World
October 7, 2024 11:50
the hague - Ukraine is leveraging drones to defend itself against Russian invasion, with the Netherlands investing 400 million euros in the Drone Action Plan. The partnership aims to develop and produce drones for both countries.
A Russian soldier looks fearfully into the camera of the drone, his attempts to swat away the small unmanned aircraft with his gun proving futile. The Ukrainian drone pilot then detonates the drone, knocking the soldier down, who eventually ends his suffering with his own gun.
Such dystopian scenes have been the reality on Ukraine's battlefields for over two and a half years. Following the Russian invasion, Ukrainians are utilizing drones for defense, repurposing the once leisurely devices into weapons of attack.
One such innovative approach includes retrofitting drones with structures capable of carrying mortar grenades, dropped onto targets remotely. Another tactic involves transforming drones into kamikaze planes, guided to targets via camera and detonated upon arrival.
Rapid advancements have been made in drone warfare tactics, with Ukraine initially relying on larger drones like the Bayraktars, now diversifying to smaller DIY drones for precision strikes.
Despite budget constraints, Ukrainian creativity has led to the modification of recreational aircraft into flying bombs. The Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat, for example, successfully struck a Russian drone factory deep within Russia.
These innovations have inspired the development of new Ukrainian drones like the UJ-22 Airborne, capable of kamikaze missions or carrying bombs. The UJ-26 Beaver functions similarly with a 1,000-kilometer range and onboard explosives.
Moreover, unmanned surface and ground vehicles have also undergone significant evolution in Ukraine, contributing to the destruction of the Russian Black Sea fleet.
The 400 million euros pledged by the Netherlands will bolster Ukraine's drone capabilities, marking a collaborative effort to advance both economically and militarily.