Ukraine defends itself with cheap but deadly Turkish drones

ANKARA, TURKEY (AP) — Despite a three-week Russian bombardment, Ukraine is defending the city with Turkish-made drones that attack invaders with deadly effectiveness, surprising Western military experts.

The Bayraktar TB2 drone, capable of carrying laser-guided light bombs, is usually characterized by low-tech collisions. Turkey has sold them to 12 countries, including Azerbaijan, Libya, Morocco and Ethiopia.

Jack Watling, head of the London-based Royal United Service Research Institute, said the drone had a surprisingly effective attack early in the Ukraine conflict before Russia set up its defense on the battlefield.

“(TB2) should not have much effect because it is a slow aircraft at medium altitude with a large electromagnetic signature and a large radar section. And the Russians have very effective air defense systems, so they have to be shot down. The terrain is very clear and supports excellent radar range,” said Watling.

The Ukrainian military “flew at a low altitude, then climbed and attacked with them. That way, they reach their goals by chance.”

Over time, as the Russians organize and install air defense, “Watling reduces the freedom to use drones, so we now know that Ukrainians need to be careful how they use them.”

In a parliamentary report released on March 9, British Defence Minister Ben Wallis praised the drones and other weapons that Western countries had given to Ukraine.

“One way to provide air support or firepower is to transport ammunition via Turkish TB2 drones to artillery and supply lines, which is very important for slowing down or stopping Russia's advance,” Wallace said.

Drones have also had an impact on social networks: his aerial vision of the destruction of Russian armored vehicles has become an important tool in the information war.

Vasyl Bodnar, the Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey, posted a video of the drone attack on Twitter. One of them appeared to show the pillar of a destroyed Russian military vehicle.

He wrote “Masallah,” “Praise God,” in one of the videos.

A video with the song “Bayraktar” with an explosion to the rhythm of music was posted on YouTube, which is repeated on Ukrainian radio.

“As long as it flies, it is useful to have armed it. Aaron Stein of the Institute of Foreign Policy will probably be useful as propaganda. “That's what I said. “The video attracts the public because it allows you to track airstrikes in high resolution.”