Russia shifts drone warfare tactics, FPV drones become main tool in warfare. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Russia uses 106 drones to attack Ukraine on November 7

On the night of November 7, Russia once again launched Shahed UAVs and unidentified drones to attack Ukraine. A total of 106 drones were used, with 74 shot down and 25 lost in various regions. The attack targeted 11 regions and the city of Kyiv. Russian forces are increasingly deploying Shahed UAVs equipped with thermobaric warheads, which generate extremely high temperatures during the explosion. They believe these warheads are more effective, but in reality, they are terrorist attacks aimed at igniting structures during the strike. This marks a new tactic in Russian operations, but Ukrainian air defense forces continue to destroy a significant number of these drones. Strengthening Ukraine's air defense remains a critical factor in countering Shahed UAVs and other attack methods.

Ukraine must revise system for preparing society for protracted war

Pavlo Kyshkar, a lieutenant colonel and senior officer of the Ukrainian Land Forces Command, believes that Ukraine needs to reform its judicial system and law enforcement, as well as change the system of preparing the entire society for a protracted war with Russia. Ukraine should have a comprehensive preparation of the population for combat operations. According to Kyshkar, unfortunately, there are no practical steps to change this particular issue today.

Pavlo Kyshkar stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently focused on technical re-equipment and the use of more advanced technological products at the front. For instance, FPV drones are no longer simply used as projectiles but are now equipped with artificial intelligence and target recognition systems, making them more effective as means of destruction. Kyshkar also noted that Ukraine is currently lagging behind Russia in the use of fiber-optic drones, but he believes there will be positive changes in this area within the Defense Forces in the near future. According to him, such close-range equipment will eventually dominate over other means of warfare. As a result, Ukrainian manufacturers are being encouraged to focus on these proven types of equipment that will prove effective on the battlefield.

Pavlo Kyshkar highlighted ongoing challenges with procurement for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where often available equipment is purchased instead of what is truly needed to fulfill specific tasks. He emphasized that Ukraine now has a functioning Defense Procurement Agency, but to improve efficiency, the state should appoint a dedicated individual responsible for the procurement of drones and the development of this sector for military use. Kyshkar pointed out that the same approach should apply to the development of other types of weapons and equipment. Such measures would significantly accelerate the flow of information between the military and the procurement agency, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of military supplies.

Ukraine launches production of self-guided drones

Oleksiy Babenko, founder and CEO of Vyriy Drone, said that the company has been working on the issue of guidance in drones for the past three months. According to him, the company has already made significant progress in improving daytime guidance. A number of orders that the company receives will be for improved daytime targeting. He also noted that the state has also started purchasing drones with daylight guidance. Babenko also said that even for tenders for the purchase of unguided drones, their company applies for UAVs that have guidance.

Oleksiy Babenko discussed the importance of the cruise control function in modified guided drones, noting that this feature is crucial for operating in environments with electronic warfare (EW) systems. Even if a drone is targeted by EW, the cruise control allows the drone to continue its flight toward the target without relying on communication, thereby preventing it from falling due to EW interference. Babenko explained that with homing capabilities, the drone can detect a target at a specific height and autonomously attack it without further input from the operator. The operator's role is limited to launching the drone, searching for the target, and then allowing the system to take over. The company is working to improve the drone's homing effectiveness, aiming for a 60-70% success rate.