Moscow’s soldiers have begun covering some of their assault aircraft with vehicle tires, in what observers believe is a haphazard attempt to protect them from Ukrainian drone strikes, which have recently become more successful in targeting Russian military airports.
We were unable to officially verify why the tires were placed on the aircraft, but analysts believe it was a crude attempt to not only add another layer of protection against Ukrainian drones but also to reduce the aircraft’s visibility, particularly at night.
According to Francisco Serra-Martins of drone company One Way Aerospace, whose drones have been utilized by the Ukrainian military, the move may have a limited impact.
“It may reduce the thermal signature for exposed strategic aviation assets placed on airfield aprons, but they will still be observable under infrared cameras,” he told.
“While it appears silly, they appear to be doing their best to arm the planes that are otherwise sitting ducks.” “Whether or not it works depends on the warhead on the missile/drone,” said Steffan Watkins, an open-source research consultant who monitors aircraft and ships.
Watkins went on to say that the tires may be utilized to prevent fragments from an explosion above the airliner from piercing the plane.
According to a NATO military official, the organization was aware of the tires. The officials requested anonymity since they were not authorized to speak to the media.
“We believe it’s meant to protect against drones,” a CNN official said. “We don’t know if this will have any effect.”
In recent weeks, Ukraine has gotten more daring in targeting vital assets within Russia via aerial operations, even as it endures assaults on its own cities, ushering in a new phase of the conflict characterized by Kyiv’s apparent efforts to erode internal Russian support for the war.
