Russia deploys Upyr-18 heavy-lift drones on Ukraine front

Russia has begun using new heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicles known as the Upyr-18 on the Kupiansk and Kostiantynivka fronts of the war in Ukraine, TASS reports, citing the Uraldronezavod company.

According to the manufacturer, the drones take their name from their 18-inch frame. The Upyr-18 UAVs are capable of carrying a 10-kilogram mortar round over distances of several dozen kilometres, allowing them to strike fortified dugouts and enemy positions.

The increased payload capacity also enables the drones to be used for supplying Russian units near the line of contact, a source told the agency.

By Vugar Khalilov