Based on the findings from the current battlefield, the army proposed changing the order of purchases of unmanned systems. Instead of three medium tactical drones, they will purchase over 200 smaller drones, ranging from small quadcopters to twenty-kilogram devices with long endurance. The originally planned medium tactical drones will be procured later.
Army experts evaluated the combat effectiveness of individual categories of unmanned aerial vehicles on the modern battlefield and recommended the next course of action based on their operational performance.
According to Brigadier General Roman Hyťha, director of the intelligence security section of the ACR MoD, knowledge from the current battlefield is evaluated continuously, but the intensity and character of the fighting in Ukraine accelerated it and gave it a clear direction. "Our task is to monitor the capabilities of our potential adversaries comprehensively, not to focus on just one segment or region. On the other hand, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is significant not only in its scope, but also in the range of capabilities used by both sides, which had an impact on our assessment," Hyťha explained the factors that led to the reassessment of priorities.
The army already has experience with smaller drones
The non-negligible advantage of smaller drones from the army's point of view is that it already has extensive operational experience with them, with many units. Some of the combat companies of the ground forces already have so-called ISR company sets in their formations, which also include the Wasp AE unmanned aerial vehicle. In addition, Vážka A quadcopters, Raven and Puma vehicles are also included in selected units of the Czech Army. The 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Regiment is the only one to have Scan Eagle equipment with higher range and endurance. "From the point of view of the units, there will be a significant and significant quantitative increase of what the army already has, even if there will be an expansion with new types," summarized Lieutenant Colonel Petr Čeklovský from the intelligence security section of the ACR MO.
The advantage of smaller drones is their direct use by combat units. Units do not need to be deployed by higher tiers and can use them immediately. "The basic advantage of micro and mini category drones is that they provide the commander with a situational overview on the battlefield at the time when he needs it. Using them for the commander is not much more difficult than when he takes the binoculars out of his backpack," explained Čeklovký.
Prioritizing the needs of the combat elements of the Army
With the current change in priorities for purchases of unmanned vehicles, the army wants to equip three combat elements - the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, the 7th Mechanized Brigade and the 43rd Airborne Regiment. Smaller unmanned vehicles will also be used by reconnaissance units and units of other types of forces. Everything is calculated with the aim of maximizing the combat capabilities of the brigade task forces of the Army of the Czech Republic.
The funds saved for the purchase of medium tactical drones will thus equip units at the tactical level.
The cost will thus be lower than the expected price of three medium tactical drones. "However, it should be kept in mind that micro and mini category drones can never replace medium tactical drones and vice versa. They are other means," explained General Hyťha.
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