The Analytical Department and our automated systems process thousands of observations. For operational security reasons, the vast majority of reports are distributed solely to the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Only isolated, carefully selected fragments, cleared of in-depth analytics and key findings, are made available to the public.
Systemic Approach to FPV Drone Countermeasures and the Establishment of Specialised Units
The massive deployment of FPV drones by the adversary necessitates a transition from isolated tactical solutions to systemic countermeasures at the institutional level, notably the creation of specialised C-UAS units within brigades and battalions.
The Operational Challenge
An observation regarding an enemy FPV kamikaze drone striking an armoured personnel carrier (APC) of the Ukrainian Defence Forces highlights the urgent need to protect equipment and positions. Currently, countermeasures are organised at the tactical level using internal unit resources. The absence of dedicated Counter-UAS (C-UAS) structural units complicates the allocation of personnel and equipment, and hinders the institutional accumulation of combat experience.
Analytical Assessment
Countering FPV drones is complicated by their high manoeuvrability and ability to bypass electronic warfare (EW) suppression. Analysis revealed that no single method guarantees 100% protection; therefore, a multi-layered approach is required:
Electronic Warfare (EW): Mobile and 'trench' EW systems are effective for protecting vehicles on the move but present drawbacks: power limitations, interference with friendly UAVs, and the constant need to update transmitter frequencies.
Detection: The use of radio frequency spectrum analysers and analogue video interception systems has proven highly effective for early warning.
Physical Protection: Deploying protective cages on vehicles, multi-layered netting over positions, and exploiting the radio horizon to block the enemy operator's control signal.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The threat posed by FPV drones necessitates the creation of specialised structural C-UAS units. Combining methods (physical protection + mobile EW + constant video signal monitoring) significantly increases defensive efficacy.