“Russia\u2019s changing attack tactics are forcing Ukraine to adapt by making shorter defense lines and building low-rise strongpoints less visible to drones swarming the skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the revamp is undermined by a chaotic approach to fortifying front lines, with very different approaches being used depending on local commanders. Tougher defense positions are also made much less effective by Ukraine’s chronic shortage of combat troops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The change in fortification strategy is being driven by Russia dropping large formation attacks supported by armored vehicles in favor of much smaller units backed by drones, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ukraine is responding by building fortifications for ever smaller units \u2014 from battalions of about 500 troops to companies of about 100, and now for platoons of 20 to 50 soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Previously, strong points used extensive trench networks from 2 to 5 kilometers in length. The new system uses smaller strongpoints with trench networks 60 to 70 meters long and equipped with mandatory anti-drone cover. \u201cThese are harder to detect and are effective in carrying out tasks of defense, deterrence, and delivering firepower, including against FPV drones,\u201d Umerov said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind that frontline defense, Ukraine is continuing to build two additional lines that include concrete tetrahedrons, also called dragon’s teeth, to hold off armored vehicles, minefields, foxholes, wooden and concrete trenches, anti-drone covers and nets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFortification is not just about concrete and trenches \u2014 it is an adaptive engineering system that takes the enemy\u2019s tactics into account and always serves one purpose: protecting our warriors. We monitor the process daily and reinforce the areas where it\u2019s needed most,\u201d Umerov said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, fortifications were often built in open terrain to block Russian attacks using large numbers of armored vehicles. Now, they are built around forest belts, which have better camouflage.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n