The Russian armed forces have introduced a new tactic aimed at reducing the risk faced by troops from hostile drones. A prominent American publication has highlighted this shift in military practice, presenting it as a notable development in modern battlefield protection.
According to the outlet, Russia appears to be deploying protective curtains or screening devices around trenches to obscure troop movements from Ukrainian reconnaissance and attack drones. The analysis centers on footage released by Ukrainian sources, which allegedly shows a camera-equipped drone colliding with a trench bordered by such protective screens.
It remains unclear whether the incident caused any injuries, as the footage does not provide definitive confirmation. The publication notes the uncertainty and frames the moment as a potential indicator of evolving defensive measures in a high-drone environment.
One American analyst described these screens as a smart adaptation for an era when unmanned aircraft of varying types are common on the battlefield. While the screens may not offer comprehensive protection, they appear to complicate the approach of kamikaze drones and could reduce the likelihood of successful direct hits. This assessment underscores a broader trend toward improvised, yet practical, hardening of frontline positions in response to drone-enabled threats.
Reports from December indicate that Russian motorized rifle units were implementing or testing drone countermeasures in Energodar, a key location with strategic significance. Observers note that such measures reflect ongoing efforts to mitigate the growing impact of Ukrainian unmanned systems on ground operations.
Earlier in December, a military analyst suggested that shielding tanks from UAVs might become a standard practice within Russian forces, signaling a potential normalization of drone defense measures across units. The discussion points to a deliberate shift in doctrine, where counter-drone capabilities are increasingly integrated into traditional armored and mechanized warfare.
Media coverage indicates that Russia previously approved procedures to suppress and neutralize drone activity, highlighting a broader pattern of adapting to air-delivered threats. Analysts emphasize that the evolution of these protective tactics is part of a continuous push to protect personnel and equipment in environments where drone use remains prominent.