This interview with Siddegay, a Russian engineer and entrepreneur developing military drones, provides a candid and insightful look into the evolving landscape of drone warfare as seen from the Russian perspective. The conversation highlights Russia's initial lag in drone technology at the start of the Ukrainian conflict and its subsequent efforts to catch up, largely driven by the private sector.
Siddegay emphasizes that the Russian military underestimated the importance of drones early on, mirroring a global lack of preparedness for this kind of warfare. He highlights the ineffectiveness of many Western drones deployed in Ukraine, citing the American Switchblade as "total garbage" and criticizing the Scan Eagle, developed by Boeing, as built with cheap materials. In contrast, he praises Ukrainian-made drones for outperforming their Western counterparts, despite being made with the same components found in Chinese drones.
He attributes Ukraine’s success with its drones because of the ease of their system which allows private developers to work directly with the military. This promotes rapid prototyping and innovation on the front lines which is a process that is hindered in Russia.
When asked about the comparison in drone development of Russian and Ukrainian systems with Chinese systems, he stresses that both countries now are on top of drone development. However, although China produces many of the drone components in these systems, the finished product of these systems is far inferior. In particular, he states that the Chinese lack real wartime experience. China builds weapons that are feel more like toys which lack functionality when they face the rigorousness of real military hardware.
The interview delves into specific aspects of drone warfare tactics. Siddegay describes remote mind-laying, where drones drop mines on roads the enemy believes are safe, as an incredibly effective tactic. He also discusses "sleeper drones" or "ambush drones," like those in the Kursk region where a Ukrainian vehicle is destroyed by the drone. This tactic is most effective when using fiber optic drones, because these systems have low energy output and can lie in wait without detection. Although this system has been initially effective, operators adapt quickly to the field changes.
Siddegay also elaborates on the "internet bridge" concept, which allows operators based far from the front lines, even in Moscow, to remotely control drones. This reduces the risk to skilled drone pilots, who are often not suited for frontline combat but are invaluable assets.
Another topic is the infamous Ukrainian "Babayaga" drone, a heavy agricultural drone repurposed to drop anti-tank mines. These can methodically wipe out fortified areas and bunkers. The Russian military initially dismissed such drones, but they have proven highly effective. As a countermeasure, Russians have been using a machine gun with a thermal scope. They can track drones through the thermal scope and easily hit the drones which have batteries and motors that glow in infared. Now, Russia is responding by developing its own heavy-class drones using Chinese components, but production will take time. He also discussed his take on what he believes will become of drones. He states that the drones will evolve, and that major progress will be seen in autonomous target recognition and guidance, because the jamming systems cause issues.
There is an explanation of "Gerundrons" which had Iranian origins, but now have become something new. These systems now has stealth coating. He also shared his thoughts on interceptor drones. He stated that the Ukrainian side has developed these types of drone using Israeli radar systems. These systems have been effectively knocking out Russian drones, which have resulted in the Russians developing countermeasures to deal with these threats.
To deal with drones, Siddegay says that from a foot soldier's point of view, anti-droner rounds for rifles, wooded terrain, smart movement, and speed will be most valuable. He dismissed laser systems and said that lasers are somewhat of a joke.
In conclusion, Siddegay expresses hope that the Russian government will embrace the private sector’s role in driving innovation in drone technology after the war. He acknowledges the sharp and capable individuals within the Russian defense sector but emphasizes that private companies are inherently more agile and motivated. Although he believes that he will be successful in or out of the drone space, he has a true passion for building military tools in drone development.