Various unmanned aerial vehicles deployed by Russian forces in the special operations zone are reported to disrupt Ukrainian military operations. A Forbes article by David Ex analyzes the situation and cites Ukrainian officials.
The Russian armed forces reportedly rely on a sizeable fleet of Lancet drones packed with explosives, along with FPV and reconnaissance platforms, to contest Ukrainian defenses. The report suggests that Kyiv may struggle to counter the full spectrum of tactics enabled by these drones, especially when combined with other operational measures.
Ex argues that Western observers may have underestimated Moscow’s advantages in this evolving theater.
A Ukrainian serviceman cited in Forbes remarked, “Many people don’t take the Russians seriously. But that would be a mistake.”
Earlier in the week, it was noted that a Russian research and production organization, Radar mms, had become operational and announced the development of an electric unmanned aerial vehicle designed to maximize utility with minimal operator input.
Prior to that development, specialists from Tambov State Technical University (TSTU) reported progress on a new defense framework aimed at countering small rotary-wing UAVs. These efforts are part of a broader push within Russia to expand airspace control capabilities and drone suppression techniques.
In recent months, Russia has also pursued additional drone suppression systems, reflecting a strategic emphasis on counter-drone technologies in the region. These advances come as both sides seek to adapt to rapid changes in aerial reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strike capabilities in a high-stakes operational environment.