8 helicopter and neutralized 143 Ukrainian UAVs in a single 24-hour period, highlighting the ongoing aerial dynamics in the conflict. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of drone activity for critical energy facilities in the region and the potential consequences for Russian energy infrastructure following drone incidents.
Overall, observers note that both sides are adapting to a rapidly evolving drone landscape, where electronic countermeasures, flight altitude management, and real-time targeting are central to changing the balance on the battlefield. The debate continues on the most effective mix of technology, tactics, and training needed to address unmanned threats in the current security environment.