Kursk Frontline Drone Warfare: 💀 High-Stakes Drone Combat in Ukraine
Senior Associate Copy Editor
Drone warfare reshapes the Kursk front! Rare videos reveal high-stakes aerial combat, human cost, and evolving tactics. See how drones shape the future of war. Click to learn more!
The Unblinking Eye: Drone Warfare and the Battle for Kursk
The rolling fields and dense forests of the Kursk region have become a proving ground for modern drone warfare. Months after a Ukrainian incursion, the area is now a volatile frontline where unmanned aerial vehicles are not just observing but actively shaping the conflict. This collection of videos offers a rare, unfiltered look into the high-stakes aerial combat, revealing the critical role drones play in reconnaissance, targeting, and even psychological warfare. From the nerve-wracking launch of Russian Supercam drones to the chilling accounts of North Korean troops used as human bait, these are not just stories of technology, but of human ingenuity and brutal realities. These videos raise crucial questions about the future of warfare, the ethics of unmanned combat, and the relentless human cost of conflict. The following breakdown will highlight the most critical aspects of this evolving battleground.
Key Takeaways from the Kursk Frontline
Real-Time Intelligence is King: Videos 1 and 2 showcase the Russian military’s reliance on drones like the Supercam for real-time surveillance and artillery targeting. The ability to monitor enemy movements, even in adverse weather conditions, provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing for precision strikes and rapid response to changing battlefield dynamics.
Drone Carousel Strategy: Russian forces in video 2 employ a "carousel" system of overlapping drone coverage, ensuring constant monitoring of key areas. This approach highlights the importance of persistent surveillance in modern warfare.
Dual-Use Technology: The use of modified agricultural drones by Ukrainian forces (video 2) as supply carriers (dubbed "Baba Yaga") illustrates the adaptability of technology in conflict. This highlights the challenge of countering unconventional drone applications.
Electronic Warfare as a Game Changer: Video 3 details how Ukrainian electronic warfare systems successfully disrupted Russian drone operations, preventing them from effectively targeting a Ukrainian convoy. This underscores the growing importance of electronic warfare capabilities in countering drone threats.
The Human Cost of Drone Warfare: Video 4 reveals the horrific reality of North Korean troops being used as "human bait" to distract Ukrainian drone operators. This grim tactic highlights the dehumanizing aspects of modern warfare and the brutal disregard for human life in some theaters.
Vulnerability of Ground Troops: Video 5 shows the vulnerability of Russian paratroopers advancing across open fields to drone surveillance and attacks, underlining the need for effective countermeasures and tactical adjustments in drone-dominated battlefields.
Kursk as a Critical Frontline: The videos consistently depict the Kursk region as a strategically important area where drone warfare is playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. The region is not a static front; it is a dynamic and evolving battleground.
Psychological Impact of Drones: The constant presence of surveillance drones, as depicted in video 2, creates an environment of perpetual observation and threat for soldiers on both sides, adding a psychological dimension to the conflict.
Evolving Tactics and the Future of Unmanned Combat
The videos reveal a clear trend: the increasing integration of drones into all aspects of military operations, from basic reconnaissance to precise artillery targeting and even supply delivery. This integration is not simply about technology; it’s reshaping tactics and strategies on the ground. We are witnessing a shift towards a more networked and information-driven style of warfare, where the ability to acquire, process, and act on real-time intelligence is paramount. The use of electronic warfare to counter drones will become increasingly crucial, and we can anticipate a continuing arms race in this area. Furthermore, the use of modified commercial drones and the adaptation of tactics to counter them shows that there is a strong focus on innovation and adaptation in this conflict. It’s likely that we will see more creative and unexpected uses of drones in the future, as both sides seek to gain a tactical advantage.
A Glimpse Into a New Kind of War
These videos offer a sobering look into the realities of modern warfare. The Kursk frontline is not just a clash of armies, but a testing ground for new technologies and tactics, where the unmanned eye in the sky plays an increasingly decisive role. The human stories behind the technology, from the Russian drone operators to the North Korean troops caught in the crosshairs, add depth and gravity to the narrative. Scroll down to experience these frontline perspectives firsthand and see how drone warfare is reshaping the conflict in Ukraine.
