Russian drones penetrate dugouts: Why shelters no longer provide protection

Fortifications built in 2023 and early 2024 have already become ineffective due to changes in combat tactics.

This was stated by military analyst Denys Popovych during a broadcast on Radio NV.

"Even if a bunker is built according to all the rules and was up to standard last year — now a drone can simply fly inside and destroy everything," he said.

According to Popovych, modern drones perform both reconnaissance and strike functions, which completely changes the logic of defense. Even well-camouflaged fortifications no longer offer protection — drones easily detect and strike shelters, even those occupied by soldiers.

“We’ve seen footage of drones flying straight into shelters. So now the priority isn’t concrete, but camouflage, decoys, anti-drone netting, and mines,” Popovych explained.

He added that the main principle now is to “dig in” so well that a drone can’t detect the presence of troops or direct artillery fire on them.

“Even large strongpoints that used to withstand guided aerial bomb strikes can no longer always provide protection,” he said.