"Russia has marked Ukraine's drone pilots as top threats and high-value targets, and is increasingly gunning for them. Several Ukrainian soldiers and drone operators told Business Insider that Russia is hunting for and has ramped up its attacks on drone pilots, using missiles, bombs, and other weapons to strike suspected operator positions. One operator said that they are "target No. 1" because of their ability to hinder missions."
"The growing desire to eliminate drone operators, force multipliers who may launch countless drone attacks over a deployment, highlights the tremendous impact that drones have, from gathering critical battlefield intelligence to executing precision strikes at a fraction of the cost of other munitions. Artem, an officer in Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps who asked to be identified only by his first name for security reasons, said the death toll for drone pilots has skyrocketed over the past few years."
"Drones, especially ones equipped with small explosive payloads, have become the dominant battlefield killers in Ukraine, responsible for around 70% of casualties on both sides of the war, according to recent assessments. Such explosive-laden drones have been used to devastating effect. Cheap, quadcopter-style drones, which can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, are taking out multimillion-dollar tanks. The war in Ukraine has consumed thousands of tanks and armored vehicles, with many damaged or destroyed by drones."
Russia has marked Ukrainian drone pilots as top threats and increasingly targets them with missiles, bombs, and other weapons. The targeting aims to neutralize operators who can launch many attacks and hinder missions, making them high-value battlefield assets. The death toll for drone pilots has risen compared with earlier in the war when they were rarely targeted. Small explosive-laden quadcopters have become dominant battlefield killers, responsible for roughly 70% of casualties on both sides according to recent assessments. Cheap drones costing a few hundred dollars have destroyed multimillion-dollar tanks and contributed to the loss or damage of thousands of armored vehicles. Drones provide low-cost precision strike capability and critical battlefield intelligence, reshaping targeting priorities and battlefield decisions.
Read at Business Insider
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