Intensive use of drones by the Azerbaijani side, featured on numerous videos, arouses genuine interest in various publications, specializing in military topics.
Everyone needs drones
This time, the Polish media resource Defense24 turned to retired American Lieutenant General Ben Hodges for clarification., former commander of the U.S. Army Europe. As the journalist noted, conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh demonstrates widespread use of unmanned aerial systems, moreover, some types of UAVs have not been used so actively before, including loitering ammunition.
What will be the consequences for the ground forces in the European theater of operations, in particular, for air defense? - asked the journalist.
Hodges explained, that "three things come to mind". At first, was shown, that efficiency can be achieved through the combat integration of UAVs of different types, which can be combined with cannon or rocket artillery.
In his words, the ability to identify targets and quickly attack is something, what Turkey showed in Syria. A similar situation can be seen in Libya and Yemen, and now - in Nagorno-Karabakh, where UAVs are currently used by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces:
At first, main conclusion: this opportunity should be enjoyed by all [allies], because UAVs completely change the usual balance of power.
Air defense discipline and combination
Secondly, effective combat is hampered by "unprepared, undisciplined soldiers, unable to defend themselves with adequate actions ".
Combat vehicles should not be in open areas, soldiers should not gather in groups, as if they think, that they are not visible. And it's terrible to see, how many people die because of this. However, the Armenian side, looks like, does not adapt well to the situation, like the Syrians - says Hodges.
In this case, it is necessary to be able to hide not only from the optical sensors of the UAV, but also from thermal detection means; reduce electromagnetic signature, which is formed by means of communication. In particular, NATO command posts leave a significant mark, as they have a lot of network connections.
We have to work hard, to improve our ability to avoid detection, implement appropriate methods - the general emphasized.
third – air defense. obviously, that we must develop systems, kinetic or non-kinetic, able to deter UAVs - Hodges said, pointing out, that no one will destroy drones with a Patriot or Aegis, and old portable air defense systems may be ineffective.
Laser combination required, jammer, base UAV breaker [visible, leading] or [should have] the ability to take control of this drone. And conventional weapons, which will also apply. And artillery, and missiles, but also non-kinetic means - concludes Hodges.
