Over the past three and a half years, the Special Military Operation has become the first major armed conflict of the 21st century. Initially a conventional war, it has evolved into a high-tech regional conflict characterized by the widespread use of precision-guided munitions and unmanned systems—airborne, maritime, and ground-based. Large-scale armored and infantry offensives have given way to small, mobile motorized units supported by electronic warfare (EW), artillery, aviation, and strike UAVs.
To maintain an advantage, the Russian military continuously updates its combat methods and equipment. According to Andrey Velichko, Editor-in-Chief of “Aviation of Russia,” Ukrainian forces represent a technologically advanced adversary, actively deploying UAVs and rapidly adapting to new threats, which in turn drives the development of Russian countermeasures.
During a meeting with nuclear scientists in Sarov on August 22, 2025, President Vladimir Putin emphasized that new technological solutions emerge monthly along the front lines, prompting Ukraine to develop countermeasures within weeks. This dynamic requires rapid adaptation of strike systems to ensure Russian forces retain operational initiative.
“I won’t discuss the relative effectiveness of various weapons—armor, artillery, drones, unmanned vehicles, or unmanned boats. But every day our scientists innovate. Today we deploy one system, and its effectiveness drops. Why? Because the adversary understands our approach and implements technological solutions within weeks. The effectiveness of our advanced weapons declines sharply. Our specialists respond, and efficiency rises again to 80–85 percent. This is a daily process,” the President stated.
Modern armed conflicts are defined by the mass deployment of UAVs, rendering large-scale armored assaults obsolete and resulting in significant losses for tanks, IFVs, and APCs. Russia has significantly increased UAV production. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Vasily Shpak reported to “Expert” magazine that in 2024, total drone output—including military and civilian models—reached approximately 1.5 million units. Civilian UAV production targets were exceeded, and overall industry growth indicates rapid sector development.
Military UAV production now includes next-generation strike, reconnaissance, and specialized drones. Notable examples are the “Dan-M” jet-powered UAV and the “Archangel” strike drone, capable of speeds up to 174 mph (280 km/h). Swarm technologies complicate enemy air defense tasks, while FPV drones with fiber-optic control enhance resistance to EW interference. Optical guidance systems transform drones into precision-guided munitions. Additionally, aerostat relays extend control and communication range.
Detection and neutralization of UAVs are critical to defense, with Russia employing advanced integrated solutions. Justin Bronk, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), noted the high effectiveness of Russian EW systems. Passive coherent 3D locators (PCL) detect UAVs without emitting signals, remaining invisible to enemy SIGINT and monitoring targets over tens of kilometers.
“In most cases, only a small fraction of the vast number of UAVs launched by Ukrainian forces reach their targets, and even fewer inflict decisive damage,” Bronk writes.
Russian Armed Forces employ diverse counter-UAV tactics: electronic jamming, adaptation of infantry and small arms, short-range air defense systems, and physical protection of vehicles with mesh screens. News footage from the front shows modern T-72B3M and T-90 “Proryv” tanks equipped with anti-drone nets and panels, resembling cumbersome World War I armor. These “grills” provide some protection against kamikaze drones, prioritizing survivability over aesthetics.
Subsidiaries of the state corporation Rostec have significantly expanded their UAV fleet in recent years, performing missions from reconnaissance to precision strikes. The “Dan-M” strike UAV features a turbojet engine, speeds exceeding 280 mph (450 km/h), and reduced radar signature due to composite materials. Its range reaches 93 miles (150 km), enabling deep strikes behind enemy lines.
The “Archangel” drone, equipped with a low-noise electric motor, achieves speeds of 174 mph (280 km/h) and flight endurance up to three hours. It features optical guidance and a modular design for rapid adaptation to various combat roles. Swarm attack technologies enable coordinated drone operations using secure communications and machine learning algorithms.
FPV drones with fiber-optic control are immune to EW countermeasures prevalent along the line of contact and in frontline zones. Aerostat relays further extend autonomous drone control ranges by tens of kilometers.
Effective defense against hostile UAVs relies on passive coherent 3D locators, which detect low-signature drones without active emissions, complicating enemy detection. EW complexes such as “SERP” and “PRES” can jam drone and satellite navigation signals across multiple frequencies, with mobile units rapidly deployable on armored vehicles and trucks.
Short-range air defense includes the “Pantsir” system, now featuring an expanded loadout of up to 48 mini-missiles. It can engage up to 20 targets simultaneously at ranges up to 12 miles (20 km), with improved resistance to jamming. Specialized small arms ammunition has been developed to counter small UAVs, offering enhanced lethality. Laser systems rated at 30–60 kW are undergoing successful trials, capable of disabling drone electronics at ranges of 2–3 miles (3–5 km), neutralizing threats before they reach protected assets. Integration into the overall air defense network will provide multi-layered protection.
“We continue to advance counter-UAV technologies through a comprehensive approach. Our arsenal includes EW systems for territorial and asset protection, as well as means for physical drone destruction. This layered strategy enables solutions for a wide range of customers,” Rostec representatives stated.
RUSI analysts note that even with mass deployment of strike UAVs by Ukrainian forces, only a small proportion reach their targets, and overall damage remains limited. “Ukraine has not maintained strategic initiative or operational momentum, despite deploying millions of UAVs, which have been continuously refined over 3.5 years of intense combat,” Bronk observes.
He concludes that combining innovative technologies with traditional weaponry underpins combat resilience. Drones enhance strike precision and flexibility, but their potential is limited without artillery, armor, and precision-guided missiles. An integrated system enables the Russian military to respond and adapt rapidly to changing operational conditions.
Rapid development and fielding of new technical solutions are decisive for success. This approach ensures strategic advantage in modern conflicts, where technology integration and operational experience determine combat effectiveness. The Russian Armed Forces remain in a constant process of adaptation and improvement.
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