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Russian Infantry Forces Employ New FPV Drone Tactic to Swiftly Breach Ukrainian Lines.
In the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, Russian forces continue to prioritize ground assaults despite significant losses. According to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) report "Tactical Developments During the Third Year of the Russo-Ukrainian War," published on 14 February 2025, a new tactic has emerged: assault troops now carry FPV (First Person View) drones to the front line, allowing operators to strike enemy positions more quickly. This approach, highlighted by military blogger Unfair Advantage and expert Samuel Bendett, aims to maintain constant pressure on defenders through precise and sustained fire, resembling guided artillery support.
The new Russian tactic mitigates these constraints by deploying drones directly at the front line, drastically reducing flight time and maintaining pressure on defenders (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The RUSI report provides an in-depth analysis of how Russian offensives rely on armored and light mobility vehicles to transport troops close to Ukrainian lines before launching infantry assaults. Once in cover, Russian soldiers often hold their positions, waiting for successive waves to arrive until a critical mass is reached for a frontal assault. These attacks are typically conducted in small units of ten to thirty soldiers. While many of these assaults fail, Russian forces rely on high-frequency engagements to wear down defenses and gain ground. A Ukrainian brigade reported enduring an average of 27 assaults per section daily in one sector, demonstrating an attritional approach designed to exploit numerical superiority.
These offensives are supported by glide bombs, artillery, and FPV drones. However, glide bombs must be pre-programmed before launch, limiting their adaptability in dynamic combat situations. Artillery shortages and communication delays between ground troops and fire support units further constrain operational flexibility. FPV drones compensate for these limitations by delivering rapid, targeted strikes against defensive positions, filling a critical gap in real-time fire support.
Traditionally, FPV drones are launched from behind the lines, taking minutes to reach their targets, which reduces their effectiveness in fast-paced assaults. Additionally, drone operators can only control one drone at a time, limiting the volume of simultaneous strikes. The new Russian tactic mitigates these constraints by deploying drones directly at the front line, drastically reducing flight time and maintaining pressure on defenders. A ten-man assault section can carry over two dozen drones alongside their standard equipment, while drone operators remain behind the lines, managing the devices remotely.
According to Unfair Advantage, assault units preposition FPV drones before an attack, activating them for immediate launch. This approach minimizes strike delays to just seconds, enabling a more continuous and synchronized attack flow. These drones are pre-configured for rapid deployment, eliminating the need for frontline soldiers to manage complex activation procedures, thus ensuring seamless integration into combat operations.
This tactic aligns with the HellHives concept developed by the U.S. company VRR, which involves pre-positioned drone storage units that can be remotely activated as needed. VRR has also explored the possibility of deploying these units via manned and unmanned vehicles. In Ukraine, ground robots, which are already used for supply transport and mine-clearing operations, could be repurposed to deploy similar systems, further automating the process.
The introduction of this tactic has the potential to reshape battlefield dynamics. Until now, drones have primarily benefited defensive forces by enhancing reconnaissance and disrupting enemy advances before they reach engagement ranges. However, the deployment of FPV drones closer to enemy positions could shift this advantage towards attackers by allowing for near-instantaneous strikes. Despite this potential, these tactics remain susceptible to countermeasures, including electronic warfare systems and anti-drone defenses, which could diminish their long-term effectiveness.
The Russian military operates a broad array of drones, including FPV kamikaze drones, reconnaissance drones, and loitering munitions. Commonly deployed models include the Orlan-10, used for tactical reconnaissance and artillery fire correction, and the Lancet, which specializes in precision strikes against armored targets and air defense systems. Additionally, long-range surveillance drones such as the Zala and the Iranian-manufactured Mohajer-6 provide real-time battlefield intelligence and facilitate coordinated strikes.
Electronic warfare systems are also integrated into these operations to disrupt enemy communications and neutralize hostile drones, strengthening Russian control over tactical airspace. This combined approach enhances operational effectiveness by limiting enemy situational awareness and response capabilities, creating an advantage in contested areas.
The potential integration of automated drone deployment, as exemplified by the HellHives concept, could further accelerate operational tempo. In Ukraine, ground robots could be used to facilitate this approach, enabling a more consistent and efficient drone deployment strategy. While these advancements have predominantly benefited defensive operations, their adaptation for offensive strategies could significantly alter combat engagements. However, Ukrainian countermeasures, including advanced detection technologies and drone neutralization systems, remain a determining factor in the long-term viability of this approach.