Drones – Page 3

The 1st Separate Center of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces carried out a strike using FP-2 drones against enemy vehicles parked inside one of the workshops of the former Bakhmut Electrotechnical Plant. The vehicles were first detected by a fiber-optic FPV drone. After confirming the target, Ukrainian forces used the more powerful warhead of an FP-2 drone to strike the facility and the equipment inside.

During the night of April 30, 2026, the Ukrainian Navy carried out a strike against Russian naval assets in the Kerch Strait area. According to reports, the attack hit the Russian FSB patrol boat Sobol and the anti-sabotage boat Grachonok. Enemy forces reportedly suffered both fatal and wounded casualties. These vessels are considered key units used by Russian coastal forces and the navy to guard the Kerch Bridge and conduct anti-diversion operations. The strike marks another step in reducing Russian capabilities in the Black Sea region.

Strike drones of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces hit two Russian helicopters, a Mi-28 and a Mi-17, in the Voronezh region. During the strike, one of the helicopters reportedly had a maintenance specialist on board, who was killed.

A Ukrainian FPV drone struck a truck carrying 11 Russian assault troops in the Huliaipole area of the Zaporizhzhia region. The strike targeted the vehicle while it was transporting personnel toward the frontline. The footage was attributed to skilled pilots of the “Phoenix” border guard unit, known for drone operations against enemy forces and equipment.

This footage shows Ukrainian drone operators carrying out a coordinated ambush against a group of Russian soldiers on quad bikes preparing for an assault on the Pokrovsk axis. Two FPV drones strike in tandem, hitting the enemy group before it can move into action. The video was released by the Dovbush’s Hornets unmanned systems battalion of Ukraine’s 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade.

Ukrainian FPV interceptor drones P1-SUN have been adapted for air launch from An-28 aircraft to improve effectiveness against enemy UAVs. The method has already demonstrated positive results during testing. Several other interceptor drone types were also evaluated, including the American Merops system. The approach aims to expand interception range and enhance aerial defense capabilities.

Operators and artillery units of Ukraine’s 40th Marine Brigade destroyed three Russian boats carrying landing troops in the Dnipro floodplains in the Kherson region. The enemy infantry reportedly attempted to establish a foothold in the area but was neutralized before doing so. The operation also highlights the continued use of Hornet drones equipped with AI-based targeting systems, enhancing the effectiveness of Ukrainian forces in difficult terrain.

Pilots of the SIGNUM unit continued night operations in the Lyman direction, targeting enemy movement and infrastructure. A Russian vehicle attempting to reach positions under cover of darkness was detected and hit by a fiber-optic FPV drone. Subsequent strikes targeted individual infantry, a communications antenna, a concealed shelter, and a utility vehicle, disrupting coordination and mobility of enemy forces in the area.

A Ukrainian FPV drone strike destroyed a Russian TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” heavy flamethrower system in the Zaporizhzhia region. The hit triggered a powerful explosion, likely caused by the detonation of onboard munitions, resulting in the complete loss of the system.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces achieved a world-first by intercepting a Shahed-type drone using a STING interceptor launched from a surface platform. The operation was carried out by a division of unmanned surface systems within the 412th Nemesis Brigade. The successful engagement highlights a new approach to countering aerial threats using surface-launched interceptor drones. Ukrainian units indicate that further developments are underway, with plans to integrate STING launches from unmanned surface vessels as a routine capability.