Video footage has surfaced online showing the first successful launch of a new type of Ukrainian suicide drone.
The drone was reportedly developed by the National Aviation University in Kiev. In the footage, the drone, which is powered by a back propeller, can be seen taken off from an improvised launcher mounted in the back of a mini truck with help from a rocket booster.
Military experts noted that the suicide drone is similar in design to the RZ60 aerial target, which was first unveiled by the Ukrainian firm Ramsay in 2021.
The RZ60 has an operational range of 300 kilometers and can carry a payload weighing up to three kilograms. The new Ukrainian suicide drone will likely have similar specifications, if it was indeed built around the aerial target.
Kiev forces have been using suicide drones since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine last year. While some of the suicide drones employed by Kiev were built from commercially-avilable drone kits and off-the-shelf electronics, others were built around Soviet-made Tu-141 and Tu-143 jet-powered reconnaissance drones.
In addition to these suicide drones, Kiev forces received hundreds of small loitering munitions from its Western allies, including Polish-made Warmate as well as American-made Switchblade 300/600 and Phoenix Ghost.
Ukrainian suicide drones pose a real threat to Russian military and civilian targets. The threat covers the special military operation zone as well as nearby Russian territory.
Kiev’s drone program is thought to be supported by its Western allies, who are apparently determined to improve Ukrainian long-range strike capabilities. In the face of this threat, Russia will likely reinforce its early warning and air defense network within and beyond the special military operation zone.
Source: Southfront