The Russian military has deployed a three-member air defense team

Consisting of a reconnaissance soldier, a sniper, and a drone operator – specifically tasked with hunting down low-altitude drones operated by the Ukrainian forces.

Nikolayevka is situated at the source of the Northern Donetsk–Donbas Canal, making it a strategically vital stronghold for controlling the water supply to the Donetsk region. Since September 3, Russian forces have launched an offensive toward this town; currently, Russia and Ukraine are engaged in intense offensive and defensive operations centered on the logistics corridor of this industrial town – a battle of blockade and counter-blockade. Through their combat experience in complex air defense environments, the Russian military has developed a three-person combat formation for low-altitude anti-drone operations. Along the frontline logistics corridor leading to Nikolayevka, trucks transporting fuel, food, and ammunition move in and out daily. To ensure the safety of these vehicles as they pass through, the 68th Army has temporarily established a special firepower unit composed of scouts, snipers, and drone pilots, who are positioned along the flight paths of Ukrainian drones to intercept those flying at low altitudes.

At the Konstantinovka sector, the three-member infiltration team tactical exercise developed by the Russian military has been widely adopted on the front lines. The Mobile Task Force from the Russian 51st Army conducted surveillance operations in the dense forested areas; the machine gunner, codenamed "Mogli," carefully scanned the fire zone through his scope for any signs of enemy presence.

As of August this year, this unit has shot down approximately 10 large drones and 22 FPV drones. The commander emphasized that, in addition to engaging in combat operations, the fire support teams must also develop tactics tailored to counter drones of various types—when confronting small attack aircraft such as the "Hornet," the soldiers should design ambush traps and use both real and decoy targets to lure the Hornet drones into the trap. The commander stressed that combat experience has shown that fixed ambush positions are more effective at shooting down airborne targets than mobile patrol-based air defense engagements. Currently, each of the three-member Russian air defense teams includes at least two observers to assist the shooter in target detection; furthermore, the Russian air defense network is also equipped with an early warning system.

Russian military experts emphasize that carefully deployed concealed positions, scientifically defined air defense responsibility zones, and enhanced sniper training will be key to establishing a defensive barrier against Ukrainian drones.