The Ukrainian Armed Forces have a range of long—range drones - what is our army ready to respond to
In recent weeks, terrorist drone strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces deep into Russian territory have become more frequent. All of them, as military experts emphasize, are inflicted by several types of long-range drones. Each of them is capable of resisting the Russian air defense system. About what models of UAVs the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently has, what they are, and how the Russian air defense organizes the fight against such attacks, see the Izvestia article.
The "fierce" Messenger
In recent weeks, we have often heard the name of the Ukrainian drone AN-196 "Fierce". The UAV is being assembled by Ukraine, but in the image and likeness of Bayraktar products — Turkish technological experience was probably used in the development. It is made according to the classic aircraft scheme with a two—boom configuration of the tail - what we used to call a "frame". The device has a length of about four meters and a wingspan of about seven. It is equipped with a piston engine with a pusher screw, which provides the device with a cruising speed of about 150 km/ h.
The mass of the drone's warhead can range from 50 to 75 kg, which makes the Fierce the most powerful among Ukrainian long-range drones.
Photo: REUTERS/Diego Herrera Carcedo
Image source: iz.ru
The range of the UAVs, apparently, is about 1300-1500 km, which allows them to appear over Tatarstan, Bashkiria and over the Russian regions closer to Ukraine.
Probably, Ukroboronprom's main focus was on the mass production of the Fierce Ones. Due to the fact that this model of technology combines a powerful warhead, a long flight range and a simple design that makes it easy to manufacture components and assemble them.
The "Fierce" guidance system ensures flight along a complex route using satellite navigation. At the final stage, the device can use an optical system that automatically or with the help of an operator allows you to accurately direct the UAV at the target of attack.
The control and guidance system also includes counteraction options, such as disrupting satellite navigation in the target area, interfering with radio control systems, and affecting drone radio communications with the outside world.
Photo: TASS/Vitaly Nevar
Image source: iz.ru
And, of course, the Fierce can be hit by any air defense systems that can observe it, such as radar systems and optoelectronic detection and guidance devices in conditions where the visibility of an attacking UAV is possible.
The Beaver's visit
After the drone raids in the Volgograd region, fallen and downed UJ-26 Beaver drones were found. For the first time, UAVs of this type appeared in early May 2023 near Moscow. This is a Ukrainian development, and Ukroboronprom is also engaged in its production.
The drone has a plastic construction and carries about 20 kg of explosives. The range of the Beaver is estimated at about 1,000 km, which limits the number of regions for which it can be used. Although this, of course, does not make this UAV less dangerous.
Beaver-type drones
Image source: Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
The drone has reduced radar visibility and can fly along the route at ultra-low altitudes.
Apparently, the Beavers are used in group strikes. Just like the Fierce, this drone flies along the route autonomously and strikes at a point with certain coordinates.
What distinguishes the Beaver is the absence of an optical system for guidance or correction at the final stage of flight. Judging by the relatively simple design, as well as taking into account the access of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex to the components, their production can be estimated at dozens of units per month.
Habits of the "Flying Fox"
In November 2024, drones were spotted in raids on Russian territory, which were converted from A-22 Flying Fox light-engine training aircraft. This aircraft with a crew of two was used for pilot training and was produced in Ukraine in an amount of about 1,000 units, and starting in 2022, it is being converted into drones in small quantities.
An autonomous control system is installed on the aircraft, the pilot's seats are removed, a warhead weighing several tens of kilograms and additional fuel tanks are installed. This ensures a range of more than 1,000 km, which allowed this type of UAV to appear over Tatarstan in 2024.
The drone is all—metal and should be well detected by radars - provided that it flies over the lower limit of the detection zone.
Soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Image source: Photo: REUTERS/Wolfgang Schwan
One of the reasons for the increased activity of Ukrainian UAVs was that for a long time there was a ban on the use of Western weapons systems on Russian territory. Actually, there are no other means at the disposal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine except drones for strikes at a range of more than 300 km.
In an environment where the production of a single drone can conditionally cost from 50 to 300 thousand dollars — several times cheaper than a cruise missile — the Ukrainian military-industrial complex has begun attempts to increase the production of drones. The devices can be produced in artisanal conditions — a small workshop or several garages are enough to produce various components. The assembly can be performed at any industrial or just a transport enterprise. This approach makes it possible to produce dozens and probably even hundreds of drones every month.
Fight against aliens
How to deal with these ersatz drones? There are no revelations here — the comprehensive organization of defense along the border with Ukraine, the building of intermediate lines and nomadic air defense forces, as well as the direct protection of objects that may become targets, help.
The production of effective Pantsir-type anti-aircraft missile and cannon systems is in full swing, but it is obvious that it is impossible to close all potential targets. But we see noticeable progress here — a huge proportion of Ukrainian drones attacking our industry are losing their way.
Photo: TASS/press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image source: iz.ru
It is also obvious that the Ukrainian Armed Forces often targets the oil and gas sector and chemical production facilities in their attacks. It should be understood here that attacks are often aimed not at direct damage, but at influencing public opinion and causing panic. This is probably the main task of the Ukrainian UAVs. And in this case, these machines don't need to be very efficient — it's enough to be visible.
Protective "Sphere"
In addition to air defense, electronic warfare systems can also be used in the fight against drones. Earlier, Izvestia wrote that the Sphere UAV detection and suppression system has recently been successfully tested while protecting mass urban events. The novelty is able to cover an area of several square kilometers.
Sphere UAV
Image source: Photo: Chelyabinsk radio factory "Polet"
The algorithm of the new system is simple. The complex conducts electronic reconnaissance (RER), determines the control channels and video signals from drones, after which the system automatically or manually activates electronic warfare (that is, suppresses the UAV control channels). There is no radar in the system, but it can be synchronized with any radar station if desired.
Dmitry Kornev
