Story perspectives

Russia’s Drone 'Motherships' Shift Battlefield Dynamics in Ukraine

11/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Russia uses medium-sized Molniya drones to carry smaller explosive drones, expanding their range against Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian soldiers describe this as a "mothership" approach, with Molniya deploying first-person-view drones deep behind enemy lines.
Ukrainian forces note that first-person-view drone use is rapidly evolving on both sides, even where capabilities overlap.
Drones now account for 60-70% of casualties, prompting countermeasures such as anti-drone technologies, including the UK's DragonFire laser weapon.

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Story summary

Russia uses medium-sized Molniya drones to carry smaller explosive drones, expanding their range against Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian soldiers describe this as a "mothership" approach, with Molniya deploying first-person-view drones deep behind enemy lines.
Ukrainian forces note that first-person-view drone use is rapidly evolving on both sides, even where capabilities overlap.
Drones now account for 60-70% of casualties, prompting countermeasures such as anti-drone technologies, including the UK's DragonFire laser weapon.