Recent footage shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense shows soldiers undergoing unconventional training designed to counter drones ahead of deployment to Ukraine.
Destroy Small Drones
However, instead of sophisticated electronic warfare systems, the training highlights surprising and outdated tactics.
The video reveals soldiers attempting to destroy small drones using shotguns, combined with acrobatic evasive maneuvers and even throwing rifles at drones. The lack of advanced technology is stark, raising concerns about the effectiveness of this training in real combat situations, according to WP.
Despite the seemingly low-tech approach, there are some aspects of the training that have practical value. One of the more effective tools is the use of smoothbore shotguns, particularly the Saiga-12 and Vepr-12 models, which can take down drones from distances of up to 30-40 meters (98-131 feet).
These semi-automatic shotguns, equipped with magazine or drum-fed ammunition, provide a potent means of engaging aerial targets within a limited range.
Extremely Dangerous
However, other tactics, such as throwing rifles at drones, seem far less practical. With drones typically carrying explosive ordnance, attempting to destroy them at such close range can be extremely dangerous for the soldier involved.
Drones armed with bomblets or grenades can have a blast radius capable of causing significant damage even if they are destroyed just a few meters away from the attacker.
The training also includes acrobatic techniques meant to evade drone attacks, but without adequate protective gear, these maneuvers are unlikely to offer much protection. Ukrainian drone footage has frequently shown the vulnerability of Russian soldiers to drone strikes, despite such efforts.
