Chechnya training site targeted amid growing drone threats
The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, reported that a drone hit the Putin Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya. Although "only the roof of an empty building ignited," it's noteworthy that the facility is located about 850 kilometres from the front line. Two explosions were reportedly heard on the campus.
The Russian Special Forces University was established in 2013 by Ramzan Kadyrov and was named after Vladimir Putin in February 2024. The facility is primarily intended for special forces training, to deploy them in military operations in Ukraine. The university in Gudermes is also equipped to produce FPV drones.
University in Chechnya hit. Training "special forces" there
The Defense Express portal notes that the university in Chechnya is essentially Kadyrov's brainchild, so "an attack in its direction is more significant than an attack on another Russian army training facility."
Official Ukrainian sources have not confirmed responsibility for the attack on the facility. Yet, it is worth noting that even considering such a significant distance of about 850 kilometres from the front line – a strike by the Ukrainians is indeed possible.
Ukrainian long-range drones
Let's recall that the current arsenal of the Ukrainian armed forces includes a range of solutions capable of striking very remote targets on the territory of the Russian Federation. Notably, "Bobr" drones, whose full specifications remain secret, have a range of about 1,000 kilometres. The Bobry, with wings spanning 3 metres and a takeoff weight of several dozen kilograms, can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
It is also worth mentioning the Sokol-300 drone, which has been in development since 2022 and was recently unveiled. This advanced UAV can reach targets 3,300 kilometres from its launch site. The Sokol-300 can carry an explosive payload weighing 300 kilograms, and its wings span about 14 metres.
In addition to these, Ukraine also possesses UJ-22 Airborne and Rubaka drones. The UJ-22 Airborne has a range of about 800 kilometres, while Rubaka can reach a distance of about 500 kilometres.
