Ukraine uses so-called caltrops to stop Russian vehicles, allowing them to be later targeted by drone bombers.
.in_text_content_22 { width: 300px; height: 600px; } @media(min-width: 600px) { .in_text_content_22 { width: 580px; height: 400px; } }
Forbes reports this.
The Russians are faced with a new threat on the front line: metal obstacles that pierce tires, called caltrops, which are dropped by drones, the publication notes. “This is an ingenious new use of a very old weapon that creates problems for the last mile of Russia’s already overextended supply chain, stopping vehicles so they can be hit by drone bombers.
Caltrops are quadrangular metal weapons designed so that if they fall, one of the sharp points will always be on top. The name comes from the Latin meaning “fifth catcher” and the Romans also called them murex ferreus or “toothed iron”.
Moreover, the authors of this invention were not even the ancient Romans – caltrops can be dated back to at least 313 BC, when the army of Alexander the Great used them against the Persian cavalry.
Caltrops were used in other eras, in particular, by both sides in World War II – to block enemy roads and airfields.
In 2022, Ukrainians experienced a flurry of caltrop making, however these were larger versions that were mostly inserted by hand.
It is noted that Russian bloggers complain that Ukrainian drones are literally covering dangerous sections of front-line roads with caltrops.
For safety reasons, we have to literally “fly” through these territories and our vehicles, says one of them, driving at the highest possible speed. Imagine what happens to a car when spikes puncture two (or more) wheels at once.
Deliveries are usually delivered at night, when there is less danger from FPV drone attacks, but under such conditions there is less chance of noticing obstacles on the road. Thus, a car that hits caltrops at high speed may become uncontrollable and crash. However, there is likely to be even greater danger ahead for the vehicle’s passengers.
In these places, enemy drones are waiting for their “prey” – as soon as the car stops, an enemy “bird” immediately appears and drops bombs, writes the blogger.
Source: Forbes
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.