Context: Ukraine’s drone strikes under Operation Spider's Web mark a new era in modern warfare- precise, deep attacks using small specialised First Person view (FPV) drones.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Operation Spider's Web, FPV drones.
Mains: Implications of changing nature of warfare.
Operation Spider's Web of Ukraine
- Ukraine carried out large scale drone strikes on multiple Russian air bases, including one in Siberia some 4000 kms from the frontlines.
- Specialised First Person view (FPV) drones struck at least five military air bases across the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions in Russia, and destroyed around 41 bomber aircraft including rare strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
- These attacks were carried out by the SBU, Ukraine’s main security agency. The attack came after Russia stepped up the bombing of Ukrainian cities.
- The operation used a Trojan horse-like tactic; specialised FPV drones were smuggled into Russia inside mobile wooden cabins on trucks. The roofs opened remotely, allowing drones to launch and strike nearby bases precisely.
First Person view (FPV) drones:
- FPV drones transmit live footage to the operator through a camera mounted on the drone. The feed can be viewed using goggles, smartphones, or other devices.
- FPV drones are often used in various industries, including media, but are also increasingly being used in military operations.
- These drones usually have a shorter range compared to surveillance drones and are guided to targets after a reconnaissance drone surveys the area.
Key advantages of FPV drones:
- Inexpensive: The estimated cost of an FPV drone with a payload is at around $500. This makes them cost-effective alternatives to conventional weapons.
- Hard to detect: FPV drones are harder to detect and can conduct deep strikes. This makes them useful for attrition-based strategies.
Implications of changing nature of Warfare:
This significant raiding action in modern warfare demonstrates the effectiveness of deep-strike programs and takes the possibilities of drone warfare to the next level.
- New Age Warfare: Drones have made it possible to strike deep into enemy territory without using traditional fighter jets or missiles. The drones used for such operations are quite cheap as compared to conventional weapons, and reduces armed forces casualties.
- Vulnerability of Critical Assets: Traditional military bases, aircrafts, and infrastructure, which was previously considered secure, are now vulnerable to drone attacks and demand new defence strategies.
- Need for Drone Defence systems: This necessitates the urgent investment in anti-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure and defence assets.