Ukrainian Drones Autonomously Target and Destroy Russian SAM Fleet
9 April, 2024 Damage to the air defense system of the Russians by a Ukrainian drone with a homing system. Spring 2024. Ukraine.
Footage from the SSU video The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) effectively deployed drones equipped with target auto-acquisition capabilities against the invaders' air defense systems. SSU released a video showcasing these drones autonomously locking onto targets and successfully striking them.
Operators were able to target Russian BUK and TOR systems using these drones. Before the strikes, reconnaissance and target adjustment were likely conducted by Shark drones.
Meanwhile, Russian air defense systems proved unable to detect and counter the Ukrainian drones, resulting in successful strikes against their targets. "SSU operators destroyed a batch of Russian air defense systems at the front in a week. They added to their account: 2 BUK air defense systems of various modifications and one BUK air defense system target detection station, 2 TOR-M2 air defense systems, Strela-10 air defense systems, Tunguska air defense systems," the SSU stated.
Target autoacquisition by a Ukrainian drone. Spring 2024. Ukraine.
Frame from SSU video
Such drones only need to reach the target at a relatively high altitude and mark it, and then the drone itself can strike the target. Presumably, the Ukrainian drone with such technology has full protection from EW systems, because it goes to the target autonomously. Among the advantages of such drones with machine vision and target capture, the best efficiency of striking moving targets is also noted.
Damage to the BUK and TOR air defense systems of the Russians by a Ukrainian drone with a homing system. Spring 2024. Ukraine.
Footage from the SSU video
Machine vision technology also gives drones a greater range of use. Recall that in February 2024, the Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhailo Fedorov stated that two Ukrainian alternatives to the Russian Lancet loitering munition have already passed preliminary tests and will soon be tested in combat conditions.
Ukrainian loitering munition in Kyiv. February 2024.
Ukraine.
Photo credits: State Transport Special Service
He declared that drones have a lock-on function that would allow them to target during the terminal flight stage in the absence of direct communication with the operator.