Ukrainian military forces have developed remarkable long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying 250-kilogram aerial bombs and covering distances up to 2,000 kilometers. This technological breakthrough is reshaping warfare dynamics on the eastern front.
The Special Operations Forces (SBS) of Ukraine confirmed the deployment of these modified drones, which can strike deep behind enemy lines while maintaining the ability to return to base. The 14th Separate UAV Regiment has been conducting successful missions with these aircraft for over a year, reaching targets hundreds and sometimes thousands of kilometers away.
What makes these drones particularly noteworthy is their payload capacity. The UAVs carry FAB-250 aerial bombs, marking an upgrade from previous models that utilized lighter FAB-100 munitions. This enhanced striking power was demonstrated in April 2024 when debris from one such drone was discovered on Russian territory, over 600 miles from the Ukrainian border.
The effectiveness of these systems was recently showcased when SBS drone operators successfully destroyed a Russian BM-21 "Grad" multiple launch rocket system. The precision strike reduced the threatening artillery piece to "torn metal," according to military reports.
Ukrainian forces have adapted these drones from civilian aircraft, demonstrating remarkable innovation in military technology. While Russian sources frequently claim to have intercepted these UAVs, continuous reports of explosions at military-industrial facilities, refineries, and ammunition depots suggest otherwise.
The development of these long-range combat drones represents a major advancement in Ukraine's defensive capabilities, allowing for strategic strikes while minimizing risk to military personnel. The SBS command has confirmed dozens of successful missions using these systems, with plans for continued operations.