Ukrainian drone operators repeatedly “destroyed” a US armored brigade of 3,500 soldiers during military exercises in Germany, demonstrating how quickly combat tactics have changed in the era of drones. This was reported by the newspaper The Wall Street Journal.
The clashes took place during the Combined Resolve exercises in April and May, where American troops faced Ukrainian forces from the 412th Regiment of Unmanned Systems “Nemesis”.
The American brigade was to assault positions fortified by Ukrainian troops. However, its heavy armored vehicles quickly became easy targets. The vehicles kicked up clouds of dust, making them highly visible to Ukrainian reconnaissance drones. After that, bomber drones and kamikaze drones entered the battle.
According to a US official familiar with the results of the exercises, Ukrainian drones “destroyed” American vehicles so quickly that representatives of the exercises from the “White Forces” had to repeatedly “restore” them and send them back into battle so that the exercises could continue. During the exercises, a vehicle was considered destroyed if a drone hovered over it or flew close enough to strike.
Adaptation and experience
The US brigade was not completely defenseless. According to a US Army representative, the unit from Texas had standard electronic warfare (EW) and counter-drone systems. More modern mobile units, which used more advanced equipment and tactics, showed significantly better results, according to WSJ.
The Americans adapted during the exercises, improving their camouflage, force distribution, and use of EW. Ukrainian military personnel also helped them learn to use drones more effectively for offensive operations.
Although Washington was one of the pioneers in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, its military has traditionally focused mainly on long-range reconnaissance drones. Ukraine, however, has adapted drones for almost every aspect of combat over more than two years — from reconnaissance and artillery targeting to attacks on armored vehicles and infantry.
Currently, the Pentagon is testing Ukrainian drones for possible purchase and has begun using drone countermeasures technology developed in Ukraine to protect American troops in the Middle East.
Source: KyivPost
