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Unmanned aerial systems have become a pivotal element in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, serving both Ukrainian and Russian armed forces. Reports from Ukrainian media on the ground indicate that Russia is increasingly deploying drones to pinpoint the locations of Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems. Experts point out that these drones are inexpensive, presenting a financial dilemma for Ukraine as countering them with missiles is costly and impractical.
Russia has recently introduced two new types of drones, used in five attacks over the past two to three weeks, including a nocturnal assault on Thursday. According to an official speaking to Reuters, these drones are constructed from materials like styrofoam and plywood.
One variant of these drones is equipped with a camera and a Ukrainian cell phone SIM card, enabling it to transmit images back to Russian forces. The use of a Ukrainian SIM card is strategic, offering extensive coverage across Ukraine without raising alarms.
Andriy Chernyak, spokesperson for a military intelligence agency, explains that these drones are identifying the positions of Ukrainian mobile groups and machine guns capable of shooting them down. The goal is to map out where all Ukrainian air defenses are situated. Russia appears to be refining its tactics and experimenting with new technologies to secure an upper hand in its relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Ukrainian SAMs
Though Ukraine faces a shortage of anti-aircraft missile systems, it retains the ability to counter Russian airstrikes effectively. Thanks to the support from Western allies, Ukraine has received a diverse array of these crucial defense systems. Among these, the American-made Patriot missile system stands out. Renowned for its precision and long-range capabilities, the Patriot system excels at intercepting and neutralizing incoming threats across various altitudes and distances. This makes it an indispensable component of Ukraine’s air defense strategy.
Another key system that Ukraine has acquired is the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System [NASAMS]. This medium-range air defense system is highly effective against both aircraft and missiles. NASAMS is known for its mobility and rapid deployment capabilities, allowing Ukrainian forces to protect critical infrastructure and military assets from aerial attacks.
Ukraine has also received the German IRIS-T SLM [Surface-Launched Medium-Range] air defense system. The IRIS-T SLM is renowned for its precision and versatility, capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and fighter jets. Its advanced radar and missile technology provide a robust layer of defense against Russian aerial incursions.
In addition to these advanced systems, Ukraine has been supplied with older yet still effective Soviet-era systems such as the S-300. These long-range surface-to-air missile systems have been upgraded and maintained to ensure they remain operational. The S-300 provides a formidable defense against high-altitude threats and complements the more modern systems in Ukraine’s arsenal.
Portable air defense systems, such as the American FIM-92 Stinger, have also been supplied to Ukrainian forces. These man-portable air-defense systems [MANPADS] are crucial for ground troops to defend against low-flying aircraft and drones. The Stinger’s ease of use and effectiveness in various combat scenarios make it a valuable tool for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
Russian Geran-2
While details about the specific types of plywood drones remain confidential, it is well-known that Russia has deployed Iranian-made Shahed drones in Ukraine. In fact, Russia has even established a factory in Kazan to produce these drones, which they have rebranded as Geran-2. If we consider Shahed drones to be relatively cost-effective, it becomes interesting to compare them with their market alternatives.
The Iranian Shahed-136 drones, often referred to as Shahed-2 in some contexts, are relatively low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] that have been used by Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. The cost of these drones is estimated to be between $20,000 to $50,000 per unit. This affordability makes them an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their aerial capabilities without a significant financial burden.
In contrast, Western equivalents of these drones, such as the American-made MQ-9 Reaper, are significantly more expensive. The MQ-9 Reaper, for instance, costs approximately $16 million per unit. This high price reflects the advanced technology, superior capabilities, and extensive research and development that go into these Western UAVs.
Another Western equivalent, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2, is also more expensive than the Shahed-136. The Bayraktar TB2 is priced at around $5 million per unit. While still less expensive than the MQ-9 Reaper, it is considerably more expensive than the Iranian drones. The Bayraktar TB2 is known for its effectiveness and has been widely used in various conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The significant price difference between Iranian and Western drones can be attributed to several factors, including the level of technological sophistication, payload capacity, range, and the overall quality of the materials used. Western drones often come equipped with advanced sensors, communication systems, and weaponry, which contribute to their higher costs.
In summary, the Iranian Shahed-136 drones used by Russia in Ukraine are much more affordable, costing between $20,000 to $50,000 per unit, compared to their Western counterparts like the MQ-9 Reaper and Bayraktar TB2, which are priced at approximately $16 million and $5 million, respectively. This cost disparity highlights the different strategic and economic considerations that influence the choice of UAVs in modern warfare.