Ukraine's deep strike drones push technological boundaries
Ukrainian drones can operate at depths of over 1,240 miles into Russia, according to the commander of the Unmanned Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vladimir Sukharevsky. He disclosed this in an interview published on the Radio Svoboda channel on YouTube.
Vladimir Sukharevsky, who leads the unit operating unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine, emphasizes that developing drone technology is crucial for Ukraine's future. Thanks to advancements in this field, Ukraine has a chance to evolve into a technological state.
Strategic importance of drones
In the interview, Sukharevsky explained how effective Ukrainian drones are in striking deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. According to the military official, the unmanned aircraft can operate over 1,240 miles into Russia. This capability results from intensive technological development aimed at strengthening the country's defense and preparing for future conflicts.
As such, if a drone is launched from northeastern Ukraine, it can potentially reach the vicinity of cities like Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Tagil, Murmansk, and Arkhangelsk.
Cooperation with the West
The military official highlights the importance of cooperation with western partners who provide essential components and technologies. Ukrainian wartime experiences are valuable for western allies, who can integrate these insights into their defense sectors.
Despite the progress, Ukraine still depends on western technologies. Sukharevsky emphasizes the need for developing its own satellite communication systems, which would foster greater independence.
Long-range drones
Currently, the Ukrainian armed forces have an advanced arsenal capable of carrying out attacks deep into the Russian Federation. Among the publicly known technologies, the "Bóbr" drones are notable. Although technical details are largely unknown, their range is assumed to be around 620 miles. These machines feature a wingspan of about 11.5 feet and a takeoff weight of several dozen pounds, allowing them to achieve speeds up to 125 mph.
It is also worth highlighting the Sokół-300 drone, developed since 2022. According to information from Ukraine, this machine can reach targets up to 2,050 miles from its starting point. The Sokół-300 is capable of carrying an explosive payload of 660 pounds, and its wings span nearly 46 feet.
In addition to these models, Ukraine also possesses the UJ-22 Airborne and Rubaka drones. The UJ-22 Airborne has a range of about 500 miles, while the Rubaka can reach a distance of approximately 310 miles.
