**Russia’s Drone Innovation: A Copycat Approach**
In a surprising turn of events, Russia has adopted Ukraine’s drone innovation, marking the first confirmed use of this technology by Russian forces. The Molniya drone mothership carries First-Person-View (FPV) attack drones tens of kilometers behind Ukrainian lines. This development is a direct copy of Ukraine’s own breakthrough and has significant implications beyond the battlefield.
**Ukraine’s Pioneering Technology**
In 2023, Ukraine pioneered the use of drone motherships, which carry FPV drones into enemy territory. These smaller explosives-laden drones were initially confined to mere miles but have now been extended to dozens of kilometers by Russian forces. This innovation is a game-changer on the battlefield, as it allows for more targeted and precise attacks.
**Russian Copycat Approach**
Russia’s adoption of Ukraine’s drone technology is not surprising given its own experiences with the devastating drone strikes carried out by Ukraine’s state security agency (SBU) earlier this year. The SBU operation saw over 100 small quadcopter drones used to destroy five Russian air bases, including irreplaceable Tupolev Tu-22M and Tu-95 bombers.
**Implications**
The use of drone motherships has significant implications for military operations. It allows for the extension of attack ranges, making it more difficult for enemy forces to defend themselves. The Molniya’s payload was a standard FPV quadcopter, which can be used to launch attacks from tens of kilometers away.
**Autonomy and AI**
The main problem with mothership drones is communication, as line-of-sight radio signals struggle to reach over the horizon. This has led to the adoption of autonomy, with some drone manufacturers equipping their systems with Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can steer drones toward recognizable targets. However, it’s unclear whether Russia has installed AI in its Molniya mothership.
**Reusable vs Expendable**
The Russians’ approach to using drone-carrying drones is also unclear, with some speculation that they may intend for the Molniyas to return to base after launching their FPVs. This raises concerns about the potential for reusable motherships to become even more deadly on future missions.
**Conclusion**
Russia’s adoption of Ukraine’s drone innovation marks a significant shift in military tactics and highlights the growing importance of drone technology on the battlefield. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial for both sides to adapt and innovate to stay ahead in the game of cat and mouse.
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