Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of unmanned systems on the modern battlefield. A recent operation by the Sapsan unmanned systems battalion underscores just how critical drones have become in countering russian artillery.
According to the official report, a pilot from the Sapsan battalion located and destroyed two russian artillery units within just a few minutes of combat work. The targets were russian 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer and D-30 towed howitzer, both widely used by russian forces.
Read more: Ukraine Tests New Kamikaze Drones Capable of Strikes Beyond 40 km and Resistant to EW
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet-era 122 mm self-propelled artillery system that has seen heavy use in russia’s war against Ukraine. Despite its age, it remains a dangerous asset, capable of delivering rapid fire support for infantry and mechanized units.
Similarly, the D-30 122 mm towed howitzer, though older in design, is highly mobile and continues to be employed in large numbers by russian forces. Their simultaneous loss represents not just a tactical setback but also a blow to russia's already strained artillery reserves.
The speed of this strike is particularly notable. Within mere minutes, Ukrainian operators were able to detect, target, and destroy two valuable assets. This reflects a growing proficiency in the integration of reconnaissance and strike capabilities using drones. Such rapid response would have been nearly impossible with traditional artillery duels, where counter-battery fire often suffers from delays in detection and targeting.
As Defense Express previously reported, in a newly released combat video, pilots of the Black Raven unit demonstrate how they are systematically degrading the enemy's artillery and armored capabilities.
The most dramatic sequence shows a strike on the BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system that was reportedly loaded with a full ammunition complement. The explosion, captured clearly on camera, underlines how FPV drones continue to change the calculus of battlefield survivability for high-value weapons.
Read more: Ukraine's Black Raven Drones Destroy russian Grad System Loaded With Ammunition and Several Exotic Targets (Video)
