The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen a rapid evolution in drone warfare, with both sides continuously adapting to new tactics on the battlefield.
Rear-Facing Cameras
Recently, Russian forces have started installing rear-facing cameras on their drones to counter attacks from Ukrainian drones, which have become a significant threat.
Drone warfare plays a crucial role in the conflict, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gain an advantage.
One notable innovation from Ukraine is the "dragon drone," which carries flammable materials like thermite to rain fire on enemy positions from the sky. Russia has quickly adopted this tactic, developing its own version of the incendiary drone, according to WP.
Drones Attacking Other Drones
A notable development in this drone arms race is the increasing use of drones to attack other drones mid-flight.
This tactic, primarily employed by Ukraine, involves deploying UAVs to hunt and destroy Russian drones in the air. Footage of these aerial confrontations frequently surfaces, showcasing Ukrainian drones targeting Russian UAVs, which often lack advanced defensive systems.
In response to these attacks, Russia has sought to protect its drones by equipping them with rear-facing cameras. A recent image published by Defense Express shows a Russian Zala-421 drone equipped with a rear camera to monitor its surroundings during flight.
This modification aims to help drone operators detect potential threats from behind and take evasive action when necessary.
The Zala-421 is an advanced reconnaissance drone capable of operating at altitudes up to 11,500 feet (3.5 km) for up to four hours. It is equipped with a high-resolution camera, thermal imaging capabilities, and GPS/GLONASS navigation. Despite its sophisticated technology, the Zala-421 remains vulnerable to aerial attacks.