Keep reading for the highlighted videos
Russian Drone Combat Underfire: Ukraine War Kursk Frontline BattlePatrick Lancaster234,100 views | 14,435 | January 18 2025 08:27:53 (1,237 comments)[ Read more … ]
Russian Akhmat Special Forces Drone Combat Underfire: Ukrainw War Kursk Frontline Battle In the Kursk region of Russia, near the contentious frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, modern warfare is taking center stage. SUPPORT MY WORK VIA https://buymeacoffee.com/plnewstoday SUSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK https://patricklancasternewstoday.substack.com/ Months after Ukrainian forces made a significant incursion, occupying over 1,500 square kilometers, Russian forces have pushed them back to under one-third of that territory. My latest report takes you directly to the heart of this high-stakes battle, where drone warfare plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict.
Preparing for the Launch
Accompanying the Russian “Akhmat” special forces, I witnessed the assembly and launch of a Supercam drone, a small unmanned aircraft used for reconnaissance and artillery targeting. These drones are a lifeline for gathering real-time intelligence, enabling precise strikes against Ukrainian positions.
In a carefully chosen location hidden within the forest belt, the team prepared the drone for takeoff. Assembling the catapult system, the soldiers explained the process and the risks involved.
“This location can be targeted by Ukrainian forces once the radar detects the drone’s launch,” a soldier said, highlighting the danger of the operation. The team’s strategy involved launching from one location and landing in another to minimize risk.
The Role of the “Supercam” Drone
The Supercam is not just a drone; it’s a pivotal tool in modern warfare. Its role extends beyond reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence that directs artillery strikes. However, deploying these drones is a high-stakes game.
“If the Ukrainians detect us, they can launch a HIMARS strike within five to seven minutes,” the team leader explained. He noted that this danger necessitates quick movements and constant changes of position to avoid becoming a stationary target.
Despite these risks, the Supercam provides critical information. Its ability to survey enemy movements and transmit data allows Russian forces to maintain control is certain areas.
The Supercam S250 Russian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the best UAVs in the class in terms of tactical and technical characteristics. The aircraft can fly up to 3 hours in adverse weather conditions and perform high-quality video monitoring, which significantly improves the operation quality, whether it is monitoring, mapping, or security of facilities and detection of unauthorized activity. A distinctive feature of Supercam S250 is its wide range of payloads with various combination capabilities. Under Fire and On the Move
The launch itself was tense but successful. After addressing a technical glitch in the drone’s flight system, the team managed to get the Supercam airborne. As it soared into the sky, it provided a live feed to a control center where pilots maneuvered it over Ukrainian-controlled areas.
Once the drone was operational, the team quickly vacated the launch site to avoid detection and retaliation.
“This is a dangerous situation, but it’s part of the job,” a soldier remarked. The necessity of adaptability and speed was evident as the team demonstrated the complexities of drone operations in active combat zones.
Independent Reporting from the Frontline
This report offers an unfiltered look at a side of the Russia-Ukraine war that is rarely seen. Drone warfare has revolutionized modern combat, turning technology into a decisive force on the battlefield.
As always, I encourage viewers to seek information from multiple sources to form a well-rounded perspective. Independent journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering stories like this, and your support is vital for its continuation.
To access more behind-the-scenes content, in-depth articles, and updates, subscribe to my Substack blog. Let’s continue shedding light on the realities of conflict zones and ensuring that all sides of the story are told.
Stay tuned for more reports from the Kursk region and beyond. SUPPORT MY WORK VIA https://buymeacoffee.com/plnewstoday SUSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK https://patricklancasternewstoday.substack.com/ 1. **0:00 – Introduction: Russian Forces in Kursk Region** 2. **0:16 – Ukrainian Incursion and Retaliation Overview** 3. **0:42 – Preparing the Supercam Drone for Launch** 4. **1:17 – Assembling the Drone and Catapult System** 5. **2:05 – High-Stakes Launch in a Dangerous Zone** 6. **4:07 – Challenges of Drone Operations Under Fire** 7. **6:29 – The Role of Supercam in Reconnaissance and Targeting** 8. **9:02 – Evacuation from Launch Site Post-Takeoff** 9. **12:18 – Insights Into Drone Warfare in Modern Combat** 10. **12:34 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action**
Kursk Frontline: Russian Drone Warfare Command & Control Center BattlePatrick Lancaster86,564 views | 6,650 | January 16 2025 16:17:50 (571 comments)[ Read more … ]
Inside the Russian Drone Warfare Operations of the Kursk Region SUPPORT MY WORK VIA https://buymeacoffee.com/plnewstoday SUSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK https://patricklancasternewstoday.substack.com/ The Kursk region of Russia, a contested area near the frontline of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, has become a critical battlefield for modern drone warfare. Months after Ukraine’s forces made a significant incursion into Russian territory, occupying over 1,500 square kilometers, the tides have shifted, with Russian forces regaining control of the majority of that land. This report delves into the inner workings of Russian drone operations, showcasing their role in shaping the dynamics of this conflict.
