Russia seizes the initiative in the «battle of the drones»

Ukraine is losing its advantage in the drone war

Russia has managed to seize the initiative in the drone war, while Ukraine has gradually lost the technological and tactical advantage it had before. This was written by The Wall Street Journal with reference to military sources.

Russia's Rubicon: an elite drone unit

According to the WSJ, Russia has created a specialised unit «Rubicon», which brought together the most experienced drone operators.
The main objectives of this formation:

• Ukrainian rear logistics hubs;

• command posts;

• location of equipment and supplies.

The attacks are being carried out in the deep rear, which significantly complicates the Ukrainian defence system.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have a shortage of drones

The publication notes that Ukrainian drone and logistics units today suffer more casualties than infantry on the front line.
The main reason is lack of drones to counter Russia's new tactics and an insufficient number of aircraft for continuous airspace monitoring.

The journalists emphasise that Ukrainian troops are now forced to save drones and use them selectively, while Russia is actively increasing production.

Context.

Ukraine dominated the «drone battle» for much of the war, combining technical innovation and networked approaches on the battlefield.
However, Russia's large-scale production of strike and reconnaissance UAVs is changing the balance in favour of the occupiers.

Analysts predict that in 2026, it will be the unmanned systems sector that will be crucial for the operational situation at the front.