As the war in Ukraine against Russia persists into its 39th month, armored vehicles and their crews have begun operating from underground locations, taking cover as explosive drones monitor both sides of the front lines. This helps maintain their safety while still enabling them to use artillery effectively.
In a recent video, Ukrainian artillery teams can be seen taking refuge in muddy dugouts along a frontline that stretches over 1,130 km. The footage features a 2S1 “Gvozdika” (carnation) 122mm self-propelled gun nestled in a bunker, making it tricky for crews to emerge for firing missions. The entrance is momentarily shielded by a sturdy anti-drone net.
A four-person crew operates this 18-ton howitzer from deep underground, using a hideout that was excavated with heavy machinery. Wooden logs fortify the shelters, while dense nets offer protection from Russian drones.
Images from the 36th Marine Brigade in Ukraine, located near Kursk Oblast in Russia, indicate that more artillery units are increasingly adopting these underground defense strategies.
Ukraine reportedly utilizes nearly 2 million FPV drones each month. These drones are small but fast, posing a significant threat. Russia deploys a similar number of drones, all controlled either by wireless signals or fiber optic cables from a few kilometers away.
Although FPV drones are a serious danger, they have their vulnerabilities. Wireless models can experience signal issues, and fiber optics leave detectable trails that may expose drone operators. Consequently, physical barriers like armor, mesh, and even dirt become the most reliable forms of defense.
Interestingly, dirt has proven to be quite effective. An observer noted that vehicle crews are adapting to their surroundings, jokingly referred to as “underground creatures.” However, establishing these hideouts is no small feat, often requiring excavators and skilled personnel. Some Ukrainian units have even turned to crowdfunding for excavation equipment.
Last year, Ukraine initiated the development of AI-powered drones aimed at countering Russia’s signal-jamming attempts. Traditional FPV drones have seen diminished efficacy, with the success rate for new pilots dropping to merely 10%.
To tackle this challenge, Ukrainian tech firms have engineered smarter drones that leverage AI for target acquisition and mission execution without relying on live signals. One startup, Swarmer, has introduced a software named Styx, which enables a fleet of drones to operate with minimal human oversight, making strikes more efficient.
These AI-driven drones achieve target accuracy rates of up to 80%. The next milestone is to further reduce operational costs.