Drone Command and Control in Action
During my visit to a Russian special forces command center, I observed the intricate coordination of drones, referred to as “small aviation,” which play a pivotal role in surveillance and tactical operations. These drones operate in a “carousel” system, with overlapping coverage zones to ensure continuous monitoring of enemy positions.
One of the commanders, call sign Veter, explained:“Our goal is to maintain 24/7 surveillance. Whether it’s day or night, we monitor enemy movement in all critical zones. Even in adverse weather conditions like snow or fog, our drones are in the air when necessary.”
Live feeds from drones provided real-time information to attack units. The precision of these operations was evident as commanders disseminated data to ground forces, enabling coordinated strikes.
The Mechanics of Modern Warfare
The drones serve multiple functions, from reconnaissance to offensive operations. For example, an Ukrainian drone, nicknamed “Baba Yaga,” was observed by Russian drones delivering supplies such as food, ammunition, and even mines. This dual-purpose technology, initially designed for agriculture, has been adapted for warfare. Russian forces counter these threats by tracking and neutralizing drones when possible.
A commander described the importance of drones in the conflict:“Drones are our ‘eyes’ in the sky. They allow us to detect movements, locate enemy shelters, and guide artillery with precision. This capability changes the nature of warfare, especially in urban and forested areas.”
Targeting and Tactical Strikes
During my time at the center, I witnessed the coordination of a successful strike on enemy positions. Drones identified a target—a structure housing enemy forces—and relayed the information to artillery units. Moments later, a tank delivered a precise shot that hit the target directly.
“It was a sniper’s shot from the tank,” the commander explained. “120 millimeters, right on the target. This level of precision is achieved because of the real-time intelligence from our drones.”
The Human Element
Beyond the technology, the soldiers operating these drones brought a personal perspective to the conflict. Their resolve was clear as they discussed their daily operations and the challenges of their work. One soldier reflected on the psychological toll of the conflict but emphasized the importance of their mission:“This is our job, and we do it with determination. Every day is a test of our skills and resilience.”
Independent Reporting and Broader Perspectives
As an independent journalist, my aim is to provide an unfiltered look at the realities on the ground. The insights gained from this visit reveal the evolving nature of modern warfare, where technology plays a critical role in strategy and execution.
Regardless of your stance on the conflict, understanding multiple perspectives is essential. This report highlights a facet of the Russia-Ukraine war that is rarely shown in mainstream media. To truly grasp the complexity of the situation, it’s vital to gather information from diverse sources.
For more on-the-ground reporting and exclusive insights, subscribe to my Substack or support my independent journalism through the links provided. Together, we can uncover the stories that remain untold. Stay tuned for further reports from the frontlines of the Kursk region and beyond. SUPPORT MY WORK VIA https://buymeacoffee.com/plnewstoday SUSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK https://patricklancasternewstoday.substack.com/ 1. **0:00 – Introduction to the Kursk Frontline** 2. **0:08 – Overview of Ukrainian Incursion and Retaliation** 3. **0:24 – Exploring Russian Drone Command Operations** 4. **0:50 – Live Drone Surveillance in Action** 5. **1:34 – Key Villages and Enemy Movements** 6. **2:26 – Role of “Baba Yaga” and Drone Warfare** 7. **4:45 – Coordinating Precision Strikes** 8. **6:59 – Insights from Drone Operators** 9. **8:35 – The Impact of Drone Technology on Warfare** 10. **10:00 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action** These chapters help break down the key moments in your report, making it easier for viewers to navigate and engage with the content.
07 Jan: DEEP PENETRATION: Kursk Frontline COLLAPSES!!! | War in Ukraine ExplainedReporting from Ukraine589,837 views | 31,978 | January 7 2025 19:00:05 (954 comments)[ Read more … ]
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Today there are a lot of important updates from the Kursk direction.
