(UKRAINE) – Ukrainian drone units have destroyed multiple Russian military utility vehicles concealed in warehouses, barns and farm buildings across Ukraine, according to footage analysed by open source intelligence channel Suchomimus.
The strikes targeted a range of light vehicles used by Russian forces for resupply, convoy protection and offensive operations. No precise location was provided for the engagements, which are believed to have occurred at several different sites across Ukraine.
The first strike showed a makeshift recovery vehicle hidden inside a farm building. The cobbled together machine featured the front section of a lorry, a welded flatbed with towing equipment at the rear, and electronic jamming devices bolted to the roof. It was struck by a drone and a second unmanned aerial vehicle circling the barn confirmed a large fire inside, indicating the vehicle was destroyed.
A second strike at a different location showed a fire group vehicle in a shed being hit, causing a significant fire. At least two, possibly three, additional vehicles were inside the structure, and the size of the blaze suggested they may also have been damaged or destroyed.
Further footage showed a cluster of vehicles hidden inside a building described as resembling a repair depot. An MRAP vehicle was struck at the front, with a second drone showing it burning next to a pair of Ural lorries. Both lorries were already burned out, suggesting they had either been hit previously or taken to the site to be stripped for parts. One of the vehicles had its bonnet open, indicating Russian personnel had been removing the engine and other components.
A black SUV type vehicle in a warehouse was also hit by a drone. The narrator noted that most of these attacks could have been partially thwarted by placing netting over the windows, adding that such measures appeared beyond the capacity of Russian soldiers. At least two more vehicles were visible inside the warehouse.
A van was also struck.
The final strike targeted a warehouse containing two cars and a handful of motorbikes, with the latter described as replacements for infantry fighting vehicles, most of which are now rusting in Ukraine.
While the vehicles destroyed were not among the most impressive Russian assets, Ukraine cannot afford to be selective. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles have become scarce, with Russia reaching what the narrator described as the bottom of the barrel.
Utility vehicles remain important for Russian operations, used for fast resupply to the front lines and, as observed previously, on offensive operations. The key targets in this series of strikes were the makeshift recovery vehicle and the fire group vehicle. Fire group vehicles are used to protect convoys and key areas from drones, and have previously been deployed alongside fuel tankers heading into Ukraine in an attempt to protect them.
The effectiveness of such protection has been limited.
The footage was analysed by the open source intelligence channel Suchomimus.
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