The continues to enter a new phase marked by constant technological innovation. In recent days, Ukrainian forces have detected a tactic that Russians capable of transporting other drones under its wings to launch attacks at greater distances.
The detected system is Orlan-10, a reconnaissance drone widely used by Russia, which has now been adapted to function as a kind of aerial “mothership”. Under its wings, it carries small FPV (first-person view) drones, designed for precision attacks and controlled in real time by operators.
An “aircraft carrier” in the air to extend the range
The key to this strategy is scope. While Traditional FPV drones have operational limitations -normally around tens of kilometers-, the Orlan-10 can fly much further. Its radius of action is around 120 kilometers, although it can be programmed for even longer distances.
This allows small drones to be released much closer to the target, increasing their effectiveness and making them more difficult to detect. Besides, the main drone itself can act as a signal repeaterfacilitating control of the attack in areas where it would normally be impossible to operate.
An evolution of already known tactics
It is not the first time that Russia experiments with this type of combinations. Previously, it had used kamikaze drones or decoys as launch platforms for other devices. However, he It is reusable, making it a more efficient and versatile tool.
Ukrainian experts point out that this tactic has not yet been deployed on a massive scale, but represents a clear line of evolution on the battlefield: combining relatively simple technologies to multiply their impact.
The key role of FPV drones
FPV drones They have become one of the most characteristic weapons of the conflict. Their ability to be piloted in real time and directed with millimeter precision makes them especially dangerous, both against vehicles and against defensive positions.
By integrating them into broader platforms, Russia seeks to overcome one of its main limitations: distance. This combination allows deeper attacks into enemy territory, complicating Ukrainian logistics and defense.
A battlefield in constant transformation
The appearance of these systems confirms a trend that has been repeated since the beginning of the war: the rapid adaptation of both sides. Ukraine, for its part, has also experimented with repeater drones and similar systems to expand the reach of its operations.
However, the use of “mother” drones such as the Orlan-10 marks another step in that technological escalation. Although its use is still limited, its development could change the way deep attacks are executed.
In a conflict where innovation occurs almost in real time, Each advance – no matter how small it may seem – can have a significant impact on the ground.
