New Insights on Drones Used by Russia
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine has released information about new drones that are actively utilized by Russian forces for reconnaissance and as decoys to target Ukrainian air defense systems. According to the agency, these drones can also carry payloads of up to 15 kg.
These UAVs feature a delta-wing design similar to the Shahed-136 model, but are significantly smaller. The GUR asserts that most of the components of these drones are sourced from China.
"Nearly half of them, including flight controllers, navigation modules, and antennas, are supplied by the Chinese company CUAV Technology, which specializes in developing systems for UAVs," the report states.
It was noted that in October 2022, CUAV Technology announced restrictions on the supply of its products to Ukraine and Russia to prevent their use for military purposes. However, in 2023, Russia presented a new vertical takeoff UAV that turned out to be a product of CUAV Technology available on Aliexpress.
Besides CUAV products, these drones utilize engines and ignition modules from DLE, KST servos, Razer FPV cameras from Foxeer Technology, Mayatech RFD900X data transmission modules, ReadyToSky video transmitters, Hobbywing Technology power regulators, and HRB Power batteries.
Additionally, the drones are equipped with a Chinese copy of the Australian RFD900x data transmission module designed for long-distance data transfer, significantly enhancing their reconnaissance capabilities.
The GUR also reminded that DLE engines have previously been used in other Russian drones such as "Gerbera" and "Parodya," while KST servos have been utilized in the Shahed-136 UAV.
Finally, the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korea currently supplies up to 40% of munitions for Russia's war in Ukraine, indicating a deepening partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
