Fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are resorting to innovative methods like heating batteries to preserve the effectiveness of drones. This tactic aims to optimize drone performance in cold weather conditions and enhance their combat capability.
Redaksiya reports that the commander of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine told the publication "Business Insider" that his fighters do not usually use heaters, as drone batteries naturally heat up during flight and power the system. However, in such cold weather, the need to use an additional heat source increases.
Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy of the electronic warfare unit of the National Guard of Ukraine told journalists that fighters often use small heated containers to keep the batteries of drones and radio stations warm. Typically, these containers are used to store hot food. The serviceman stated in his conversation with journalists that his unit wraps the battery in disposable heated shoe insoles and places it directly on the drone before takeoff. He noted that this does not make the unmanned aerial vehicle too heavy and does not affect its characteristics.
These findings are reflected in an article published by the Russian "Center for Analysis of Strategy and Technology" (CAST) and also published in the propaganda publication "Kommersant." The material describes a possible transformation vector for the armed forces of the Russian Federation, taking into account their combat experience in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian troops on the front line wrap drone batteries in heated shoe insoles to maintain optimal temperature during flight. This solution prevents the impact of low temperatures on the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Earlier, "Defence Express" wrote that it is increasingly acknowledged in Russian expert circles that the era of guard tank divisions for the Russian Federation has effectively ended. Russians believe that the priority now should be the mass formation of unmanned systems. The commander explained that thanks to the heating of drone batteries, a drop in voltage and, consequently, a decrease in flight range and UAV effectiveness are prevented. The military personnel use readily available means that do not degrade the characteristics of the drones.