The war in Ukraine has brought unexpected challenges for the Russian military. Despite facing ammunition shortages, the Ukrainian army has found a potent weapon in heavy night-time bombing drones. Known as “Vampires” by the Ukrainians and “Baba Yaga” by Russian soldiers, these drones have become a formidable threat.
“Baba Yaga,” named after the sinister witch in Slavic folklore, is a term used by Russian troops to describe any multi-rotor night bombing drone. These drones have become a nightmare for the Russian military.
Specialized for night operations, these heavy bombing drones hover over Russian positions, launching attacks on tanks, armored vehicles, and infantry. Even fast-moving armored vehicles are not safe.
In contrast to smaller quadcopter drones used for daytime attacks, which are noisy and easily targeted by small arms, multi-rotor heavy bombing drones are equipped with thermal imaging. This allows them to observe, aim at, and attack targets clearly at night, unaffected by visible light.
At night, Russian soldiers hear these drones roaring like chainsaws but cannot see them until the explosions begin. The drones have earned their terrifying nickname, “Baba Yaga,” for good reason. Once targeted, Russian soldiers have little chance of escaping.
Their thermal sensors can penetrate the darkness and camouflage, making Russian soldiers appear as bright targets. No matter where they run or how they try to hide, they cannot escape the bombing. The unique noise of these drones also serves as a psychological weapon, creating a terrifying atmosphere that frontline soldiers will never forget.
The rumors about Baba Yaga likely originated from the Ukrainian drone enthusiasts’ organization Aerorozvidka’s R18 octocopter. Battlefield legends even suggest it can swoop down and snatch injured soldiers with its claws.
Recent Developments and Countermeasures
In recent months, Russian snipers have managed to shoot down some of these large attack drones. However, similar to smaller drones, Baba Yaga quickly upgraded. New, more lethal versions have already appeared. In October 2023, the Russian army examined a downed large Ukrainian attack drone and found a Starlink terminal mounted on top, enabling remote control via satellite. Cutting off this satellite communication has proven difficult for the Russian army. While using multiple jammers might disrupt communications, the success rate remains low.Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis indicates that these electronic components meet higher standards and are domestically produced in Ukraine. Ukraine now deploys a variety of night bombing drones, including the Aerorozvidka R18 and at least two mass-produced models: the Bat (Kazhan) 620 and the smaller Vampire. Despite variations in speed, range, and electronic equipment, the Russians classify all these drones as “Baba Yaga.” Some can carry six mortar shells and adjust targets mid-attack, while others can drop a TM-62 anti-tank mine with a shock fuse.
The Russians have found two effective methods to counter Baba Yaga: first-person view (FPV) interceptors and snipers. The Russian army uses FPV drones with night vision to suicide attack “Baba Yaga.” In response, the Ukrainian army now equips bombing drones with small drone escorts to block Russian interceptors.
Each Russian infantry platoon typically has a sniper team equipped with the Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD) or more modernized SVDM rifles, capable of firing powerful 7.62×54mmR bullets. Some Russian snipers also have thermal imaging scopes, giving them a chance to hit “Baba Yaga.” However, this confrontation often depends on who can strike first.
Technological Advancements and Future Warfare
Over two years of all-out war have stimulated rapid and creative development of Ukrainian drones. Kyiv has increased the range and stealth capabilities of the Baba Yaga drones, and now there are upgraded silent versions of heavy attack drones. Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, responsible for drone operations against Russia, stated that these drones’ combat efficiency sometimes surpasses that of artillery.This war has driven the rapid development of unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime vehicles. Many drones are designed for direct attacks on targets, intelligence gathering, or guiding ground artillery. The United States is also learning from the war in Ukraine and using it to develop new combat methods, utilizing drones to guide the firepower of entire army divisions.
This is part of the U.S. military’s ongoing “transforming-in-contact” initiative, which aims to directly deploy new technologies to selected units, thereby driving the development of new technologies.
Units at all levels could gain new combat capabilities using drones. Infantry squads might use small drones for forward reconnaissance, expanding the observation range of snipers. Specialized drone units might operate at higher echelons to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for long-range, expensive weapons.
Both Russia and Ukraine widely use drones to coordinate their various levels of firepower, including mortars, artillery, rockets, and missiles. Ukrainian drone teams often share video directly with artillery through Google Meet, adjusting fire just as frontline observers did years ago. On the Ukrainian battlefield, the close connection between drones and various levels of firepower even allows troops to track and destroy equipment and supplies deep behind enemy lines.
Combining drones with various levels of firepower will ultimately help establish and tighten the “kill chain,” allowing the process of detecting, selecting, and destroying targets to be completed in a shorter time.
