Russia showcases counter-drone warfare (VIDEO)
Russia's military is using small first-person-view (FPV) drones to intercept larger Ukrainian reconnaissance aircraft, according to a video released Monday by the Defense Ministry.
Drone warfare has become a defining element of the Ukraine conflict, with both sides adapting rapidly to the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield.
The footage released on Monday features operations by Rubicon, a Russian drone warfare unit tasked with testing and implementing new tactics. The video shows multiple interceptions of fixed-wing reconnaissance drones, including a Polish-made FlyEye model painted in Ukraine's 'Army of Drones' livery.
FPV drones, often used as expendable guided weapons, have limited range, altitude and flight time. By contrast, surveillance UAVs are typically larger, reusable and more capable, but they are also significantly more expensive.
Last week, Rubicon released another video that the ministry said showed an FPV drone successfully targeting a US-designed HIMARS multiple rocket launcher, valued at about $20 million.
Both Russia and Ukraine have scaled up military production during the conflict, with drones becoming a key part of their respective defense strategies. While Russia maintains a largely self-sufficient arms industry, Ukraine depends heavily on Western aid to support its economy and armed forces.
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