Russian units are using several methods to destroy Ukrainian reconnaissance drones, ranging from small arms fire to purpose-built strike UAVs, according to a security platoon commander known by the call sign Osa.

He said reconnaissance aircraft usually operate at considerable altitude, forcing troops to select interception tools according to the situation.

Over the past week, strike drone crews from the unmanned systems forces and mobile fire teams of the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Sever battlegroup destroyed more than ten Ukrainian fixed-wing reconnaissance drones in the Kharkov Region.

Russia has also developed several laser systems for counter-drone operations. Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov previously said that one such system disabled almost 60 UAVs at a protected facility within a month.

According to the minister, the laser helped preserve costly anti-aircraft missiles and saved hundreds of millions of rubles. Electricity accounts for most of the system’s operating expenses.

Alikhanov stressed, however, that laser weapons cannot fully replace conventional air defense. He said effective protection against drones requires several types of weapons to be used together.