CNN gained access in September to one of Ukraine‘s most secretive units that operates long-range strike robots in its war with Russia. The report, which was published on 16th October, provides a rare look at the planning and execution by the long-range strike drone unit of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency HUR of drone strikes deep within Russian territory. Previous Ukrainian strikes have hit targets in various regions of Russia. The CNN team spent two full days with the unit, which was preparing to launch 100 drones at night on 29 September. This operation aims to disrupt Russian military capability and make Russian citizens understand that war can come their way, just as it does to us. The primary target of the operation was a Russian ammunition factory in Kotluban (Volgograd Oblast), which allegedly contained Iranian missiles that had just been delivered. Serge, the commander of long-range operations at HUR, told CNN that he personally oversaw more than 500 long range drone attacks against Russia since February 2022. Photo: CNNThe unit uses a variety of drones, including the AN-196 Liutyi, which is over 4 meters in length with a wingspan almost 7 meters. It weighs 250 kilograms and can carry a 75 kg bomb. CNN incorrectly stated in its report that the drone could carry a payload up to 250 kilograms. Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia. Infographic: CNNVector explains the complex planning process that involves programming over 1,000 waypoints to evade Russian defenses.
Vector said that planning is the key to success.
HUR’s Rubaka Kamikaze Drones. CNNVector stressed that their targets were strictly military.
“Russia came inside our country. They destroyed a great deal of electricity, many houses, villages, and cities.”
The HUR shared a video with CNN showing 11 explosions between 2:22 am and 3:18 am the night of attack. Satellite imagery confirmed the damage, which the Ukrainians claimed was a successful attack on Iranian-delivered rockets. However, the unit faces major challenges. Vector revealed that the success rate of their attacks could increase from 50% to 95%, if the United States allowed the use Western weapons on Russian soil. He added:
“We don’t just ask for permission to launch missiles anywhere in Russia. We speak about weapons that can help us to remove this war from our land.”
Serge told CNN that the drones were heading towards Kotluban.
“We constantly force the enemy to remember what they did in 2022.” They must understand that we are growing stronger every day, and we are moving closer to our victory.
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