UAVs can conduct reconnaissance and strike at a great distance from bases.
UAV units in the Navy have begun to master the Forpost-R drones. These are aircraft-type drones that allow for reconnaissance and strikes within a radius of several hundred kilometers from the launch point. The vehicles proved their effectiveness during a special military operation, destroying enemy equipment and important facilities. Experts note that the "Outposts" will help control vast sparsely populated border areas and the Northern Sea Route.
The northern direction
UAV units of the Navy have begun to master domestic reconnaissance and attack drones of the Forpost-R aircraft type of the latest modification. These vehicles can conduct reconnaissance at any time of the day and strike even at moving targets — they are armed with aerial bombs and guided missiles. The units of the Northern Fleet were the first to master the new technology. Such UAVs have already been delivered to other Russian fleets, and military sailors will soon begin operating them, sources in the Russian Defense Ministry told Izvestia.
Photo: TASS/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation/Vadim Savitsky
Image source: iz.ru
The Outpost complex includes three UAVs, a control center and auxiliary facilities. With a maximum takeoff weight of 500 kg, the drone can carry aircraft ammunition weighing up to 100 kg. For example, the KAB-20 adjustable aerial bomb, as well as missiles. The cruising speed of the machine is from 120 to 180 km / h, the maximum flight duration is 18 hours, the practical altitude is up to 6 thousand m. The range is about 250 km.
The Northern Fleet's UAV regiment often learns new techniques, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov told Izvestia.
"The modified version of the UAV is a full—fledged reconnaissance and strike drone," he explained. — It can control vast sparsely populated northern territories or the Barents Sea. At the same time, the detected targets can be attacked immediately with the help of aerial bombs and missiles. These UAVs will be used to record cases of illegal crossing of the state border or control of fishing. For example, after the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, Russia banned the British from fishing in its part of the Barents Sea. The UK took it painfully, and the story may get a sequel.
"Outposts" should be able to work with unmanned boats (BEC), the expert noted.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
"Such skills are still irrelevant in the Barents Sea, but we must be prepared for any eventuality," he said. — And sending an aerial drone to intercept the backup is a reasonable and inexpensive solution. Firstly, it is cheaper than sending a helicopter or plane. Secondly, we have already seen that the Ukrainian forces used unmanned air defense boats on the Black Sea, which means that risks for aircraft and helicopter crews can be eliminated during departures.
The arming of our new units with drones can be considered as part of a program to strengthen the entire northern direction. There are long distances there, and UAVs will be necessary for border control and reconnaissance, military expert Vadim Kozyulin believes.
Drone combat work
The Outpost UAV received its baptism of fire in Syria, and it also proved itself well during its military operations. The Russian military department showed his effective actions even at the initial stage of the military special operation. In particular, one of the "Outposts" in the area of the village of Vypolzov, 60 km north of Kiev, destroyed the radar of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Photo: TASS/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation/Vadim Savitsky
Image source: iz.ru
These UAVs were actively used in the area of the city of Volchansk in the Kharkiv region, in the Sumy region near the border with Russia and in other strategic areas. They were used to destroy self-propelled guns, artillery systems, armored and automotive equipment, as well as enemy personnel. The results of the destroyed military facilities and equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were recorded by means of objective control.
The Arctic Shield
The role of drones in the Russian Armed Forces is constantly growing. Earlier, Izvestia wrote that regiments of unmanned systems are being created as part of the Navy. They are formed in all navies.
These regiments will be armed with different types of robotic equipment: air, land and sea. This will allow us to guard our ships and control large spaces.: Destroy enemy drones and unmanned boats, search for and destroy sea mines, and control the seashore.
Photo: TASS/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation/Vadim Savitsky
Image source: iz.ru
Earlier, Izvestia wrote that the waters of the Northern Sea Route and the coast of Kamchatka will be patrolled by drones. It is planned to equip UAV bases with all necessary infrastructure in several areas along the NSR, including on the peninsula. The patrols will be conducted directly using large aircraft—type drones, the Pacer and the Outpost.
They will be responsible for monitoring the air and sea space, searching for intruders, and, if necessary, participating in search and rescue operations. The Northern Sea Route is a vast territory, almost deserted and requiring constant monitoring in the current military and political situation. Modern UAVs can do this much cheaper than manned aircraft.
Bogdan Stepovoy
