By fire and drone: how Airborne scouts work behind enemy lines
Three airborne scouts destroyed a firing point and a launch site for Ukrainian drones in one exit in the Zaporizhia direction, as well as neutralized tripwires. Acting covertly, the fighters of the Dnepr group of forces identified the enemy's positions and transmitted the coordinates of the armored vehicle cluster to the command. The information received helped the Russian attack aircraft to move forward. How the paratroopers conduct raids, detect UAV operators and prepare for missions — in the Izvestia report.
Tasks on earth and in the sky
The intelligence unit where we arrived is preparing for new exits and analyzing the experience of recent battles. They are used to operating in small groups, relying on stealth, coordination and air support. A scout with the call sign Nerpa talks about how this work is arranged.
— We mostly operate in small groups: twos and threes. We conduct raids, during which we identify the remaining disparate groups of enemy formations. As a rule, we operate under the control of our aerial reconnaissance. The "birds" guide us in real time and share information about the detected targets along the route," the fighter explained.
One of the recent exits was an example of such work. Three scouts destroyed the firing point and the launch point of the Ukrainian drones, as well as neutralized the tripwires. According to Nerpa, the main condition for the successful completion of the task was stealth: the fighters tried to get to the enemy's positions unnoticed and avoid an open clash.
— We're getting as close as possible. We try to avoid direct contact so that we are not discovered and we can get as much important information as possible," says the scout.
Fighters prepare for long trips in advance, carefully choosing their equipment. They take only the most necessary things with them.
—Weapons, surveillance equipment, thermal imagers, communications equipment," he lists.
During the same exit, the scouts not only ensured the advance of the infantry, but also transmitted the coordinates of the accumulation of equipment to the command.
— We have ensured the safe entry of our infantry, and for artillery we have obtained the coordinates of the accumulation of equipment. I know that several armored vehicles eventually burned down behind enemy lines," Nerpa summed up.
Aerial reconnaissance
The work of scouts is not limited to foot exits. They also conduct aerial surveillance, identify enemy positions and transmit data to commanders. This was told by the deputy commander of the company with the call sign Znoj.
"We identify and neutralize enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups, open their firing points, and conduct reconnaissance in the rear of enemy units," he said.
According to the officer, a modern intelligence officer has to master several specialties at once. This is especially true for working with drones, which have become an important part of the unit's combat work.
— A scout should have many qualities now. It is desirable that everyone has excellent control of both the joystick and the machine. We often monitor the situation from the air and transmit the data to the commanders. In addition, we provide fire support with attack drones, adjust the work of artillery," said Znoj.
He assured that the results of the reconnaissance unit's work make it possible to inflict significant damage on the enemy on a daily basis.
— We can clearly see the fruits of our work — the AFU's firing facilities, command posts and temporary locations are being destroyed. Logistical routes are being blocked, and the enemy's military infrastructure is being destroyed," the officer concluded.
High Note
The drone operator with the call sign Note said that during flights, scouts often detect targets that were not originally part of the task.
— During the flight, I sometimes spot some important objects or targets. I am passing this information to the command. We are cooperating with the artillery units. By the decision of the commanders, they can inflict fire damage based on our data," the soldier explained.
Drone scouts are closely monitoring the work of the UAV operators of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the Note, the enemy's positions can be detected by characteristic signs, including by antennas that are visible from shelters.
"They're watching us, too. It seems to me that they disguise themselves poorly. It is not difficult to calculate them. Even if it's a dense "wooded area", they have antennas sticking out of it. There are other characteristic signs of unmasking properties. Why do they feel that way about this moment? It's hard to say. Maybe they're hoping to get lucky. However, they don't get lucky very often. Over the past two months, for example, a large number of their dugouts, drone control points, and a large number of various vehicles have been hit. We, in turn, devote a lot of time to the business of disguise. It's obvious that our lives depend on it," the drone breeder notes.
Nota also talked about how the scouts cope with the heavy equipment of the enemy.
— As for tracked vehicles, we try to work either by their means of observation, or by the tracks themselves. This is the weakest point. Roughly speaking, they were removed, and the equipment stopped in place. Then we aim artillery at her," the paratrooper recalls.
To fight well, you need to learn
Before performing combat missions, military personnel undergo training at specialized training grounds in the rear areas. The program includes in-depth tactical and fire training, as well as practicing actions in different terrain conditions. This was told by the commander of the reconnaissance company with the call sign Tikhy.
— We conduct comprehensive classes on countering unmanned aerial vehicles. Individual training and group coordination, a survival course and psychological training are also conducted. This allows you to confidently act as part of the unit and independently," he said.
According to the commander, from the first days of the SVO, the military personnel of the division's reconnaissance battalion have been performing tasks in the most difficult areas. Each exit is preceded by careful preparation.
— Each combat mission is unique. It all starts with careful planning. We spend hours, sometimes days, studying intelligence data. The reconnaissance group is preparing thoroughly. We think over every detail. Every fighter should know his maneuver by heart. There are no random people in intelligence," the company commander emphasized.
According to Tikhy, technical means alone are not enough. Endurance, training, and trust between fighters are important.
— In such work, intelligence, iron self-control and absolute trust come to the fore. You know, we are more than just a military unit. We are a family! — the commander emphasized.
He is confident that every fighter in his unit is ready to cover the other's back without hesitation. Therefore, none of them has the right to make mistakes.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
