The earth in Ukraine breathes fire and steel. For months, the ground has trembled under the relentless barrage of artillery, a brutal symphony of destruction echoing across the Donbas and beyond. But this isn’t your grandfather’s artillery war. Look closer, beyond the smoke and shattered concrete, and youโll see a new element dominating the battlefield: the drone. These aren’t just reconnaissance tools anymore; they are the eyes of the artillery, the spotters that transform dumb shells into precision strikes. From the high-flying surveillance platforms to the buzzing First-Person View (FPV) kamikazes, drones are rewriting the rules of engagement in Ukraine, offering a terrifying glimpse into the future of conflict. The videos emerging from the frontlines tell a stark story of adaptation, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of an edge in a war defined by attrition and technological leapfrogging.
Key Insights from the Drone War in Ukraine
Artillery’s Relentless Appetite: Even before the drone revolution, artillery was king in Ukraine. Videos like "Outgunned" highlight Russia’s pre-war artillery advantage โ sheer numbers and massive stockpiles. The initial phase of the war was characterized by a brutal artillery duel, a war of attrition fueled by Soviet-era munitions. Ukraine, initially outgunned, relied on NATO support to bridge the gap.
Drone Spotting: The Great Equalizer (and Multiplier): The introduction of drones, particularly commercially available models adapted for military use, began to level the playing field. As "Outgunned" notes, drone spotting became crucial. Suddenly, static frontlines and entrenched positions became vulnerable to precision artillery fire guided by aerial eyes. This marked a shift from area bombardment to targeted destruction.
Cheap Precision โ The Rise of Small Drones and Loitering Munitions: "Small Drones & Loitering Munitions in Ukraine" reveals the disruptive power of readily available technology. Cheap commercial drones like Mavics, repurposed for reconnaissance and artillery correction, became ubiquitous. Coupled with loitering munitions like the Iranian Shahed and Russian Lancet, these systems offered a terrifyingly affordable way to deliver precision strikes, turning the tables on expensive armored vehicles and artillery pieces. Imagine a drone costing a fraction of a tank, yet capable of guiding artillery to obliterate it.
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FPV Drones: Eclipsing Artillery?: The conflict is evolving again. "First Person View drones are eclipsing artillery usage in Ukraine" points to a significant shift. FPV drones, flown by operators with immersive goggles, are not just spotters; they are becoming direct fire weapons themselves. Nimble and difficult to intercept, these drones can deliver explosive payloads directly onto targets, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional artillery for certain missions. The battlefield is becoming a swarm of buzzing death.
Drones in Ambush and Counter-Battery Roles: Videos like "Ukraineโs SNIPER Team Sets Perfect Ambush Against Russian BTR-82A!" showcase the tactical versatility of drones. They are not just for spotting; they are integral to ambush tactics, hunting down armored vehicles and even artillery positions. The video describes Ukrainian Hunter Drone Teams targeting Russian BTRs and Msta-S artillery guns, demonstrating the drone’s role in counter-battery fire and disrupting enemy advances.
Defense and Offense โ Drones in Combined Arms Operations: "Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Troops Attack With Drones & Artillery Shots in Region Of Vuhledar" illustrates the combined arms approach. Drones and artillery are working in tandem to repel attacks. Drones provide early warning, identify targets, and even deliver strikes directly, while artillery delivers heavier firepower to break up enemy formations. This synergy amplifies the effectiveness of both systems.
Vulnerability of High-Value Assets: "Russian Pantsir-S1 Air Defense System Destroyed By Ukrainian Artillery After Breaking During Battle" highlights a crucial point: even advanced systems are vulnerable to drone-spotted artillery. The video depicts a Pantsir-S1 air defense system, designed to protect against aerial threats, being disabled and then destroyed by artillery after being located by a drone. This underscores the pervasive threat of drones and the difficulty of hiding on a modern battlefield saturated with sensors.
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The relentless hum of drones is now the soundtrack of this war. They are the ever-present eyes, watching, guiding, and striking. What these videos collectively reveal is not just the tactical advantage drones provide, but a fundamental shift in the nature of artillery warfare. No longer is it just about the raw power of tubes and shells. It’s about seeing first, targeting precisely, and delivering effects with surgical accuracy. The Ukrainian conflict is a live laboratory, showcasing how cheap, readily available drone technology can transform the battlefield, empowering defenders and challenging the traditional dominance of heavy artillery. This is a war being fought in pixels and explosions, where the line between observation and annihilation blurs with each passing day.
