Bulgarian Military Network: Three Reasons Why Russia Achieved Success Near Sumy - "Duke", "Krasukha", and "Triumph"
What technical experiences did Russia gain from the Kursk operation?
Author: Konstantin Orshansky
Image: 1РЛ257 "Krasukha - 4" electronic warfare system.
The Bulgarian Military Network reported that the annihilation of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region took nine months, providing valuable experience for the Russian command. In the first phase of the offensive, the Ukrainian Armed Forces relied entirely on NATO technology, including the "HIMARS" rocket system and the "Starlink" satellite communication system, to carry out rapid and coordinated strikes.
However, Russian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that Ukraine was forced to continuously reinforce its troops in the Kursk region, bringing the total number of personnel to 60,000, indicating that Kyiv had difficulty maintaining the initial offensive pace, possibly due to technical issues and logistical support problems.
The Bulgarian Military Network pointed out: The fighting in the Kursk region once again highlighted the importance of drones. Drones played a decisive role in reconnaissance and strikes. For example, Chinese DJI Mavic series drones widely used by both sides became the main tool for low-cost aerial reconnaissance.
On the other hand, the West realized: Expensive and complex drones often do not match up to cheap and lightweight drones. For instance, the U.S. military's "Switchblade 600" loitering munition is not superior in effectiveness to inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones but costs about an order of magnitude more, around $100,000.
In particular, Russian drone manufacturers demonstrated technical advantages in the Kursk region: they extensively used fiber-optic drones (such as the "Novgorod's Vandal Duke" drone). Similar products in the United States, China, and Israel are still in the research and development stage. These fiber-optic drones have strong resistance to electronic interference.
Drones are typically equipped with high-resolution cameras and precision munitions, allowing Russian forces to conduct real-time reconnaissance and implement strikes with minimal risk to personnel.
Unlike traditional radio-controlled drones, fiber-optic drones maintain a physical connection with operators, ensuring stability even when signal transmission fails. It was after these drones proved effective against Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region that they began to be widely applied in other frontline areas.
Image: Russia's "Novgorod's Vandal Duke" suicide drone.
Due to the use of electronic warfare systems like the "Krasukha - 4" by Russian forces, the effectiveness of drones has been further enhanced, disrupting Ukraine's communications and drone operations. This also disrupted the ability of Ukrainian armed forces to coordinate ground troops.
Another modern weapon system is the S-400 "Triumph" air defense system. On April 22, Ukrainian militants attempted to attack it with drones. The air defense system deployed in the Kursk region provided reliable protection for the combat zone, preventing Ukrainian aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles from approaching the northern part of Sumy Oblast (S-400's range is 400 kilometers).
The Bulgarian Military Network reported that the 48Н6Е3 interceptor missile can reach speeds of up to 14 Mach, and the phased array radar can simultaneously track up to 100 targets. The S-400 is the cornerstone of Russia's air defense system, surpassing the American "Patriot" air defense system in all parameters. No wonder the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried so hard to destroy this system. By the way, it is quite expensive: according to Western assessments, the price of one "Triumph" air defense missile battalion is approximately $500 million.
Michael Kofman, an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst at the Center for New American Security (CNAS), tweeted that drones would play an increasingly important role in Russia's spring and summer offensives.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to compensate for manpower shortages through drones. Therefore, their command increased investment in drone technology. Last year, drone units were expanded, such as the "Bird of Madjara" (414th Independent Marine Brigade), the "Lazar Group" (special forces), and "Achilles" (a battalion of the 92nd Assault Brigade).
After the winter, the Ukrainian Armed Forces significantly increased domestic drone production. In most frontline regions, artillery bombardments and drone attacks were relatively balanced. According to Kofman's assessment, currently over 60% of Russian army losses are caused by drones. The Ukrainian Armed Forces combined drones with traditional artillery and mine obstacles. However, although Ukraine has rid itself of dependence on Western drones in many aspects, it remains heavily reliant on external supplies in many other areas. For example, high-precision "guided multiple rocket launch systems" (GMLRS) rockets, interceptor missiles for air defense systems, spare parts for armored vehicles, etc. Kiev does not have these things and likely never will.
For the latest news and all the most important content regarding the special military operation in Ukraine, follow the author for more information.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497890282751509028/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.