Reconnaissance drones will help the Marines in the Baltic sea, the coastal missile and artillery
Russia is strengthening the grouping of drones on the Baltic coast. The new unit was formed in the Kaliningrad region and became part of the marine brigade. But the UAVs will act not only in the interests of the "black berets". If necessary, they will aim coastal missile systems (DBK) and artillery at the target. According to experts, this will make control over a rather complex region more effective.
Commander's eyes and ears
The UAV company in Kaliningrad was formed at the beginning of the year, sources told Izvestia in the military department. It became part of the 336th separate Marine brigade of the Baltic Fleet, located in the city of Baltiysk. In the arsenal of the division, the Aileron-3 and Orlan-10 devices are available.
The small-sized "Aileron-3" can easily be carried by one fighter. The drone is launched from the hands using a pneumatic catapult. They belong to short-range complexes. The low-noise electric motor allows these drones to spend up to 120 minutes in the air and reach speeds of more than 100 km/h. They usually conduct reconnaissance at a range of 15-25 km. Since 2019, an upgraded version with improved optics and improved software has been delivered to the troops.
"Orlan-10»
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Zurab Javakhadze
Large 18-kilogram "Orlan-10" with internal combustion engines can patrol in the air for up to 12 hours and transmit images from a distance of up to 150 km. They are equipped with more powerful surveillance devices than the "Ailerons". This is the most numerous type of UAV in the armed forces. On its basis, a modification of the "Leer-3" was also created, which can interfere with cellular networks.
"Ailerons " and" Eagles " are regularly used in exercises together with artillery. With their help, they detect targets and control their defeat. They are used in maneuvers even by the calculations of long-range operational-tactical missile systems "Iskander-M".
- This set of drones is intended primarily for reconnaissance and target designation, military expert Viktor Murakhovsky told Izvestia. — These devices form the intelligence and information field for the brigade command. It allows the commander to always know the location of not only the enemy, but also friendly forces, and ultimately better navigate the changing environment. The use of drones reduces the cycle of combat control, increases the effectiveness of fire destruction of targets and tactical maneuver. If necessary, the information obtained from the drones can be transferred to a higher-ranking officer, who can decide on the use of heavy fire weapons.
UAV companies are not only in the Marine Corps. Today, they are part of almost all formations of the Airborne and Ground Forces, as well as in special forces units. According to the Ministry of Defense, there are now a total of more than 2 thousand such devices in service.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexey Maishev
Image source: iz.ru
- Drones can perform a number of tasks in the interests of the Marines: to conduct reconnaissance, to give target designation, to control the defeat of objects, - military historian Dmitry Boltenkov told Izvestia. — And in the case of creating a single firing circuit, the UAVs will issue target designation to coastal missile systems. These connections are located on the coast relatively close to each other. The widespread use of drones will make the control over the Baltic Sea more effective.
The sea at gunpoint
The land grouping in the Kaliningrad region is noticeably strengthened not only at the expense of the Marine Corps. Coastal missile forces are also being strengthened. In the exclave, they are represented by the 27th separate brigade, which in recent years has been re-equipped with the latest complexes " Bal "and"Bastion". The appearance of new equipment in the region has caused serious concern among neighboring NATO member countries. The connection is based in the village of Donskoye, Svetlogorsk city district, 30 km from the regional center. This locality is located on the westernmost tip of the Zemland Peninsula, approximately at the same distance from the northern and southern borders of the region. This allows you to keep an eye on almost the entire adjacent water area and, if necessary, destroy any dangerous target there.
Mobile DBK "Bastion" is armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles "Onyx", capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 600 km. They are helped to find the enemy by planes and helicopters with radar systems, ships and submarines, with which the "Bastions" are closed in a single information loop.
Bal coastal missile System»
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev
DBK " Bal " is designed to protect the coast and straits, as well as cover naval bases. They have the ability to fire single missiles and volleys of up to 32 subsonic ammunition. The range of the complex is more than 120 km. It is equipped with night vision devices and modern equipment. Thanks to the latest navigation system, Bal can quickly change starting positions.
In a new look
Marine Corps units have recently received new samples of various weapons. According to the staffing table, tank and reconnaissance units appeared in the brigades, and the number of marine infantry battalions increased. In addition, separate companies of snipers and drones are being created.
Today, the Russian Navy has five brigades and a separate regiment of "black berets". All units are in constant combat readiness and together with the Airborne forces form the basis of the domestic rapid reaction forces.
In the future, the "black berets" will become expeditionary forces capable of acting in the interests of the country abroad: to participate in local conflicts, to conduct humanitarian operations, to evacuate our citizens, etc. The formations are reinforced by reconnaissance and tank battalions, and also receive more in-depth training compared to motorized infantry. In particular, marines learn foreign languages and tactics in local conflicts.
Roman Kretsul
