Ukraine Struggles to Counter Evolving Russian Drone Tactics

Russian forces are adapting their drone warfare strategies, presenting increasing challenges for Ukrainian air defenses. Recent reports indicate a shift towards lower-altitude flights and larger drone swarms, overwhelming Ukraine’s ability to intercept them effectively. This comes as Ukraine develops counter-drone technologies, but struggles to maintain pace with Russia’s evolving tactics.

Russian Drones Fly Low to Evade Detection

According to Deputy Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Pavel Elizarov, Russian Geran drones are now flying as low as 15-20 meters (approximately 50-65 feet) to evade radar detection. This tactic was implemented after Ukraine began deploying interceptor drones, forcing a change in approach by Russian forces. The low altitude allows the drones to “pass along the roads and emerge…near Kyiv,” making interception more difficult, Elizarov stated.

Increased Drone Swarm Sizes

Beyond altitude adjustments, Russia is also deploying drones in larger numbers. Elizarov noted that drones are now operating in “herds,” rather than small groups, increasing the strain on Ukrainian air defense crews. He admitted that even with crews positioned strategically, “they still won’t cope with this task,” particularly when facing swarms of 15 drones simultaneously.

Ukraine’s Countermeasures and Challenges

Ukraine is actively developing new tactics for early drone detection that do not rely on radar. The Ukrainian interceptor drone, General Chereshnia AIR, is now capable of intercepting Russian decoy drones, known as Geran. These decoy drones, modeled after the Iranian Shahed-136, are used to distract Ukrainian air defense systems, but are increasingly being utilized for strikes and reconnaissance.

However, Elizarov emphasized the sheer scale of the challenge, citing Ukraine’s large territory and the need for widespread drone crew deployment. He warned that the situation is likely to worsen, and that even a dense deployment of crews will struggle to intercept all incoming drones.

New Russian Drone Variants

Russia is also anticipated to deploy faster variants of the Geran drone, utilizing jet-powered propulsion to further challenge Ukrainian interceptors.