Commercial drones could help turn the tide in Ukraine

With nations around the world pledging billions in supplies to Ukraine as Russia continues to choke supply chains, an emphasis on logistics may be required to aid those trapped in cities such as Donbas.

How these supplies are shipped when they're most needed is as pertinent as ever and a UK drone expert suggests commercial drones may be the key to "turning the tide" in the war.

Read more: Drones are now carrying Covid samples across rural Scotland

A former military man, Robert Garbett, the founder of specialist drone supplier Drone Major is calling on world leaders to "think more laterally" and deploy commercial drones to improve supply chains and provide direct help for Ukraine.

“In any war, food, fuel, ammunition and medical re-supplies to frontline troops and besieged civilians are critical to success, and with thousands of people still trapped in areas dominated by Russian forces, delivering these key resources quickly, regularly and without further risk to human life is a must," he said.

"Sadly, in many areas, delivering supplies by rail, road or traditional air transport is becoming extremely risky or impossible due to military activity.  Every day, volunteers risk their lives to deliver supplies to Ukrainian frontline forces or beleaguered civilians, and sadly, many give their lives in doing so,” he added.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has threatened action against any outside interference in the invasion of Ukraine. With that, any direct interference could escalate the situation, which means those sending supplies to Ukraine must think carefully.

Drones are typically harder to detect through tracking systems such as radar, which means that they can be flown evasively. However, many radar systems can detect them within one mile, but due to being them being operated remotely, it may be more difficult to track which side is using them.

That being said, drones still are a risky option for aid delivery but should offer a significant improvement over current systems.

Ukraine has one of the largest railway networks in the world, with 20,000 km (12,427 miles) of track, which has played a huge role in the conflict so far. It has transported refugees away, delivered aid and military ordinance, and recently become a target of Russian attacks as they hope to prevent supplies from the west of the country aiding those in the east.

As rail lines continue to be attacked there is a risk that aid from the rest of Europe - for example, the UK recently pledged a further £1.3 billion (€1.51 billion) in aid - there are concerns supplies may not reach where they are needed most.

Read more: Omnipol acquires Aircraft Industries from Russian owners

Drone Major hints the average drone could carry anywhere from 20kg to 500kg of critical supplies across Ukraine, with an active fleet providing an "almost inexhaustible" supply chain to civilians while significantly lowering the human cost of life in doing so.

In particular, the firm suggests flying at low altitudes at night to avoid detection, while employing specialist technology and coating to reduce radar tracking. Through these methods, it could be very possible to ship supplies into Russian-controlled areas or other parts of the frontline.

While losses will still happen, it claims, delivery will be more rapid and should still see reduced casualties on all fronts.

Garbett added: “Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, unmanned air systems (UAS), otherwise known as air drones, have played an important role in the defence of the country against Russian aggression. 

"Whether they are military offensive systems delivering devastating effects on advancing Russian convoys or small drone camera systems providing intelligence in support of defensive operations and targeting for ground-based anti-tank weapons, air drones have undoubtedly been instrumental in enabling the Ukrainian military to mount an effective defence against the Russian invasion, but we have yet to unleash their true potential to support Ukraine’s supply-chain infrastructure."

He continued by saying that this also presents a golden opportunity to provide Ukraine with "what it wants," be it military-grade offensive systems, or Chinese camera systems, which are adapted well to rapidly shifting wars.

Drones could also see applications outside of logistics, primarily as a form of electronic warfare, being used to disrupt communications or confuse Russian aircraft. Smaller crafts could even deliver "target acquisition beacons" to increase defence systems. However, it is also very possible that acts such as this could escalate the situation should it be discovered.

Read more: Parachute-equipped delivery drones to take to the skies of Brazil

There are also other downsides. Military equipment can often be detected, and even if the Russian army does not manage to detect the supplies, they could catch on to the drone systems quickly and shoot them down. This could also lead to further escalations should the drones be traced back to the West.

While the drones may be more difficult to detect under the cover of night using security systems, they are not impossible to deal with. This may facilitate flying shifts, and increasing the length of missions also increases the potential risks.

Back to Homepage

Back to Aerospace & Defence