Ukrainian military forces have begun using a new tactic to strike Crimea
The Ukrainian Air Force’s “Svidky Spasa” strike drone unit demonstrated a new technology for launching drones using large balloons. After ascending to a specified altitude, the drone detaches from the balloon and continues its flight independently, which could expand the capabilities for striking targets, particularly in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian military officials stated that, thanks to a combination of creativity and engineering solutions, units of the Ukrainian Air Force’s combined rifle brigade have begun using a new method for delivering strike drones.
The drones are transported behind Russian lines in black balloons, after which they are launched toward their targets. This approach saves fuel and increases the drones’ operational range.
Earlier, Russian Telegram channels reported the appearance of balloons carrying kamikaze drones over occupied Sevastopol. According to their reports, the drones could be carried to an altitude of 5,000–7,000 meters, after which they were launched toward their targets.
A military expert noted that the use of balloons helps conserve battery power or fuel, as the drone does not expend resources on the initial climb. This allows medium-range drones to be deployed at greater distances from the front lines.
According to him, the footage released may show the Ukrainian Darts-2 UAV, developed by the “Steel Hornets” project. The drone has two engines, a new communication system, can carry a payload weighing up to 16 kg, and strike targets at a range of 40–50 km.
The expert also discussed the American Hornet loitering munition, which had previously been tested when launched from a hot-air balloon. After ascending to an altitude of over 8 km, the drone was able to glide for approximately 42 km without using its engine. Its flight range is estimated at 145–150 km, and it costs about $5,000.
According to the military official, such drones could be used to strike military vehicles and fuel tankers along supply routes to occupied Crimea.
The use of balloons for military purposes is not new. Similar technologies were employed as far back as World War I and World War II. In particular, Japan launched thousands of balloons carrying bombs toward the United States in 1944–1945, and the United Kingdom used unmanned aerostats during Operation Outward against Germany.
The expert noted that airships are difficult to detect and engage because they have low radar visibility. According to him, favorable summer winds could facilitate the launch of such systems from southern regions of Ukraine toward occupied Crimea, reports “Krym.Realii.”
As a reminder, drones from the Unmanned Systems Forces have struck another 19 power substations in occupied Crimea and the temporarily occupied part of Donetsk Oblast over the past two days.
On the night of July 23, according to social media reports, power substations in Gaspra and near Feodosia were attacked in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Power outages and a decline in tourism have caused electricity consumption in occupied Crimea to plummet.