Witness the Transformation
Scroll through the video highlights below to see firsthand how drones are shaping the artillery war in Ukraine. Understand the tactics, the technology, and the terrifying effectiveness of this new form of warfare. The future of conflict is being written in the skies above Ukraine, one drone flight at a time.
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“Outgunned” – Artillery & The War in Ukraine – Developments, lessons, & logisticsPerun1,401,934 views | 33,631 | July 10 2022 16:33:53 (4,286 comments)[ Read more … ]
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**As always – check pinned comment for any additional caveats or comments**
We’ve talked a lot about the weaknesses of the Russian army in the past, including the difficulties it has faced attempting a war of rapid maneuver in February and March and bringing sufficient infantry forward to support its armoured vehicles.
But one very clear strength of the Russian military is is artillery corps. Russia has guns, lots of guns, and deep stocks of ammo leftover from the old Soviet Union.
In this video we explore the pre-war Russian and Ukrainian artillery forces, look at the way the artillery war has evolved to date, how logistics may impact the sustainability of both forces going forward, and what lessons forces around the world might (tentatively) take from the war so far, based on the information in the public domain.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PerunAU
Timestamps: 00:00:00 — Opening words 00:00:56 — Sponsor: PRIVATE INTERNET ACCESS 00:02:14 — What Am I covering? 00:03:32 — The competing forces 00:03:38 — Russia – An Artillery Army 00:06:40 — Russian Artillery: Cutting edge stuff 00:07:48 — Russian Artillery: Most is good old soviet artillery 00:09:00 — Russian Artillery: Most is good old soviet artillery 00:11:07 — Guns of Ukraine 00:12:47 — NATO support 00:14:37 — Artillery in Ukraine 00:14:47 — The road to Kyiv 00:17:39 — Shift Towards Static Warfare 00:19:43 — How the artillery battlespace was born? 00:23:45 — Russian Artillery usage 00:25:23 — Weight of fire 00:27:25 — Ukrainian artillery usage 00:29:29 — The Himars Effect 00:31:32 — The Depot Blitz 00:33:28 — Drone spotting 00:36:24 — From the Front: The Donbass 00:37:44 — From the Front: Kherson 00:38:33 — From the Front: Izium 00:39:59 — Ammunition and sustainment 00:41:00 — Barrels and lifespan 00:46:19 — Accuracy matters 00:52:17 — Russian Ammo 00:55:33 — Ukraineโs (old) ammo 00:58:29 — Ukraineโs (new) ammo 01:01:42 — Early lessons 01:02:24 — Ammunition consumption 01:06:04 — Sensor fusion & transparent battlespace 01:09:24 — Is NATO outgunned 01:11:30 — A plan for contested airspace 01:14:42 — Range, Range, Range 01:15:59 — Conclusions 01:19:13 — Channel update
Sources (non-exhaustive due to late upload, will pad these out over the coming days): Russian and Ukrainian pre-war artillery strength: https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021
Deepstate map (used to integrate FIRMS with frontline data) https://deepstatemap.live/en#6/49.438/32.053
Examples of OSINT on suspected HIMARS strikes: https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1546014473416237056?cxt=HHwWgICzmZ7-xfQqAAAA https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1545937965028876290?cxt=HHwWhICxpe6Yo_QqAAAA https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1545587963098284033?cxt=HHwWgoC-2YiEhPMqAAAA
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Small Drones & Loitering Munitions in Ukraine – The terrifying rise of cheap precisionPerun569,246 views | 25,244 | February 12 2023 11:26:26 (2,257 comments)[ Read more … ]
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Description: While the news often focuses on the role of large, expensive systems in the Ukraine war (think of the attention given to tanks, aircraft, or MLRS and SAM systems in recent weeks and months) some of the most omnipresent and disruptive systems have actually been terrifyingly cheap and accessible.
Off-the-shelf commercial drones converted for military use have been deployed by the truckload, while some of Russia’s more successful weapons have been comparatively cheap loitering munitions and kamikaze drones like the Iranian Shahed and Russian Lancet. Videos of equipment destroyed by drones that might cost a thousandth of the price have become image of the war across social media.
In this video, I examine the use of these (often civilian) systems in the war in Ukraine, look at international developments, and ask what lessons we can take from the terrifying rise of cheap sensor and cheaper precision on the battlefield.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PerunAU
Caveats and corrections: I mispronounce “Shahed” on several occasions
I refer to the Mavic 2 and 3 together – they are not comparable, with the 3 being far more common as a drone supplied to lower level units in Ukraine
I call the Norwegian Black Hornet Drone Danish (big oof)
I refer to to the saturation of drones across the front – I should clarify that the reporting on that point is anecdotal and may only relate to specific sections of the front where drone activity is that its most dense.
