Aerial combat shifts: Ukraine equipment for regaining sky dominance from Russia through drone battles
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the battlefield has extended to the skies, with both nations relying heavily on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and attacks. One of the most significant developments in this aerial warfare is the Besomar 3210, a Ukrainian-made drone designed specifically to intercept and neutralise Russian drones, such as the Geran-2.
The Besomar 3210, a reusable drone, has shown remarkable progress in penetrating Ukraine's defences. According to recent data, 15% of the Besomar drones made it through last month, a significant increase from less than 5% in March.
This innovative drone is equipped with several key features that set it apart. It boasts a speed of 150–200 km/h, although it is slightly slower than the Geran-2, which can reach 185 km/h in level flight and up to 400 km/h when diving on a target. However, the Besomar's endurance of approximately 60 minutes allows it to maintain patrol and interception missions effectively.
The drone is also armed with two (prototype) to potentially four 12-gauge shotgun barrels, delivering a dozen tungsten steel pellets per shot. Its onboard computer, complete with a nose sensor, automatically fires the weapon when an enemy drone enters its effective range, significantly enhancing reaction times against fast-moving adversaries.
Despite the Geran-2's advanced features, including AI, electronic warfare defences, and a video guidance system, the Besomar 3210's automated targeting system offers a competitive edge. This system, combined with a thermal camera and a frequency hopping communication system to resist jamming, makes the Besomar a formidable opponent.
The effectiveness of the Besomar 3210 lies in its ability to fire shotgun rounds automatically, improving its chance to hit maneuvering drones. However, its relatively moderate speed compared to the Geran-2 poses tactical challenges. To counter this, Ukrainian forces are working on faster interceptor variants capable of 300 km/h, with higher operational ceilings around 5000 meters, aiming for low-cost mass production near $5,000 per unit.
The surge of Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities has prompted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to request manufacturers to produce 1000 interceptors daily. With over 1,700 drones fired in one week, Ukraine is experiencing a significant increase in these aerial assaults. Russia is producing around 40,000 Geran-2 drones this year, according to Ukraine intelligence.
As air-to-air combat between drones continues to develop, Ukraine is looking for cost-effective methods of shooting down drones. The Besomar 3210 embodies this strategy, featuring reusable, computer-assisted shotgun payloads designed to regain aerial control from Russian drones like the Geran-2 through rapid, automated, and cost-efficient engagements.
In addition to the Besomar 3210, at least four companies have developed their own attack drones in Ukraine. These sophisticated aerial combat drones represent Ukraine's commitment to countering Russian drone attacks and maintaining its sovereignty in the skies.
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