Title: Ukraine’s Special Forces Adapt to New Tactics in Ongoing Conflict with Russia
Date: August 6, 2023
In an effort to combat the fortified defenses and minefields that have hindered Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces, special forces teams have turned to new tactics involving advanced technology. Highly skilled soldiers from Ukraine’s Alpha division, part of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), are now utilizing virtual reality glasses that provide a drone’s-eye view of the battlefield.
During a recent operation, a team successfully targeted a cluster of antennas in the town of Polohy, which were being used by Russian troops to interfere with Ukraine’s satellite-guided rockets. Using a manually directed drone made of affordable Styrofoam-like material, the team disabled one of the antennas, and with the jamming ability disrupted, they were then able to destroy the tower using a precision strike from a US-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
This shift to utilizing drones and other technology has become crucial for Ukraine’s special forces, as traditional covert tactics have become less effective in the face of heavily fortified defenses. Sneaking behind enemy lines has become nearly impossible due to extensive minefields, requiring the use of demining equipment and increasing the soldiers’ risk of detection. In contrast, the use of drones allows the special forces to maintain a safe distance while effectively targeting enemy positions.
Ukraine’s Alpha division, created in 1994 by the SBU with a focus on counterterrorism operations, has evolved to meet the challenges of the ongoing conflict. Previously responsible for protecting the government and its leaders, the division now dedicates its efforts to assisting in Ukraine’s counteroffensive, specifically aiming to sever the land corridor between Russia and Crimea. The division is highly selective, with members required to pass rigorous fitness tests, polygraph tests, and psychological examinations.
Special forces teams like Alpha have achieved success by utilizing loitering munitions, including self-detonating drones, to target enemy infrastructure such as tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and electronic warfare equipment. However, as the conflict has progressed, the Russian forces have adapted by using electronic warfare systems that suppress satellite navigation, forcing Ukrainian soldiers to rely on landmarks rather than GPS.
Despite the challenges, the special forces units remain committed to advancing the counteroffensive against Russian forces. Their ability to adapt to new tactics and leverage advanced technology demonstrates their effectiveness and resilience in the face of a formidable enemy.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s special forces will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in the ongoing battle for control of the region. Their expertise, combined with the use of advanced technology, provides a glimmer of hope for Ukraine as it seeks to expel the Russian occupiers and regain control of its territory.