Ukrainian forces are employing an innovative tactic to maintain drone functionality in the harsh winter conditions along the front lines: warming batteries with disposable heated shoe insoles. The method, revealed by a commander of a Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) unit, addresses the critical issue of reduced battery voltage and performance in sub-zero temperatures.
Cold weather significantly impacts drone operations by reducing the voltage in batteries, thereby limiting flight range and overall effectiveness. To counteract this, troops are now wrapping the batteries in the same type of chemical warmers typically used to keep soldiers’ feet warm inside their boots. This pre-flight warming process maintains optimal battery temperature, preventing voltage drops and preserving both range and performance, according to reports.
The ingenuity extends beyond just the insoles. Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy of the National Guard’s electronic warfare unit stated that soldiers are also utilizing small, heated containers – normally intended for keeping food warm – to store both drone batteries and radio equipment. This provides an additional layer of protection against the cold, ensuring critical components remain operational.
While batteries naturally generate heat during flight, the extreme cold necessitates an external heat source, the UAV commander explained. Importantly, this method reportedly does not add significant weight or negatively impact the drones’ performance.
The challenges of operating drones in winter are not new. As the first snows fall in Ukraine, the conditions present unique obstacles for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A recent analysis highlighted that periods of low or no drone activity are likely during the winter months, mirroring the situation observed in the winter of 2023. Factors contributing to this reduction include snow, low cloud ceilings, reduced daylight hours, and, crucially, the impact of cold on drone battery life.
The increased reliance on drones in the Russo-Ukrainian war has underscored the need for solutions to these winter-specific challenges. The use of civilian-grade components in many Ukrainian drones, particularly First Person View (FPV) platforms, makes them especially vulnerable to the elements.
The situation is prompting a broader reassessment of military priorities. Reports suggest that Russian experts are increasingly acknowledging the decline of traditional tank divisions, advocating instead for a massive deployment of drone systems. This assessment, detailed in a publication by the Russian Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) and appearing in the state-backed publication Kommersant
, suggests a potential shift in Russian military strategy based on lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
The impact of the cold is already being felt on the battlefield. Due to the severe freezing temperatures, Ukrainian forces are reportedly experiencing increased drone losses. Before the onset of extreme cold, it was typical to deploy one or two drones to strike a single target. However, in freezing conditions, units are sometimes forced to deploy more than three drones per target to compensate for reduced effectiveness and increased risk of failure.
The adaptation of readily available materials, such as heated shoe insoles, demonstrates the resourcefulness of Ukrainian forces in the face of challenging conditions. This approach highlights a broader trend of innovation in drone warfare, where adaptability and ingenuity are proving crucial for maintaining operational capabilities. The increasing importance of drones in modern warfare, as evidenced by their widespread use in Ukraine, underscores the need for continued development of solutions to overcome environmental limitations and ensure their effectiveness in all weather conditions.
The reliance on drones as a report indicates, is not limited to Ukraine. The proliferation of drones globally has made them a defining weapon of 21st-century conflict, coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and impacting battlefields far beyond Eastern Europe.
