Ukraine's drone units are inflicting 80% of the frontline casualties on Russia, report says
Ukrainian military's drone warfare capabilities have become the primary force in inflicting casualties on Russian forces, accounting for approximately 80% of frontline losses, according to recent reports from The New York Times.
As Ukraine faces challenges with ammunition supplies and troop numbers, its military has increasingly relied on drone operations to maintain battlefield effectiveness. Military commanders report a notable decline in the use of conventional weapons like the US-made HIMARS missile systems, which were previously key assets in striking Russian positions up to 50 miles behind enemy lines.
"HIMARS are almost nonexistent now," explains Sergeant Major Dmytro, a 33-year-old drone operator and company leader, highlighting how drone warfare has become central to Ukraine's military strategy.
The effectiveness of Ukraine's drone units has made them prime targets for Russian forces. Sergeant Major Vasyl, a drone pilot, reports that Russia has escalated its countermeasures, using thousand-pound glide bombs typically reserved for large-scale targets to attack small drone teams.
Ukraine's drone operations typically involve small teams using first-person-view (FPV) drones for surveillance and offensive missions. These units employ explosive-laden drones to target Russian positions and armored vehicles, proving highly effective in combat situations.
The country's domestic drone industry has experienced rapid growth during the conflict. By October, Ukraine had already exceeded its annual production target of one million FPV drones, according to Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense.
This shift toward drone warfare comes as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in securing conventional ammunition supplies from Western allies and maintaining troop levels at the front. The success of drone operations has helped compensate for these shortages, though commanders note that additional munitions would help address the personnel deficit.