Russian forces operating in the special military operation (SVO) zone have begun using a new offensive tactic known as the «air convoy,» according to information obtained by Izvestia from sources within the Russian Defense Ministry.

The approach centers on close aerial support for advancing infantry units. Each assault group is accompanied from the air by a pair of unmanned aerial vehicles: one tasked with reconnaissance and the other with interception. In this configuration, the reconnaissance drone monitors the battlefield and detects enemy strike UAVs, while the interceptor drone is responsible for neutralizing them. Sources told the newspaper that this setup has already demonstrated its effectiveness in SVO combat conditions.

The push to develop new methods of protecting assault units was explained by military expert Yuri Lyamin. He pointed out that the extremely high density of drone use by both sides has made offensive operations significantly more difficult. According to him, forward-moving assault units are quickly spotted by reconnaissance UAVs, after which they come under attack from kamikaze drones, often followed by artillery fire.

Lyamin stressed that without air cover against this threat, conducting a successful operation becomes extremely challenging. In his assessment, the «air convoy» tactic increases the survivability of assault units under drone attack, improves the overall effectiveness of offensive actions, and helps reduce personnel losses.