The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has released details of a Russian drone modified to hook into mobile networks, turning cell towers into control relays.
Recovered from the frontline, the drone carries dual LTE modems and a camera to let operators stream live video and redirect its flight path in real time.
It can operate as a strike or surveillance platform, while also acting as a decoy to “overload Ukrainian air defense.”
In strike mode, its camera and remote control capabilities function as a first-person view (FPV) system, enabling the drone to directly hone in on targets.
Its triangular-wing airframe houses patch antennas and a Chinese Allystar module for “jamming-resistant” satellite navigation.
Chinese Components
According to the DIU, about half of the drone’s components trace back to Chinese manufacturers, from communication modules and power regulators to the minicomputers running its systems.
Its quartz oscillator, used to stabilize the aircraft’s electronics, also appears to be of Chinese origin.
At the nose section of the drone, a dry low-emission engine is installed, also reportedly supplied by a Chinese company.
With Western sanctions blocking tech exports to Russia, the recovered drone underscores Moscow’s growing reliance on Chinese parts for arms production.
“China sells chips and other components [Russia] needs to keep its military production going,” said Center for Strategic and International Studies senior fellow Maria Snegovaya.
