Russians add rear-view cameras to drones to counter Ukrainian FPV threats
After Ukraine deployed FPV drones against Russian UAVs, Russia quickly added rear-view cameras to detect incoming anti-air UAVs.
Russian forces have swiftly implemented a new countermeasure against Ukrainian anti-air FPV drones by equipping their reconnaissance drones with rear-view cameras. This development was reported by communications specialist Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov on 23 September, according to Defense Express.
According to Flash, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already managed to down one such modified Russian drone. The captured drone, believed to be a ZALA 421 type, was found to have a miniature camera connected to a custom device from a Russian manufacturer. This device is also equipped with RHCP antennas, typically used in FPV drones.
The rear-view camera system is designed to provide a view of the rear hemisphere, potentially allowing the drone operator to spot approaching anti-air drones and take evasive action. However, Defense Express notes that reconnaissance drones are not capable of performing complex aerial maneuvers like fighter jets. One possible evasive tactic could be attempting to outrun the threat, as FPV drones have limited flight time, and higher speeds would deplete their batteries faster. The overall effectiveness of this solution remains questionable.
Defense Express says the speed at which the Russians has moved from theoretical discussions to practical implementation of countermeasures against anti-air FPV drones is noteworthy, and it is expected that the list of countermeasures will continue to grow, possibly including the installation of small electronic warfare devices on the drones.
Related:
- Ukrainian company rolls out ground drone that carries machine gun, grenade launchers, and lays mines
- Umierov: Ukraine capable of producing several millions of drones annually, but funding insufficient
- Ukraine aims to match drone production scale with new missile program
- Lithuania to provide Ukraine with extra €40-50 mn military aid this year
- Ukraine works to improve its drones to counter Russian threats
- Ukrainian military intel strikes Russian drone base in Syria, media sources say
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