Ukrainian drones strike deep into Russian territory, destroy key targets

The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (GUR) claims that Ukrainians, with the help of drones, have destroyed several valuable targets on Russian territory. The drones reportedly 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, Ukrainian UJ-26 Bóbr drones played a significant role in these attacks. So, what is known about them?

“The A-50 stationed at the Taganrog factory, the Su-57, and Putin’s pride - the Voronezh radar. What connects them all is that the last thing they saw before becoming useless was Bóbr drones,” stated the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence in a communiqué. Despite their innocuous-sounding name, Bóbr drones pose a serious threat to Russian military equipment, especially since they can cover between 500 to 620 miles, giving them the ability to attack targets even within the territory of the Russian Federation.

Bóbr drones, produced by Ukroboronprom, are among the most modern unmanned machines currently available. These are kamikaze-type drones designed to carry out destructive attacks on military targets. Their range is from 500 to 620 miles, making them excellent tools for striking the enemy from a long distance.

Bóbr drones can reach up to 125 mph, thanks to a turboprop engine. They are 8 feet long, with a wingspan reaching 11.5 feet. The Bóbr can carry armaments with a maximum weight of 165 pounds, including, for example, a KZ-6 penetrator warhead. These drones also have modern navigation systems, allowing them to hit designated targets accurately.

Ukrainians paint some Bóbr drones black. One such model crashed in Russia, and its photos quickly spread on social media. This type of camouflage is used for unmanned aircraft in night attacks. The black color is intended to reduce their visibility, thus minimizing the chances of detection and neutralization by the enemy.