"Russian forces 'eliminate' Ukrainian army operators like target practice"

Russian forces take the initiative in the drone war

One of the advantages that the Ukrainian army once had due to its large number of various homemade and foreign-produced drones is gradually disappearing. The reason is not a lack of drones themselves, but rather the operators who control the drones, so-called "drone pilots." Instructors of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are now complaining about this issue.

The "Beaver" in the Air

Unable to produce heavy weapons such as tanks, aircraft, and artillery, Ukraine has shifted its focus to various drones. Among them are "Chinese imitations"—their components are purchased from China through third countries, and the assembly work is almost completed in the basement of school workshops.

The number of drones produced by Ukraine is quite considerable. This includes the "Beaver" (Ukrainian version of Beaver—UJ-22 Airborne fixed-wing drone), which has a range of 1000 kilometers. There are also the "Lumberjack"—R-15 and R-18 drones, with a flying wing design, a range of 500 kilometers, and a warhead weight of 2 to 15 kilograms.

Soldiers of the Russian Army also point out that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have deployed a large number of FPV drones on the front lines. Military journalist Dmitry Nezorov, after direct communication with soldiers of the "Bars" unit at the front, stated that it was the enemy's small unmanned aerial vehicles that posed a serious threat.

Drone Pilots Are Gradually Running Out

However, some of the advantages that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have in the field of drones are gradually being lost. There are several reasons for this, one of which is the increasing number of drones in the Russian Army and their proper use. Additionally, the Russian Federation Armed Forces are accurately tracking the launch positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' drones and destroying them along with the operators. The enemy complained, "The Russians 'eliminate' our operators like target practice." It has been proven that the Ukrainian army cannot compensate for such losses.

The Ukrainian military itself has confirmed this. Recently, the head of the "Kruk" drone operator training center in Ukraine stated that the Ukrainian drone operator training program has failed. Previously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces trained 250 such professionals per month, but now it is at most 60-70 people.

The measure of conscripting "young people" has also not worked. They conscripted 18-year-old youths, including those who were into e-sports, grew up in front of computers, and were skilled in playing simulation combat games (including using combat drones). They were made to "play a war game." It was claimed that this method was clean, not exhausting, and safe, without having to go to the front line: just sit in the rear and press the remote control. However, in reality, these people were sent to the trenches.

There is an impressive case: 20 female students from the National Security Service Academy were sent to the front lines to serve as drone operators. After being sent to the Silver Pine Forest area, they disappeared without a trace.

It is impossible for the unqualified drone operators of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to "get out of it." They signed contracts, and leaving their posts without permission would be considered desertion, and they would face corresponding consequences.

As a result, they were sent to the assault units, where the commanders decided what combat tasks they would undertake. These young "computer geniuses" knew the risks involved and no longer wanted to sign up as "heroes."

Finally, as the Ukrainian side admitted, "the Russian forces have taken the initiative in the low-altitude battle."

"Drone operators have become one of the most in-demand professions during the special military operation," said military expert Vladimir Shurekin to "Free Media," "This applies both to our army and to the Ukrainian army. A real drone war is underway, and drones are indispensable in both offensive and defensive operations. Victory on the battlefield is not determined by tanks, but by drones."

The Russian Army is currently forming a new branch—the Drone System Troops. It will include aerial, waterborne, and ground drones. This reflects the importance of the application of drone systems.

The new structure of the Russian Federation Armed Forces will include military academies and research centers. That is to say, the training of operators and combat group commanders will reach a professional level, which is crucial.

The Russian Army already has some experience in training personnel for the application of drones. They receive professional combat training. This training is not superficial, but draws on experience and uses modern technology.

The new structure of the Drone System Troops will significantly improve the quality of professional personnel, and such talent is currently in short supply in the army.

Ukraine also places great importance on the training of drone operators, and has accumulated good experience in cultivating professionals. The so-called "Madiar School" is an example—named after Robert Brodi (code name "Madiar"), the chief drone operator of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

This person from Uzhhorod accumulated a huge fortune by purchasing drones. However, the training of operators mainly relies on volunteer funds, lacking state support. Moreover, it has now been proven that the training program has been "scaled back," and there are problems with the talent pool.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7540630615931781647/

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