Here, the Ukrainian forces have launched a surprise counteroffensive in the Kursk direction, aiming to exploit gaps in the overstretched Russian and North Korean defenses. With superior forces and tactical terrain advantages on their side, the Ukrainians have launched a new offensive toward key positions that could redefine control in the region.
The goal of the Ukrainian offensive in the area is to reach Bolshoe Soldatskoye and diminish the Russian tactical gains achieved during the last three waves of their counteroffensives. Such a move could effectively collapse the Russian lines and force them to a defensive posture, completely throwing off the Russian plans for pushing Ukrainians out of Kursk.
By widening their bridgehead, the Ukrainians can cancel out all Russian counteroffensive efforts and effectively retake the initiative for the first time since August. During the previous Russian counteroffensive efforts from September until now, the Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk sustained losses so heavy that they could no longer launch attacks toward the Ukrainian positions, indicated by the recent Russian redeployment of additional forces from their offensives in Eastern Ukraine to Kursk. Furthermore, the largest concentration of Russian and North Korean forces was in the western part of the salient, around Novoivanovka. This situation exposed gaps in the Russian and North Korean lines, which created an opportunity for a Ukrainian counterattack to disrupt their combined efforts.
By launching a rapid counterattack now, the Ukrainian forces could effectively take advantage of gaps in Russian lines, before the Russian reinforcements could arrive and take up positions. Ukrainians understood that the lower frontline activity northeast of Sudzha meant that the Russian garrison here was likely stretched thin, leading to the settlement of Berdin being the weakest link in the Russian line, and the focuspoint for the Ukrainian spearhead.
The main tactical advantage of the Ukrainians is the element of surprise combined with numerical superiority in this section of the front. As Ukrainians maintained an extremely favorable casualty ratio to the past Russian and North Korean human wave offensives, Ukrainian forces had room to prepare several battalions of their reserve units to exploit this gap for a breakthrough. The Ukrainian attack was also made possible by the proximity of their units to Sudzha, their main supply hub, which significantly increased the strength of their nearby logistics and accelerated their offensive.
If we look at the topographic map, we can also see that all villages near the main highway are in the lowlands, while the highway is at a higher elevation. This means that there are no kill zones for Russians to easily eliminate the Ukrainian assault in, as Russians have to fire up at the convoy, while Ukrainians can rain down fire on them as they drive past. On top of that, Ukrainians deployed powerful electronic warfare systems in the area to prevent any Russian drones from reaching the column.
However, Russians had preemptively mined the highway to prevent such an exact Ukrainian surprise assault. Unfortunately for Russians, the ground had frozen and hardened from freezing December temperatures, combined with there being little combat here to unearth the frozen ground.
Recently released footage shows that this allowed Ukrainians to move across the fields along the highway, circumventing the Russian mines, as mine-clearing vehicles led the convoy just in case. Additional footage shows the Ukrainian convoy firing on Russian positions as they drove past, eliminating the threat of coming under a Russian crossfire. Lastly, footage from Russian drone operators shows them attempting to strike the Ukrainian convoy, but the connection immediately being disrupted by Ukrainian electronic warfare.
Overall, Russians had completely exhausted their offensive capabilities in Kursk, exposing vulnerable weak points in their defenses, which Ukrainians masterfully exploited. As a result of the Ukrainian surprise assault and tactical superiority, preliminary information indicates that Ukrainians have overwhelmed the Russian skeleton force guarding Berdin, and have taken full control of the settlement and the surrounding area. If Ukrainians can successfully consolidate their control here, they will create a strong launching pad for a follow-up attack toward Bolshoe Soldatskoye, the key Russian deployment point and logistics hub for all Russian operations east of Sudzha.
30 Dec: FOOTAGE. North Korean Human Sacrifice Tactic: Using Human Bait for Drones. | War in UkraineReporting from Ukraine381,141 views | 23,411 | December 30 2024 19:00:05 (645 comments)[ Read more … ]
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Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Kursk direction.
Here, in a desperate attempt to break through Ukrainian defenses near Kruglenkoe, North Korean troops resorted to human bait tactics, sending selected soldiers to their death to distract Ukrainian drone operators. However, their poorly executed strategy led to catastrophic losses, leaving the battlefield littered with bodies, and no results to show for it.
Recently, the Russian command decided to re-prioritize their advance in the area of Kruglenke, to achieve the primary goal of their current phase of the counteroffensive. These series of attacks play a vital role in the achievement of their broader operational goal of taking Malaya Loknya and eliminating the northern part of the Kursk salient.
