Russian Combat Drones Hit 700 Targets During Avdiivka Capture

Russian Forces hit some 700 Ukrainian targets using combat drones of various types during the capture of the strategic Ukrainian town of Avdiivka over the last fortnight.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to equip troops with unmanned vehicles controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, emphasizing that the integration of AI will enhance operational efficiency.

“We have come to this. This is becoming quite a serious weapon,” stated Sergei Shoigu, highlighting the growing significance of AI in military capabilities. Shoigu underscored the escalating role of drones in the Northern Military District.

Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev, the group commander, observed a significant increase in the effectiveness of UAVs, with attack drones in the Avdiivka direction alone striking over 700 enemy targets in the last two weeks of February. These drones proved effective in neutralizing armored vehicles, artillery, radar, and Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, he said.

The Orlan-30 reconnaissance drone complex demonstrated high efficiency during the liberation of Avdiivka, Russian state media claims.

To capitalize on this success, formations and units have established dedicated teams working directly with unmanned aerial vehicles, equipped with both reconnaissance and attack drones. Sergei Shoigu directed efforts toward reinforcing the group with electronic warfare equipment, especially at the tactical level.