Ukrainian soldiers are adapting their tactics to counter a significant modern battlefield threat: Russian drones.
Drones have transformed the dynamics of warfare, as inexpensive models costing a few hundred or thousand dollars are capable of destroying million-dollar tanks and military equipment or striking soldiers in trenches.
Hovers Over Target
In response, Ukrainian forces have devised a new and surprisingly effective strategy that seems straight out of a superhero movie — disabling Russian drones by using nets.
Ukrainian troops now deploy what they call “spider drones.”
These drones carry specially designed nets, which they release from above to ensnare the propellers of Russian drones, rendering them incapable of flying, according to Digi24.
The tactic involves precision piloting, as the “spider drone” must hover directly over the target before dropping the net, which unfolds to entangle the rotors of the enemy drone, bringing it down almost instantly.
The method has shown remarkable effectiveness, with videos from the front lines capturing successful captures of Russian drones by Ukrainian spider drones.
Demands High Skill Level
This creative tactic is one of several developed by the Ukrainian military to counteract Russia’s use of drones. Another approach is drone-to-drone interception, where Ukrainian drones pursue Russian drones and attempt to collide with them mid-air.
This interception strategy also demands a high level of skill, which Ukrainian soldiers have honed through nearly three years of intense warfare.
The drones deployed by Russia range from small, commercially available models used for reconnaissance to larger, more sophisticated devices, such as the Orlan-10.
The Orlan-10, with a wingspan of approximately 10 feet and a maximum flight time of 16 hours, is used primarily for surveillance but has also been adapted to drop small bombs.
Some Russian drones can fly as high as 16,000 feet and cover distances of nearly 90 miles, making them a persistent threat that requires innovative countermeasures.
Drone warfare has underscored the asymmetrical nature of modern conflict, allowing less expensive tools to deal serious damage.
Ukrainian soldiers’ adaptability has become a crucial asset as they meet these threats on the battlefield. Counter-drone methods like the “spider drone” not only disrupt Russian drone capabilities but also exemplify the resourcefulness of Ukrainian forces in defending their country.
