The widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Russian-Ukrainian war played a key role for both sides. However, the lack of UAVs and the rapid pace of their destruction frustrate the “reconnaissance strike” tactics worked out by Russia, according to the press service of the British Ministry of Defense..

During the military campaign in Syria, the Russian army quite successfully implemented the concept of a reconnaissance strike. Then the Russian Federation used drones for aerial reconnaissance and target identification, for strikes by combat aircraft or artillery.. But in Ukraine, such a scenario cannot be successfully implemented..

Last layer of protection Intelligence update on situation in Ukraine - 21 May 2022Receive from UK government's response: https://t. co/SJzZ5pcVoe? #StandWithUkraine? pic. twitter. com/bW5sc8zQbE.

— Ministry of Defense?

(@DefenceHQ) May 21, 2022.

Russia is in dire need of reconnaissance UAVs, but the increase in their production is hampered by Western sanctions that block the export of necessary spare parts to the country. If the Russian Federation continues to lose drones at the current rate, then intelligence and surveillance capabilities will deteriorate significantly.

Combat sorties of Russian aviation are limited to temporarily controlled territories of Ukraine.