ISW: Ukrainian UAV operators have improved interception of enemy drones

Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle operators are improving their ability to intercept Russian long-range drones in the air. These technological innovations could allow Ukrainian forces to relieve pressure on short- and medium-range air defense systems if they are successfully deployed on a large scale. This is stated in a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), UNN reports .

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A video released on June 1 reportedly shows Ukrainian forces using FPV drones to shoot down a Russian Zala tactical reconnaissance drone and an Orlan-10 medium-range reconnaissance drone in mid-flight near Velyka Novosilka.

On June 29, the Kharkiv Task Force published a video showing a Ukrainian drone intercepting a Russian Lancet unmanned aerial vehicle flying in the air in the Kharkiv area.

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Military analysts have noted that both Ukrainian and Russian forces appear to be improving their ability to use UAVs to intercept other UAVs at the tactical level. However, ISW has not yet seen evidence that Russian forces are using drones to engage Ukrainian long-range drones in the air.

The ability of Ukrainians to use cheap and widely available drones to intercept more expensive Russian reconnaissance drones on a large scale would likely allow Ukrainian forces to weaken Russian strike systems while preserving expensive and scarce short- and medium-range air defense interceptors for more expensive and significant Russian air targets.

"The Russian and Ukrainian armed forces are currently engaged in a technological competition between offensive and defensive forces. And Ukraine's ability to introduce technological innovations that outpace Russian adaptations is critical to Ukraine's ability to offset Russia's current logistical advantages," the report says.