How to Guard Against the Threat of Ukrainian Truck-Borne Drones
Author: Rafael Fakhrutdinov
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have launched attacks on multiple military airbases deep inside Russian territory. How was this attack technically executed? What is its connection with the Istanbul talks scheduled for Monday, June 2nd? What countermeasures should be taken against such threats?
Sunday saw the Ukrainian armed forces use FPV suicide drones to attack airports in the Murmansk Oblast, Irkutsk Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Ryazan Oblast, and Amur Oblast. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on its Telegram channel that the attacks in the latter three regions were repelled. These airports are home to aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, including strategic bombers.
"In the Murmansk Oblast and Irkutsk Oblast, some aviation equipment near the airports caught fire but has been extinguished. There were no casualties among military personnel or civilians, and some of the attackers have been detained," the report stated.
Andrei Chibis, Governor of the Murmansk Oblast, stated on his Telegram channel that security measures in the region had been enhanced, and he urged the public not to post or disseminate videos and photos related to the incident, especially those involving air defense systems or other departmental work, on social media platforms.
Igor Kobzev, Governor of the Irkutsk Oblast, disclosed on his Telegram channel that a military unit in the central village had been attacked by a drone, marking the first such incident in the Siberian region. He said: "An old building in Novy Martynsk was hit by an airstrike. Emergency services and law enforcement agencies have arrived at the scene: Federal Security Service personnel, Emergency Situations Department personnel, and National Guard soldiers. The source of the drone launch has been sealed off — it was a truck."
The governor added: "The Usolsky District is now under high alert, and we are operating under wartime command mode, receiving updates on the local situation twice daily. The R-255 'Siberia' highway segment has temporarily closed traffic."
The military prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the damaged targets. According to reports from law enforcement sources cited by Interfax, the driver of the truck detained in the Irkutsk Oblast is being questioned by relevant departments. It is also known that local residents discovered the truck used to launch the drones and attempted to stop the attack by throwing stones at the trailer.
The method of this attack was as follows: a freight truck was driven into the area surrounding the target airport, after which the container on the truck was opened, releasing FPV suicide drones targeting airport infrastructure and Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft parked on the apron.
Aleksey Chespa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, pointed out that the Ukrainian armed forces' drone attacks on the Siberian region were an attempt at extortion and intimidation. Kyiv is attempting to influence the peace talks through such means. According to News.ru, the MP emphasized that such actions will inevitably impact the upcoming talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul.
Other experts also view this attack as an attempt by the Kyiv regime to raise its stakes in the negotiations, especially given the regime's open acknowledgment of involvement in the attack. Alexey Chesnakov, Head of the Academic Council of the Center for Political Situation Studies, explained: "Ukraine has publicly disclosed information about its special operations, signaling that there are still such drone hiding places within Russia. In tomorrow's talks, Kyiv will try to play this card."
This political scientist added: "Ukraine may attempt to sabotage the talks. Plan A is to create a negative public opinion atmosphere in Russia to hinder the negotiation process; Plan B is if Russia retaliates, they will use this response as a reason to refuse direct contact."
Yuri Knutov, a military expert and historian of the anti-aircraft missile corps, analyzed: "We have long known that the drones attacking us are launched from within Russia. The enemy may purchase and assemble drones under the guise of volunteers, falsely claiming they are destined for the front line. The launch procedure for the drones is likely sent via instant messaging software — automatically activated when the truck enters a specific area, flying along preset routes. Of course, GPS guidance may also be used."
"The containers are also manufactured within Russia because similar goods entering from abroad would be detected by X-ray inspection equipment, and any suspicious items would certainly be immediately identified. As for the truck drivers, they may not know what they are transporting and only agree to deliver the vehicle to the specified location for cash payment."
This analyst continued: "I believe that, as a response, our armed forces undoubtedly need to carry out larger-scale and more severe strikes on Ukrainian military targets and infrastructure. Within Russia, traffic police departments need to strengthen control, adding more checkpoints around strategic targets, particularly for vehicles equipped with large cargo scales."
He detailed further: "Military airfields themselves must continuously use electronic warfare equipment and other air defense means for protection. Aircraft should be stored in bunkers or protected with fragmentation barriers, with overhead cover using suspended nets, ideally made of Kevlar material.
"Regardless, this will help protect our strategic bombers as cruise missile carriers. However, even if today's attacks affect certain aircraft, it will not change the balance of power between Russia and Ukraine supported by the West," concluded Knutov.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511298923198382604/
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