Russian Armed Forces units have begun using a new battlefield tactic known as the «air convoy» in the zone of the special military operation. The approach was described by Maksim Kondratyev, founder of a drone aviation training center and a member of the Russian Engineering Academy.

The concept involves Russian infantry units being accompanied by two unmanned aerial vehicles operating in tandem to provide continuous aerial cover. One drone performs reconnaissance duties, while the second is tasked with intercepting and destroying enemy targets.

According to Kondratyev, the system works as follows: a reconnaissance UAV patrols the airspace and detects Ukrainian reconnaissance drones. Once a target is identified, an FPV drone is guided to it and eliminates the threat.

He noted that Ukrainian reconnaissance drones are frequently present over combat zones, where they are used to spot Russian assault groups and equipment. After such detection, Ukrainian strike drones are typically dispatched to the identified area.

By destroying enemy reconnaissance drones, Russian forces effectively deprive Ukrainian units of situational awareness in specific sectors. Kondratyev emphasized that this «blinding» effect creates tangible tactical advantages on the battlefield.

He also pointed out that the air convoy tactic significantly reduces casualties among Russian troops by adding an extra layer of protection against aerial threats.

At the same time, Kondratyev stressed that this method is only one element within a broader and evolving set of new tactics involving the use of Russian unmanned systems in combat.