The Russian military is said to have begun deploying a completely new tactic in the conflict in Ukraine: combining assault groups with explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This method helps shorten reaction times, create accurate and continuous firepower, opening up a new approach to ground warfare, Forbes commented.
In the context of Russian offensives mainly relying on assault groups, a new tactic has emerged. Russian soldiers participating in the attack carry suicide UAVs with first-person view (FPV).
According to a Russian military blogger nicknamed “Unfair Advantage,” this tactic is becoming standard practice in many combat units on the Ukrainian battlefield. “Carrying lethal UAVs allows the Russian military to deliver sustained strikes across the entire enemy’s defenses, similar to artillery fire, but much more accurately,” the Russian military blogger said, according to Forbes.
Military expert Samuel Bendett from the US Center for Naval Analyses also emphasized the importance of this new tactic as it helps the Russian military utilize UAVs for offensive purposes instead of just defense as usual.
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said that Russia is applying a new attack tactic with suicide UAVs, helping to shorten reaction time and increase the effectiveness of suppressing the enemy. Unlike the conventional use of UAVs from a distance, Russian military units deploy lethal UAVs right next to the enemy’s defense positions, allowing UAV attacks to be carried out almost immediately.
“Assault groups, when moving to a position close to the enemy, will place the FPV UAV on the ground or roof, turning on the control system,” said a Russian military blogger. After synchronizing the signal with the UAV crew in the rear, the explosive-laden UAV will immediately search for the target, reducing the flight time to the target and increasing the attack capability. A strike group of about 10 people can carry more than 20 FPV UAVs in addition to regular combat equipment, helping them focus more on the attack mission.
Previously, the Russian army had mainly used armored vehicles or mobile vehicles to bring troops close to the Ukrainian lines. Once close, the infantry would charge forward, hold out, and wait for reinforcements. When the force reached the necessary strength, they would rush forward to attack. These attacks were usually small-scale, with only about 10 to 30 men at a time, but they occurred with great frequency. “One Ukrainian brigade reported that it faced an average of 27 attacks per day in the limited area it held,” the RUSI report said.
Long-range firepower supporting these attacks often included glide bombs and artillery, but was not always available. As a result, suicide drones have become an important weapon in Russia’s new tactics.
For much of the conflict, suicide drones have provided Ukraine with a major advantage because of their superior defensive role. However, Russia’s use of UAVs in an offensive role could change the balance of power, giving it a breakthrough advantage, Forbes said.
