The Russian military has demonstrated integrated combat procedures where T-72 tank crews work in tandem with Orlan-10 unmanned aerial systems to locate and neutralize targets on the battlefield. This outreach of collaboration was detailed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which described how the two platforms combined their capabilities to identify threats and coordinate a response with precision. The approach reflects a wider trend in modern warfare where ground forces and air-supported reconnaissance mesh together to create a more responsive and resilient fighting force on diverse terrain.
During rehearsal exercises, drones were deployed to survey targets situated well beyond the front line. The reconnaissance data, including precise coordinates of detected objects, were relayed directly to the commander of the tank unit, enabling a rapid, informed decision on engagement options. This data link between air and ground assets represents a shift toward more networked, sensor-driven fire discipline in modern mechanized units. It underscores how timely information across multi-domain assets can shorten decision cycles and improve the accuracy of subsequent actions under tense, rapidly evolving conditions.
Officials noted that to neutralize what was framed as a misleading enemy presence, tank crews engaged using long-range, indirect fire from a protected trench position. The tactic involved delivering artillery fire along the reported coordinates at ranges exceeding six kilometers. The description from the defense ministry emphasized the deliberate use of coordinated targeting information to ensure effective destruction of the designated targets. The emphasis on controlled, indirect engagement highlights the careful risk management and planning required when integrating unmanned system feedback with traditional fire support, a pattern seen across several modern arsenals seeking to reduce exposure of personnel while maintaining combat effectiveness.
In addition to initial strike coordination, the exercise included real-time observation of target defeat and fire adjustment, with drones providing feedback on impact locations. This feedback loop allowed operators to fine-tune subsequent rounds and confirm the effectiveness of the engagement, illustrating a comprehensive approach to command-and-control and fire support using aerial reconnaissance in conjunction with ground fires. The process demonstrates how live data streams, when properly managed, can calibrate sensors, adjust munitions, and validate outcomes, creating a clear model for continuous improvement in battlefield interoperability.
Belarusian defense authorities later reported that drills involving drone operators were conducted with the participation of Russian instructors. The exercises took place within the framework of the 11th separate mechanized brigade’s training activities, underscoring ongoing collaboration between the two nations in developing interoperable battlefield capabilities and the exchange of tactical expertise in unmanned systems employment. The collaboration emphasizes a shared interest in refining procedures, standards, and drills that integrate unmanned platforms into routine operations and training cycles, strengthening regional defense postures through joint practice and knowledge transfer.
According to Major General Andrei Nekrashevich, who leads the main department of combat training for the Belarusian Armed Forces, nearly every squad within the force has access to quadcopters. This proliferation of unmanned air vehicles signals a broader push to integrate unmanned platforms into routine training and operational planning, expanding the reach of real-time reconnaissance and rapid-fire support across multiple units. In summaries provided by the Belarusian side, the emphasis was on elevating the unit’s situational awareness and responsiveness through paired drone-ground asset operations, a trend increasingly seen among modern militaries seeking to harmonize information gathering with decisive action. The focus remains on building a fast, reliable feedback loop that can adapt to shifting battlefield cues while maintaining disciplined fire control and governance of the engagement process, ensuring that each asset supplements the other rather than competing for attention on chaotic days in the field.