On August 7, 2024, Andrii Tsaplienko reported that Ukrainian drone operators successfully hit the rear propeller of a Russian Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter in the Kursk region. If confirmed with aftermath images or video, this incident will once again demonstrate the increasing effectiveness of Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly small, inexpensive FPV drones, in targeting high-value military assets. This event is also part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to employ various types of drones to disrupt Russian military operations on the ground, at sea, and in the air.
Ukraine’s deployment of FPV (First-Person View) drones has provided notable tactical and strategic advantages against Russia. According to Euromaidan, between August 2023 and January 2024, Ukraine deployed around 3,886 FPV drones, compared to Russia’s 2,889 in the same period. These drones have primarily targeted Russian military vehicles and equipment, maintaining an advantage in daily strikes. The low cost of FPV drones, often as low as $284 for 7-inch models, makes them a practical choice for high-precision strikes. Additionally, research by analyst Volodymyr Dacenko indicates that drones equipped with grenade drop mechanisms or used as single-use munitions are highly cost-effective for destroying enemy infantry and equipment. For instance, targeting infantry with FPV drones can be nearly seven times cheaper than using more advanced systems like the American Switchblade 300.
Despite China’s restrictions on exporting drone components, Ukraine has managed to maintain and expand FPV drone production through complex procurement routes and domestic innovation. Although these restrictions complicate procurement, Ukraine’s collaboration with Western allies and local manufacturing has allowed for continuous improvements in drone technology and long-range deployment. However, there are concerns about potential escalation and strategic stability, especially with attacks on sensitive targets like the Voronezh-M nuclear early-warning radar station on May 26, 2024.