Gaining experience: Russian UAVs in the Special Operation
"Orlan-10" at the start
In the current Special Military Operation in Ukraine, the Russian army is again actively using unmanned aerial vehicles of all available classes and types. This technique again demonstrates its full potential and shows its importance for the army. In addition, in the unmanned aviation it is possible to find certain weaknesses and problems that require attention and correction.
Constantly in the air
In recent years, a large number of light-class UAVs designed for reconnaissance have appeared in our ground forces and other structures. First of all, these are the Orlan-10 and Eleron unmanned systems. There are also other types of equipment, although less numerous. Since their inception, they have been actively used in exercises of various sizes. They were used in the Syrian operation, and now such UAVs are solving tasks in the Ukrainian sky.
The most important feature of such UAVs is the possibility of a long stay in the air. In addition, they carry multi-channel optical-electronic stations and transmit a picture to the operator in real time. Unmanned systems are integrated into a single tactical level control system, which simplifies and speeds up the issuance of data to higher headquarters and, accordingly, fire weapons.
According to known data, with the help of Orlans and Elerons, almost constant and continuous monitoring of important sections of the contact line, enemy rear areas, etc. is ensured. In the absence of serious air defense Drones can perform all assigned tasks and constantly supply the troops with up-to-date information.
Data from reconnaissance UAVs are used in the organization of various combat operations. In particular, the work of drones in the interests of artillery is of great importance. With the help of the Orlans, targets are detected and their coordinates are determined, fire is adjusted and the results of firing are monitored.
Recently, light "Orlans" are mastering the shock function. Special containers-holders have been developed for them, carrying small-sized "air bombs". Due to the limited carrying capacity of the drone, this weapon does not have high power. At the same time, it allows the aircraft to independently attack the target immediately after its detection. In a number of situations, this gives a significant tactical advantage.
Strike capabilities
By the time the Special Operation began, several types of domestic UAVs with strike capabilities had been brought to mass production. These are reconnaissance-strike Forpost-R and Pacer of the heavy class, as well as light loitering ammunition Kub-BLA. In addition, combat missions are solved by the new strike version of Orlan-10. All such products were used in the framework of the Special Operation and demonstrated their capabilities.
The existing reconnaissance and strike UAVs are distinguished by high flight performance and can stay in a given area for a long time and conduct surveillance. They carry small-caliber bombs and guided missiles, with the help of which they are able to independently hit the target found. Light loitering ammunition does without hanging weapons - they ram and undermine the target found.
"Forpost-R" on takeoff
Impact UAVs cope with their work and confirm the calculated characteristics. At the same time, they occupy their own tactical niche and do not try to go beyond it. This allows us to realize the existing potential and not face objective limitations.
It should be noted that strike UAVs entered service recently. In this regard, the army is only gaining experience in their use. In addition, the process of improving designs continues. So, there were reports of insufficient reliability of the Kub-BLA ammunition. Manufacturers must take this into account, due to which products of new series will be lost only as a result of hitting the target.
Initiative from below
With all its advantages, the built reconnaissance and target designation system using UAVs has limitations and disadvantages. First of all, this is a limited number of specialized "unmanned" units that cannot serve all units and subunits. In addition, the passage of information from reconnaissance to units on the battlefield can take some time. In a number of situations, all this makes combat work difficult.
The way out of this situation is to saturate the line units with their own unmanned reconnaissance vehicles. At the level of platoons and companies, ultra-light commercial drone copters, such as the DJI Mavic and analogues, find application. Despite the low flight characteristics, vulnerability to electronic warfare and other shortcomings, this technique is quite capable of reconnaissance of the battlefield.
"Pacer" attacks the target
It should be noted that our army is not yet carrying out mass and centralized purchases of ultralight UAVs. Equipment of this class comes in part unofficially - from active citizens and organizations that collect donations. Previously, this approach was used by the people's militia of Donbass, and it fully justified itself.
The public initiative and the needs of the units did not go unnoticed. The issue of creating their own ultralight UAVs that meet the requirements of the army is already being discussed. Rostec is ready to develop and introduce such products into production. The timing of their appearance is not reported, and for now, the fighters will have to conduct reconnaissance using commercial-grade UAVs.
New experience
Modern UAVs of all classes began to massively enter the Russian army about 10-12 years ago. In the course of various exercises, experience was gained in its application, advantages and disadvantages were identified, and plans were drawn up for future development. In parallel, the development of troop control contours was carried out, in which UAVs were supposed to operate.
In 2015, modern domestic UAVs took part in a real military operation for the first time. In Syria, they searched for terrorist targets, issued target designation for all fire weapons used, and so on. This application made it possible to identify shortcomings and improve both designs and methods of work. In addition, the Syrian operation has become a testing ground for several new classes of new products.
The use of loitering ammunition
The result of all these processes was the creation of a full-fledged unmanned aircraft system, including complexes of different classes with all the necessary capabilities. Now this system is being tested again as part of the Special Operation in Ukraine.
The built fleet of UAVs for various purposes copes with all the assigned tasks and ensures the operation of the armed forces as a whole. At the same time, various aspects of a technical and practical nature are clarified. In addition, new needs of the army are manifested and confirmed, taking into account which plans for the future are being drawn up.
Today and tomorrow
In general, the current situation shows that the last years have not been wasted. The Russian army has built a full-fledged and full-scale fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles with all the necessary capabilities. However, its appearance still does not fully meet all the needs and needs of the armed forces. In this regard, the development of the unmanned direction should continue.
It can be assumed that in the foreseeable future, emphasis will be placed on improving the quantitative and qualitative indicators in the field of heavy strike UAVs - new Pacers will be massively built and new projects will be developed. Also, the industry will create its own Mavic counterparts and saturate the army with them. At the same time, the massive, simple and effective Orlan-10 will not be abandoned, and it will retain its place.
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