The Rise of FPV Drones in Warfare
In recent years, the use of drones in warfare has become increasingly prevalent. These unmanned aerial vehicles offer great advantages when it comes to reconnaissance and surveillance, but they can also pose a serious threat when utilized as weapons. One of the latest developments in drone warfare is the use of first person view (FPV) drones, which are smaller and faster than traditional quadcopters. This article examines the rise of FPV drones in warfare and their potential implications.
The Rise of Tactical Drone Assault Units
In January, the Ukrainian General Command announced the formation of new Tactical Drone Assault Units. This move has been interpreted by military and political observers as an indication of a forthcoming drone offensive. The combination of information from various sources has led to predictions of an onslaught of miniature attack drones, specifically FPV drones. These racing drones, equipped with powerful motors, can reach speeds of over 120 miles per hour, making them formidable weapons in the battlefield.
FPV Drones: The Perfect Weapon for Speed and Precision
The main advantage of FPV drones lies in their speed and maneuverability. While they may lack the advanced electronics necessary for steady hover or smooth flight, they are designed for high-speed, seat-of-the-pants flying. Pilots control these drones using video goggles, which provide a first-person view of the drone’s perspective. This makes FPV drones ideal for quick and precise attacks on targets in demanding environments.
Lethally Effective Payloads
Despite their smaller size, FPV drones have the ability to carry heavy payloads. This makes them particularly lethal weapons in warfare. For example, an FPV drone can be equipped with an anti-tank RPG warhead or an RKG-3 grenade. The powerful motors of these drones compensate for any loss of speed or endurance due to the added weight. Although they may require extra batteries, FPV drones can effectively deliver devastating attacks on enemy targets.
The Proliferation of FPV Attacks
Since the first improvised FPV drone attack carried out by Ukrainian forces in July, these types of attacks have proliferated. Numerous videos have emerged showcasing FPV drones diving into enemy trenches, targeting tanks, and ambushing personnel carriers. One compilation video even shows a series of FPV drones infiltrating Russian tank hatches and striking. The effectiveness of these attacks raises concerns about the future of warfare and the need for countermeasures to combat FPV drones.
The Future of Warfare
The rise of FPV drones in warfare signifies a new era of combat. With their speed, maneuverability, and lethal payloads, these drones present a significant threat to military forces around the world. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that FPV drones will become even more sophisticated and difficult to counter. Military strategists must stay ahead of these developments and devise effective defense mechanisms to protect against this emerging threat.
The Popularity of FPV Attack Drones: A Threat on the Rise
The success rate of FPV (First Person View) attack drones is on the rise, with reports indicating a success rate of over 50 percent. One of the main reasons behind the popularity of these drones is their low cost and easy availability when compared to other guided weapons and munitions. In fact, assembling an FPV attack drone can cost as little as $355, making it an attractive option for many groups and individuals.
Ukraine’s Drone-Building Projects
In Ukraine, several groups have been actively raising funds to build a large number of FPV attack drones. Nafo, an internet provocateur group, has been collecting funds for 250 attack drones at a cost of $700 each. Similarly, activist Sergey Sterenko has been seeking funding for 500 drones at a cost of $350 each. These initiatives highlight the growing interest in using FPV attack drones for various purposes.
The Role of Russian Forces
Russian forces have also been utilizing FPV attack drones, although they have encountered challenges like bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of official support. Despite these obstacles, the use of FPV drones by Russian forces cannot be ignored, as it showcases their recognition of the drone’s potential as a valuable tool in modern warfare.
An Unprecedented Scale
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of FPV attack drones currently in use, their potential impact is significant. The sheer volume of these drones could lead to attacks on an unprecedented scale. Although each drone requires one operator and a limited number of control channels, the continuous waves of these drones could pose a serious threat to any target they come across.
Countering the Threat
Countering the threat posed by FPV attack drones is a challenge. Traditional methods such as radio jamming have not proven to be effective against these drones. Russian engineers are actively pondering countermeasures to combat the kamikaze-like nature of these drones. Finding efficient ways to neutralize or disable them remains a topic of intense research.
As the popularity of FPV attack drones continues to grow and their accessibility increases, it is crucial for defense forces to address the potential threats they pose. The development of effective countermeasures will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of nations worldwide.
Protective Measures Against FPV Drones: The Saiga 12 Shotgun
In recent times, the emergence of FPV drones has posed a significant threat in military operations. These small unmanned aerial vehicles can fly at high speeds, making them difficult targets to bring down. However, a Russian military shotgun, known as the Saiga 12, has become the weapon of choice for tackling this new challenge.
The Saiga 12: A Powerful Solution
The Saiga 12 is a remarkable semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun, based on the design of the infamous Kalashnikov AK. Its design ensures precision and power, making it capable of taking down fast-moving FPV drones with ease. However, hitting a small drone coming in at 100 miles per hour requires a skilled shooter with a steady nerve and good aim. Anything less than a perfect shot could result in dire consequences.
Camouflage and Protective Bunkers
In addition to the Saiga 12 shotgun, a Russian engineer who specializes in military technology highlights the importance of camouflage and protective bunkers. By blending into the surroundings and seeking refuge in secure bunkers, soldiers can minimize the risk of being targeted by FPV drones. These measures provide valuable protection against potential attacks.
Limitations of FPV Drones
The FPV drones have their limitations, as mentioned by the Russian engineer. According to him, the limited range of these drones is approximately five kilometers. Therefore, if military equipment is placed further away from the front line, it can remain safe from potential attacks. This knowledge serves as a crucial insight for strategists and forces planning their defense against these drones.
The Threat is Real: 50 to 100,000 Drones
Samuel Bended, an expert on Russian drones and advisor to prominent think tanks, acknowledges the real threat posed by FPV drones. While he finds it difficult to verify the Russian engineer’s claim regarding the existence of 50 to 100,000 drones, he admits that the concerns are legitimate. Tackling such a massive number of incoming drones would require an integrated defense system.
A Comprehensive Defense Strategy
To counter the growing FPV drone threat, an integrated, CUAS (Cutter Uncrewed Aerial System) defense is necessary. This defense system typically involves several components: sensors to detect drones, command and control infrastructure, and various means to neutralize the drones, such as jammers, missiles, and automatic cannons. Only through a comprehensive defense strategy can forces effectively protect themselves against this evolving threat.
The development of the Saiga 12 shotgun and the implementation of a well-rounded defense strategy are crucial in combating the challenges posed by FPV drones. The risks associated with these drones are real, and it is essential for military forces to adapt and employ innovative solutions to ensure their safety and effectiveness in the field.
