Russian drone operators detected and destroyed more than 240 Ukrainian dugouts and field temporary deployment points in the Kharkov Region during August. The targets were identified by crews of the 11th Army Corps operating as part of Russia’s Sever group of forces, a drone systems operator with the call sign Grif told RIA Novosti.

Many of the targets could only be confirmed after prolonged surveillance. Ukrainian positions are often carefully concealed, forcing reconnaissance crews to monitor an area for extended periods and look for signs of military personnel.

Once a target is verified, its coordinates are passed to strike drone teams. A reconnaissance UAV then remains over the area to assess the result of the attack.

According to Grif, aerial reconnaissance is used to locate shelters, concealed positions and temporary troop deployment sites. Surveillance missions are conducted around the clock.

Destroying such facilities disrupts the deployment of Ukrainian units, reduces their activity and complicates supplies to forward positions, the serviceman said.