To Russia with love : How to deal with drones

Proposition 1 : For short distances fire empty shells at them. Propellant without explosives is the key. Why. Drones may have explosives and you do not want explosions near what you need to protect. Empty shells may deflect or destroy their explosives at distances that are safe. You also do not want bigger explosions so empty shells are fine. Second, they will be cost effective. Easily deployable and available. They are usually used on ceremonial occasions and can be deployed tactically. Some adjustments with the range and you have some defence against them. A range of 1 to 15 km with Mortars, Howitzers, Field guns, Armoured vehicles( tanks), or Naval and anti-aircrafts guns is possible. ChatGPT lists propellant, design of the shell and environment as factors. The weight, shape and momentum of the projectile is the key.

Proposition 2 : At very close distance use the rubber and pellet guns. They are also available and with modifications can certainly deflect their trajectory and balance. For short and medium drones, especially those used primarily for surveillance, it could be very effective. Once they are very near a safe location or asset that needs protection, it can still be the last resort. A volley of rubber bullets or a pellet gun can avoid the explosion and immobilise the drones. Once a drone trajectory is altered one can avoid targeted attack. Alter the size and impact of rubber and pellet guns.

Proposition 3 : Asbestos sheets are fire resistant and are already in use. Add a temporary, movable shelter of glass over the protected assets. For example, glass used in car and truck windows( windshields) remain intact after adverse impact. The shatter-resistant  glass would also not catch fire. Think fire-resistant material that can resist fire and those that can withstand impact and pressure. Especially to guard the inflammable parts, components or materials.

Start thinking and act. A temporary and partial measure is better than having no plans or arrangements. Think with existing materials that resist fire and explosion and move towards manufacturing the desired material. Work with available capabilities and factor the damages that drone attacks can unleash.

500 to 1000 km/h used to be the speed with which First generation fighters could fly. The fifth generation has a range of 1900 miles/h to 2800 miles/h and the upgrades in their generation is not a function of speed. The avionics, stealth and capability to operate with digital and ai capabilities defines new generation warcrafts. When they are static, they are vulnerable. Who could have thought about and planned for them before the events unfolded! First and second generation defense technologies can counter drones?

Effective defense against drones depends on early or timely detection and precise targeting. Low altitude radars, lasers and electronic jamming and demobilising equipment has to seek electronic and noise signatures to isolate drones from balloons, clouds and biological species that can fly.

What has happened in Russian airfields can occur anywhere. Explosive depots, armories of warheads, missiles need a defence from a targeted drone attack.

Is this because of the use of AI chatbots? It could be the recent episodes as well. Wars and the generalised uncertainty, fears and insecurities that are prevailing globally, I have partly lost control over what my mind thinks.