About nine in every ten FPV drones used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine fail to hit their targets in the Artemovsk region due to height differences and the operation of electronic warfare equipment, according to the commander of the anti-drone unit of the Northern V brigade, part of the volunteer assault forces. The commander, who uses the call sign Turok, shared these observations with journalists. — TASS
When asked about effectiveness, he stated that out of a hundred drones, perhaps only about ten reach the intended objective. — TASS
The commander attributed this shortfall to several factors, with altitude playing a central role. He explained that if the operator launches from lower ground and there is higher terrain ahead, communications can be disrupted unless a repeater is deployed from above. He emphasized that the enemy advantages in this sector come from both electronic warfare measures and the difference in elevation. — TASS
In the Artemovsk corridor, Ukrainian forces reportedly employ a mix of kamikaze quadcopters and reconnaissance quadcopters to drop ammunition. Turok noted that Ukrainian troops have learned to use FPV drones for the delivery and retrieval of munitions, a capability that reportedly did not exist previously. — TASS
The commander underscored that such a drone platform is markedly cheaper than traditional munition-dispensing drones. He pointed to the economic edge as a factor shaping the battlefield dynamics and the choice of aerial assets for ammunition delivery. — TASS
Earlier in the conflict, Russian forces began using kamikaze drones identified as Privet-82 within the special military operation zone. This shift reflects a broader adaptation in drone tactics and the evolving landscape of aerial support and suppression capabilities. — TASS
There have also been reports of a new drone suppression system being developed in Russia, aiming to counter the growing use of small, commercial-style unmanned aircraft in combat zones. The deployment of such systems signals a continued push to neutralize threats posed by inexpensive, readily available drones and to restore influence over the airspace in contested areas. — TASS