Russia has shifted its military focus to using land-based drones, specifically the Scorpion-M, which has seen heavy use in recent months, particularly in the Donetsk region. The robot resembles an old R.C. race car toy, can carry explosives, and reach areas that might escape aerial bombardment. While the use of this drone seems to have been successful, there are limitations and challenges associated with deploying land-based drones. Christopher Alexander, an expert, highlighted the difficulty of supervising engagements and the high cost per unit of these drones. He also noted that the use of drones at the company/battalion level may not have a significant impact beyond the local, tactical situation.
The success of the Scorpion-M drone in Ukraine may be due to the fact that the country has heavily invested in anti-air weapons to detect and shoot down air drones, leaving a gap in defensive awareness towards ground-based drones. This has allowed Russia to find success with the Scorpion-M, as it avoids issues with jamming and fighting for control over the electromagnetic spectrum for communications. Despite the advantages of being on the ground, there are still challenges associated with effectively flying drones and using them, especially as the electromagnetic spectrum becomes increasingly difficult to navigate. The use of drones in combat remains a complex and evolving situation.
Both Russia and Ukraine have explored the use of drones in various ways, with Ukraine using drones to attack Russian positions in unexpected ways. Ukraine’s government organization Bravel has made the development of ground robots a priority, with a focus on using them for evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Nataliia Kushnerska, head of Bravel, revealed that they have received over 200 unmanned ground vehicle designs and have tested around 50 so far. The most promising design is geared towards transporting wounded soldiers, aiming to reduce casualties during the evacuation process.
Overall, while land-based drones such as the Scorpion-M have shown some success in combat situations, there are still challenges and limitations associated with their use. The high cost per unit, difficulties in supervision, and the evolving nature of drone technology all contribute to the complexity of deploying drones effectively. The use of drones in combat is a constantly evolving field, with both Russia and Ukraine exploring new ways to integrate drones into their military strategies. As technology advances and tactics change, the role of drones in warfare will continue to be an area of innovation and development.
