The soldiers piloting Ukraine's fleet of small, cheap assault drones are voicing concerns that, despite pioneering their use, they are now being leapfrogged by their adversary as Moscow pumps money and resources into its drone sector.
A FPV-drone sits on a ground before launching, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region, Ukraine, November 7, 2023. REUTERS/Alina SmutkoDONETSK REGION, Ukraine, Nov 9 -
Every week, both countries publish onboard camera footage from FPVs, which cost several hundred dollars, flying towards and taking out enemy tanks and radar systems worth millions. While it is hard to assess Russian numerical superiority in FPVs accurately - and the experiences of the unit near Bakhmut provides only a snapshot of what is happening - Komrad estimated it at around double what Ukraine had on his sector of the front.Komrad says his crews can run as many as 40 strike missions a day - but the number is often much lower due to a lack of drones.
Samuel Bendett, Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, said Russia had significantly boosted FPV production through volunteer groups, which alone were likely making many thousands of drones a month, as well as the defence sector which was also expanding production of such drones.
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