The Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have begun using FP-2 drones, manufactured by Fire Point, equipped with unguided aerial rockets. In particular, such drones were used to strike a strategic communications hub of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Read more in the UNN article about whether this technology expands the capabilities of the Ukrainian military and what its primary applications might be. <\/p>\n
Unguided aerial rockets (UARs) are not a new weapon, but the approach to their use is changing: while they were previously carried by planes and helicopters, they are now carried by drones. <\/p>\n
\nWe have long used unguided aerial rockets \u2013 from Su-25s, fighters, and helicopters. These were the 57mm caliber S-5 and the 80mm caliber S-8. The idea behind these rockets was once to fly as close as possible to the target and literally "shower" it with a large number of explosions. But in modern warfare, it has become clear that flying close to a target is extremely dangerous <\/p>\n
– explained aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The tactics for using such rockets began to change: aircraft launched them from a long distance from the target using the lofting method (an aviation maneuver where a plane or helicopter sharply raises its nose and enters a climb). In fact, as Kryvolap explains, these were "strikes in the general area of the target." These attacks required a large amount of ammunition to have any effectiveness. Ukraine currently does not have such a luxury. Obviously, this was one of the reasons for developing new technology, and UARs "migrated" to drones. <\/p>\n
\nWhen a drone like the FP-2 is deployed, it can carry several rocket pods. If it's the S-5, it could be two pylons with four rockets each <\/p>\n
– the expert assessed the drones' capabilities. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Notably, the drone itself retains its primary function \u2013 it remains a kamikaze drone. <\/p>\n
Defense industry expert and head of an arms manufacturing company Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi emphasizes that expanding the capabilities of drone use is a new stage in modern warfare.<\/p>\n
\nWe have significantly changed the approach. Instead of one large aircraft with a large amount of diverse weaponry, a group of drones is used, which can disperse, disorient the enemy, and make the attack unexpected. On one side, the enemy faces strike drones that can carry 100 kilograms of explosives, and on the other \u2013 escort craft that destroy any means of counteraction in their path. This is precisely the new stage of modern warfare <\/p>\n
\u2013 he noted.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The concept of aerial attacks is changing <\/h2>\n
Experts are unanimous that the integration of unguided rockets into unmanned platforms opens up new aerial attack tactics for Ukraine. <\/p>\n
\nThe main task is not even necessarily to destroy the air defense, but to force it to react. Even if the drone doesn't destroy the air defense system, the crews will be forced to hide, change positions, and stop working. Most importantly, it allows our other drones to pass through. Because one of the most difficult tasks during a deep strike or middle strike is to cross the line of combat contact and overcome the air defense system. Each time, this is a separate special operation. And this is exactly why such drones and rockets are very important <\/p>\n
– emphasizes Kryvolap. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
As Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi explained, drones equipped with rockets can strike primary air defense positions, electronic warfare systems, and other defensive elements. <\/p>\n
\nIn essence, one of the low-efficiency means previously used in aviation is now becoming an effective tool for a strike drone <\/p>\n
\u2013 Khrapchynskyi explained.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A swarm of drones, where each craft performs its own function, effectively disorients the enemy. As experts emphasize, a classic air defense system is unable to react effectively to such attacks. Any radar system, even the most modern, has problems detecting small targets.<\/p>\n
\nWe use a combined attack with various types of propulsion \u2013 both internal combustion engines and jet engines. Each such aerial target has a different profile. Accordingly, the air defense system must be configured separately for each profile. That is why the world is currently actively looking for solutions on how to counter such threats in the form of low-observable and small-sized drones <\/p>\n
\u2013 Khrapchynskyi explained.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
According to Khrapchynskyi, the use of rockets on the FP-2 effectively expands the capabilities and strike zone of Ukrainian unmanned systems, allowing drones not only to deliver strikes but also to breach air defenses and escort the main attack. For example, according to the expert, the Russian "Pantsir" system is unable to withstand such threats. <\/p>\n