Ukrainian drones defy borders: Strikes reach deep into Russia
The Russian military airfield "Orenburg-2," situated over 1,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, was targeted in a drone attack, as confirmed by local authorities and recordings published on social media. The region's governor, Yevgeny Solntsev, claims Russian air defences intercepted all drones.
The Ukrainian service Militarny notes that this is the first such attack on the "Orenburg-2" airfield, located at the edge of "European" Russia, where the 117th Military Transport Regiment and the 7th Engineering and Airfield Battalion are stationed. It also reports that during the night of 8-9 April, drones attempted to attack the military airfield in Mozdok, North Ossetia.
Ukrainian drones strike deep into Russia
Meanwhile, in the Saratov region, specifically in the city of Engels, an explosion occurred near the base of Russian strategic bombers. In the Penza region, drones attacked the Serdobsky district, home to a missile arsenal. The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed an attack involving nearly 160 drones on various areas of the country, lasting 10 hours. According to the Russians, most drones were shot down over the Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, and North Ossetia.
Despite limited resources, Ukraine has managed to create its own long-range drone arsenal, which has become a crucial element for deterrence and precise strikes on targets located even hundreds of miles deep into Russian territory.
One of the more recognisable Ukrainian long-range strike drones is the design known as "Bóbr". This drone has loitering munition characteristics and has been used in attacks on Moscow, Belgorod, and military facilities deep within Russia. Its range is estimated at over 700 kilometres, although some sources suggest that it may even exceed 1,000 kilometres in modified versions.
This drone operates at a speed of about 145–200 kilometres per hour. Its design resembles a compact aircraft with a piston engine, allowing for relatively long flights and high-precision strikes. Bóbr is equipped with a warhead weighing several dozen kilograms, and it typically targets radar stations, fuel depots, ammunition warehouses, and energy infrastructure.
Another significant design is the drone called the UJ-22 Airborne, produced by the company UkrJet. This machine resembles a miniaturised reconnaissance-strike aircraft, capable of carrying a warhead weighing about 20 kilograms and achieving a range exceeding 800 kilometres. It was designed as a multi-purpose platform capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and serving as a precision weapon.
The UJ-22 has an autopilot, a GPS, and a camera system that enables real-time video transmission. Notably, its design allows it to launch both from a catapult and a runway, increasing its operational flexibility.
