Russia switches to reusable drones: how this will change the war.

According to ТСН: While the world discusses possible peace agreements, the situation at the front between Russia and Ukraine is rapidly changing: the war is becoming a large-scale battle of drones, where victory depends on the ability to ensure continuous and large-scale delivery of the latest unmanned systems.

Russian troops, which previously relied on disposable strike FPV drones, are now changing their tactics to use reusable strike and defense platforms. This has become a forced response to the growing demand for modern drones and supply chain issues for critically important components.

Russia bets on heavy reusable drones

After a long period of using disposable FPV drones, Russia has begun to implement more versatile systems. Among the novelties is the hexacopter "Night Witch," which, according to videos on social media, can drop up to four munitions, has a payload capacity of 20 kg, a flight time of 40 minutes, and is equipped with thermal imaging, obstacles-resistant navigation, and optical zoom.

Another new model is the quadcopter "Bulldog-13." However, less is known about it, but it is reported that it has a 4-kilogram payload, modular strike packages, and electronics to counter Ukrainian jamming devices.

The transition to reusable systems allows the Russian army to integrate improved sensors and computing modules, enhancing attack accuracy. However, there is a downside: drones need to return to base, which reduces their effective operational time over targets.

New RF defense against Ukrainian FPV

Russia is also enhancing interceptor drones to combat Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles. Previously, these were single-use – a ram and an explosion; now, reusable models are emerging.

Some of them use improvised munitions: in one video, an interceptor knocks down a Ukrainian drone with a can of stewed meat. Others, more advanced, are equipped with rods that transmit electric impulses and can damage multiple targets simultaneously.

New interceptors actively employ artificial intelligence to detect and track targets, raising their cost and making reusability economically necessary.

Why RF is switching to reusable drones

This change in approach is driven by two main factors:

• Demand: Ukrainian air defense and electronic warfare complicate the operation of simple FPV drones, so Russian troops need more expensive sensors, better navigation, and autonomous decision-making systems. Losing such components in disposable drones has become unacceptable.

• Supply: Western sanctions have restricted Russia's access to advanced electronics. Strikes on Russian drone factories have complicated production. The country is increasingly dependent on Chinese imports, which are not always stable.

Under these conditions, reusable drones are becoming not only a tactical but also an economic solution.

Technological rivalry

The war between Russia and Ukraine is increasingly defined by technological rivalry. Both sides are seeking ways to create faster, more accurate, and cheaper platforms.

Russia is already actively implementing reusable systems, while Ukraine, facing similar challenges with electronics supply, may follow the same path.

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