Drone Warfare in Ukraine: Impact and Vulnerabilities.
Ukrainian forces defending the city of Bakhmut against Russian-backed separatists are using consumer drones, messaging apps, teleconferencing services, satellite internet terminals, and cloud-synced mapping software to fight back. The drones, mostly made by Chinese company DJI and available for under $1,500 at Walmart or Amazon, are used for aerial surveillance and to assist other units navigate the city and evacuate the injured. The 18 pilots who make up the battalion’s air reconnaissance team also use the drones to collect intelligence and direct mortar fire. The fight for Bakhmut has been block-by-block, house-by-house savagery grinding up men, materiel, and masonry.