Russia believed to be using Ukrainian components to modify attack drones

Russia has begun modifying its drones and is believed to have been incorporating Ukrainian electronic components into their designs, the Ministry of Defence has warned.

The UK is almost certain that augmented drones have been deployed against Ukraine as Russia is attempting to make improvements based on lessons learnt on the battlefield. 

Russia has engaged extensively in drone warfare and recently launched 74 Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones against Kyiv in an attack that was described as one of the largest of the conflict.

"Russia is now almost certainly attempting to incorporate improvements to the OWA UAV [One-Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle] designs based on operational experience," the MOD said in its latest intelligence update.

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Drone warfare is one of the biggest components of the conflict and both sides have invested heavily in their usage, with Ukraine being forced to create its own UAV variants due to a shortage of supplies from China.

The conflict has also forced Russia to adapt its own uncrewed aerial vehicles, and the wreckage of a drone found this year suggests Russian forces are incorporating Ukrainian parts into their designs.

Drones used at night have also been camouflaged with a black finish to make them harder for the defenders to spot.

"In late November 2023, a downed UAV was reported as being fitted with a Ukrainian SIM card and 4G modem," the MOD said.

"This is likely a Russian improvised modification to improve real-time guidance using cell towers to reduce reliance on satellite navigation.

"Since mid-2023, Russia has almost certainly augmented Iranian-supplied Shahed one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs) with similar weapons made in facilities in Russia.

"Some other Russian-made OWA UAVs have likely been given a black finish, making it harder to visually identify the incoming drones at night."

Many of Ukraine's uncrewed vehicles may cost a few hundred pounds, but if used correctly can destroy Russian equipment and vehicles worth millions.

Before being sent to the frontline, all short-range drones built by Ukrainian companies are tested at secret locations. One particularly important aspect of the test is to ensure the drone is safe to carry explosive payloads without endangering the operator.

While Russia has kept the defenders under pressure with constant drone attacks, the majority of their craft are destroyed before they reach their intended target.