In a world-first, Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drones, launched from naval drones akin to aircraft carriers, successfully targeted and reportedly destroyed three Russian air defense systems in Kherson Oblast on January 6. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security announced the development on January 7.
“Only a week after Ukrainian sea drones made history by successfully taking down Russian helicopters, another historical first as our homegrown naval drones are now launching their own FPV drones, destroying Russia’s air defense units,” the agency stated.
The strikes, conducted by Ukraine’s Navy, reportedly damaged or destroyed two Russian Pantsir-S1 anti-missile systems and one OSA anti-aircraft vehicle in the occupied southern region of Ukraine. A video of the attack on one Pantsir system was released by the Navy, but independent verification of the damage has not yet been confirmed.
The Pantsir-S1 system, which is estimated to cost approximately $15 million, is a mobile short-to-medium-range air defense system. One such unit was reportedly involved in the accidental downing of an Azerbaijani plane on December 25.
This operation marks a new level of innovation in Ukraine’s use of drones during its defense against Russia. By using naval drones as launch platforms for FPV drones, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated a novel approach to deploying low-cost, precision weaponry against high-value targets.
The attack follows another milestone a week earlier when Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drones struck three Russian Mi-8 helicopters over the Black Sea, successfully downing two.
Drones have become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy amid ongoing artillery shortages. They offer cost-effective, precise alternatives to conventional artillery systems.
Ukraine has committed to the use of low-cost drone warfare tactics with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordering the establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces in February, a specialized branch of the Armed Forces dedicated to drone operations. Drones have become one of the primary means by which Ukraine is fighting the war with Russia, with drone units reportedly responsible for 80 percent of Russian frontline losses.
Post Image – Footage from the Ukrainian FPV drone shows it closing in on a Russian Pantsir (Post Image Credit: Ukrainian Navy via Telegram)
