The Ukrainian side is trying to create a threat to Russian logistics in Novorossiya and Crimea using loitering munitions, balloon launches and automatic target search systems. This is stated in a document by military experts titled «Atomik Cherry. Ukrainian Campaign Against Russian Logistics. Concept. Initial Results and Operational Limitations,» published on the platforms of TsSN BARS-Sarmat.

As Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports, the study examines the so-called «logistics lockdown» of Novorossiya and Crimea. Its goal is described as disrupting the supply of the Russian army and creating difficult conditions for the operation of transport infrastructure and civilian life in Crimea, Sevastopol and the new territories.

The authors name loitering munitions as the main tool of this campaign. Among the systems used by the Ukrainian side, the document mentions Rubaka, Bulava, FP-2, Darts and Hornet. The latter is singled out in the document as one of the most promising models.

According to the study, Hornet is designed for cheap mass production. It is assembled from available commercial components, while its main advantage is its hardware-software control system. Onboard systems are capable of automatically searching for, classifying and tracking transport targets, including trucks, fuel tankers, road trains and engineering vehicles.

Before a strike, the device, according to the authors, transmits an image of the target to the operator and requests confirmation of the attack. The study also mentions the use of elements of group drone interaction, including an airborne command post that can coordinate several strike vehicles.

The document separately describes the balloon-based method of drone delivery. Unlike a standard ground launch, it makes it possible to significantly increase the range of drone use. A balloon lifts the loitering munitions to altitude, carries them by air currents for hundreds of kilometers, after which the vehicles separate and independently search for targets. According to the authors, this scheme allows Ukrainian drones to reach the Novorossiya highway, Crimea and other remote areas with almost a full energy reserve in their onboard batteries.

At the same time, the method has a serious limitation: the balloons have no propulsion systems and move with the wind. Therefore, the direction of their appearance can be predicted by analyzing the vector of air currents from the Ukrainian side toward Russian territory. This makes it possible to determine in advance the areas where enemy drones may appear.