On 2/9, the Ukrainian navy reported sinking a Russian landing craft near Tendrovskaya Island in Kherson province, resulting in 7 deaths and 4 injuries. Observers believe the attack was carried out by a Bayraktar TB2 drone, based on imagery bearing the drone's signature markings.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) and the Ukrainian navy previously released footage of a Bayraktar TB2 striking two Russian boats in the Kherson region.

Ukrainian drone strikes Russian unit off Kherson in a video released on 2/9. Video: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

These actions mark the return of the Bayraktar TB2 after a two-year absence from the Ukrainian battlefield. This limited resurgence as an offensive weapon is attributed to Ukraine's persistent attacks on Russian air defenses in Kherson and Crimea.

In early August, the GUR released a video showing suicide drones targeting Russian radar stations in Crimea, hitting at least 3. In March, it released another video showing an attack on 13 radar systems and other equipment in Crimea.

"Bayraktar TB2s have operated near Tendrovskaya Island before, but only for long-range reconnaissance. They didn't dare get closer for fear of becoming easy targets. Ukraine's frequent attacks on air defenses in Kherson and Crimea have created more operating space for them," commented Milinfolive, a pro-Russian account on X.

Howard Altman, editor of the US military website War Zone, suggests that Tendrovskaya Island's narrow terrain and geographical location make it challenging for Russia to deploy short and medium-range air defenses, giving Ukrainian TB2s more freedom to operate.

However, this doesn't mean the TB2s face no risks. Only three successful attacks in nearly three months indicate their role remains limited.

"The Bayraktar TB2 can be deployed where manned aircraft cannot venture. This is even more crucial given its ability to engage moving targets, similar to manned aircraft, something most of Ukraine's long-range weapons lack," Altman said.

Wreckage of a Bayraktar TB2 destroyed in 2022. Photo: Oryx

Wreckage of a Bayraktar TB2 destroyed in 2022. Photo: Oryx

Turkey has reportedly supplied Ukraine with around 60 TB2 drones, including nearly 20 before the conflict began in early 2022.

In the initial weeks of the war, the Bayraktar TB2 successfully targeted Russian tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. It was hailed as a "savior of the Ukrainian army" and a game-changer, helping repel Russian forces in the north. Some even considered it a "weapon of the future battlefield."

Russia subsequently adapted its tactics and intensified electronic warfare, downing dozens of TB2s in 2022-2023.

"Russia has improved its electronic warfare capabilities and established layered air defenses, making it difficult for slow-flying drones to operate safely. The Bayraktar TB2 has become increasingly vulnerable to Russian air defense systems like the Buk, Pantsir-S1, and Tor," admitted United24, a Ukrainian government fundraising platform.

Colonel Volodymyr Valiush, a GUR commander, stated he "wouldn't call the Bayraktar TB2 useless, but it's hard to find situations to use them." He confirmed Ukraine continues using the TB2, but its deployment frequency and role have changed.

Some surviving drones continued operating into late 2023. Colonel Valiush revealed that Bayraktar TB2s at that time only survived for about 30 minutes after takeoff. They also quickly disappeared from the battlefield as Ukraine transitioned to first-person view (FPV) drones.

A Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2 drone during an exercise in Mykolaiv province in 2021. Photo: Ukrinform

A Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2 drone during an exercise in Mykolaiv province in 2021. Photo: Ukrinform

Beyond its attack role, the drone is now being used for various other purposes, as Ukraine has started domestic assembly, reducing its reliance on Turkey.

Russia appears aware of this and has attacked the Bayraktar drone factory near Kyiv four times in the past six months. The most recent attack, on 27/8, involved two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, causing a major fire.

"Ukraine occasionally uses the Bayraktar TB2 for attacks, but that doesn't mean it will be regularly deployed for this purpose. However, it shows Kyiv is trying to exploit gaps in the enemy's air defenses before Russia finds countermeasures," Altman said.

Pham Giang (War Zone)