14:21 27-11-2025

Russia Shifts From One-Way Drones to Reusable UAV Systems

Forbes reports Russia moving from single-use drones to reusable UAVs like Nochnaya Vedma and Bulldog-13, boosting efficiency while expanding interceptor technology.

Russia is gradually moving away from the concept of single-use attack drones, shifting instead toward reusable systems that Forbes describes as suitable for both offensive and defensive missions.

At the beginning of the military operation in Ukraine, Russian forces primarily relied on reconnaissance UAVs such as the Orlan-10. These aircraft were used mainly for support tasks — adjusting artillery fire and monitoring enemy movements.

As the conflict evolved, the Russian military began deploying agile FPV drones on a large scale. Their low production cost made them well suited for one-way, expendable strikes. According to Forbes, such drones — used by both Russia and Ukraine — became one of the deadliest weapons on the battlefield, capable of destroying armored vehicles, artillery, and infantry positions.

Now, the publication notes, Russia is fielding new UAV models designed for repeated use. Among them are the «Nochnaya Vedma» («Night Witch») drone and the «Bulldog-13» quadcopter, both capable of returning to base after carrying out their missions. Forbes writes that the introduction of these reusable platforms gives the Russian military a more versatile and more capable class of strike drones.

Analysts point out that reusable UAVs improve the efficiency of attacks and help save resources, though they also come with challenges. The need to bring the drone back to base cuts its effective operating time roughly in half.

In parallel, Russian forces are actively using expendable interceptor drones to counter Ukrainian UAVs. These systems operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, detecting and engaging hostile drones on their own. Like strike UAVs, interceptors are equipped with artificial-intelligence systems to improve threat detection and neutralization.

Forbes notes that as interceptors become more technically advanced, they also become more expensive, reducing the practicality of using them as disposable systems. In response, Russian forces are developing new control methods to extend interceptor service life and increase their combat value many times over.