How drones are shaking up the air war in Ukraine

Summary

In this discussion with military aviation expert Professor Justin Bron, the impact of drones on the evolution of warfare is explored, particularly focusing on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The conversation delves into the challenges drones pose to traditional air power, the strategic implications of their use in targeting helicopters and airfields, and the potential for long-range drone attacks to alter the dynamics of air warfare. The talk also touches on the defensive measures needed to counter these new threats, emphasizing the importance of ground-based air defense and the role of passive hardening in protecting airbases.

Takeaways

• 📈 Drones are increasingly shaping modern warfare, as evidenced by their use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, impacting global military strategies.
• 🚁 FPV drones have been utilized in attempts to counteract attack helicopters like the Russian Ka-52 and Mi-28, demonstrating new aerial combat dynamics.
• 🛰️ The script highlights the challenges of using FPV drones against helicopters due to range limitations and the time it takes to reach and intercept targets.
• 🔄 Russia's military tactics have evolved, bringing helicopters closer to fluid front lines, providing new opportunities for drone interceptions.
• 💥 Ukraine has successfully scaled the production of one-way attack UAVs, functioning similarly to small cruise missiles, for long-range strikes.
• ⚔ The use of UAVs for attrition and harassment attacks presents Russia with difficult choices regarding the allocation of its limited air defense resources.
• 🛬 Long-range drone attacks on airfields force a strategic rethink on the positioning and operation of aircraft, potentially reducing the frequency of attacks on front lines.
• 🛡️ Passive defenses like hardened aircraft shelters are highlighted as cost-effective solutions against UAV attacks, complementing active defense measures.
• 🔍 Ukraine's experience with UAV production and acoustic detection networks provides a foundation for developing sustainable UAV defense strategies.
• 🚀 The discussion points to the necessity of ground-based short-range air defense systems at airfields, adapting to the emerging threat landscape.
• 🗺️ The evolving nature of air warfare suggests a future emphasis on mobile operations and the potential for underground or dispersed basing strategies to evade detection and saturation attacks.

Q & A

What role have drones played in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Drones have significantly changed the way war is waged, affecting not just the conflict in Ukraine but also the future of warfare globally. They have been used in various capacities, including targeting combat helicopters and conducting strikes from the air.

Who is Professor Justin Bron and what is his expertise?

Professor Justin Bron is a senior research fellow for air power and technology at the Royal United Services Institute in London. He has been writing extensively about the development in air warfare in Ukraine and its implications for the world.

What challenges did the Armed Forces of Ukraine face with Russian helicopters during the counteroffensive in 2023?

The Armed Forces of Ukraine struggled to counter Russian K-52 and Mi-28 Havoc helicopters, which were launching anti-tank guided missile attacks from about 10 km behind the front lines, often outside the range of traditional short-range ground-based air defense systems.

Why were FPV drones not successful in intercepting Russian helicopters in 2023 according to the transcript?

The lack of success was primarily due to range and travel time limitations of small FPV drones. They were unable to reach the helicopters' location in time to intercept before the helicopters moved off, even when launched from the spearhead of a breakthrough.

How have the dynamics of helicopter operations changed with the fluid front lines?

With more fluid front lines, Russian helicopters are coming closer to FPV operators, providing more opportunities for FPV drone interceptions. The helicopters are now operating in areas where deep defenses have not been established, making them more vulnerable.

What is the significance of Ukraine's use of one-way attack fixed-wing UAVs?

Ukraine has successfully produced a range of one-way attack fixed-wing UAVs, essentially small cruise missiles, which can travel long distances, albeit slowly. These UAVs are used for harassing attacks, serving both attrition and a psychological impact on the enemy.

What dilemma does the use of long-range drone attacks on Russian air bases present for Russia?

Russia must choose between concentrating its limited ground-based air defense capacity around air bases or accepting regular losses. If not enough air defenses are dedicated to airfields, they become vulnerable to UAV attacks, forcing aircraft to operate from further away, reducing the number of glide bombs launched at the front lines.

How do the attacks on Russian air bases impact the overall war strategy?

Attacks on air bases can force Russia to either spread its air defenses thin across potential targets or accept losses, which over time could become unsustainable. This strategy aims to reduce the number of glide bombs launched at the front lines by increasing the operational distance for Russian aircraft.

What is the impact of UAV attacks on the future of air warfare and air base security?

UAV attacks have highlighted the need for ground-based short-range air defense at airfields and the value of passive hardening measures like hardened aircraft shelters. They also suggest a potential shift towards more mobile air base operations to avoid saturation attacks.

What challenges do UAVs pose to traditional air defense systems, and how can they be countered?

UAVs, especially those that are cheap and mass-produced, are small and do not travel far, making them difficult to intercept with traditional air defense systems. Countermeasures include the use of UAV missile defenses, passive hardening, and moving aircraft around air bases frequently to avoid detection.

What is the significance of the acoustic detection, classification, and tracking network in Ukraine's defense against UAVs?

Ukraine's acoustic detection network is a significant asset in detecting and tracking UAVs, as it is difficult to jam or attack. This network aids in the early warning and interception of UAVs, which is crucial for defense against such threats.