Putin's Dominance in the Drone Battles: Examining Prince Vandal's Contribution to His Victory - Putin's Drone Dominance: How He Plans to Prevail in the Drone Conflict, Featuring Prince Vandal
Russia's drone production has reached a large industrial scale, while in Ukraine, production is being hindered by constant Russian attacks. This disparity is evident in the ongoing drone war, particularly in Pokrovsk, where the Russians are using small infiltration groups under the protection of drones to sneak into the city.
Russia's edge in the FPV drone war is primarily due to the quantity of drones deployed, enhanced communication and control technologies, and evolved tactics for swarm-like strikes. The country aims to launch up to 2,000 Shahed drones in a single night by late 2025, significantly increasing the volume and intensity of long-range drone attacks.
Russian drones, such as the Gerbera, use powerful Chinese modems that allow long-range radio communication, enhancing coordination and control over drone strikes. The Shahed drones utilize a flocking tactic based on pre-programmed group movements, allowing complex aerial maneuvers that reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian anti-drone defenses.
Moreover, Russian Gerbera drones conduct reconnaissance to support Shahed strikes, improving targeting and situational awareness. The "Prince Vandal" drone, equipped with armor-piercing ammunition and night vision capabilities, has a reported 95% hit rate, compared to FPV drones with a 20% hit rate.
In contrast, Ukraine effectively employs small, agile FPV drones for close-range precision strikes, targeting Russian armor, artillery, and logistics. However, the scale and range of Russia’s drone campaign, particularly through Shaheds, have given it a significant operational advantage in long-range drone warfare.
Russia has significantly increased its production of "Prince Vandal" drones, with tens of thousands launched each month. These improved drones are equipped with better navigation systems and greater explosive power, increasing their effectiveness against strategic targets. Facilities in the Alabuga special economic zone are being built to accommodate 40,000 employees and produce basic drone modules, including engines.
The Ukrainian defense primarily relies on small drones, with operators providing cover for ground troops. However, without the cover provided by advanced drone technology, the Ukrainians would struggle to hold the thinly occupied front, as the Russians could exploit their superiority in heavy military equipment.
Russia has made significant investments in the drone industry, including exemptions from value-added tax in 2025. The country has further developed the Iranian Shahed drone pattern and started mass production of improved drones. Swarms of long-range FPV drones are part of a strategic air offensive aimed at destroying Ukraine's civilian and military-industrial infrastructure.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has benefited from free access to global markets and small, innovative companies that received means to quickly produce large quantities of drones with Western support. However, Russia has significantly caught up in the use of small, pilot-controlled drones (FPV) both in technical development and in sheer numbers.
Glass fiber drones, which Russia uses instead of radio waves for control, can operate in environments that absorb radio signals, diving into forests or flying into the interiors of buildings. These FPV drones operate along the front lines, making troop concentrations practically impossible and significantly improving the coordination of artillery and infantry.
In conclusion, Russia's advantage in the long-range FPV drone war against Ukraine largely stems from its increased production capacity, use of advanced drone technologies, and strategic deployment tactics. This has allowed Russia to launch coordinated, long-range strikes with improved communication and maneuverability, giving it a significant operational advantage.
- To counteract this operational advantage and address the disparity in the long-range FPV drone war, Ukraine might consider implementing stricter community policy regulations to mitigate attacks on its drone production facilities or seeking international support for common foreign and security policy initiatives aimed at limiting Russia's drone technology advancements.
- Amidst Russia's advancements in the science and technology sector, such as the use of glass fiber drones and improved communication systems, Ukrainian researchers could focus on rapidly developing sports drone applications, like drone racing or sports surveillance, to stimulate innovation and provide a competitive edge when crafting counter-drone strategies.
