Ukraine has begun actively using First-Person View (FPV) drones to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones.
In the past few days, there have been reports of Ukrainian FPV drones successfully downing three ZALA drones and one Orlan drone. These Russian drones were conducting surveillance and adjusting artillery fire, as well as directing Lancet suicide drone strikes.
Intercepting drones with other drones is a relatively new and promising approach in air defense development.
Currently, Ukraine faces a significant shortage of air defense systems and cannot shoot down all Russian reconnaissance drones, which have started to penetrate hundreds of kilometers into the country. Using moderately priced FPV drones appears to be a pragmatic and innovative solution.
These drones provide a cost-effective method for countering enemy surveillance and strike capabilities, particularly when traditional air defense systems are in short supply.
More air-to-air drone combat high over the skies of Donetsk Oblast, seen here, a Ukrainian FPV munition successfully intercepts a Russian ZALA 421-16E reconnaissance UAV. pic.twitter.com/S3XCmsqGM9
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 31, 2024
Я вже вам казав, що підрозділ М2 топ? Ось черговий доказ!
Воїни М2 ЦСО А СБУ збили за допомогою вашого дрона російський розвідувальний БПЛА Орлан.
Це було ще кілька тижнів тому, але раз вже відео подібних ударів стали публічними, то варто і вам показати.
Бо, по-перше, ви на… pic.twitter.com/wJQgl0mmKc— Serhii Sternenko ✙ (@sternenko) June 1, 2024