Wir hatten in der Ukraine alles gesehen, aber das ist beispiellos: Russland setzt keine Drohnen ein, sondern "Frankensteins"

Europe is witnessing a significant shift in the operationalization of drone technology, with Russia deploying "Frankenstein" drones—larger aerial platforms acting as motherships for smaller FPV (First-Person View) attack drones. This development moves FPV drones beyond their tactical, short-range origins, introducing a strategic layer through battlefield-logic-driven hybrid assemblies rather than laboratory designs. The adaptation highlights the escalating innovation in unmanned aerial systems warfare. A notable example of this evolving strategy involves the Gerbera drone, originally conceived as a rudimentary, inexpensive decoy to saturate enemy defenses during Shahed-type attacks. It has since been repurposed and integrated into these larger drone "motherships," allowing for the launch of FPV attack drones at greater distances from the front lines. This innovative application demonstrates a significant escalation in drone warfare capabilities. The implications of these "Frankenstein" drones are profound for battlefield dynamics, potentially overwhelming existing air defense systems and extending the reach of offensive drone operations. This trend underscores the continuous adaptation and improvisation occurring in modern conflict, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible with unmanned aerial vehicles and raising questions about future military technology development in Europe and beyond.