JUSTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR THE USE OF AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF TASKS BY UNITS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE

Abstract

In modern military operations, units of the National Guard of Ukraine often have to perform tasks in densely populated urban areas, which complicates reconnaissance and monitoring. The prevalence of electronic warfare tactics that disrupt satellite signals such as GPS and GLONASS further exacerbates these problems. Traditional unmanned aerial vehicles, which rely heavily on satellite navigation, are vulnerable to electronic countermeasures, potentially compromising mission success.

This article deals with the urgent issue of increasing the capacity of units of the National Guard of Ukraine that operate in such conditions. The challenge is the need for reliable and robust means of reconnaissance and navigation in environments where satellite signals are blocked or unavailable. To address this issue, the paper explores the integration of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with optical-electronic navigation systems, offering a viable alternative to satellite-based unmanned aerial vehicles.

The advantages of such integration are numerous. First, it significantly improves navigation accuracy even in the absence of satellite signals through a combination of inertial navigation systems, high-frequency terrain navigation, and image-based navigation. These systems provide precise unmanned aerial vehicles movements, a critical requirement for reconnaissance missions in complex urban landscapes.

In addition, resistance to electronic warfare stands out as a decisive advantage. Unmanned aerial vehicles with opto-electronic navigation systems combined with anti-jamming features become resilient to electronic warfare tactics, providing uninterrupted reconnaissance and monitoring in conflict environments.

However, the integration of optical-electronic navigation systems has certain limitations. Weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain may interfere with navigation. In addition, data processing needs can strain onboard computing resources, requiring advanced processors for optimal performance. Additionally, damage to optical sensors due to environmental factors can disrupt navigation, requiring redundancy or repair.

In summary, the integration of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles with opto-electronic navigation systems offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by National Guard units in urban environments. Enhanced accuracy, resistance to electronic warfare, and adaptability to changing conditions make this approach a compelling choice to enhance mission success and ensure the safety of National Guard personnel in complex and contested scenarios.