QUICK THREAD about Russian commentary on using Shahed-136/Geran-2 loitering munitions in Ukraine. First, Geran-2 is preferable to launching cruise missiles since the drone launch is very difficult to observe and detect, given that it can be launched off a truck.
Second, Russian commentators think Shahed-136/Geran-2 will become a growing problem for Ukrainian air defenses, since "several waves by groups of small and relatively cheap UAVs will be used at once to conduct reconnaissance and ID-ing of the air defense system, jamming, the formation of decoys, and finally target destruction. Such a massive attack, or in other words a “swarm”, can paralyze any air defense system built without taking into account UAV countermeasures."
Third, "dozens of Geran-2 drones will be used at once, as well as using manned aviation, which will detect air defense and launch missiles, while being at themselves in the rear (of the action), presenting a major challenge to Ukraine armed forces."
Fourth, "further development of concepts for using UAV groups will further complicate conditions for air defense systems."
Further, "In order to (use it successfully), this drone must be placed in the reconnaissance-strike complex, which ensures the target detection/immediate destruction due to the maximum reduction of time from the moment the target is detected to the moment the fire is opened.."
"the peculiarity of Shahed-136 personally... is that it does not have its own camera and flies to target by coordinates using a satellite navigation system, suggests its use in tandem with a reconnaissance vehicle - for example, Shahed-129 or our Orlan-10..."
"...The reason for this is that for Iran, which is also experiencing an acute shortage of components due to sanctions, it is difficult to equip each kamikaze drone with a camera, and in these conditions it is advisable to act through the “(UAV) leader”."
"...(therefore), for combat, it becomes necessary to form (UAV) groups that combine reconnaissance/strike capabilities in the hands of a single commander, capable of implementing the information received immediately, hitting targets on the battlefield and in the near rear."
"In the meantime, it seems that at least some of these drones are used for stationary targets that do not require additional reconnaissance, deep in the rear, that is, acting on the instructions of top-level headquarters, which..."
"...do not have the ability to directly detect and act on targets on the battlefield. The reason for that is the lack of reconnaissance UAVs prepared by Russian reconnaissance/strike complexes."
Other Russian commentators note that Shahed-136/Geran-2 should 1) function like HIMARS in "working the front line targets" within 70 km from contact line and 2) to knock out Ukr artillery, MLRS, US howitzer systems and HIMARS.
Alkuperäinen lähde:
https://t.me/droneswar/3843