Liu Shangshang, Wang Yunsong
The application of UAV technology has become a bright spot in modern intelligent warfare. With the continuous development of technology, UAVs not only play an important role in the traditional field of reconnaissance and detection, but also show great potential and flexibility in many aspects such as strike, communications, electronic warfare, logistics support, etc. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict in recent years, various innovative applications of drones have provided an excellent window into their role in real combat. From performing precision strike missions to serving as communications relay stations, the role of drones in modern warfare is becoming increasingly diverse and critical.
In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, multi-rotor drones are used in large quantities. It was not only used as an efficient intelligence detection tool, but also became a key means of tactical strikes. They play an important role in providing real-time visual support to ground forces, helping commanders make decisions faster and more accurately, and being able to deliver direct fire strikes.
The Ukrainian military uses "DJI" drones to conduct battlefield reconnaissance
Reconnaissance and surveillance: the information detection role of multi-rotor UAVs
Multi-rotor UAVs play a vital role in battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance. Take the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone, which is widely used by the Ukrainian army, for example, and is equipped with a 1-inch 20MP Exmor R CMOS sensor equipped with a mechanical shutter and a large-aperture f/2.8 lens, capable of capturing high-resolution images and videos at flight altitudes of up to 6 km. Its maximum flight speed can reach 72 km/h, the maximum endurance time is about 30 minutes, and it is also equipped with a multi-directional obstacle avoidance system to ensure safe flight in complex environments. The real-time transmission system of the UAV supports 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz dual-band transmission, which improves the stability of the signal and anti-interference ability, which is particularly important in the complex battlefield electromagnetic environment.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0出色的探测能力
During a key clash in 2019, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 transmitted high-definition images of enemy positions in real time through its advanced reconnaissance system. The images revealed the location of the ambush that the enemy was preparing, allowing the Ukrainian army to adjust its tactical layout in time, successfully avoiding a potential ambush and saving the lives of dozens of soldiers.
Precision strike: the fire strike effect of multi-rotor UAVs
In 2020, during a clash on the Russian-Ukrainian border, the Russian army demonstrated the new capabilities of multi-rotor drones in carrying out precision strike missions. During the operation, the Russian army used modified DJI Matrice 300 RTK drones. This is a high-performance drone designed for industrial applications, but modified by the Russian military to carry and drop small blasting devices.
军用DJI Matrice 300 RTK
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK has excellent flight stability and high-precision navigation. It is equipped with an advanced RTK (Real-Time Dynamic Differential Positioning) module that provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The maximum load capacity of the drone is up to 2.7 kg, the maximum flight time can be up to 55 minutes, while its flight altitude can be adjusted to less than 100 meters for low-altitude covert flight.
改装的Matrice 300 RTK高精度GPS定位
During the operation, the modified Matrice 300 RTK flew at low altitude at night and successfully evaded enemy radar detection. Through its high-precision GPS positioning system and built-in advanced camera system, the drone accurately located and dropped the blasting device, which led to the destruction of communication equipment at the Ukrainian outpost. The operation not only demonstrated the potential of small multi-rotor UAVs in tactical strikes, but also highlighted their versatility in modern warfare, demonstrating the ability of multi-rotor UAVs to perform complex combat missions.
Communication relay: The battlefield communication role of multi-rotor UAVs
In 2020, the Ukrainian army deployed a series of specially designed communications drones during an operation in its eastern theater of operations, mainly to establish temporary communication links between the opposing sides on the front line. These communications drones are primarily based on the modified DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Dual model and are equipped with advanced communication equipment, including an encrypted transmission system specifically designed for military use. The Mavic 3 Enterprise Dual has a maximum flight time of up to 31 minutes and an effective flight range of up to 8 kilometers, which is enough to cover critical communication distances in the theater. Thanks to its miniaturized design, the Mavic 3 Enterprise Dual drone can be deployed quickly and perform effective flight operations without being noticed by the enemy.
In practical applications, these UAVs are also often used to maintain the stability of communications in the face of electronic interference from the enemy, which is essential for command control and intelligence gathering. The communication equipment of these drones is designed to work in a complex electromagnetic environment, including anti-jamming capabilities and signal encryption capabilities. In multiple combat missions, these UAVs have successfully provided real-time communication support for ground forces, including data transmission and voice communication, greatly improving the communication efficiency and combat coordination capabilities on the battlefield.
Mavic 3 帮助引导迫击炮攻击
The application of these multi-rotor UAVs highlights the new trend in modern warfare, which is the use of high-tech equipment to perform diversified tactical tasks. These UAVs not only change the way of warfare, but also provide an important reference for the development trend of future military conflicts. Whether it is used as a reconnaissance tool for information collection, a tactical weapon for precision strikes, or as a key equipment for communication relays, UAVs have become the core combat force of modern armies. Their flexibility, versatility, and low cost are changing the face of modern warfare. With the further development of technology, UAVs will continue to play a greater role in military strategy and tactics.