Russia has changed the tactics of using attack drones , focusing on their mass production instead of precision strikes. According to InfoLight.UA sources, the number of direct hits by enemy drones has dropped to 5%, while 25% of the drones are destroyed by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
The main drone production centre is located in Yelabuga (Tatarstan), where drones are assembled from components supplied from abroad. Despite attempts to localise production, Russia produces only some of the components on its own: Airframes, warheads, some engines and navigation systems.
Particularly noteworthy are the Gerbera kamikaze drones , which are also used for electronic reconnaissance. They are made of simple non-metallic materials such as foam and plywood, which reduces the cost and makes them difficult to detect by air defence systems.
Main characteristics:
- Engine: DLE60 (7 hp/8500 rpm), China, Mile Hao Xiang Technology Co, Ltd.
- Cameras: Topotek KHY10S90 with 10x optical zoom.
- Modems: Xingkai Tech Mesh Network XK-F358 with a range of up to 300 km.
Sources confirm that the developer of the Gerbera is the Chinese company Skywalker Technology Co, Ltd., which supplies components to Russia through a network of intermediaries. Officially , the company specialises in the production of aircraft models, but in fact it provides the Russian military-industrial complex with critical components, avoiding sanctions.
Experts point out that China has actually become a key supplier for the Russian military industry. While North Korea is openly involved in supporting the Russian military, China chooses a hybrid tactic , avoiding direct arms supplies but providing Russia with critical components.
Analysts emphasise the need to increase sanctions pressure on Chinese companies that supply dual-use goods. Without this, Russia will be able to continue producing drones and other import-dependent weapons.
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