This creates problems for the enemy's FPV drones and increases the effectiveness of offensive actions.
Russian troops have found a new use for ground-based drones. They began to be used to set up smoke screens. The devices secretly reach the designated point and lay smoke bombs. This decision is due to a new offensive tactic, when small groups of infantry, rather than large forces supported by armored vehicles, participate in the assault, experts explained. A smoke screen can also be used when retreating or evacuating the wounded. In all these cases, smoke will interfere with enemy drones and reduce their effectiveness.
How robots are used to set up smoke screens
The troops of radiation, chemical and Biological Protection (RCBZ) have begun using ground-based drones to remotely set up smoke screens, sources in the Ministry of Defense told Izvestia. This decision follows from the changed tactics of offensive operations, the experts explained.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Image source: iz.ru
In the classic version, smoke screen systems are installed on armored vehicles, and armored vehicle crews can use them as needed, Oleg Zheltonozhko, an expert on chemical and biological weapons, explained to Izvestia. Infantry units also have special smoke machines. But today, battles are increasingly being fought without the mass use of armored vehicles, as they are becoming a target for enemy drones. And in conditions where the attacking units operate in small groups, they needed compact robots to set up protective curtains, the expert explained.
— Tactical groups can be formed, which include a ground drone equipped with smoke screen equipment and, possibly, additional firing means.: This can be, for example, an RPO flamethrower, a machine gun or a heavy-duty grenade launcher. This is an extremely useful innovation in the light of the fighting that is currently underway at the level of individual combat groups consisting of literally several people," Oleg Zheltonozhko said.
The need to quickly set up a smoke screen in the interests of a small unit is due to the main tactic currently being used in the liberation of settlements, which is the penetration of small groups, military expert Alexei Leonkov confirmed.
"Every fighter from these small groups is being hunted by drones," he said. — They use optoelectronic devices with which operators see our fighters and try to attack them. And when a smoke screen is set up, it becomes difficult to attack.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Image Source: iz.ru
If smoke screens are set up remotely in advance on the intended routes of small groups, then it is possible to organize both assaults and withdrawal, rotation, evacuation of the wounded and equipment, the expert added. Ultimately, this should reduce the effectiveness of enemy FPV drones.
— Previously, a whole engineering machine was engaged in this in the ground forces. But it's big, it's noticeable, and it can be attacked. And if you send a robotic system that is not always visible, then it can secretly set up these checkers. Then they are blown up, and they put up a smoke screen. The enemy visually sees nothing. By blocking this channel, which is used by the operators of FPV drones, we will ensure the safety of the lives of the soldiers of the assault units," concluded Alexey Leonkov.
How are the RCB protection troops and unmanned systems developing?
Earlier, Izvestia reported that special training for drone operators had begun in the radiation, chemical and biological protection forces. They get acquainted with the theory of application and the material part, as well as learn how to control, conduct reconnaissance and adjust fire using drones. They are also taught engineering training, military topography, and tactical medicine. A sufficient number of instructors were trained in advance who are able to train fighters to control various types of UAVs for the tasks of RCB protection.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Vinogradov
Image Source: iz.ru
The RCBZ troops are currently actively working on expanding the combat functionality of drones and improving flamethrower-incendiary weapons. In particular, a new RPO-2 rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower is being developed. Elements of this complex can be placed on drones. It will be especially in demand when preparing and storming fortified positions, especially in urban areas or industrial enterprises.
Izvestia also reported that the first Higher Military School for Unmanned Systems Troops may appear in the Moscow Region. It will become the first specialized university of the new branch of the armed forces. It is planned that the university will accept the first cadets by September 1, 2027.
At the end of 2024, the head of the Ministry of Defense, Andrei Belousov, announced the creation of unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the armed forces. They were formed at the end of 2025. Belousov noted that the massive use of drones has become the most significant breakthrough in the tactics of the Russian Armed Forces units. According to the minister, Russian troops use more than 3,500 drones every day, and this figure is growing.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Image source: iz.ru
Since the beginning of the special operation, Russia has been actively developing the production of drones and supplying troops with them. UAV reconnaissance and strike divisions have been formed in the artillery brigades. They are armed with a range of drones and barrage ammunition. With the help of these systems, gunners find and destroy enemy guns, self-propelled artillery installations and multiple launch rocket systems, air defense systems and personnel both on the line of contact and behind enemy lines. Drones are effectively hunting for enemy UAV calculations, and they are successfully working on targets covered by electronic warfare.
Roman Kretsul
