These relatively inexpensive and maneuverable drones have dramatically changed the tactics of warfare, providing soldiers with unique opportunities.
From "robotic strategy" to "sniper in the sky"
FPV drones allow the operator to control the device as if he were inside it through special glasses. This ensures high accuracy and maneuverability, which turns each drone into a kind of "sniper in the sky." They are able to hit even well-protected positions, penetrate dugouts, and destroy enemy equipment with the accuracy of a guided missile.
Due to their speed (some models can reach over 100 km/h) and compact size, FPV drones are difficult to detect and intercept. This makes them ideal for hitting moving targets. Their effectiveness is due to a combination of several factors: low cost, fantastic accuracy, and a range of tens of kilometers.
Multifunctionality on the battlefield
FPV drones perform a range of critical tasks:
- Strike missions: They are used as kamikaze drones, carrying a warhead to destroy tanks, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery systems, infantry, and other targets. Often, FPV drones "get" enemy vehicles by flying in through hatches or hitting the most vulnerable points. Recently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces began receiving UB60D attack FPV drones based on a 60-mm mine, which further increases their combat effectiveness.
- Reconnaissance and fire control: Due to their ability to fly at low altitudes and equipped with thermal imagers for nighttime operation, FPV drones are excellent for reconnaissance and detection of enemy positions. They provide information on the movement of enemy vehicles and help artillery to hit targets accurately.
- Anti-aircraft role: Since February 2024, FPV drones have been actively used to intercept air targets, including reconnaissance UAVs such as the Orlan-10 and even Russian Gerber. This practice has proven successful, and Ukraine is scaling up production of specialized interceptor drones.
- Saving lives: FPV drones allow for high-precision strikes on enemy targets without the direct involvement of soldiers in the fire zone, which significantly reduces the risks to personnel.
Challenges and prospects
Despite their high efficiency, FPV drones have their challenges. They are vulnerable to EW because they often use civilian frequencies. However, Ukrainian engineers are actively working to develop systems that allow them to automatically switch between frequencies and minimize jamming effects. Also, the flight duration is limited by battery capacity.
The future of FPV drones in the military is linked to the further integration of artificial intelligence, the development of swarm drones, and the reduction of their cost. Ukraine is already a world leader in the production of FPV drones, having significantly increased production volumes. This technological breakthrough is the key to success in the fight against the enemy and changes military logistics, making war much cheaper but no less destructive for the enemy.
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