Patrick Lancaster: Russian Drone Combat Underfire - Ukraine War Kursk Frontline Battle

Source: Patrick Lancaster

Akhmat Special Forces Drone Combat Underfire: Ukrainw War Kursk Frontline Battle In the Kursk region of Russia, near the contentious frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, modern warfare is taking center stage. 

Months after Ukrainian forces made a significant incursion, occupying over 1,500 square kilometers, Russian forces have pushed them back to under one-third of that territory. My latest report takes you directly to the heart of this high-stakes battle, where drone warfare plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict.

Preparing for the Launch

Accompanying the Russian “Akhmat” special forces, I witnessed the assembly and launch of a Supercam drone, a small unmanned aircraft used for reconnaissance and artillery targeting. These drones are a lifeline for gathering real-time intelligence, enabling precise strikes against Ukrainian positions. In a carefully chosen location hidden within the forest belt, the team prepared the drone for takeoff.

Assembling the catapult system, the soldiers explained the process and the risks involved.

“This location can be targeted by Ukrainian forces once the radar detects the drone’s launch,” a soldier said, highlighting the danger of the operation. The team’s strategy involved launching from one location and landing in another to minimize risk.

The Role of the “Supercam” Drone

The Supercam is not just a drone; it’s a pivotal tool in modern warfare. Its role extends beyond reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence that directs artillery strikes. However, deploying these drones is a high-stakes game

“If the Ukrainians detect us, they can launch a HIMARS strike within five to seven minutes,” the team leader explained. He noted that this danger necessitates quick movements and constant changes of position to avoid becoming a stationary target.

Despite these risks, the Supercam provides critical information. Its ability to survey enemy movements and transmit data allows Russian forces to maintain control is certain areas.

The Supercam S250 Russian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the best UAVs in the class in terms of tactical and technical characteristics. The aircraft can fly up to 3 hours in adverse weather conditions and perform high-quality video monitoring, which significantly improves the operation quality, whether it is monitoring, mapping, or security of facilities and detection of unauthorized activity. A distinctive feature of Supercam S250 is its wide range of payloads with various combination capabilities. Under Fire and On the Move

The launch itself was tense but successful. After addressing a technical glitch in the drone’s flight system, the team managed to get the Supercam airborne. As it soared into the sky, it provided a live feed to a control center where pilots maneuvered it over Ukrainian-controlled areas.

Once the drone was operational, the team quickly vacated the launch site to avoid detection and retaliation. “This is a dangerous situation, but it’s part of the job,” a soldier remarked. The necessity of adaptability and speed was evident as the team demonstrated the complexities of drone operations in active combat zones.

Independent Reporting from the Frontline

This report offers an unfiltered look at a side of the Russia-Ukraine war that is rarely seen. Drone warfare has revolutionized modern combat, turning technology into a decisive force on the battlefield.

As always, I encourage viewers to seek information from multiple sources to form a well-rounded perspective. Independent journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering stories like this, and your support is vital for its continuation. To access more behind-the-scenes content, in-depth articles, and updates, subscribe to my Substack blog.

Let’s continue shedding light on the realities of conflict zones and ensuring that all sides of the story are told.

Stay tuned for more reports from the Kursk region and beyond. 

1. *0:00 – Introduction: Russian Forces in Kursk Region*

2. *0:16 – Ukrainian Incursion and Retaliation Overview*

3. *0:42 – Preparing the Supercam Drone for Launch*

4. *1:17 – Assembling the Drone and Catapult System*

5. *2:05 – High-Stakes Launch in a Dangerous Zone*

6. *4:07 – Challenges of Drone Operations Under Fire*

7. *6:29 – The Role of Supercam in Reconnaissance and Targeting*

8. *9:02 – Evacuation from Launch Site Post-Takeoff*

9. *12:18 – Insights Into Drone Warfare in Modern Combat*

10. *12:34 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action*