Ukrainian drone swarm has spooked the US - mass media
Cheap drones are emerging as a new threat to which the Pentagon has no effective response.
The Ukrainian special operation "Spider Web" has caused serious concern in the Pentagon, USA Today writes. The US authorities are now focused on creating an effective defence against mass attack drones, which pose a danger to military facilities and civilian infrastructure.
The publication recalls that the Security Service of Ukraine launched attack drones against strategic aircraft at Russian airbases, showing the vulnerability of even strong states to new technologies. A Pentagon spokesman, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted: "We have not yet found a solution on how to protect military bases from drone swarms."
In the past year, the US has recorded about 350 drone intrusions into the airspace of military bases. Some of these may have been reconnaissance flights or tests of security systems. Of particular concern is that even a drone costing around $700 is capable of carrying explosives.
U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll said before Congress, "Ukraine, after spending only tens of thousands of dollars, has caused billions in damage to Russia. This is a game changer."
The US military notes that the speed at which countries like Ukraine are adapting new technologies is changing global security.
Operation Spider Web was a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones on Russian airbases behind enemy lines in early June. According to the SBU, it involved 117 drones launched from mobile platforms near four airfields. The targets were Tu-95, Tu-22 strategic bombers and A-50 radar detection aircraft.