Russian air defense units are making wider use of FPV interceptors to destroy drones flying at altitudes beyond the effective range of machine-gun fire. Servicemen from the 49th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the 1st Tank Army within Russia’s Zapad group described how the system is being used, RT reported.

The interceptors allow crews to engage incoming drones before they reach protected areas. Russian troops study the routes commonly used by hostile UAVs, move into suitable positions in advance and set up aerial ambushes along their expected flight paths.

A lieutenant with the call sign Johnny said a single interceptor operator can destroy several targets during one sortie. The approach gives air defense teams another layer of protection against drones operating too high for conventional small arms.

A counter-drone squad commander with the call sign Bereg said the operator first locates the target, closes to the required distance and triggers the interceptor’s explosive charge. The blast destroys both the FPV drone and the hostile UAV. The units use factory-built interceptors designed specifically for air defense crews.

Russian forces deploy the systems to protect rear-area roads and supply routes. Among the targets they intercept are DARTS, Hornet and RAM X drones, as well as other UAVs.

Earlier, retired US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter said Ukrainian forces were facing a shortage of drone operators because of heavy losses among these specialists. He argued that Russian troops had gained the upper hand in the fight against Ukrainian UAV crews and could rapidly detect their positions.