Russians begin fitting another attack drone model with jet engines
The Russians are upgrading their BM-35 attack drones, increasing their speed as Ukrainian interceptor drones continue to develop.
Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian president on defence technology development
Quote: "As our interceptors develop, the enemy is fitting jet engines not only to Shahed-type drones, but also to budget mid-range strike UAVs."
Details: Beskrestnov also shared a Russian news report showing the jet-powered version of the BM-35 and detailing its specifications.
The Russian news report claims the jet-powered BM-35 can reach speeds of more than 350 km/h, has a range of more than 200 km, and carries a warhead weighing 10 kg. Russian military figures claim the increased speed is intended to make it harder for Ukrainian interceptor drones to bring it down.
The Russian television coverage also claimed that the operator can control the BM-35 at any point along its flight path in FPV mode and that electronic warfare systems allegedly have no effect on its operation.
According to Russian military sources, the drone's components are prepared at warehouses. Assembly of the components, installation of the warhead and launch take place directly at the firing position. Troops can reportedly launch up to three such drones at a time.
For reference: The BM-35 is a Russian fixed-wing attack drone, earlier versions of which, according to Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, were fitted with a Chinese-made two-stroke petrol engine.
Background:
- Earlier, the Russians upgraded the BM-35, adding the ability to control it via Starlink satellite internet. In January, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported the first recorded case of this, before Ukraine, together with SpaceX, introduced restrictions to counter the use of Starlink by Russian drones.
- Beskrestnov also showed a map showing which Ukrainian oblasts are in risk of attack by jet-powered Shahed-type drones with online control.
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