Ukrainian drones strike key Russian military assets

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) claims that Ukrainians have destroyed several valuable targets on Russian territory with the help of unmanned drones. The drones allegedly struck a hangar at the Taganrog factory, where an A-50 Shmel early warning aircraft, a Su-57 fighter jet, and a Voronezh radar were located. According to Defense Romania, the Ukrainian UJ-26 Bóbr drones played a significant role in these attacks. What is known about them?

"The A-50 stationed at the Taganrog factory, the Su-57, and Putin's pride – the Voronezh radar. What unites them all is that the last thing they saw before becoming useless was the Bobrs," the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said in a statement. Despite their innocuous-sounding name, the Bobrs pose a serious threat to Russian military equipment, especially since they can cover even 800-1,000 kilometres, giving them the capability to attack targets within the Russian Federation.

The Bóbr drones, produced by Ukroboronprom, are some of the most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles currently available. These are kamikaze drones designed to carry out destructive attacks on military targets. Their range is between 800 and 1,000 kilometres, making them excellent tools for hitting the enemy from long distances.

Thanks to their turboprop engine, the Bóbr drones can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. They are 2.5 metres long and have a wingspan of 3.5 metres. The Bóbr can carry armament weighing up to 75 kilograms, including a KZ-6 penetrating warhead. These drones are also equipped with modern navigation systems, allowing them to hit designated targets accurately.

Ukrainians paint some Bóbr drones black. One such aircraft crashed in Russia, and its photos quickly spread across social media. This type of camouflage is used for unmanned aerial vehicles employed in night attacks. The black colour is intended to reduce their visibility and thus the chance of detection and neutralization by the enemy.