Ukraine’s inexpensive, heavy bomber drones, nicknamed “Baba Yagas,” are proving highly effective against Russian forces, inflicting substantial casualties despite underreporting due to verification challenges. These drones, including models like the Vampire and Kazhan, carry significant payloads and operate at ranges up to 12 miles, posing a significant threat despite facing countermeasures. Their success is evidenced by Russia’s repurposing of captured drones and the creation of a supply chain for their maintenance. The psychological impact on Russian soldiers is also considerable, with folklore surrounding the drones adding to their fearsome reputation.
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Ukrainian military intelligence reported that two Russian helicopters were destroyed in a recent strike using domestically produced Magura V5 naval drones, revising an earlier report of one destroyed and one damaged helicopter. This attack, employing SeeDragon missiles, builds on the drone’s successful track record of striking Russian Black Sea Fleet assets since Summer 2023. The Magura V5, with its substantial range and payload capacity, represents a significant threat to Russian air and naval forces. While independent verification is pending, Russian media acknowledged the loss of two helicopters.
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A Ukrainian drone strike successfully destroyed a North Korean Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile vehicle in Kharkiv Oblast. This marks the first confirmed strike on a North Korean vehicle deployed to support the Russian war effort in Ukraine. The Bulsae-4, carrying eight anti-tank missiles, was targeted by the Vitrolom drone group, part of the Ukrainian army’s 3rd Assault Brigade. This action highlights the growing importance of targeting North Korean reinforcements, crucial to sustaining Russia’s increasingly costly offensives in eastern Ukraine and Kursk Oblast.
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John Q. Hosedrinker