Ukrainian Army Advances Counteroffensive with "Anti-Drone Dome"
According to a report by Reference News Network on September 23, the German news television channel reported on September 20 that the Ukrainian military claimed to have achieved several victories in its counteroffensive operations in northern Donetsk Oblast. The commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Andriy Biletsky, released a video stating that the Ukrainian forces had recaptured two villages north of the city of Lyman.
According to reports, the U.S. think tank Institute for the Study of War listed several factors contributing to the Ukrainian military's victories. The Institute stated that the Ukrainian forces had targeted Russian drone operators and their positions on the eve of the counteroffensive, allowing their own drone units to gain an advantage in the region. An officer from the Ukrainian 3rd Army Corps said that these strikes even led to the elite Russian "Rubicon" unmanned systems units being redeployed to another section of the front line.
He stated that the Ukrainian forces also used medium-range drones to strike Russian supply lines, disrupting Russian logistics within a 120-kilometer range behind the front lines; due to fuel shortages, the Russian military found it increasingly difficult to deploy drones and signal jammers at the front; meanwhile, Ukraine strengthened its air defense capabilities and deployed electronic warfare systems; this created a "drone defense dome" that accompanied the advance of the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
The report stated that this "dome" temporarily disrupted Russia's reconnaissance and attack capabilities. The Institute for the Study of War had previously pointed out that to conduct large-scale maneuver warfare under modern combat conditions, it is essential to eliminate or at least severely disrupt the coordination of enemy reconnaissance drones, attack drones, artillery, and other weapons. Analysts believe that the tactics employed by the Ukrainian forces generally align with this assessment from the Institute. (Translated by Wang Qiang)
Ukrainian forces achieved victories in counteroffensive operations, regaining control of two villages north of Lyman on September 20, 2023. They targeted Russian drone operators and supply lines, disrupting logistics and enhancing their own air defense and electronic warfare capabilities. This led to a temporary 'anti-drone dome' that hindered Russian reconnaissance and attack capabilities.
- Ukrainian forces regained two villages north of Lyman.
- Ukrainian strikes targeted Russian drone operators and supply lines.
- Russian forces faced logistical challenges due to fuel shortages.
- Ukrainian military enhanced air defense and electronic warfare capabilities.
- A temporary 'anti-drone dome' was established to disrupt Russian operations.