Russians turn captured Ukrainian drones into 'Frankenstein' weapons and send them back
Photo: A Russian occupier launches a drone (Getty Images)
Russian forces have established the production of FPV drones using captured or damaged Ukrainian military UAVs. The invaders dismantle hundreds of captured drones to assemble their own combat units, according to the TASS news agency of the aggressor state.
A special military laboratory operates as part of the occupiers' "South" group. The facility is located in temporarily occupied Donetsk region.
The workshop assembles about 300-400 combat FPV drones every 15 days. To produce one functioning drone, the Russians use parts from five or six captured Ukrainian UAVs. In total, they process approximately 1,500 captured drones every two weeks.
What exactly are the occupiers taking?
The laboratory operates according to a clear process. First, the enemy intercepts Ukrainian drones using electronic warfare systems, after which they are delivered to the workshop.
"I can say that over 15 days, or two weeks on average, our laboratory assembles about 300-350 drones, with a maximum of 400. We need to sort through 1,500 Ukrainian drones to assemble 300-400 of our own," one of the occupiers said.
Most often, components removed from Ukrainian equipment include motherboards and circuit boards, motors, frame elements, and other usable spare parts.
The process is divided among several groups. Some specialists handle disassembly, while others update the firmware so the drones can operate on the enemy's frequencies. A separate team assembles the finished systems and immediately trains drone pilots to use them.
Scale and impact on the battlefield
Such laboratories provide significant support to the Russian army. According to various estimates, the occupiers launch more than 1,000 attack drones per week. If the production figures reported in Donetsk are accurate, this laboratory alone accounts for roughly 25% of the enemy's needs.
What is known about Ukrainian drones?
Ukraine has tested new types of FPV drones that will soon be deployed to the front lines. Within one to two months, Ukraine plans to cover an area extending 100-150 kilometers from the border with short-range strike drones.
In addition, Ukrainian drone operators recently demonstrated their skills to NATO colleagues. During military exercises, they "crushed" a simulated adversary using drones.
Meanwhile, the United States is already holding talks with Ukraine on testing and potentially purchasing Ukrainian drones and electronic warfare systems. Washington is also seeking access to certain Ukrainian military technologies.
