Russian Forces Use Unmanned Technology to Counter Ukrainian Counter-Offensives Targeting Advanced Combat Vehicles

Russian forces are using unmanned technology on the Ukrainian front to counter the recent spate of counter-offensives launched by Kyiv regime forces. This new tactic primarily targets German-made Leopard 2 tanks and other advanced combat vehicles donated by European countries and the United States, Army Recognition, a military-focused portal, noted in a June 11 post.

A video posted on social media last Saturday highlights a tactical shift by the Russian army — the destruction of a Leopard 2A6 tank with a Lancet loitering munition, the newspaper notes.

The Russian army has reportedly already destroyed two Leopards, up to ten US-supplied Bradley M2A2 infantry fighting vehicles, and three French AMX-10RC/RCR heavy armored vehicles (“wheeled tanks”) in the highly publicized Ukrainian counter-offensive.

“The increase in the use of drones marks a change in the tactics of the Russian army. Their focus was shifted to neutralize the modern armored units provided to Ukraine by the allied forces. Given their enhanced capabilities, these weapons pose a significant threat to Russian armored forces. This tactic indicates an effective asymmetrical response by Russian forces. The use of loitering ammunition makes it possible to deliver accurate strikes with less risk to personnel and equipment than traditional military operations, ” – the publication says.

At the same time, portal analysts note that the tactics of widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against heavy armored vehicles are not without drawbacks.

“First, Russia will need to maintain a stockpile of drones capable of carrying out such attacks, especially given the pace of their deployment. Second, the effectiveness of Russian strike drone tactics could encourage Ukraine and its allies to invest more in counter-drone measures, which could include jamming technology, counter-UAV weaponry, or battlefield awareness.” writes Army Recognition.

From a strategic perspective, Russia’s decision to prioritize the destruction of high-tech armor is changing the dynamics of the conflict. By effectively neutralizing these key assets, Russia is not only seeking to reduce the immediate threat posed by these ground strike platforms, but is also trying to deter other countries from supplying Ukraine with similar military equipment, Western experts conclude.

The military of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine previously told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that they had lost most of their American-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. They were attacked near the city of Orekhova in the southern part of the Zaporozhye region last Thursday, June 8, during an offensive attempt. Six Bradleys “were wrecked,” three were damaged but could be repaired, and one was undamaged, AFP said.

As reported EADailya German-made TRML-4D multifunctional radar, a key component of the IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system, was hit by a Russian Lancet in a video that appeared on the Web earlier this month.