Previously, Russian forces failed in their flank attack north of Novoivanovka, diminishing their chances of bypassing the main Ukrainian defenses in and around the village. This failure prevents them from accelerating their advance toward Malaya Loknya, as the main highway to the town remains under Ukrainian control. Consequently, their only viable option is to persist with attacks near Kruglenke, where breaching Ukrainian defenses could enable them to advance on Malaya Loknya.
However, the Russian forces cannot afford to allocate a significant number of troops and resources to this section of the frontline without weakening their positions in other parts of the Kursk salient. To pursue their objective of capturing Kruglenkoe, Russian generals once again opted to utilize North Korean troops to compensate for the shortage of Russian personnel, allowing them to sustain their advance while attempting to bypass Ukrainian defenses around the village.
The tactical terrain around the Kruglenkoe area provides North Korean fighters with the opportunity to gather and prepare for assaults within the nearby forests. These wooded areas serve as a natural cover, enabling the North Koreans to amass their forces in significant numbers. This buildup aims to achieve numerical superiority, which they intend to leverage in a large-scale onslaught to overwhelm and bypass Ukrainian defenses.
To conduct the assault, North Koreans must move large assault groups across open fields, making them highly vulnerable to Ukrainian drone reconnaissance, FPV drone strikes, and artillery fire. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the poor training and preparation of North Korean soldiers for such scenarios. Documents recovered from killed North Korean soldiers reveal their primary anti-drone tactic involves using live bait—one soldier running to distract the drone while two others attempt to shoot it down with small arms fire. However, this tactic proves ineffective, as their tendency to move in large, clustered groups allows Ukrainian drone operators and artillery to neutralize multiple soldiers with a single strike.
The North Korean lack of training and familiarity with modern technology and warfare leaves them highly vulnerable to precision strikes by Ukrainian forces. Unaware that their movements toward the forests were being monitored by drones, the North Koreans failed to conceal their approach effectively. Ukrainian drone operators quickly identified their positions upon their arrival in the forests and relayed the coordinates to artillery units. This enabled Ukrainian forces to deliver devastating strikes using artillery and cluster munitions against the concentrated North Korean troops, exploiting their lack of tactical awareness.
The remaining survivors are subsequently hunted down and destroyed by newly arrived Ukrainian drone operators, who found it easier to eliminate North Korean soldiers than their previous training targets, due to North Koreans being bunched up. Overall, the Russian generals deployed North Korean forces in yet another assault where their lack of training became a significant advantage for the Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainians successfully detected and eliminated large concentrations of North Korean soldiers, exposing the vulnerabilities of poorly coordinated tactics. This assault once again highlighted the impracticality of the North Koreans’ improvised methods against drones and artillery. Despite repeated failures, North Korean commanders remain oblivious to the primary cause of their heavy losses—the tendency to cluster their troops in large groups. This approach continues to make them easy targets for Ukrainian precision strikes, resulting in unsustainable casualties that are likely to persist unless their tactics are fundamentally restructured.
🔴 Ukraine War – Russian Paratroopers Storm Ukrainian Position In Kursk • GoPro Helmet Cam CombatWarLeaks – Military Blog198,094 views | 4,320 | December 22 2024 14:00:04 (593 comments)[ Read more … ]
GoPro helmet cam footage shows Russian VDV paratroopers of the Russian airborne forces storming a Ukrainian position in the Kursk area.
The Russians advanced in an MRAP through a very wide open field before dismounting right in front of a treeline where an isolated lone Ukrainian fighting position was located.
We take a look at this attack and what could have prevented the outcome that forced the Ukrainian defenders to give up the position due to a numerical disadvantage.
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Riding Shotgun: What Defending Ukraine’s Chasiv Yar is Really Like | Frontline | Daily MailDaily Mail943,169 views | 16,100 | August 30 2024 18:00:18 (1,466 comments)[ Read more … ]
Riding Shotgun: What Defending Ukraine’s Chasiv Yar is Really Like | Frontline | Daily Mail
As Ukraine intensifies its incursion in the Kursk region, Daily Mail journalists Richard Pendlebury and Jamie Wiseman travel to the strategic city of Chasiv Yar, where exhausted soldier units continue defending with their lives the critical Donbas frontline and, where arguably, the future of the Ukraine war will be decided.
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About the Author
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.
