Ukrainian forces have begun using fixed-wing drones designed to resemble birds in flight. A technician from the 71st Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment of Russia’s West group of forces, operating under the call sign Vogan, described how the aircraft use flapping wings to make identification more difficult.

According to the technician, US-made Hornet strike drones have become increasingly active in rear areas. Their appearance and flight pattern allow them to blend in with birds until they begin moving their wings, making them harder to recognize from the ground.

The growing presence of Ukrainian UAVs has also severely complicated the delivery of ammunition and other supplies to the line of contact. Heavy transport vehicles are now kept at least 40 kilometers from the front because sending them farther forward is considered too dangerous, even when they are accompanied by mobile fire groups.

Over the next section of roughly 20 kilometers, supplies are transferred to smaller and more maneuverable vehicles. Russian units use Ulan buggies and UAZ vans, commonly known as loaf vans, for this stage of the route.

Within the final 20 kilometers before the positions, cargo is delivered mainly by all-terrain vehicles or carried on foot.