

The features of FPV drones use in combat — Rybar's analysis
Apparently the topic of maneuverable FPV drones with the first-person view function in the combat operations has exceeded the limits of discussions in Telegram and reached the large mass media on the federal level.
Yesterday Russia Today @rt_russian published an unusual editorial with a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of using such vehicles. The piece appears to be a response to the public discussion of this issue that has been developing for more than a month on the Russian information scene.
The authors have approached the problem thoroughly and have highlighted not only the advantages and disadvantages of FPV drones, but also suggested how to introduce these drones into the Russian Armed Forces. In our opinion, there are a few more important nuances in the combat application of such drones:

Relatively low payload and flight range now really limit the use of FPV drones to launch the strikes. However, when new models appear, these characteristics will improve.
Almost the same happened to usual drones which have evolved from small toy ones to heavy agricultural UAVs. And in the nearest future FPV drones may be able to fly as far as 10 km and carry not just an RPG grenade, but more powerful ammunition.

Combat effectiveness of such vehicles mostly depends on the skill of the operator. They must clearly understand the nature of the ammunition installed to hit the target very precisely, otherwise the target will be difficult to engage even if the hit is accurate. On the contrary, an experienced operator of a high-speed drone can operate it very effectively.

Another important point about the introduction of FPV drones into the Russian Armed Forces is the need to change the commanders’ mindset; some of them still fail to see the difference between such vehicles and usual drones.
For sure, some are highly stupid and stubborn, but they are not the majority: many commanders can simply explain the situation in plain language. The spread of the Mavic UAVs was similar - from complete denial to mass supplies to the units.

As the authors of the material correctly noted, FPV drones are not a "wunderwaffe" or a replacement for the Lancet, but a formidable weapon, which in the near future may become a usual attribute of infantry units.
One can keep ignoring the appearance of new weapons on the battlefield. But the consequences of this approach will be sad.
Everyone remembers what price was paid at the beginning of the SMO for ignoring the combat use of commercial drones in pre-war times, don't they?