I also wish to be clear that I do not at all endorse the modification or use of drones for purposes other than those legally allowable in your jurisdiction.
Sources & Further reading:
RUSI – Preliminary Lessons in Conventional Warfighting from Russiaโs Invasion of Ukraine: FebruaryโJuly 2022 https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/special-resources/preliminary-lessons-conventional-warfighting-russias-invasion-ukraine-february-july-202
JOINT AIR POWER COMPETENCE CENTRE (JAPCC) – A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems https://www.japcc.org/books/a-comprehensive-approach-to-countering-unmanned-aircraft-systems/
JAPCC – Denial of Spectrum Denial https://www.japcc.org/essays/denial-of-spectrum-denial/
Department of Defense Announces Successful Micro-Drone Demonstration https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1044811/department-of-defense-announces-successful-micro-drone-demonstration/
UK on drone developments https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/07/14/royal-air-force-chief-says-drone-swarms-ready-to-crack-enemy-defenses/
My thanks to those in Ukraine and elsewhere who consulted in relation to this episode.
Timestamps: 00:00:00 โ OPENING WORDS 00:01:23 โ WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT 00:04:09 โ MEET THE UAS 00:04:17 โ Classifying Drones 00:07:59 โ Another Take On The Divide 00:08:32 โ SYRIA AND THE DONBAS 00:09:53 โ The War In The Donbas 00:11:54 โ WEAPONS OF THE UKRAINE WAR 00:12:15 โ “Mavics” 00:13:47 โ Thermal & Heavier Drones 00:15:25 โ Loitering Munitions 00:16:23 โ “FPVs” 00:18:03 โ CAUTION AND CAVEATS 00:18:13 โ A Very Public Side Of War? 00:19:03 โ Publication Biases 00:20:06 โ Security & Secrecy 00:21:13 โ A Personal Warning 00:22:13 โ DRONE USAGE 00:22:18 โ Employment At All Levels 00:23:17 โ Reconnaissance 00:24:55 โ Artillery Correction 00:27:30 โ Coordination 00:28:41 โ Strike Role 00:34:18 โ Whet It Goes Wrong – RU & UA Drops 00:36:11 โ Fear & Isolation 00:38:07 โ THE RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE 00:40:33 โ LOITERING MUNITIONS 00:40:43 โ The Lancet Threat 00:41:35 โ The Shahed Campaign 00:42:22 โ Ukrainian Loitering Munitions 00:43:09 โ LOGISTICS & SUPPLY 00:43:18 โ The Role Of Volunteers 00:44:35 โ Artisanal Work At Industrial Scale 00:46:15 โ COUNTERS & EFFECTIVENESS 00:47:23 โ Electronic Warfare 00:48:51 โ New Problems, Old Solutions 00:49:54 โ The Very Old (and Odd) 00:51:34 โ Counter-operator Operations 00:52:39 โ GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS 00:52:55 โ Tactical Tools 00:53:54 โ Swarm Technology 00:55:27 โ Deployability 00:56:02 โ Networking And Going Solo 00:57:15 โ A THREAT PROFILED 00:57:22 โ Extreme Accessibility 00:58:18 โ The Shot Exchange Problem 00:59:16 โ Nowhere To Hide 01:00:07 โ LESSONS & NEXT STEPS 01:00:17 โ The Battle For Awareness & Precision 01:01:24 โ Availability & Attritability 01:03:25 โ The Drones Will Get Better 01:04:12 โ Need For Efficient Countermeasures 01:05:08 โ Training & Doctrine 01:06:19 โ Evolving Threats 01:06:57 โ CONCLUSIONS 01:07:41 โ CHANNEL UPDATE
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First Person View drones are eclipsing artillery usage in UkraineBinkov’s Battlegrounds112,350 views | 4,595 | December 15 2023 15:39:24 (717 comments)[ Read more … ]
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This video explores the quickly growing usage of First person view drones in Ukraine. How many are there, how are they used and defended against? And how might they impact both the war in Ukraine and warfare in general?
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Ukraineโs SNIPER Team Sets Perfect Ambush Against Russian BTR-82A! Ambush Intense Combat Footage!TEW22252,281 views | 4,286 | November 2 2024 16:17:06 (119 comments)[ Read more … ]
In the intense combat zone of Zolotaya Niva, Ukrainian forces are executing complex maneuvers to maintain control amid unrelenting Russian assaults. Recently, the 48th Separate Assault Battalion completed a high-risk personnel rotation using BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, ensuring that fresh Ukrainian infantry could relieve the weary frontline soldiers. As Ukrainian forces rotated under relentless artillery fire, Russia launched a coordinated assault from a different direction, attempting to break Ukrainian lines.
