Russia is implementing a strategy in its drone warfare against Ukraine that involves deploying inexpensive decoy drones to uncover Ukrainian air defense positions.
According to Ukrainian intelligence official Andriy Cherniak, these unarmed drones are made from cheap materials like plywood and foam plastic. They are used alongside real Shahed kamikaze drones, which carry explosives, to force Ukrainian forces to reveal their defense locations.
These decoy drones are equipped with cameras and mobile phone SIM cards to send images back to their operators. By provoking Ukrainian soldiers to fire, the drones help identify the positions of mobile groups and air defenses. Cherniak estimates that Russia spends about $10,000 on each decoy drone, significantly less than the $30,000 to $50,000 cost of a real Shahed drone. This tactic also drains Ukrainian ammunition, which is costly and precious.
The decoy drones have proven effective in eroding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. A recent attack left over 68,000 customers without power after targeting regions between Kiev and the Russian border. Ukraine claims to have downed 20 of 22 drones that night, but the continued use of these inexpensive drones demonstrates their strategic advantage.
Ukraine, in response, emphasizes using mobile teams armed with older anti-aircraft weapons to conserve resources. Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to deploy its own kamikaze drones, recently hitting a major Russian refinery. The ongoing drone warfare reflects the evolving tactics in this conflict, highlighting the balance between innovation and resource management.
