Russian mobile fire teams operating in the Kharkov region destroy about 1,000 Ukrainian drones of various types every month. The units, part of a motorized rifle regiment of the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army under the Sever Group of Forces, use small arms and electronic warfare systems to counter UAVs and are now also receiving new Yolka interceptor drones.

A commander of an anti-aircraft missile and artillery battery with the call sign Kaznachey told RIA Novosti that drone defense relies on several elements working together. Air observation posts are manned by an electronic warfare specialist and an anti-aircraft gunner, while Yolka interceptors are being supplied both to these positions and to mobile fire teams.

FPV drones account for the largest share of the targets destroyed. The unit downs roughly 600–800 of them each month, along with around 150–200 reconnaissance and attack copters and about 100 Baba Yaga-type drones. Mobile teams also eliminate approximately 10 fixed-wing UAVs over the same period.

The servicemen describe their role as «small-sky air defense.» Kaznachey said the system is intended to deal with targets that do not justify the use of expensive anti-aircraft missiles. A four-man mobile team armed with a machine gun can achieve the required effect at a substantially lower cost.

Protection against drones is also critical for other forces operating in the area. According to the commander, infantry cannot advance effectively without cover from UAVs, while artillery and tanks face greater difficulties carrying out fire missions. Mobile fire teams are particularly important for units working inside the enemy’s engagement zone.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces continue combat operations in the Kharkov region, tightening the encirclement and destroying enemy formations inside the area.