Anticipating this, the Ukrainian Hunter Drone Team targeted Russian armored vehicles, obliterating them before they could close in. Drones continued to strike, neutralizing nearby Msta-S artillery guns and destroying a Kamaz ammunition truck, crippling Russian supply routes and firepower. The coordinated use of drones and artillery neutralized multiple enemy assets, maintaining Ukraine’s defensive edge.
The situation escalated as Ukrainian REG Team ambushed a Russian landing party, destroying two BTR-82As with precise strikes. At the same time, sniper teams and drones monitored enemy positions, neutralizing soldiers attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian lines. In Kharkiv, Ukrainian forces dismantled Russian drone operations, striking bases concealed in civilian structures and disrupting Russia’s aerial surveillance. Meanwhile, Azov Brigade drones in the Toretsky direction disrupted ongoing โmeat assaultsโ by Russian infantry, breaking apart advancing waves with pinpoint accuracy. This multi-layered defense showcases Ukraineโs tactical precision and technological prowess in countering large-scale assaults.
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Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Troops Attack With Drones & Artillery Shots in Region Of VuhledarTEW22125,033 views | 1,554 | March 9 2023 11:30:15 (35 comments)[ Read more … ]
Most likely, Russia’s military won’t be able to keep up the same level of fighting in Ukraine and won’t be able to take over much more land this year. After big setbacks and big battlefield losses, it is unlikely that the Russian military will be able to recover enough this year to make big territorial gains. Putin probably thinks that, even if it takes years, the best way to protect Russia’s long-term strategic interests in Ukraine is to keep the conflict going with short breaks. There were roughly 70,000 residents in the city before the war, but only 4,000 civilians, including 38 children, remain today. Russian forces are actively advancing on Ukrainian positions. However, they fail miserably and incur enormous losses. EU nations have agreed to speed up artillery round shipments and purchase more shells to aid Ukraine, but they still need to figure out how to make these goals a reality. Iran, on the other hand, has secretly sent Russia large amounts of ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, and it has more to send. Moscow’s military power has been significantly reduced as a result of troop and weapon losses, as well as trade limitations and restrictions imposed by the US and its allies. According to what we currently know, Russia’s armed forces have nearly exhausted the stock of artillery ammunition kept in the country’s centre. At the moment, weapons are being sent to the parts of Ukraine that other Russian regions have taken over. The result is much longer delivery times. Reports say that bad storage and not following service rules are to blame for the low quality of new batches of weapons. Nearly 50% of them have obvious rust damage. Within the next two to three months, it’s anticipated that the invasion forces will experience a shortage of ammunition due to the intense hostilities. According to the Ukrainian military, the recent attack that was thwarted cost Russia at least 130 tanks and armoured personnel carriers. That number could not be independently verified. Russian forces also carried out 24 airstrikes and a missile strike. The adversary employed one Shahed-136 drone during the airstrikes. The gunfire destroyed it. Additionally, the occupiers launched multiple rockets in over 60 attacks. In the previous day, Ukrainian combat aircraft carried out seven attacks on Russian staging areas. Additionally, a Russian Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by Ukrainian defenders. Ukrainian rocket forces and gunners hit five Russian military staff concentration areas, three fuel depots, an anti-aircraft missile system, and a radar system for the Zoopark counter battery. People in the Russian armed forces are getting more and more upset with what their commanders are doing. The main reason is that more and more support unit soldiers are being forced to take part in assault operations, even though they have never been in combat before. Because of this, there are a lot more casualties, but new soldiers don’t like being put through the grinder. The enemy’s equipment and person-clusters were the targets of 11 airstrikes by the Ukrainian Air Force, as well as one on the enemy’s anti-aircraft missile system. On March 8, troops from Ukraine using heavy weapons and missiles also hit a Russian command post.
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Russian Pantsir-S1 Air Defense System Destroyed By Ukrainian Artillery After Breaking During BattleWarLeaks – Military Blog87,406 views | 3,147 | May 12 2023 20:45:50 (227 comments)[ Read more … ]
A drone video released by the 45th Ukrainian Artillery Brigade shows the destruction of a Russian Pantsir-S1 Air Defense System after breaking during a battle in eastern Ukraine.
The Pantsir-S1 was spotted by a Ukrainian drone as it was conducting a fire mission towards an undisclosed aerial target.
From the video it seems the Pantsir-S1 had some sort of failure and was not able to relocate after the missile launch and had to be towed by a Russian truck in order to leave the area.
Ukrainian artillery targeted the Pantsir and the system was put out of service.
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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.