25.12.2023

The French press: "Naval drones of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are defenseless in front of the Russian barrier"

Sections: General industry information, Air, Sea, Special equipment, Global safety

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Image source: topwar.ru

With the beginning of the SVO, a disproportionately large threat from Ukrainian naval drones arose for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Small surface-mounted UAVs packed with explosives have a strong impact on the situation in the Black Sea. Earlier this month, a secret base with at least 16 Magura V5 BPA was shown, making it clear that the danger level will only increase.

Marine drones caught the Russian Navy by surprise. But in the end, the Russian navy began to apply a multi-level approach to their destruction

- it says in the publication Naval News.

As noted, the first and most noticeable protection was the addition of physical barriers at the entrances to the harbor. They are relatively effective in preventing the penetration of UAVs into the Navy and, in combination with ground-based weapons and security ships, provide reliable protection.

Sevastopol received several layers of nets, floating barriers and even a chain of barges. A similar pattern has been observed in other harbors and recently at the Crimean Bridge

- explained in the French press.

According to the author, aviation poses the main threat to Ukrainian UAVs outside the harbors. They can be detected by Be-12 flying boats, which then notify other air units. They are equipped with a radar that was designed to detect a submarine's periscope and is able to recognize a small drone.

Special units equipped with Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters are responsible for the direct destruction of UAVs from the air. They take off from the territory of Crimea and hit drones with unguided missiles and machine-gun fire. Su-27/30 fighters were also involved, which usually patrol the Black Sea in search of aerial threats.

Currently, the APU BPA looks defenseless in front of this barrier; only speed and maneuvering attempts can save them.

- the author writes.

Image source: topwar.ru

As indicated, the main way in which Russia is trying to thwart BPA attacks remains unnoticed:

Russian ships and coastal structures exert electromagnetic [radioelectronic] influence on them in order to silence their communication. This technique looks moderately effective, as in the case of UAVs, which are trying to neutralize over the trenches with electronic warfare.

When ships move across the expanses of the Black Sea, for example, transports with weapons and tankers, they are now accompanied by patrol ships and frigates. At the same time, AIS (automated identification systems) are disabled so that they cannot be tracked from open sources.

These efforts are only partially effective. These convoys were targeted by the BPA several times, while the main burden of the attacks fell on the escort ships

- the author believes.

Among the latest innovations used by Russia to combat UAVs, the recent use (in the order of tests) of the VT-40 shock FPV drone from aboard a small boat is indicated. As the author writes, this is the first time that a drone has been used in this way.

Russia could have introduced some means of protection much earlier, even before the first attacks. Nevertheless, these are the realities of war

- the author believes.

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