SSU neutralizes 16 Grad multiple rocket launchers
9 November, 2024 A Russian Grad missile system in the camera of a Ukrainian drone. Fall, 2024. Ukraine.
Footage from SSU video The Security Service of Ukraine managed to destroy 16 Russian BM-21 Grad missile systems. The SSU reported that the result had been achieved in just two weeks.
In order to destroy the Russian rocket launchers, the SSU used FPV strike drones. The Ukrainian drone operators primarily tried to hit the launcher with rockets. To counter this, Russians are massively equipping the Grad systems with slat armor. However, the slat armor cannot cover the places where the shells are loaded and released.
The destruction of the Russian Grad missile system.Fall, 2024. Ukraine. Footage from SSU video
These are the spots that Ukrainian drone operators are trying to hit, which leads to powerful detonations.
It is not unlikely that the SSU uses radio repeaters for FPV drones to target Russian artillery, which allow them to fly long distances to search for the artillery. In June, it was reported that a Ukrainian FPV drone had managed to fly tens of kilometers and hit a Grad rocket launcher.
A Ukrainian Armed Forces' Matrice 300 RTK drone with relay antennas for FPV drones.Photo credits: Charitable Foundation "SOS palidziba Ukrainas armijai"
Radio repeaters extend the range of an FPV drone by amplifying the video signal from the drone's camera to the pilot's receiver. Conventional FPV drones have a limited flight range due to poor connectivity over long distances.
A Russian Grad missile system in the camera of a Ukrainian drone. Fall, 2024.Ukraine.
Footage from SSU video
For this purpose, antennas are mounted on other drones, which improve communication between the operator and the attack drone from the air.