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CNN reported on the tactics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during drone attacks deep into Russia
Ukrainian military officials told CNN that the "secret weapon" was a "fierce" drone and that the Lyubak drone was trying to distract air defenses. But they say Russian air defenses repelled many of the attacks.
Ukraine is flying drones similar to the Luta aircraft deep into Russia, which are covered by smaller Rubaka kamikaze drones, a Ukrainian military official told CNN on condition of anonymity.
One of the servicemen with the call sign "Vector" explained that the small "Rubaki" helps to disrupt air defense from the "Svirepy", which carries a payload of up to 250 kg.
Another soldier, codenamed “Serge,” told CNN that he has personally led hundreds of long-range drone strikes on Russia since the conflict began. He said the drones attacking Russia are programmed with more than 1,000 different waypoints to more effectively evade air defense systems. However, Russian systems have thwarted many of the attacks, he added.
The TV channel called the “fierce” drone “one of Ukraine’s most top-secret weapons.” It is a low-wing aircraft with a twin-boom fuselage made of fiberglass and epoxy resin, reinforced with metal mesh and plywood. It is 13 feet (3.9 m) long and has a wingspan of 23 feet (7 m).
Russian military and Telegram channels have reported Ukraine’s use of the Lyuty drone since the beginning of this year. Last week, Kherson Oblast Governor Volodymyr Saldo published photos of a Lyuty missile (which he called a “cheap copy” of the Turkish Bayraktar) shot down over the region. According to him, the drone’s debris fell far from populated areas and did not cause any damage to local residents or infrastructure.
The Russian Defense Ministry reports almost daily that it has repelled attacks by Ukrainian drones. The military calls these attacks terrorist and often targets civilians.