Ukraine Destroys Key Bridges Inside Russia Using Inexpensive Drones Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Ukrainian armed forces have announced the successful destruction of two strategically significant bridges within Russia’s territory. The operation involved the use of inexpensive drones to target stockpiles of explosives and ammunition concealed by Russian forces nearby.
According to military officials, these bridges were crucial supply routes for the Russian military situated on the border with Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. In anticipation of a potential Ukrainian offensive, the bridges had been fortified with mines to facilitate their quick demolition if needed.
It is customary for besieged armies to sabotage infrastructure such as bridges and roads within their own territory to hinder enemy advancement. During the initial phase of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine engaged in similar actions, blowing up bridges on routes approaching Kyiv, which delayed the Russian advance and safeguarded the city.
In this instance, Ukrainian forces identified unusual activity around one of the Russian bridges and deployed a specialized drone equipped with fiber optics to investigate. The drone footage captured a large collection of anti-tank mines and additional ammunition, along with a discarded covering fabric nearby.
Upon discovering the cache, Ukrainian forces reportedly executed an attack that caused an explosion visible in the footage. Geolocation of the bridge revealed its location within Russia’s Belgorod region, near the border with Ukraine. The forces then proceeded to neutralize a second similarly fortified bridge.
The destruction of these bridges marks a notable victory for Ukraine amidst ongoing military confrontations and relentless aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities by Russian forces. Moscow has yet to comment on the attacks.
According to representatives from the Ukrainian 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, which carried out the operation, the drones utilized in the attack cost between 25,000 and 30,000 Ukrainian hryvnas, approximately $600 to $725. This represents a significant cost-benefit compared to conventional methods involving expensive guided munitions and sophisticated systems such as missile launchers or aircraft.
It is worth noting that Ukraine has previously disclosed the utilization of Western-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to obliterate bridges in Russia’s Kursk region, albeit at a considerably higher price point. The procurement and launching of three HIMARS launchers by Germany from the United States last year amounted to $30 million, with each missile costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The bridge attacks are not the first instance of Ukraine utilizing small, inexpensive drones for maximum effect – in June, Ukrainian forces destroyed or damaged numerous Russian aircraft using drones smuggled near military airfields.