FPV drones have evolved from a nuisance to a significant military tool in Ukraine, posing threats to even small targets.

• Initially a minor issue, FPV drones have become a major threat, now operated as guided missiles to hit small targets.
• The number of drones at the frontlines is estimated in tens of thousands, with a high daily attrition rate.
• FPV drones are piloted using the onboard camera feed, often via a smartphone in a headset.

FPV drones are characterized by their agility, speed, and capability to carry payloads, acting as cost-effective guided missiles.

• FPV drones are smaller, fast, and capable of carrying payloads like grenades or small shaped charges.
• They are agile enough to be maneuvered into targets, with typical ranges up to 10km and speeds over 100km/h.
• Commercially available racing drones, often used as FPV drones, can carry payloads that don't significantly impact control.

FPV drones are used in coordination with other drones for targeting and have a significant hit rate despite their cheap cost.

• FPV drones typically operate with other drones that have better cameras, allowing for precise targeting.
• They can act as loitering munitions, waiting for the right moment to strike.
• According to Ukrainian officials, every third FPV drone hits its target, showing a cost-effective strike rate.

Ukraine is rapidly training FPV drone operators to meet the demand for piloting the growing number of drones.

• Ukraine has invested in training drone operators, with schools graduating hundreds of pilots.
• Training takes two to four weeks, with motivated individuals becoming proficient in 30 days.
• Experienced video gamers have shown to be particularly adept at piloting FPV drones.

Defensive strategies against FPV drones include jamming, advanced armor, and individual vehicle-level jammers.

• Defenses against FPV drones have included minefields, slat armor, and powerful area jammers.
• Russia has experienced issues with its own jammers affecting friendly equipment and being targeted by enemy munitions.
• Small backpack jammers and vehicle-level jammers like the Russian Volnorez are becoming more common.

The economical production of FPV drones and their potential to change warfare dynamics is becoming more apparent.

• The cost of FPV drones has significantly decreased, making them a highly cost-effective weapon system.
• As technology progresses, AI-assisted targeting and piloting may render drones impervious to jamming.
• FPV drones are influencing armor configurations, with potential changes to military doctrines and equipment.

The production of FPV drones is scaling up rapidly, with significant potential to impact the global military landscape.

• Ukraine is producing thousands of drones per month, with numbers expected to reach tens of thousands.
• The adoption of FPV drones by militaries worldwide may be slow, but the potential impact is significant.
• The US Pentagon is aware of the need to increase anti-drone defenses, indicating recognition of the shifting dynamics.

FPV drones offer a new level of cost efficiency and tactical precision, potentially shaping the future of warfare.

• FPV drones provide precision-guided hits at a fraction of the cost of traditional munitions and systems.
• The sheer number of drones available to operators allows for a high frequency of tactical strikes.
• The increasing number of guided hits achieved by FPV drones suggests a new era of efficient tactical warfare.

FPV drones have risen rapidly to become a critical element in the Ukraine conflict, signifying a new era in warfare.

• The war in Ukraine has been a catalyst for the rapid advancement and crucial role of FPV drones.
• Their use is expected to influence many aspects of warfare, especially with the integration of AI.
• The global military landscape is beginning to adapt to the changes brought by FPV drones.