Ukrainian drones penetrate deep into Russia, strike key sites
The Russian military airfield "Orenburg-2," located over 620 miles from the Ukrainian border, was the target of a drone attack, as confirmed by local authorities and recordings published on social media. The region's governor, Yevgeny Solntsev, stated that all drones were shot down by Russian air defenses.
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 April 8-9, drones attempted to attack a military airfield in Mozdok, North Ossetia.
Ukrainian drones strike deep into Russia
Meanwhile, in the Saratov region in Engels, an explosion occurred near the base of Russian strategic bombers. In the Penza region, drones attacked the Serdobsky district, where a missile arsenal is located. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed an attack by nearly 160 drones on various areas of the country, which lasted 10 hours. According to Russian sources, most of the drones were shot down over the Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, and North Ossetia.
Despite limited resources, Ukraine has managed to develop its long-range drone arsenal, which is now an essential element for deterrence and precision attacks on targets located even hundreds of miles deep within Russian territory.
One of the more recognizable Ukrainian long-range strike drones is the design known as "Bóbr". This drone, which has loitering munition characteristics, has been used in attacks on Moscow, Belgorod, and military facilities deep in Russia. Its range is estimated at over 435 miles, although some sources suggest that it may even exceed 620 miles in modified versions.
This drone travels at a speed of about 90–125 mph. Its design resembles a compact aircraft with a piston engine, allowing for relatively long flights and high-precision strikes. The Bóbr is equipped with a warhead weighing several dozen pounds, and its typical targets include radar stations, fuel depots, ammunition warehouses, and energy infrastructure.
Another important design is the drone called the UJ-22 Airborne, produced by the company UkrJet. This machine resembles a miniaturized reconnaissance-strike aircraft, capable of carrying a warhead weighing about 44 pounds and achieving a range exceeding 500 miles. 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.
