Putin publicly acknowledges Ukraine’s edge in surprise statement
Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia has acknowledged falling behind in the field of heavy drones amid Ukraine’s active use of such technologies. In response to this gap, the Russian military has begun developing new platforms for cargo transport and potentially strike missions, according to a Defense Express report.
During a recent televised Direct Line event, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia’s forces lag behind Ukraine in the number of so-called Baba Yaga-type drones.
According to him, the enemy holds an advantage in this segment, putting pressure on the Russian army and driving the development of new technologies to close the gap.
New heavy drone developments
The company Dronax has announced work on heavy transport drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 100 kilograms.
Company representatives say the new platforms will allow Russian forces to cover new operational scenarios involving the transport of especially large loads.
It remains unclear whether these drones will be used for strike missions, although in the past, heavy UAVs have combined transport and combat roles.
Multi-role capabilities
One example is the CK-15SVO drone, which has a payload capacity of up to 100 kilograms and recently completed testing. It is equipped with a system for dropping cargo and TM-62 anti-tank mines, which developers say represents a significant leap compared with earlier platforms designed for smaller payloads.
Russia continues to develop a range of heavy drone projects in an effort to narrow its technological gap with Ukraine.
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One of Putin’s close associates has publicly demonstrated a refusal to comply with several directives during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, openly expressing disagreement with the Kremlin’s course and putting forward alternative proposals, including calls to end the war and carry out internal reforms.
