Ukrainian soldiers say Russian strike drones are flying smaller drones into battle like an 'aircraft carrier'

"Ukrainian soldiers who described the tactic to Business Insider said that Moscow uses its fixed-wing Molniya ("lightning" in Russian) drones to carry small first-person-view (FPV) drones; these are typically the quadcopters that have become a dominant presence on the battlefield. The tactic, while not a new phenomenon, has become a growing concern for Ukrainian forces because it enables the FPVs to operate and strike at greater depths. The war has featured other types of mothership-style drone carriers, but Russia only recently started using the Molinya for this purpose, soldiers said."

"The Molniya can also carry an explosive payload, allowing it to function as both a mothership and a strike drone, said the operator, who could only be identified by his call sign Khyzhak ("Predator" in Ukrainian) for security reasons. After the Molniya releases its onboard FPVs, it can continue flying to strike a target. Russia has sometimes even put anti-tank mines on the drone to increase its explosive potential, Khyzhak said."

Russia deploys medium-sized fixed-wing Molniya drones as carriers for small first-person-view (FPV) quadcopters, allowing FPVs to operate and strike at greater depths. Molniya drones can carry one or two FPVs and can also be fitted with explosive payloads or anti-tank mines, enabling them to act as both motherships and strike platforms. The low cost and abundance of these systems make them readily available for repeated use. Ukrainian forces report increasing concern over the tactic as it extends the reach and lethality of FPV attacks on the battlefield.

Read at Business Insider