Russia ramps up mass deployment of low-cost drones on battlefield
Russian military (Photo: Getty Images)
Adviser to the Minister of Defense Serhii Beskrestnov reported the mass deployment by Russian forces of low-cost reconnaissance drones based on the Molniya UAV platform, which have replaced more expensive strike aircraft, reports Telegram by the electronic warfare and communications specialist, known by the call sign Flash.
Mass use of “Molniya” drones on the front
Russian forces are actively using inexpensive Molniya reconnaissance drones for battlefield surveillance.
Previously, the enemy relied on more expensive UAVs — including the Orlan-10, ZALA, and Supercam — each costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Due to the effective work of Ukraine’s air defense units, these UAVs were being actively destroyed, forcing the Russian units to seek a more cost-effective replacement.
Technical features of the drones
According to Serhii Beskrestnov, he receives up to 10 photos a day of Molniya drones, which have recently begun appearing on the front line in large numbers.
The configuration of the devices is standard: a SIYI ZR10 camera, an AI module from SIYI, and a mesh modem operating at 1300–1500 MHz with 2x2 W power output. The only difference between the units is the Ethernet switch, the expert noted.
Effectiveness Against Ukraine’s Defense Forces
Serhii Beskrestnov stressed that despite the low cost of the Molniya drones, their mass deployment allows Russian troops to conduct reconnaissance operations at minimal expense.
Previously, more expensive UAVs were frequently lost due to the powerful air defense systems of Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Now, Russian units are widely deploying lower-value drones to offset losses and maintain continuous surveillance on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a new decree increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to more than 2.3 million personnel. According to the March 4, 2026 decree (No. 139), the official strength of the Armed Forces of Russia now stands at 2,391,770 people, including 1,502,640 active-duty personnel. The previous decree dated September 16, 2024, has been declared invalid, official sources said.
Following a recent drone strike on the port of Novorossiysk, the Russian frigate Admiral Essen sustained damage. Reports indicate that the ship’s central superstructure was affected, including detonations of PK-10 decoy launchers used for deploying passive countermeasures.
