**Drones Defend Against Drones: Ukraine’s Desperate Measure to Counter Russian Air Attacks**
In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian forces have begun equipping their drones with makeshift metal mesh cages, in an attempt to protect them from enemy interceptors. This desperate measure has been revealed through aerial footage that emerged on May 14th.
The armor, which resembles a barbecue grill, is being used by some Mavic drones as they fly over the 700-mile front line in Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russia. The use of these “cope cages” is thought to be a response to the growing presence of interceptor drones deployed by Russian forces.
**Drone-on-Drone Warfare Heats Up**
The escalating conflict has led to an increasing reliance on low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. With traditional air defense systems proving ineffective against the sheer volume of $500 drones swarming the skies, drone-on-drone warfare has become a common sight.
In response, forces on both sides have turned to cheap interceptor drones, designed to destroy incoming UAVs through various means. Some interceptors use shotguns or explosives, while others rely on ramming their targets in mid-air.
**The Emergence of Cope Cages**
While Russian forces were the first to adopt metal cage defenses on tanks and vehicles after launching their full-scale invasion in February 2022, the concept has now been adapted for drones. The use of cope cages has become a standard feature on ground vehicles, with drone-catching nets also being stretched over supply routes.
Russian oil facilities have even begun installing netting as protection from long-range drone attacks. While this adaptation presents some protection, it also limits the effectiveness of the UAVs due to the added weight of the metal mesh.
**Innovation Continues to Rapidly Evolve**
Despite these limitations, innovation is expected to continue rapidly in the field of drone armor. As cage armor for ground vehicles evolved quickly in response to new threats, similar improvements are anticipated for drone armor, likely leading to lighter and better-fitted materials in the near future.
The first known sightings of cope cages followed Russia’s February 2022 invasion, when Russian vehicles began using metal structures to mitigate drone threats. This adaptation has now expanded across the battlefield and into aerial combat, as drone roles grow more central to warfare.
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