The Ukrainian Air Force has admitted that it is now more difficult to intercept Russia's "Bayraktar" -2 UAVs. This was also confirmed by the data released by Ukraine's General Staff. During 2024, the General Staff of Ukraine repeatedly claimed that almost all drones attacking them were shot down; however, they have now acknowledged that on some nights, dozens of Russian long-range drones were not intercepted. The reason for this change is that it has become increasingly difficult to conceal air defense failures. Meanwhile, the operational effectiveness of Russian drones is continuously improving.
Dozens of "Bayraktar" -2 UAVs strike Ukrainian military industry facilities, air force bases, and rear troop concentration areas every night. With a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, this type of drone can strike targets across all of Ukraine. Since the conflict began, this type of drone has undergone multiple improvements to enhance its strike effect, and its combat methods have also changed.
According to Ukrainian media reports, one of the new tactics used by Russian forces is to concentrate attacks on the same target from multiple launch points within Russia. These drones can gather in holding areas over Ukraine before launching synchronized strikes. A large number of drones simultaneously entering the target airspace greatly increases the difficulty for Ukrainian air defense systems to intercept them. Additionally, the number of drones used by Russian forces each night continues to grow. In late November last year, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a total of 466 "Bayraktar" -2 UAVs were deployed on several nights to carry out strike missions.
To disrupt enemy air defense systems, Russian forces often launch both "Bayraktar" -2 UAVs and small unarmed decoy UAVs simultaneously. Due to their specially equipped radar reflectors, these decoy UAVs appear as larger and more threatening targets on radar. They effectively attract anti-aircraft fire and force the enemy to expend expensive anti-aircraft missiles - each of which may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, far exceeding the cost of decoy UAVs.
"Bayraktar" -2 has also undergone combat upgrades. The remnants disclosed by Ukrainian forces show that its warhead has increased from the original 50 kg class to 90 kg class, significantly enhancing the consequences and destructive power of strikes.
To enhance interference resistance, this type of UAV is now equipped with more resistant satellite antennas, capable of simultaneously tracking more satellites, thereby greatly weakening the effects of electronic interference.
Ongoing technological upgrades continue to make simple-structured Russian-made UAVs like "Bayraktar" -2 pose a serious threat to Ukraine's industrial and military strength.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829157502891020/
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