Ukrainian operators improve interception of long-range Russian drones Report by ISW

Ukrainian drone operators are showing signs of enhancing their ability to intercept longer-range Russian drones in flight.

If these technological advancements are effectively deployed on a larger scale, Ukrainian forces may be able to alleviate pressures on their short-range and medium-range air defence assets, Caliber.Az reports citing the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). 

On June 1, video footage showed Ukrainian forces employing first-person view (FPV) drones to neutralize a Russian tactical Zala reconnaissance drone and a medium-range Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone while airborne in the Velyka Novosilka region. The Kharkiv Group of Forces shared footage on June 29 demonstrating a Ukrainian FPV drone intercepting a Russian Lancet loitering munition in mid-air in the direction of Kharkiv.

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces appear to be enhancing their ability to use FPV drones for intercepting other FPV drones at a tactical level. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not yet confirmed Russian forces using FPV drones to target Ukrainian loitering munitions or longer-range reconnaissance drones while airborne.

In recent months, Russian forces capitalized on limitations in Ukrainian air defence capabilities to operate fixed-wing reconnaissance drones more freely across Ukraine, including deep within Ukrainian territory. This operational freedom has likely enabled Russian forces to enhance their reconnaissance, fire, and reconnaissance strike capabilities (RFC/RSC).

If Ukrainian forces can effectively employ inexpensive and readily available drones to disrupt more costly Russian reconnaissance drones on a large scale, it could significantly diminish Russia's reconnaissance and reconnaissance strike capabilities (RFC/RSC) while conserving valuable short- and medium-range air defense interceptors for higher-value Russian aerial targets. As of now, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not observed Ukrainian forces utilizing first-person view (FPV) drones to systematically target traditional Russian reconnaissance drones.

Currently, both Russian and Ukrainian forces are engaged in a technological race between offense and defence. Ukraine's ability to deploy technological advancements on a large scale before Russia adapts is crucial for Ukraine to counterbalance Russia's current material advantages effectively.