In the Toretsk direction, the Azov 12th Special Purpose Brigade has taken on the critical role of protecting the rear areas of Ukrainian forces from the persistent threat of russian drones. With enemy unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly used to disrupt logistics and endanger frontline troops, the Azov Brigade's air defense units are adapting rapidly, employing both traditional and innovative methods to intercept and destroy these targets.
Video footage from the frontlines highlights the actions of the Azov Brigade's anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion. These defenders are not relying solely on conventional weapons; instead, they're embracing a hybrid approach that merges infantry tactics with modern technology. In particular, mobile fire teams have become essential in tracking and neutralizing threats on the move.
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Among their tools are modified UAR-15 rifles, Ukrainian-made assault rifles optimized for precision fire, used to shoot down low-flying drones manually. In skilled hands, these rifles become a last line of defense when UAVs slip through electronic warfare barriers or when response time is limited.
Every enemy drone detected near Toretsk is viewed as a significant risk. Whether used for reconnaissance or as loitering munitions, such drones can compromise supply routes, troop movements, and the operational rhythm of Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian personnel recognize that allowing any drone to operate freely could have grave consequences, and so their destruction becomes a matter of urgency.
Yet, perhaps most notable is the Brigade's use of their own FPV drones, repurposed as anti-aircraft assets. These drones are launched to chase and collide with enemy UAVs mid-air, a relatively new but increasingly effective tactic. In essence, Ukrainian drone operators are fighting drone wars within the skies, turning the enemy's own technological advantage against them.
This layered approach, combining ground-based firepower and drone-on-drone combat, reflects a broader trend across Ukraine's frontlines, where ingenuity and adaptability are key to survival. The Azov Brigade's air defense units operate with speed and flexibility, often moving with their mobile groups to cover different sectors as threats emerge.
Ultimately, the battle over Toretsk is not only being fought on the ground but also in the air, a fast-paced, invisible duel of sensors, reflexes, and precision. In this contest, the integration of manned and unmanned countermeasures is proving to be a decisive factor in keeping Ukrainian positions secure and supply lines operational.
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