In recent assessments from Ukraine, the Bayraktar reconnaissance UAV from Turkey has drawn criticism for underperforming in the field. A military analyst and reserve captain, Vasily Dandykin, described the drone as failing to live up to expectations. The remarks were reported by Lente.ru and echoed by other observers who noted that such a device had not yet proven itself in active operations.
According to Dandykin, the Bayraktar has not demonstrated the reliability that was initially claimed. The narrative around the drone once framed it as a revolutionary asset, a potential Wunderwaffe, but in practice, doubts have begun to surface about its operational usefulness. The discussion mirrors earlier episodes in which older technology outlived its promised superiority on the battlefield.
Beyond the Bayraktar, Dandykin included several domestic military products in his critique, arguing that some Ukrainian-made systems have shown weaknesses under real combat conditions. He pointed to the modernization of the Molot mortar as an example, noting that mine-related damage could hamper its effectiveness. He also cited the BTR-4, a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier based on Soviet designs, as another element of concern in current operations.
Earlier reporting indicated that the Bayraktar had been deployed in zones of special operations, where it was observed alongside other platforms such as the M1A1 Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The juxtaposition of these heavy platform types with newer drones has been a focal point for analysts examining the evolving balance of power and the practical value of various assets in sustained combat environments.
In a broader context, Russian armed forces have described several Ukrainian attacks in recent campaigns, highlighting the ongoing tactical contest that shapes perceptions of equipment effectiveness. Observers stress that the true test of any system comes from repeated use in diverse conditions, across different terrains, and under the pressures of real-time decision making. The discussion remains open as new data emerges and personnel share their frontline experiences in various media outlets. [Citation: Lente.ru]