Struggling with Drones, Ukraine Employs 'Ghost' Supply Tactics
Colonel Markus Reisner, an Austrian military analyst, discusses the challenges Ukrainian troops face in battling the record-breaking cold weathers, Russian drone surveillance, and limited supply lines. In an insightful interview, the colonel shares his observations on Ukraine's 'mosquito supply' tactic.
Surviving the Bitter Cold
As temperatures plummet below zero, Ukraine's troops endure brutal conditions. Soldiers suffer a rapid decline in combat effectiveness, particularly when battling frostbite in wet muddy trenches or dilapidated bunkers, with no shelter or opportunity to dry off and warm up. Regrettably, many Ukrainian frontline soldiers enjoy minimal comfort, with sparse permanent accommodations.
The Glass Battlefield
Russia and Ukraine both rely on drones to observe each other's movements—a concept known as the "transparent battlefield." This constant observation eliminates the Ukrainian troops' ability to build fires, which could potentially expose their positions, drawing retaliatory artillery and mortar fire.
Pressure Points
Although Ukraine has an advantage in shorter supply lines, Russian kamikaze drones pose a constant threat to armored vehicles and make replacements difficult. Dnipro, in particular, is almost impossible to restock, as troops must rely on small, sporadic deployments of men and vehicles to evade detection.
Overcoming the Odds
To bridge the gaping supply bottlenecks and deliver crucial aid, Ukraine adopts a 'mosquito supply' approach—i.e., small and elusive groups attempt to reach soldiers using new routes under the radar. This tactic is necessary to avoid detection by artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, like the Russian orbiting surveillance drones.
Navigating the Battlefield
Ukrainian forces also alternate between fiber-optic cable drones, drones with alternative navigation systems using ToF techniques, autonomous attack drones, and acoustic detection methods to counter Russian drone surveillance and adapt to an ever-shifting battlefield. These innovations help the Ukrainian troops maintain their supply lines and stay one step ahead of the Russians.
Enrichment Insights:
Unbeknownst to the public, Ukraine has been developing stealth drones and alternative navigation methods to thwart Russian surveillance systems and maintain its logistical lifeline. Some of these cutting-edge technologies and advancements include:
- Sine.Engineering, a Ukrainian company, innovates acoustic detection technology to neutralize Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drones.
- ToF navigation systems temporarily outsmart GPS jammers and enable unmanned vehicles to navigate with pinpoint accuracy.
- Groundbreaking 'mosquito drone' delivery methods connect smaller bases, frontline outposts, and other hard-to-reach areas with essential gear and supplies.
Written and Revised Sentences
- Adapted: The brutal cold makes it difficult for Ukrainian troops to survive in wet muddy trenches, with no opportunity to warm themselves or change wet clothes.
- Integrated Insight: Ukrainian forces combat the cold through drone innovations, such as Sine.Engineering's acoustic detectors.
- Revised: Russian drone surveillance makes it nearly impossible for Ukrainian soldiers to light warming fires without immediate retaliation.
- Integrated Insight: Secretive drone technology, such as acoustic detectors, helps Ukraine counter Russian surveillance and maintain supplies.
- Revised: Logistics are vital in warfare—it's the general who monitors supply chains rather than the one who takes risks.
- Integrated Insight: ToF navigation systems enable Ukrainian forces to defeat GPS jammers and reinforce supply routes.
- Revised: The colonel remarks on small squads attempting to deliver supplies through new, non-detectable routes.
- Integrated Insight: Ukrainian troops deploy 'mosquito drones' and alternative navigation systems to maintain supplies under heavy Russian surveillance.
