Workers, Warriors...and Drones

Recent reports from Ukrainian sources indicate that the Russians have been using FPV drones in the city of Kharkov. Some reports say on the outskirts only; others say inside the city proper. In either case, this indicates an upgrade in Russian military capability in urban warfare.

Given that Russia can drop FPV drones using drone motherships in places that they formerly could not reach, they now have the capability to insert these drones inside cities to destroy armed resistance, while the troops sit outside the city itself at a comfortable and safe distance.

Intelligence:

Drones with advanced cameras and sensors provide real-time intelligence on the positions and movements of defending forces in a city, allowing the attackers to improve tactics and strategy on the fly. (pun intended) .

Cities have advantages for defenders—namely places to hide, like rooftops and apartments, as we saw in Mariupol— and ways to conceal movement—narrow streets and night travel.

But drones make things more difficult.

That forces defending forces to go underground. But concentrating forces in an underground bunker is not a good idea in the era of Oreshnik.

Precision Attack

Armed drones, especially FPV (First-Person View) drones can strike targets precisely, minimizing collateral damage to civilians and infrastructure.

Reduced casualties for the attacking force

Attacks on cities normally result in a lot of casualties for the attackers. As I've said, drones can now take over a lot of the work, so the attackers can remain safely outside the city, until the effective resistance inside has been greatly reduced.

Flexibility:

Drones can access areas even places rooftops or narrow alleys. Don’t leave your windows open!

And they can follow the movements of defending forces and attack them on the move. They reduce the ability to hide greatly.

They can also be used to identify and kill individuals.

Electronic Warfare and Counter-Drone Operations:

Drones can jam enemy communications and disable ground targets electronically. Russia is a leader in this field – all areas of anti-drone warfare and also jamming, kinetic solutions, and cyber-attack.

Adaptability:

Drones overcome line-of-sight restrictions posed by buildings and narrow streets taking advantage of maneuverability, height and a broader field of view. That also broadens weapons options.

Implications

All this means that large cities are suddenly vulnerable to attack and no longer havens against attritional warfare. Those cities include Kharkov of course, but also Kiev and Odessa. The psychological impact cannot be underestimated.

It is clear that the Russians are developing drone technologies very fast, taking advantage of their accomplishments in IT and electronics, as well as miniaturization.

Take a look here a!

Since the RF is clearly already experimenting with drones for urban warfare , you can expect them to realize a major capability within six months, which would probably be first tested on a strategic city like Kharkov or Zaporozhye .

Putin 4 . Putin the Man.

I am in the final states of Putin 4 . Having researched Russian sources, I went back to research Western academic sources. Oh my! Is “scholar” a synonym for “whore”? No, a good sex worker is worthy of respect.

Okaaaaaaaaaaay… that was over the top. I apologize. I am just frustrated by the prevalence of academic parasites. . Especially, since I know there are many dedicated, honest, and sincere people trying to make a difference as scholars, often unrecognized.

Another week or so….

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