Seeing that the counter-offensive situation was not going well, in order to quickly achieve some symbolic results, the Ukrainian army began to dispatch a large number of drones to intensify its attacks on targets in Russia. Many departments, including the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian military, have previously emphasized that security within Russia is the bottom line. Therefore, if the Ukrainian drones can successfully attack some important targets, it must be of symbolic significance.

Ukrainian army steps up drone attacks

Since last month, there have been frequent reports of attacks in Russia, including near Moscow, the airport in Pskov in northwestern Russia, Bryansk Oblast, etc. In order to achieve its goal, the Ukrainian army made two preparations. On the one hand, Ukraine uses a “cardboard drone” that can be as invisible as possible to air defense radar. Reference News Network reported that it was this kind of “cardboard drone” that attacked Kursk Airport.

(Cardboard drone used by the Ukrainian army)

According to reports, this type of drone comes from Australia. Since March this year, Australia has promised to provide Ukraine with 100 “cardboard drones” every month. For the Ukrainian army, “cardboard drones” are indeed effective, especially now that the Russian army’s air defense force is stronger than that of the Ukrainian army, and “cardboard drones” can rely on material properties to fly over longer-distance targets to launch attacks. .

On the other hand, the Ukrainian army has established a large number of drone production lines. According to US media reports, although the performance of the UAVs independently produced by the Ukrainian army cannot be compared with Western products, the quantity can already support the Ukrainian army’s combat operations. Two weeks ago, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine publicly stated that the Ukrainian army’s frontline combat troops had received thousands of drones. Faced with the overwhelming deployment of drones, it is difficult to be foolproof by relying solely on traditional air defense networks.

(Cardboard drones are harder to detect)

In recent days, frequent news of attacks near Moscow have proven the feasibility of the Ukrainian army’s tactics. Under the attack of the Ukrainian army’s drones, the Russian Il-76 transport aircraft was also damaged in the attack. In response, many US media began to exaggerate, saying that the Ukrainian army was using drones to reverse the situation on the front line. These reports somewhat underestimate the Russian military. According to multiple media reports, the Russian military has adopted two methods to specifically target Ukrainian drones.

Russian army forms “drone hunting unit”

First, the Russian army adopted defensive measures. Global Network reported that the Russian army is trying to use a very simple hangar to prevent Ukrainian drones from attacking fighter jets. The picture shows that this simple hangar is composed of columns and protective nets. In fact, similar methods have already appeared on the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield, such as the metal fences installed on Russian tanks and the “chariot protection net” formed by the Ukrainian army using tree branches and barbed wire.

Secondly, the Russian army has established a special force dedicated to “hunting and killing drones.” Reference News Network reported that multiple sources from the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed that the Russian Aerospace Forces are forming a “hunting team” composed of Mi-28 helicopters . At present, the first batch of troops has officially begun to perform tasks. Judging from the performance of the Mi-28 helicopter, those drones that have penetrated the Russian air defense network will most likely be difficult to escape.

(The Russian army forms a drone hunting unit)

The predecessor of the Mi-28 is the Mi-24, which became famous in Afghanistan. It is reported that it is not difficult for the Mi-28 to hunt down drones because the missiles it launches can track the heat emitted by the drone during flight. The flying speed of these drones is far slower than that of missiles, and they can be shot down easily. Sources revealed that the Mi-28 can carry out attacks day and night under any weather conditions. Moreover, during flight, the Mi-28 can rely on its strong maneuverability and airborne defense system to avoid being hit by anti-aircraft missiles.

In addition, the Mi-28 can not only attack drones, but also attack Ukrainian ground troops during the mission. Just some time ago, a Mi-28 helicopter successfully eliminated a Ukrainian infantry platoon. According to internal information from the Russian army, a Mi-28 has successfully destroyed a Ukrainian drone trying to attack Moscow. However, some netizens believe that the Ukrainian army has a large number of drones and has achieved independent production, so the number of Russian Mi-28s may not be enough.

(The number of Russian helicopters is sufficient)

As early as last month, the CEO of Rostec revealed that the number of military helicopters produced in Russia will double to 296 in 2022, and production will continue to increase this year. Among them, the Mi-28, Ka-52 and Mi-35 are the key models of helicopter production by the Russian military. Therefore, if we look at the quantity alone, the Russian army also has the ability to independently produce military helicopters, and the Russian army’s wartime production speed is not slow.

In fact, since the Russian-Ukrainian conflict broke out, Russia has shown a tendency to “take advantage of each other’s tactics” when faced with the tactics of Ukraine, the United States and the West. When the United States and the West aided Ukraine with a large number of armored vehicles, Russia quickly produced and upgraded a large number of “Lancets”. When Ukraine dispatched a large number of drones, Russia quickly formed a “hunting team.” The most critical reason why the Russian army is able to adapt to every attack is its military production capacity. This is also the direct reason why the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has lasted for so long and the Russian army has not been left behind.