The Russian military is actively using Inokhodets unmanned aerial vehicles to destroy Ukrainian armored vehicles on the front in the Kursk region. The recent UAV strike on a T-64B tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces demonstrated the effectiveness of a new tactic that is actively used in the fight against Ukrainian forces.

At first glance, this episode may seem routine, but it has important strategic implications. Firstly, the successful use of the Inokhodets indicates that the Ukrainian Air Force’s air defense and electronic warfare systems either do not function in this area or operate in a limited manner and cannot effectively counter Russian drones. This means that UAV operators can freely select and engage targets, which significantly improves their efficiency and reduces risks for pilots.

Secondly, the use of the Inokhodets in the Kursk region indicates serious progress in the automation of the hunt for Ukrainian armored vehicles. Previously, the use of such drones on the front line was limited due to the high risks associated with the presence of portable air defense systems and other protective systems in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, the current operation shows that Russian forces have adapted to these threats and are now actively using drones to destroy enemy armored vehicles.